Jcn 0514

The Jewish Federation of the Desert invites you to Israel’s 66th birthday party

CELEBRATE YOM HA’ATZMAUT

Israel Independence Day Sunday, May 4, 2014 UC Riverside • Palm Desert Campus Auditorium Cook Street & Frank Sinatra Drive Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit #113 Santa Ana, CA

11 am to 1 pm Featuring the fabulous

Gilat Rapaport

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

and the In-Joy Orchestra The concert is the Jewish Federation’s gift to the Jewish community.

On the cover....

The Jewish Federation of the Desert invites you to Israel’s 66th birthday party

CElia Norian

CELEBRATE YOM HA’ATZMAUT

President

Israel Independence Day Sunday, May 4, 2014 UC Riverside • Palm Desert Campus Auditorium Cook Street & Frank Sinatra Drive

11 am to 1 pm Featuring the fabulous

Gilat Rapaport

and the In-Joy Orchestra The concert is the Jewish Federation’s gift to the Jewish community.

Passover has come and gone.

Our winter residents are returning to their other home communities.

The full time residents are settling in for what may be a long hot summer (if our winter was any indication of what’s to come). Many of us are

jewish federation BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers and Executive Committee Celia Norian, President Sondi Green & Libby Hoffman, Vice Presidents, Campaign Vernon Kozlen, Treasurer Bernard Reiter, Secretary Lainie Weil, President, Women’s Philanthropy Allan Lehmann & Phil Glass, Allocations Nancy Ditlove, Major Gifts Roberta Nyman, Immediate Past President Howard Levy, Immediate Past President

Board Joseph Bernstein Sandra Borns Elliott Cohen Ellen Glass James Graff-Radford Fran Kaufman

Jason Novack Allan Nyman Dr. Paul Ross Stephanie Ross Elisa Schwartz Sandy Seplow

Bruce Landgarten, Chief Executive Officer

Table of Contents Vol. 39 • No. 10

Calendar 12-13 Federation 1, 2, 3, 6, 11 Legacy 9, 19 Women's Philanthropy 4, 17 Young Adults Division 8 Food 23 Jewish Family Service 10 Schools 21 Simchas & Classifieds 22, 23 Temples 12 Tolerance Education Center 10 Tributes 14 2 • JCN • Summer 2014 •Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org

planning vacations and time away to cooler climates. But some things are not affected by the seasons.

The needs of those whom we assist continue. Many still need help to pay the bills. Those who suffer from food insecurity continue to need nutritional assistance. We cannot afford to sit back and plan “break time.” We cannot afford to rest until we have made sure that we have successfully reached out to every donor. Federation’s annual campaign is not finished.

We live in a special community

where we are committed to do our best to assure anyone in genuine need is not denied services. We can only accomplish this with your help. As you prepare to return home, or make those summer travel plans, consider making your contribution to Federation to help those who are less fortunate.

There is still time.

We take so much for granted.

Think about the lives you can touch and make a little bit better.

Best wishes for safe travels and a wonderful summer season.

From the CEO

Financial Realities Bruce Landgarten Jewish Federation Chief Executive Officer

Each month I use my column to share with you the work of Federation and I often mention how, in these challenging financial times, we are receiving significantly increased requests for emergency assistance.

Sadly, it is easy to become numb to such information. We almost expect it to be mentioned. But the requests we get are from real people with real crises.

Tzedakah Fund grant applications are for local Jews in need of financial aid for temporary emergencies. Over the course of the last 3 years, we have approved approximately $80,000 in Tzedakah grants per year. Since its inception in August, 2006, we have approved $450,000. We provide funds within certain limitations, for rent, utilities, food, prescription drugs, medical costs, dental as well as funds for medical home improvements for user friendly daily living. So many people find themselves choosing between eating and having a roof over their head. Many of our recipients are single parents of small children who have lost their jobs… many seniors are living only on social security and face the decision between prescription medications or paying their rent. … Our largest grant category is for rent.

One of the challenges for the vulnerable here in the Desert is the summer heat, and without electricity to operate the air-conditioning, life would be a hardship. Many people are unable to balance housing, food, and utilities cost each month.

Southern California Edison cuts off the power after three months of non-

payment. … Utilities are our second largest request.

While carefully preserving anonymity, I want to tell you about some real people in our community who have turned to us for help … and the help we have been able to give.

A couple in need came to us for help. They have two children, 6 and 8. The husband is 40 and his wife is 28, a student at College of the Desert studying in the medical field. In January 2013 she was in a near fatal auto accident with a truck and was left paralyzed. She was released from the hospital in to a Nursing Home where she stayed for six weeks. Even though she is hopeful she will walk again, the prognosis is grim. The family needd to move from a 2 bedroom, 2nd floor apartment with no elevator, to a 2 bedroom unit in the same complex on the first floor. On March 1st the family was able to relocate to the first floor apartment, Federation helped by paying for three month’s rent.

Let me tell you about a grant request from a single 39 year old mother of a ten month old baby girl. Due to multiple medical complications, she had to take disability leave from her nursing job at the hospital.

She was informed that her job was filled, and she would have to go on unemployment. The estranged spouse is behind on child support, and she obtained a restraining order against him for his physical abuse. The baby girl was diagnosed with “Histiocytosis, a rare cancer which effects skin and bones…and as a result, caused holes in the baby’s skull and extensive oral damage to the teeth and gums.

The baby was receiving chemotherapy and required visits to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital about 75 miles each way. Living on unemployment and Social Security for the child, she had not paid her mortgage payment for over 15 months and was living in fear every day of when the bank would take her home.

She turned to us when the baby had a bad reaction to the chemotherapy and was hospitalized at Loma Linda

for a week, and we funded the cost of the airline tickets to send her and the baby to John Hopkins Hospital for a consultation with a physician that specializes in Histiocytosis.

Another arena in which we are taking an increased role is responding to bullying. For the past four years we have funded the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to bring their World of Difference Institutes “Becoming an Ally” program: Responding to NameCalling and Bullying to students in our local schools. This is an interactive workshop and provides opportunities to engage students in exploring the harms of name-calling and bullying and developing and practicing skills to respond to incidents. These assembly programs reached out to

more than 2,100 middle and high school students this last fall at Desert Sands Unified School District. We then extended funding to bring the program to Palm Desert High School after students tweeted pictures and cruel comments of a male student who was threatening to kill himself while he was standing on the school roof.

Your Jewish Federation is responding to real issues with real assistance, and we are able to do so because so many of you – as a community – have accepted the responsibility to help through your financial gifts to our annual fundraising campaign. What we are able to do directly correlates to what you choose to do. Be grateful that you can … and choose to help.

JCN • Summer 2014 • Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org • 3

Women's Philanthropy

760-324-4737

JEWISH COMMUNITY NEWS A Publication of the Jewish Federation of the Desert VOL. 39, No. 10

EDITORIAL Bruce Landgarten, Chief Executive Officer Miriam H. Bent, Editor Bailey & Co., Layout & Design

Left: Judith N. Cohen, Installing Officer (far right), thanked the past year’s officers: Judy Cohn, Stephanie Ross, Lainie Weil, Julie Fey Clark and Celia Norian.

Below: Eight women were elected to the 2014 Women’s Philanthropy Council, of whom half had served in the past. Elected were (left to right) Myrna Odwak (new), Paula Klein (returning), Heidi Arzt (new), Bonnie Carmell (returning), Margot Halperin (returning), Marnie Miller (returning), Susan Good (new) and Dolly Levy (new, but out of town for the installation).

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, fax 760-320-6085, 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.

Marjorie Kulp spoke to the Council about the Heart to Heart Mission.

WP Chair Lainie Weil presented flowers to Installing Officer Judith N. Cohen.

Judith N. Cohen thanks WP Staff: Director Barbara Ben-David and Administrative Assistant Linn Menne.

For more information contact Women’s Philanthropy Director Barbara Ben-David at 760-324-4737 or barbara.bendavid@jfedps.org.

4 • JCN • Summer 2014 •Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org

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.

Israel’s Elbit Drone to Help Secure World Cup in Brazil

By YAAKOV LAPPIN, The Jerusalem Post

Elbit's Hermes 900 unmanned aircraft system will be deployed by the Brazilian Air Force to help secure the 2014 World Cup, the Israeli defense firm announced on March 26. The drone will be equipped with a new and advanced intelligence gathering system, and will fly together with Elbitproduced Hermes 450 drones, which the Brazilian Air Force purchased in the past, to secure the games.

The fleet of drones will carry out "safety and security missions," Elbit said, adding that the Hermes 900 will be delivered to the South American country within two months.

"We are very proud to supply our

Hermes 900 to FAB [the Portuguese acronym for the Brazilian Air Force], which is the eighth customer to be equipped with this leading platform," said Elad Aharonson, General Manager of Elbit Systems' UAS Division.

"We are honored to enable FAB to benefit from the advantages of joint flight operations, using both the Hermes 450 and the Hermes 900,

a unique solution for intelligence missions, border protection, perimeter control of infrastructure and critical sites, as well as Safe City programs and large scale events," he added.

The Hermes 900 is a highly autonomous platform that takes off and lands automatically, and can be controlled with other drones from a single ground control station. It beams back imagery and deploys a range of communications systems. The drone, which can reach an altitude

of 30,000 feet, is in service with the Israel Air Force, and can carry a heavy payload.

Elbit has been active in the Brazilian security market for almost two decades, and maintains subsidiary companies in the country that service platforms for the Brazilian military.

The Brazilian air force uses the Hermes 450 for continuous border intelligence missions aimed at disrupting cross-border narcotics smuggling.

Solomon Society Evening

On April 7th a couple dozen men got together at the second gathering of the Jewish Federation of the Desert’s Solomon Society Men’s Division. As a the Desert Region chapter of Solomon Society of Orange Country Jewish Federation, the Solomon Society is comprised of men who inspire each other through their values and actions.

Members of the Solomon Society build community through social networking, events, and philanthropic investment. It’s all about camaraderie, philanthropy and volunteering.

The April 7th evening was fun for all attendees at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar to watch the NCAA Finals and socialize together. On April 24th a group of men will volunteer at FIND (Food in Need of Distribution), one of many Federation recipient Agencies.

Volunteers Save Kathmandu Seder

Israeli travelers in Nepal enjoyed a glatt kosher meal for Passover thanks to volunteers who helped bring in kosher-for-Passover products despite a Foreign Ministry strike. The local Chabad emissary Rabbi Chezki Lifshitz announced that Passover

holiday products had reached the city of Kathmandu, capital of Nepal in time for Passover. Volunteers from all over the world helped unload a shipping container to bring it to the Chabad house, which hosted over 1,000 people for Monday night's seder.

JCN • Summer 2014 • Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org • 5

Israeli Advances in Autism

By Abagail Klein Leichman, Israel21c

In recent years Israel has become a major hub for studies on autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that is today the second most prevalent among children. In the US alone, the estimated prevalence of ASD is one per 88 children and steadily increasing. Among Israelis, autism diagnoses have increased as well, from 1,507 in 2004 to 7,344 in 2011 – or 48 out of every 10,000 children.

Israel offers a range of diagnostic, supportive and educational services for families of autistic children, such as the Mifne Intervention Program in Rosh Pina, which treats Israeli and foreign children from infancy to age two; and ALUT: The Israeli Society for Autistic Children, providing services and programs from the time of diagnosis through adulthood.

During April, World Autism Awareness Month, ISRAEL21c looked at ways Israel excels in autism research, as well as innovating products and services for families of children with

autism, including:

1. The BioHug Vest by Haifa-based BioHug Technologies provides huglike pressure to soothe people with autism. The portable, non-restraining vest works on the proven principle that pressure on certain parts of the body has a measurable calming effect. The vest’s air bubbles can be pumped up automatically according to a pre-defined script, or manually via remote control, while the location and duration of the “hug” can be varied. It’s used primarily in school and therapeutic settings.

Pacific Premier Bank Donation

2. Neurobiologists at the Weizmann Institute of Science, along with colleagues in the United States, identified a method of accurately identifying a biological sign of autism in very young toddlers by scanning their brain activity during sleep. Children with autism exhibited significantly weaker synchronization between brain areas responsible for language and communication. Using the scans, the scientists were able to identify 70% of the autistic children between the ages of one and three, a target age for early intervention.

3. Production of the hormone oxytocin (the “love hormone”) is stimulated by reproductive activities such as sex, childbirth and breastfeeding.

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem showed in 2011 that people with autism have half the normal amount of oxytocin in their blood. A 2013 study, at Jerusalem at Hadassah University Medical Center’s obstetrics and gynecology department, found that disruptions in prenatal exposure to oxytocin may be associated with autism. It’s another piece in the puzzle of how oxytocin affects child development.

4. Dogs for People, founded in 2006 by trainer Paul Elmakes, uses dog-handling courses to build human participants’ self-esteem and communication skills. Partner Asia Pavis told ISRAEL21c, “Autistic children respond well to the highly communicative canines. This is good for kids who have trouble expressing themselves to the outer world. The dog gives them a reward and motivation to keep trying to reach out and connect and not stay in their bubble. We see that children who didn’t speak a word are starting to speak to the dogs.”

Pacific Premier Bank presented a $5000 check to Jewish Federation.

Pictured l-r: Jim Trew, Jewish Federation CFO; Brian Johnston, Pacific Premier Bank Senior Vice President; Bruce Landgarten, Jewish Federation CEO; Kathi Hallock Pacific Premier Vice President/Branch Manager; Lorraine Cochran, Manager of the Country Club Branch; and Flo Jenkins, Manager of the Tahquitz Branch.

6 • JCN • Summer 2014 •Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org

5. Children conceived through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are three times more likely to have mild to moderate autism, according to a 2010 study done at Assaf Harofeh Medical

Center near Tel Aviv, one of the country’s leading academic hospitals.

The study revealed that 10.5 percent of surveyed children diagnosed with ASD were conceived using IVF – a significantly higher number than the 3.5% rate of autism in the general Israeli population.

6. Yad Hamoreh (“Teacher’s Hand”) is a one-of-a-kind Jerusalem public elementary school that integrates about 50 severely to moderately autistic children with 187 first- through sixth-graders without autism. The pupils have separate classes within the building but join for all other activities, from eating to swimming and even music, horticulture and animal therapy sessions. Educators from other countries often visit to learn how they might replicate the program at home.

7. A 2012 Sheba Medical Center/ Tel Aviv University study showed a possible genetic connection between autism and schizophrenia, based on data from Israel and Sweden. Both disorders are characterized by social and cognitive dysfunction. People with a schizophrenic sibling are 12 times more likely to have autism than those with no schizophrenia in the family.

8. Researchers at the Hebrew University, together with scientists at New York University and Princeton University, discovered that body language conveys a much clearer message than do facial expressions when trying to decipher someone’s mood. Dr. Hillel Aviezer told ISRAEL21c: “From a practical-clinical perspective, the results may help researchers understand how body/ face expressions interact during emotional situations. For example, individuals with autism may fail to recognize facial expressions, but perhaps if trained to process important body cues, their performance may significantly improve.”

Cookie Monster used by neo-Nazis in Germany to recruit children

By JPOST.COM STAFF

Neo-Nazis arrested in school dressed as Sesame Street character; image with Cookie together with Adolf Hitler discovered by police.

Cookie Monster Photo: REUTERS Cookie Monster, the lovable, blue, biscuit-infatuated Sesame Street character is being used by neo-Nazis in Germany to recruit children.

Neo-Nazi Steffen Lange, 31, who dressed as Cookie, was arrested recently along with an accomplice

after handing out pamphlets in a school in Seftenberg, in the state of Brandenburg, the Daily Mail reported on April 7th. German police

searched the home of the two men and discovered computers with neoNazi Cookie Monster material and other far-right propaganda, according to the report. Police told the British paper that Mr. Monster has become a symbol for far-right extremists in their recruitment of the young.

One of the images discovered by police showed Cookie Monster with Adolf Hitler under the caption, "Who ate my biscuit," according

to the report. A local Brandenburg policeman expressed his concern over the manipulation of Cookie Monster by the neo-Nazis. "There is nothing humorous about far right ideology despite the fact they are trying to trivialize it by getting the Sesame Street character involved," the Daily Mail reported the policeman saying.

Iron Dome to Receive Numerous Improvements

by Ari Yashar, Arutz Sheva

The Haifa-based defense company Rafael is planning several enhancements to its Iron Dome missile defense system. A company official identified only as Gil S. told IHS Jane's in early April that the enhancements would include various improvements, but that details and timelines are largely classified at the moment.

"There is something in the pipeline, both in terms of hardware and software improvements. I can't say exactly what these are or when, but we are in a kind of race (with rocket terror attacks) and we always need to update to increase the probability of a kill," remarked Gil S. Iron Dome has taken out over 700 enemy rockets since first being used in combat in April 2011. The system boasts an official success rate over 80%, with some sources estimating that number at 89%.

"In the beginning, the IAF fired two missiles against every inbound target, but now the confidence of the decision-maker has changed and they no longer need to do that," he added.

He noted that the November 2012 counter-terror Operation Pillar of Defense in Gaza "was very important, as the co-operation between the different (batteries) was so tight - all sharing their efforts to defeat the threat."

During Pillar of Defense, the IDF reports that Iron Dome destroyed 426 rockets out of a total of roughly 1,500 fired by Gaza terrorists. In the operation the system recorded a successful interception rate of 84%.

While the workings of Iron Dome remain a well-guarded secret, Rafael has revealed that the missile's guidance system uses a "radar seeker," and that it carries a "special warhead."

Greater Funding, Greater Need Improvements In early March, The US Defense Department announced it was providing $429 million to Israel for further development of its aerial defenses, specifically the Iron Dome system.

Additionally, Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, pushed for increased funding

for Israel's Iron Dome, Arrow, Arrow 3, and David's Sling missile defense systems in mid-April.

Specifically, they called for an increase of $175.9 million over the President’s budget and $130.9 million above fiscal year 2014 funding for the Iron Dome system. If adopted, that would bring the total US funding for the program to $350.9 million in 2014.

The great calls for funding and developments for the Iron Dome system come amid a greater need, as terrorists in the Hamas enclave of Gaza have stepped up their rocket attacks in recent months. Gaza terrorists showered a barrage of missiles on Israel in early March, raining down roughly 100 missiles on the Jewish state in the course of three days.

Order your Holiday Greetings today!

Deadline August 8.

See Back Page.

JCN • Summer 2014 • Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org • 7

Hadassah’s Summer Study Series Celebrates 26th Season Tamar Hadassah’s Annual Summer Study Series celebrates its 26th year of offering interesting topics, stimulating discussion and good conversation during the month of July. This program is for women, facilitated by women, and is open to the women belonging to the

Hadassah groups in the desert.

Th e f o u r programs will be held in members’ homes on the Monday evenings

of July (7, 14, 21 & 28) from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, and will be coordinated once again by Miriam Bent.

A flyer with details, including the specific weekly topics, facilitators and in which home each session will meet will be distributed in June. Members of

Hadassah groups who are part of their group’s e-mail blast will automatically receive the flyer. Other women wishing to receive a copy, via email or mailed, are asked to email Miriam Bent at mhbentjcn@earthlink.net or call her at 760-323-0255.

Australia Criticizes 'One-Sided' UN Condemnation of Israel

By Ari Yashar, Arutz Sherva

Australia recently changed its position and abstained on two UN resolutions against Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria. A spokesman for Australian Foreign Minister Julie

Bishop said the shift comes because Australia will not support "onesided" resolutions that "pre-judge the outcome" of peace talks.

Sharyn Mittelman, senior analyst

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at Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, noted in the Canberra Times that the UN General Assembly by the end of its annual legislative session is expected to enact 22 resolutions condemning Israel, as opposed to 4 on the rest of the world combined.

Only one resolution condemns the Syrian war that has killed over 120,000 and created 2.2 million refugees.

Mittelman further points out that the resolutions Australia abstained on did not include any demands on the Palestinian Authority (PA) regarding terrorism, acknowledging Israel's

right to exist, or any other issue. The US and Canada voted against those resolutions.

Bishop's spokesman criticized the UN resolutions, saying Australian's abstention "reflected the (Australian) government's concern that Middle East resolutions should be balanced."

UN condemnation of Israel reached has the point where last fall a UN interpreter was caught on an on microphone expressing shock at the excessive criticism. The interpreter said "I mean, I think when you have five statements, not five, like a total of ten resolutions on Israel and Palestine, there's gotta be something, c'est un peu trop, non? [It's a bit much, no?]

I mean I know... There's other really bad stuff happening [around the world], but no one says anything, about the other stuff."

To apply for Emergency Funds from the

TZEDAKAH FUND call the Jewish Federation 760-324-4737 8 • JCN • Summer 2014 •Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org

Overall anti-Semitism Down but Violent Assaults Rising JPost

The number of anti-Semitic incidents in the United States decreased by 19 percent in 2013, but physical assaults against Jews increased, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

In its Annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, the ADL reported that there 751 incidents in 41 states and Washington, DC — among the lowest number since 1979, when the ADL began collecting data. The number of incidents has been steadily declining for the past decade.

The audit includes assault, vandalism and harassment targeting Jews and Jewish property and institutions reported to ADL’s 27 regional offices and the police.

“In the last decade we have witnessed a significant and encouraging decline in the number and intensity of anti-Semitic acts in America,” said Abraham Foxman, ADL’s national director, in a statement. “The falling number of incidents targeting Jews is another indication of just how far we have come in finding full acceptance in society, and it is a reflection of how much progress our country has made in shunning bigotry and hatred.”

The audit attributed the declining number of anti-Semitic incidents to “a relatively quiet year for anti-Israel activity in the public sphere.”

Despite the overall decline, the audit found a “significant” increase in “violent anti-Semitic assaults” — 31 assaults compared to 17 in 2012, although no assault was life threatening or required hospitalization.

“The high number of violent in-yourface assaults is a sobering reminder that, despite the overall decline in anti-Semitic incidents, there is still a subset of Americans who are deeply

Look for our next issue in August

infected with anti-Semitism and who feel emboldened enough to act out their bigotry,” Foxman said.

Despite the overall decrease of incidents, the ADL reported increases in several states, including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio and

Texas. The states with the highest number of incidents were those with the largest Jewish populations: New York, California, New Jersey, Florida, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

The ADL does not count critiques of Israel or Zionism as anti-Semitic incidents, unless such criticism invokes

“classic anti-Jewish stereotypes or inappropriate Nazi imagery and/or analogies,” the organization said in a news release. It does, however, count “public expressions of antiIsrael sentiments that demonize Jews or create an atmosphere of fear or intimidation for US Jews.”

CREATING a Jewish legacy empowers you to support the Jewish causes you care about. Because all of us, regardless of age, wealth, or affiliation, have the ability to secure our people’s traditions, promote Jewish values, and create a strong future for generations to come.

To learn more about Legacy Giving, contact Bruce Landgarten, Jewish Federation Chief Executive Off icer, at 760-324-4737.

69-710 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760-324-4737

The Strength of a People.

The Power of Community.

JCN • Summer 2014 • Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org • 9

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

We’re open all summer … and offer free movies every Wednesday at 10:00 am and 1:30 pm. Call for summer schedule.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED

Help us help seniors with transportation needs. Join the JFS Express transportation team.

To learn about our rewarding volunteer opportunities please contact Julie Hirsh at 760-325-4088 extension 109.

SPECIAL EVENTS

PROGRAMS & SERVICES 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 MICHAEL D’ANGELO Singing favorite songs from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s: Rock & Roll, Classic Favorites, and Latin Rhythms.

FRIENDLY VISITORS: JFS volunteers visit home bound seniors to provide companionship and support.

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

For more information please contact Julie Hirsh at 760-325-4088 X 109.

Friday, June 20th, 2014 - 4:00 pm

VIRGIL GIBSON

Relieving the magic of your own memories with wonderful, unforgettable songs.

CAFÉ EUROPA GROUP: Social programming for holocaust survivors. Transportation available, please call Julie Hirsh for dates, times & more information 760-325-4088 X 109.

Friday, June 27, 2014 - 4:00 pm Llocal singing sensation performs contemporary hits and old favorites.

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

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

Friday, May 23rd, 2014 - 4:00 pm

PATTY GALLAGHER

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.

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.

10 • JCN • Summer 2014 •Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org

LUNCH IN & OUT PROGRAM: Bi- monthly activity program for homebound 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 760-7799400. X 20.5.

Ukraine Prime Minister Blasts Anti-Jewish Leaflets

BY AFP AND TIMES OF ISRAEL STAFF

Ukraine’s Prime Minister voiced outrage at reports that masked men in east Ukraine’s main city handed out leaflets demanding Jews register or be expelled, demanding “these bastards” be brought to justice.

Members of the Jewish community in the pro-Russian protest hub of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine said that they were left shaken by the distribution of tracts demanding the registration of Jews.

Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said he wanted to “make a clear statement and urge the Ukrainian military and security forces and Ukrainian Department of Homeland Security urgently to find these bastards and to bring them to justice,” in excerpts from an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” which aired

April 20th.

The incident happened as around 20 Jews were leaving the synagogue after marking the second day of the Jewish holiday of Passover. The three hooded men handing out the pamphlets were carrying a Russian flag and the symbol of the separatist Republic of Donetsk.

The United States on Thursday condemned as “grotesque” the distribution of the leaflets. US officials also denounced other instances of religious intolerance that are inflaming tensions in the crisis in Ukraine and said no such behavior could be tolerated. Speaking in Geneva after top diplomats from the US, European Union, Russia and Ukraine reached agreement on steps to de-escalate the situation, Secretary of State John

Orthodox Church from members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

He noted that the agreement signed April 17th “strongly condemned and rejected all expressions of extremism, racism and religious intolerance, including anti-Semitism.”

Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk In Washington, US officials said the Kerry denounced the leaflets. “In anti-Semitic leaflets, which recall the the year 2014, after all of the miles days of czarist pogroms and Nazi-era traveled and all of the journey of persecution of Jews, have appeared history, this is not just intolerable; it’s recently in the eastern Ukrainian city grotesque,” Kerry told reporters. “It of Donetsk. The State Department said is beyond unacceptable. And any of it was looking into who is responsible the people who engage in these kinds but said it took the threat seriously, no of activities, from whatever party or matter who was behind the leaflets. whatever ideology or whatever place The leaflets seen by US officials they crawl out of, there is no place purport to come from the Donetsk for that.”

People’s Republic, a self-styled, Kerry also denounced apparent unrecognized breakaway authority threats to members of the Russian that seeks to join Russia.

Tel Aviv Named “Best Beach Party Spot on the Planet”

By Viva Sara Press, Israel21c.

Matador Network has released the ultimate travel guide to partying around the world and names Tel Aviv as its number one beach party location. The guide is aimed at worldtrekking party-goers and is written by “professional party-crashers” in search of the best parties in the world.

Tel Aviv is hailed for its hedonistic ways. Surprisingly, Tel Aviv triumphed over other top beach hotspots including Goa, Phuket, and Ibiza.

“Israel’s financial hub sure knows how to throw a party. Business licensing is lax here, which means there’s always a new hotspot on the scene, with new clubs sometimes literally popping up overnight. News spreads on the beach, so skip the recommendations in the guidebook and catch a few rays while chatting up some locals to find where the pulse is beating that night,” reads the guide.

JCN • Summer 2014 • Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org • 11

Local Temples

Summer Shabbat Schedule

BETH SHALOM

(Member, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism) Ken Hailpern, Spiritual Leader 79-733 Country Club Drive Bermuda Dunes bethshalom18.wordpress.com 760-200-3636

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 www.chabadpalmsprings.com 760-325-0774

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 www.chabadrm.com 760-770-7785

Congregation HAR-EL

(Member, Union for Reform Judaism) Rabbi Richard Zionts Har-El Cultural Center 47-535 Hwy 74, Palm Desert harelurj@aol.com 760-779-1691

Congregation Shalom Bayit (Reform) Rabbis Larry and Linda Seidman 1320 Williams Ave., Banning Contact 951-769-3678/769-7514

Beth Shalom

Shabbat Services: 8:00 pm.

Oneg follows. Friday, May 2: Israel Independence Day and Hadassah Shabbat.

Shabbat dinner May 16.

Prepaid reservations required.

Call 760-200-3636.

Saturdays: Services 9:30 am, followed by sit down kiddush.

Morning minyan Mondays and Thursdays at 8:30 am, followed by light breakfast.

Chabad of Palm Springs

Friday Shabbat services: 20 minutes after candle lighting time.

Saturday services: Morning - 9:30 am; Women’s Torah Discussion, led by Sussie Denebeim during Kiddush at noon. Evening: same as evening before.

Chabad of Rancho Mirage

Friday Shabbat services: Mincha followed by Kabbalat Shabbat.

Check website (www.chabadrm. com) for times. Shabbat morning: 10:00 am followed by sit down Kiddush. Children’s Program/Service 11:15 am.

Daily minyan: Shacharit services Monday-Friday 7:00 am; Sundays 8:00 am

Har-El Congregation

Member, Union for Reform Judaism. Kabbalat Shabbat Services Fridays at 5:00 pm followed by a speaker or discussion. Services May 2, 9, 16, 23, June 6, July 18 and August 8; dinner following services on July 18.

Reservations required. Call or email: 760-779-1691 or harelurj@gmail.com.

Shalom Bayit (Banning)

Havdallah the first Saturday of each month at 5:30 pm.

Shabbat Services the third Friday of the month at 7:30 pm.

Both held 1320 West Williams Street, Banning.

Temple Isaiah

Friday, May 2, June 6 and July 4: Kabbalat Shabbat Service at 5:45 pm, preceded by challah, cheese and wine at 5:00 pm.

Creative family service followed by supper just for families. See classified ad page 22 for details.

Friday Shabbat services May 9, 16, 23, 30 - 7:30 pm, followed by an Oneg Shabbat.

Friday, May 30: Special service honoring Rabbi Sally Olins’

25 years in the rabbinate.

See ad page 5.

Saturday mornings: Services 10:00 am. Kiddush following.

Morning minyan 8:30 am Mondays and Thursdays.

Temple Sinai

Friday Shabbat services at 7:30 pm. Friday, May 2: Kindergarten Consecration.

Friday, May 16: Shabbat dinner followed by Shabbat Zimra Service. Call 760-568-9699 for dinner reservations.

Friday, May 30: 6:00 pm Confirmation Shabbat Dinner followed at 7:30 pm by Shabbat Confirmation Service.

Check with Temple Office for service times in June and July: 760-568-9699.

Saturday: 8:45 am: Torah Study, 10:00 am - Shabbat services.

Saturday, May 3: B’not Mitzvah of Amanda and Dorian Curtin.

Centro Cultural Hebreo de Mexicali

Weekly Shabbat Services Friday at 7:00 pm, followed by dinner.

Saturday immediately before sunset: Havdallah.

TEMPLE ISAIAH

(Conservative) Rabbi Sally Olins 332 West Alejo Road, Palm Springs www.templeisaiahps.com 760-325-2281

TEMPLE SINAI

(Reform) Rabbi Glenn Ettman 73-251 Hovley Lane West, Palm Desert www.templesinaipd.org 760-568-9699

BIKUR CHOLIM

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

Summer Community Calendar Wednesdays 10:00 am and 1:30 pm The Tolerance Education Center offers free movies every Wednesday.

Call for schedule: 760-328-8252.

12 • JCN • Summer 2014 •Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org

Wednesdays 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.

Summer Community Calendar Continued Thursday, May 1 9:00 am Hadassah Pan Tournament, held at Temple Sinai. For more information and reservations contact Debbie Orgen at 760-289-7987 or debbieorgen@hotmail.com.

Sunday, May 4 11 am – 1 pm Jewish Federation of the Desert Community Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day Celebration, with Gilat Rapaport and the In-Joy Orchestra. UC Riverside Palm Desert Campus Auditorium, Frank Sinatra Drive and Cook Street. See cover for more information.

Tuesdays through June 17 5:30-7:30 pm Last Chabad Rancho Mirage’s weekly BBQ for season, resuming during Sukkot.

Reservations not required, but helpful: 760-770-7785.

Wednesdays through June 11 9:30 am Temple Isaiah adult education class Intermediate Hebrew. Instructor: Rabbi Sally Olins.

Wednesdays, through June 11 10:00 am Chabad Rancho Mirage women’s program “Caffeine for the Soul.” Call 760-770-7785 for more information.

Wednesdays through June 11 4:00 pm Temple Isaiah adult education class: “The Kings: Saul, David & Solomon.” Instructor: Rabbi Sally Olins.

Wednesdays 5:30 pm Temple Isaiah adult education class: Basic Judaism/ Conversion Class. Instructor: Rabbi Sally Olins. Call the Temple Office 760-325-2281 for date of summer recess.

Thursdays through June 12 6:30-7:45 pm Chabad Rancho Mirage women’s evening option for “Caffeine for the Soul.”

Call 760-770-7785 for more information.

Fridays through June 13 9:30-10:30 am Temple Isaiah Torah Study with Rabbi Sally Olins.

Mondays 7:00 pm Chabad of Rancho Mirage Men’s Torah Class with Rabbi Benny Lew. For more information and summer schedule call 760-636-2897 or email rabbibenny@chabadrm. com.

Thursday, May 8 6:00 pm Temple Sinai Brotherhood Dinner and movie. Call 760568-9699 for details.

Monday, May 12 10:00 am Tamar Hadassah Continental Breakfast Meeting.

Program: Carol Marietta, MSN, RN, “Strokes: How to Act Fast to Save Brains.” Mission Hills Country Club. Couvert $13.

Pre-paid reservations required.

Contact Phyllis at 760-321-9941.

Tuesday, May 13 10:00 am Rimona Hadassah Light breakfast meeting. Montecito Clubhouse, Shadow Hills Tuesday, May 13 10 am Temple Isaiah Book & Bagels. Book: Jami Attenberg’s “The Middlesteins.” Everyone welcome.

Tuesday, May 13 11:30 am Temple Sinai Women’s Text and Torah Study.

Thursday, May 15 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Tolerance Education Center celebrates its 5th Anniversary. Drop in and have some cake. See column page 10.

Friday, May 23 4:00 pm Tolerance Education Center: Michael D’Angelo singing favorite songs from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s: Rock & Roll, Classic Favorites, and Latin

Rhythms. See page 10 for more information.

Friday, June 20 4:00 pm Virgil Gibson relieving the magic of your own memories with wonderful, unforgettable songs. See page 10 for more information.

Friday, June 27 4:00 pm Tolerance Education Center: Patty Gallagher - Local singing sensation performs contemporary hits and old favorites. See page 10 for more information.

Monday, July 7, 14, 21, 28 7:00-9:00 pm Tamar Hadassah Summer Study Series.

See article page 8.

Wednesday, July 16 & 23 4:00-5:15 pm Har-El Summer Study Course: “The Secret Jews” (The Conversos of Spain, the Donmeh of Turkey). No fee but registration required. Call 760779-1691 or email to harelurj@ gmail.com.

Remember to order your holiday greetings.

See back page for details.

Support the 2014 Federation Campaign

JCN • Summer 2014 • Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org • 13

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

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.

Honorarium Tributes –

• Libby Hoffman, Congratulations on receiving the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, from Janet and Arnie Hoffman.

• Miles and Sally Berger, Thank you for a lovely evening, from Leslie and Barry Usow.

• Helen and Jim Lewis, Thank you for your gracious hospitality, from Leslie and Barry Usow.

In Appreciation For:

• Sheri Borax, Thank you for a wonderful afternoon, from Mimi Paley.

• Robert Chozen, In honor of your special Bar Mitzvah and wonderful celebration after, from Lynne and Herb Levine.

• Sherry and Joel Fishman, Thank you for a lovely party, from Sanford and Rosemary Hertz.

• Henry and Joyce Freund, Norm joins me in thanking you for a special dinner with good friends, from Barbara Platt.

• Barbara and Bernie Fromm, Happy Anniversary, from Susan, Michael, Jake and Casey Fromm.

• Helene Galen and Jamie Kabler, Thanks for a fabulous evening, from Nancy and Dennis Ditlove, Barbara and Bernie Fromm, Frances Horwich, Pat and Howard Levy, Barbara Platt, Leslie and Barry Usow.

• Robert and Wendy Goodfriend, Thank you for a fabulous evening, from Audrey and Joe Bernstein, Nancy and Dennis Ditlove, Edith and Arnold Familian, Cora and Ted Ginsberg, Margot and Jerry Halperin, Sanford and Rosemary Hertz, Ruth and Mal Kaufman, Pat and Howard Levy, Eunice and Jerry Meister, Joyce and Jim Meitus, Leslie and Barry Usow.

• Philip Harris, Happy Big Birthday, Love from your niece, Valerie Blumenfeld.

• Ted Harris, Happy Big Birthday, Love from your niece, Valerie Blumenfeld.

• Sanford and Rosemary Hertz, Best wishes for a Happy Passover, from Margot and Jerry Halperin.

• Sanford and Rosemary Hertz, Thank you for a very festive and memorable Passover Seder, from Barbara Platt.

• Libby Hoffman, In honor of the work you do for the Jewish Federation, from Leona Brodner.

• Madeline Redstone, Thanks for just being you! I love you to the sky little sis! From Margie Kulp.

• Madeline Redstone, Thank you for a fabulous evening, from Audrey and Joe Bernstein, Nancy and Dennis Ditlove, Edith and Arnold Familian, Cora and Ted Ginsberg, Margot and Jerry Halperin, Sanford and Rosemary Hertz, Ruth and Mal Kaufman, Pat and Howard Levy, Eunice and Jerry Meister, Joyce and Jim Meitus, Leslie and Barry Usow.

• Barbara Schrayer, Happy Holidays.

Good luck with your move, from Frances Horwich.

• Gloria and Michael Scoby, Thanks for a fabulous evening, from Nancy and Dennis Ditlove, Barbara and Bernie Fromm, Frances Horwich, Pat and Howard Levy, Mimi and Harold Paley, Barbara Platt, Leslie and Barry Usow.

• Carolyn and Don Shagrin, Thanks for a fabulous evening, from Nancy and Dennis Ditlove, Barbara and Bernie Fromm, Frances Horwich, Pat and Howard Levy, Mimi and Harold Paley, Barbara Platt, Leslie and Barry Usow.

• Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Shepard, Norm joins me in thanking you for a delicious dinner in the company of good friends, from Barbara Platt.

• Helen Varon, Thanks for a fabulous evening, from Nancy and Dennis Ditlove, Barbara and Bernie Fromm, Frances Horwich, Pat and Howard Levy, Barbara Platt, Leslie and Barry Usow.

• Jean Willens, Thank you for a lovely afternoon, from Margot Halperin.

• Edmond Zisook, Happy Birthday and many more, from Ella and Arieh Ohana.

14 • JCN • Summer 2014 •Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org

Refuah Shleimah –

Get Well Wishes To:

• Dan and Doty Cadiff, Our wishes for a speedy and complete recovery for Andy, from Harold and Mimi Paley.

• Sandy Goldman, Wishing you a speedy recovery, from Sanford and Rosemary Hertz.

• Dr. Ed Kroll, Get well wishes for a speedy recovery, from Paul and Stephanie Ross.

• Carol Horwich Luber, May you have a speedy recovery, from Paul and Stephanie Ross.

• Sherry Salzman, Best wishes for a speedy recovery, from Ron and Andi Asher, Janet and Richard Ball, Cora Ginsberg, Mary Levine, Gail and Jim Marovitz, Roberta Nyman, Barbara Platt, Paul and Stephanie Ross, Carleen and Chuck Riach, Gail Scadron and Annette Sunshine.

• Dennis Seidenfeld, Wishing you the best of health. So happy you are going home, from the Berman and Seidenfeld-Downs Families.

• Carolyn Shagrin, Hope you are managing your recovery with patience, from Mary Levine and Alan Goldstein.

Memoriam Tributes –

Condolences Sent To:

• Eva Cohen, With our deepest sympathy, from Gloria and Max Chodak.

• Mark Ginsberg and Family, In memory of your beloved wife and mother Toni, from Myra, Hilly, Julie and Michael Spira.

• Ana Landau, Our thoughts and prayers are with you on the passing of your beloved Samuel, from Roberta and Allan Nyman.

• Dr. and Mrs. Michael Lipsich, In memory of your beloved father, from Ruth and Mal Kaufman.

• Selma Sherman, Our condolences on the loss of your nephew, from Betty and Allan Donen.

• Sheila Sloan, Our condolences on the passing of your beloved husband Dick, from Richard and Mary Freeman, Helene Galen, Cora and Ted Ginsberg, Libby and Buddy Hoffman, Barbara and Ronnie Kahn, Helen and Jim Lewis, Barbara Platt, Sherry and Howard Schor.

German Court Upholds Conviction of Holocaust-Denying Bishop

By Nissan Tsur, Arutz Sheva

A German court in Nuremberg has rejected the appeal of the BritishCatholic Bishop Richard Williamson, who was convicted of denying the Holocaust.

In an interview to the Swedish channel SVT1 in 2009, 74-year-old Williamson, openly doubted that six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust, and claimed that the real numbers are much lower.

He also disputed the existence of Nazi gas chambers, claiming that only "between 200,000 to 300,000 Jews perished in Nazi concentration camps, but not one of them by gassing in a gas chamber."

"The historical evidence is hugely against six million Jews having been deliberately gassed in gas chambers as a deliberate policy of Adolf Hitler," claimed Wiiliamson. He also said that Germany has paid out billions of Deutschmarks and Euros because of “their guilt complex”.

The controversial interview was rebroadcast over the internet in Germany, where Holocaust denial is considered a criminal offense, and Williamson was charged and convicted of incitement to hatred and fined 1,800 euros. The judges said that his statements were carefully planned.

Holocaust-denying Bishop Richard Williamson escorted by British police after being deported from Argentina

The prosecution had asked to impose a 5,400 euro fine but the judges ruled that Williamson had no income and lowered the fine to 1,800 euro.

Williamson filed his first appeal in 2013. His lawyer argued that

the television interview was to be broadcast only in Sweden, where Holocaust denial is not a criminal offense, but the fact that the interview was conducted when Wiiliamson was in Regensburg, Germany, led the judges to reject the first appeal.

The second appeal was also rejected, and the judges ordered Williamson to pay the fine.

Williamson is no stranger to controversy; in 2009 he was deported from Argentina after the government there said his frequent denials of the holocaust "profoundly offend the Argentinean society, the Jewish people and all of humanity".

Leave It to the Israelis to Reinvent the Wheel

Revolutionary shock-absorbing SoftWheel technology is rolling out for wheelchairs, bicycles and eventually everything else on wheels.

By Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel 21c

When a broken pelvis put Israeli farmer and inventor Gilad Woolf into a wheelchair for a few weeks, the bumpy ride wreaked havoc on his back, and he determined to improve wheelchair design with a suspension system to absorb shock.

After his initial idea – a hydraulic air cushion in the seat, like those in tractors – proved unsuccessful, he made the audacious decision to reinvent the wheel. The result of his efforts, with encouragement and financing from Israel’s RAD BioMed Accelerator and a team of experts, is called SoftWheel.

CEO Daniel Barel tells ISRAEL21c that SoftWheel is a breakthrough technology born of three years of R&D in collaboration with Ziv-Av Engineering Group, the same firm that designed the lightweight children’s plastic wheelchair for Wheelchairs of Hope – only this time the company designed the wheels rather than the chair.

No More Bumpy Rides The “Acrobat” wheel is now rolling off SoftWheel’s Israeli assembly

line. It features a selective suspension mechanism that kicks in when it detects an impact above a preset, changeable threshold. The high-tech product can be retrofitted to virtually any wheelchair.

Next year, SoftWheel expects to introduce a second wheel, “Fluent,” the first-ever suspension technology designed specifically for urban bicycling. “Part of our strategy is to introduce our products where we can disrupt the market quickly: wheelchairs and bicycles — especially city bikes, the fastest-growing segment in the world for personal transportation,” says Barel.

SoftWheel relies on a patented suspension mechanism that remains static on standard floors or pavements.

Encountering an obstacle (such as a curb or stair) causes the wheel’s hub to shift symmetrically from the center, thereby absorbing the shock and cushioning the rider, as well as the vehicle, from the force of the impact.

Then, the hub automatically shifts back to its central location until the next bump.

SoftWheel has a revolutionary suspension system.

“Why didn’t anybody do this before?” Barel asks. “Because it’s not as easy as it looks. We have six, and soon seven, patents protecting this technology. Everybody else tried to fine-tune current technology into a wheel. We literally had to reinvent the wheel and a brand-new technology for suspension. And we discovered it is not only suitable for wheelchairs but as a platform for anything that has wheels.”

As such, the next direction for SoftWheel will be skyward. “We are looking at SoftWheel landing gear for aircraft, based on multiple requests from the industry here,” says Barel.

“They tell us that we have something they have been waiting for the past 60 years.”

JCN • Summer 2014 • Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org • 15

Can Israel Solve California’s Water Crisis?

Though Israel is in the throes of the worst drought in its history, smart planning averted a crisis. The same tactics could help California.

By Karin Kloosterman Israel 21c

“Heaven-sent” was the feeling last year as winter rains filled Israel’s reservoirs and the inland lake, the Sea of Galilee.

But 2014 has been a different story, as a severe drought was declared

by February. Israel is 60 percent desert, and for the last 60 years it is has braced itself for dry winters like this one, possibly the driest ever. Yet except for growers of non-irrigated crops, Israel isn’t worried. Since 1948, Israel has planned, forecasted and built infrastructure, policies, research and technologies to withstand drought.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently offered to help California overcome its extreme drought –– affecting about two-thirds of its 38 million residents — using Israeli science, water conservation and desalination technology.

The Israel Water Association, a non-profit organization founded to help Israeli water companies and society deal with water issues, will host a one-day annual conference on March 24 in Ramat Gan to explore such possibilities for outsiders.

Californians are most welcome to the sessions, which will be in English and Hebrew.

Israel has four desalination plants in operation along the Mediterranean Sea, with a fifth plant to come online in Ashdod. But desalination is only

part of the story, says Avraham Israeli, president of the Israel Water Association.

In California, he says, one important difference is that treated wastewater gets dumped back into the sea. This water may not be good for drinking but it’s perfectly good, even superior, water. It is more expensive than to fresh drinking water for agriculture, reclaimed water. First, treat sewage as it has some added nutrients. and reuse.”

Using a two-system approach California has already started with pipes for both gray water and working with Israel on water. Israel’s drinking water, Israeli farmers irrigate IDE Technologies is building the crops with gray water even in desert largest seawater desalination plant in areas with practically no rain at all. the Western hemisphere, north of San Israel, he says, is now pushing 75 Diego. To be finished in 2016, it is percent wastewater reuse and aiming expected to supply 50 million gallons for 90%. of potable water a day. Three smaller No water from Israel’s treatment plants desalination plants have opened in gets discharged into the sea. The California, with more than a dozen missing numbers can be accounted proposed. for from sewer overflow in the winter Israeli says we have to wait until months. the end of the year to see whether “This could work in California if the 2014 will go down in history as the infrastructure was built,” Israeli says. worst year for rainfall. “But as far back “In principle, they have to change [to] as I remember, as a kid working in the attitude that treated water is safe the field crops in the kibbutz, I have and that it is a resource especially never seen a drought like this. I don’t in such a year with severe drought.

They invest huge amounts of money bringing water from the Colorado River for agriculture.

“Treated water could save them a lot of money,” he tells ISRAEL21c. A Montreal man skipped both of his Desalination, he points out, “is a mother’s seders to advance in a poker measure of coping with lack of tournament in which he won more than $1 million.

On April 16th Eric Afriat won the World Poker Tour/Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown in Hollywood, Florida. He missed both seders at his mother’s home in West Boca Raton, Florida as he advanced in the tournament, and told the Florida SunSentinel that he considered quitting the tournament to attend the seders with his extended family.

“Here I was moving up the ladder in a big poker tournament, yet I kept getting more depressed,” he said. “I was so sad I thought about just leaving my chips

16 • JCN • Summer 2014 •Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org

Desalinization Plant in Hadera

remember a phenomenon where I didn’t see rain from mid-December to mid-March.”

Israel’s refusal to be dependent on the rain started with first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion’s visionary construction of the country’s national water carrier back in the 1950s. This enabled the state to build on a lean model and scale up water recycling as needed. And scale up it did: Over the last 10 years, Israel began to build major desalination projects seaside.

By 2013, the country declared that it had beaten the drought. Even this year, which may break the driestever records, you won’t find Israelis washing their clothes once a week nor will they be withholding showers for their cars or themselves as some folks are doing in California.

Montreal Man Skips Mother’s Seders, Wins $1 Million in Poker Tournament

Poker Face: Eric Afriat displays the tournament winnings he raked in while skipping his mother’s Passover Seders.

at the table Monday night and going home. But I’m now delighted everyone was in town to see me win.”

Afriat, 45, is an importer from Montreal. He was the only amateur poker player in the final round of the tournament, which drew 1,795 participants.

U.S. Philanthropists Donate Combined $10 Million To Beit Hatfutsot – the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv

More photos from Women's Philanthropy Installation

Women’s Philanthropy Council Installation

The Maltz Family Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, established by Milton Maltz and his wife Tamar, and Ambassador Alfred Moses and his family, have committed a pair of gifts of $5 million each for a combined $10 million to Beit Hatfutsot, The Museum of the Jewish People, in Tel Aviv.

The Maltzs are no strangers to founding and building museums. They were involved in the establishment of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Cleveland, Ohio, and conceptualized and created the International Spy Museum of Washington, D.C. Alfred Moses, co-chair of the Board of Governors of Beit Hatfutsot, served as liaison to the Jewish community during President Carter’s Administration, has earmarked a $5 million gift to building the Great Hall of Synagogues at Beit Hatfutsot. The Hall of Synagogues will

show three millennia of Jewish life with its many faces to serve as inspiration for a vibrant future Jewish life.

According to Irina Nevzlin Kogan, Chair of Beit Hatfutsot, “These two significant gifts, which were pledged within weeks of each other, are important milestones in making the museum one of the key builders of the Jewish future. The museum will tell and chart the narrative of our people as a whole, preserve many individual stories, and serve as a platform for Jews worldwide to connect to one another.

These gifts will further the mission of Beit Hatfutsot both as a museum and as a global center and will augment its various components: the museum’s core exhibition and special exhibits; its vast database; the international School of Jewish Peoplehood Studies; the genealogy center; and the Jewish web portal.”

Women’s Philanthropy Chairwoman Lainie Weil

Above: Gail Scadron, Stephanie Ross, Elaine “Chickie” Steinberger, Judith N. Cohen

Left: Lainie Weil, Stephanie Ross and Judith N. Cohen

JCN • Summer 2014 • Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org • 17

Opinion/Editorial

Professor Alan Dershowitz Responsa 000When President Barack Obama warned of "international fallout" if Israel fails to embrace the latest U.S. Middle East peace proposal, Newsmax asked noted author and Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz to comment on the growing talk of a European boycott against Israel.

Why are so many of the grandchildren of Nazis and Nazi collaborators who brought us the Holocaust once again declaring war on the Jews? Why have we seen such an increase in anti-Semitism and irrationally virulent anti-Zionism in western Europe?

To answer these questions, a myth must first be exposed. That myth is the one perpetrated by the French, the Dutch, the Norwegians, the

Swiss, the Belgians, the Austrians, and many other western Europeans: namely that the Holocaust was solely the work of German Nazis aided perhaps by some Polish, Ukrainian, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian collaborators.

False.

The Holocaust was perpetrated by Europeans — by Nazi sympathizers and collaborators among the French, Dutch, Norwegians, Swiss, Belgians, Austrians and other Europeans, both Western and Eastern.

If the French government had not deported to the death camps more Jews than their German occupiers asked for; if so many Dutch and Belgian citizens and government officials had not cooperated in the roundup of Jews; if so many Norwegians had not supported

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.

Quisling; if Swiss government officials and bankers had not exploited Jews; if Austria had not been more Nazi than the Nazis, the Holocaust would not have had so many Jewish victims.

In light of the widespread European complicity in the destruction of European Jewry, the pervasive antiSemitism and irrationally hateful anti-Zionism that has recently surfaced throughout western Europe toward Israel should surprise no one.

"Oh no," we hear from European apologists. "This is different. We don’t hate the Jews. We only hate their nation-state. Moreover, the Nazis were right-wing. We’re leftwing, so we can’t be anti-Semites."

Nonsense.

The hard left has a history of antiSemitism as deep and enduring as the hard right. The line from Voltaire, to Karl Marx, to Levrenti Beria, to Robert Faurisson, to today’s hardleft Israel bashers is as straight as the line from Wilhelm Mars to the persecutors of Alfred Dreyfus to Hitler.

The Jews of Europe have always been crushed between the Black and the Red — victims of extremism whether it be the ultra-nationalism of Khmelnitsky to the ultra-antiSemitism of Stalin.

"But some of the most strident antiZionists are Jews, such as Norman Finkelstein and even Israelis such as

Gilad Atzmon. Surely they can’t be anti-Semites."

Why not? Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas collaborated with the Gestapo. Atzmon, a hard leftist, describes himself as a proud selfhating Jew and admits that his ideas derive from a notorious antiSemite.

He denies that the Holocaust is historically proved but he believes that Jews may well have killed Christian children to use their blood to bake Passover matzah. And he thinks it's "rational" to burn down synagogues.

Finkelstein believes in an international Jewish conspiracy that includes Steven Spielberg, Leon Uris, Eli Wiesel, and Andrew Lloyd Webber!

"But Israel is doing bad things to the Palestinians," the European apologists insist, "and we are sensitive to the plight of the underdog."

No, you’re not! Where are your demonstrations on behalf of the oppressed Tibetans, Georgians, Syrians, Armenians, Kurds, or even Ukrainians? Where are your BDS movements against the Chinese, the Russians, the Cubans, the Turks, or the Assad regime?

Only the Palestinians, only Israel?

Why? Not because the Palestinians are more oppressed than these and other groups.

Only because their alleged

To apply for Emergency Funds from the TZEDAKAH FUND Call the Jewish Federation 760-324-4737

18 • JCN • Summer 2014 •Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org

continued on next page

OpEd continued from previous page

oppressors are Jews and the nationstate of the Jews. Would there be demonstrations and BDS campaigns on behalf of the Palestinians if they were oppressed by Jordan or Egypt?

Oh, wait! The Palestinians were oppressed by Egypt and Jordan. Gaza was an open-air prison between 1948 and 1967, when Egypt was the occupying power. And remember Black September, when Jordan killed more Palestinians than Israel did in a century? I don’t remember any demonstration or BDS campaigns -- because there weren’t any.

When Arabs occupy or kill Arabs, Europeans go ho-hum. But when Israel opens a soda factory in Maale Adumim, which even the Palestinian leadership acknowledges will remain part of Israel in any peace deal, Oxfam parts ways with Scarlett Johansson for advertising a soda company that employs hundreds of Palestinians.

Keep in mind that Oxfam has provided "aid and material support" to two anti-Israel terrorist groups, according to the Tel Aviv-based Israeli Law Group.

The hypocrisy of so many hardleft western Europeans would be staggering if it were not so predictable based on the sordid history of Western

Europe ’s treatment of the Jews.

Even England, which was on the right side of the war against Nazism, has a long history of anti-Semitism, beginning with the expulsion of the Jews in 1290 to the notorious White Paper of 1939, which prevented the Jews of Europe for seeking asylum from the Nazis in British-mandated Palestine. And Ireland, which vacillated in the war against Hitler, boasts some of the most virulent antiIsrael rhetoric.

The simple reality is that one cannot understand the current western European left-wing war against the nation-state of the Jewish people without first acknowledging the long-term European war against the Jewish people themselves.

Theodore Herzl understood the pervasiveness and irrationality of European anti-Semitism, which led him to the conclusion that the only solution to Europe’s Jewish problem was for European Jews to leave that bastion of Jew hatred and return to their original homeland, which is now the state of Israel.

None of this is to deny Israel’s imperfections or the criticism it justly deserves for some of its policies. But these imperfections and deserved criticism cannot even begin to explain, must less

justify, the disproportionate hatred directed against the only nationstate of the Jewish people and the disproportionate silence regarding the far greater imperfections and deserved criticism of other nations and groups — including the Palestinians.

Nor is this to deny that many western European individuals and some western European countries have refused to succumb to the hatred against the Jews or their state.

The Czech Republic comes to mind.

But far too many western Europeans are as irrational in their hatred toward Israel as their forbearers were in their hatred toward their Jewish neighbors.

As author Amos Oz once aptly observed: the walls of his grandparents' Europe were covered with graffiti saying, "Jews, go to Palestine ." Now they say, "Jews, get out of Palestine " — by which is meant Israel .

Who do these western European bigots think they’re fooling? Only fools who want to be fooled in the interest of denying that they are manifesting new variations on their grandparents' old biases.

Any objective person with an open mind, open eyes, and an open heart must see the double standard

being applied to the nation-state of the Jewish people. Many doing so are the grandchildren of those who lethally applied a double standard to the Jews of Europe in the 1930s and 1940s.

For shame!

JCN • Summer 2014 • Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org • 19

Shalom

Orthodox Jewish Synagogue Hosts Post-Nup Signing Event

Movement to Ensure All Jews Grant Religious Divorces In the words of Rabbi Steven Exler of pre-nup or a post-nup signed. the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, “As we Through surveys and personal continue to read stories in national media contacts, the congregation hopes to be outlets about spouses who refuse to grant able to announce by the summer that religious divorce (get) to one another, all married members have signed this the need to act becomes ever greater.” agreement, and will challenge every As a response, The Hebrew Institute of American Jewish congregation to meet Riverdale, The Bayit, hosted an event for that standard. its members to come and sign Jewish "We want to send the message that Law (Halakhic) post-nuptial agreements, this is part of being a responsible married considered one of the best ways to member of the Jewish community. address the problem of get refusal.

Signing is about expressing love and The event was held Sunday night, protection for one's own partner, and March 30th at The Hebrew Institute of setting a standard that our children and Riverdale, in the Bronx, NY, with a festive grandchildren can follow. We believe in Shalom wedding theme. With this event, the HIR action, and signing these agreements is The finest inisJewish Living conducting what is believed to be an a way to address this major communal unprecedented data collection effort to problem", said Rabbi Steven Exler of the ensure that all married members have a HIR.

20 • JCN • Summer 2014 •Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org

Integrating Chozrim B’She’alah Israel’s assistance to new immigrants and ‘returning Israelis’ is legendary. For olim (new immigrants) Israel can be strange, confusing unknown territory and the objective of government ‘absorption packages’ is to ease acclimation with guidance, re-training and financial assistance.

Now parliamentarian Zahava Gal’on (MERETZ) wants to extend the ‘absorption basket’ to another group for whom Israeli society is often just as foreign and at times even more difficult to navigate: Chozrim B’She’alah, young people from haridi (ultra-religious) homes who abandon a religious lifestyle and find themselves cast into an unfamiliar world on their own although they are native-born. The label “chozrim b’she’alah” was coined by secular Israeli Jews for those who abandon a religious lifestyle (meaning

Israel Is Chief Cause for $26-Billion Jewish Charity Network The Jewish Daily Forward examines the size, scope, and spending of what it terms the Jewish charity “industry,” a network of federations, schools, social-service agencies, Israel aid organizations, advocacy groups, and other nonprofits with combined net assets of $26-billion.

The largest share of donor dollars to such groups—about 38 percent— benefits Israel, according to the Forward, which based its reporting on a review of tax filings by more than 3,600 Jewish organizations. One-fifth of fundraising supports education. Grant-making Federations remain at the center of what the newspaper calls the network’s “daisy” structure, controlling about $11.6-billion.

The analysis does not include specifically religious entities such as synagogues and seminaries that are not required to disclose financial data. The article is the first in what the Forward says will be series of reports on Jewish nonprofit finances, with the next assessing the network’s reliance on government support through grants, tax breaks, and program fees.

literally ‘returning to question’) – as a counter to the religious term for non-observant Jews who become observant: T’shuvah (in this context meaning ‘repentance’).

Gal’on wants to legislate a special ‘absorption package’ that can enable such chozrim b’she’alah – estimated to be 500 per year – a roof over their head and the opportunity to acquire marketable skills (master English, mathematics, etc.) to enter the job market, just as the State of Israel provides Hebrew language classes and housing to new immigrants.

Community Schools RELIGIOUS/ HEBREW SCHOOLS Chabad Hebrew School A project of Chabad of Palm Springs & Desert Communities Director: Sussie Denebeim 73550 S. Rosa Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260 www.chabadpd.com 760-341-6501

Laugh out Loud SPOKE TOO SOON?

Stories in the news that bring a smile!

Safe bicycle paths are the latest rage among municipalities in the greater Tel Aviv metropolitan area, so there was nothing new when the Ramat Hasharon Municipality decided to dedicate part of the sidewalks to bicycle riders. But when residents sought to use the new bike lanes, it turned out that not only did some of the paths zigzag, randomly switching sides of the street; some paths ended without warning, leading riders straight into the bushes before an intersection or smack into a bus shelter and a host of other obstacles along the way. City elders said the contractor had failed to follow instructions.

THE PAPERLESS OFFICE

It wasn’t that the southern division of the Ministry of Health had become a bunch of tree-huggers all of a sudden… The regional office in Beersheva was simply close to running out of toner and paper, leading pencil pushers to request that the public – particularly food manufacturers and chemical plants that constantly need authorizations from the Ministry of Heath send requests for documents by snail mail only, and refrain from sending faxes and e-mails that had to be printed out. A Ministry spokesperson said the division’s ‘supply and demand’ problem was being addressed.

Microbiologist wins Israel’s ‘Master Chef’ Nof Atamna-Ismaeel, 33, who plans to open a Jewish-Arab culinary school The Times of Israel

Temple Isaiah Principal: Rabbi Sally Olins 332 West Alejo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 www.templeisaiahps.com 760-325-2281, ext. 203 Temple Sinai Director: Miri Ketayi 73-251 Hovley Lane West, Palm Desert, CA 92260 www.templesinaipd.org 760-568-9699

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

Nof Atamna-Ismaeel, winner of the 2014 season of 'Master Chef' on April 5, 2014

A microbiologist from an Arab town in northern Israel won the fourth season of Israel’s reality show “Master Chef.” Dr. Nof Atamna-Ismaeel, a 33-year-old mother of three from Baqa al-Garbiya, was crowned the winner of Israel’s most-watched television show on April 6th. She appeared in the final with Ido Kronenberg of the central Israeli city of Savyon, and Meseret Woldimikhal, an immigrant to Israel from Ethiopia.

Atamna-Ismaeel called winning the contest “one of the most exciting experiences of my life.”

She said she would use her winnings to open a Jewish-Arab cooking school for students from throughout the country.

According to Haaretz, Master Chef was watched by 37.8 percent of Israeli households.

JCN • Summer 2014 • Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org • 21

Simchas Congratulations to Beatrice Eslamboly, newly elected president of Temple Sinai, and to Stanley Hack, newly elected president of Congregation Har-El. Yasher koach to Bill Brodovsky, who is continuing as president of Temple Isaiah. Also continuing in office are Celia Norian, Chairman of the Board of the Jewish Federation of the Desert and Lainie Weil, Chair of the Women’s Philanthropy Council ... Shepping naches, Gail and Saul Jacobs flew east to attend the Bar Mitzvah of grandson Aaron Elazar Muller, son of Rabbi Azriel and Naomi Muller, who was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah in Boro Park, New York on March 20, 2014 ... Mazel tov to Amanda and Dorian Curtin, daughters of Jennifer and David Curtin, who will be called to the Torah as B’not Mitzvah at Temple Sinai on May 3rd ... Great news: Dennis Seidenfeld is now home from the hospital and we wish him the very best. As mentioned in last month’s JCN, Dennis & his late wife, Helene Berman Seidenfeld, gave the initial major contribution

Classifieds SPECIAL FAMILY SHABBAT EVENING: Families with children (infants to 18) are invited to youth oriented, creative, ‘fun’ First Friday Shabbat Services on May 2, June 6 and July 4 at 5:45 pm at Temple Isaiah, 332 West Alejo Road, Palm Springs, followed by a for families only casual supper. Supper is underwritten but reservations are essential.

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to create the Federation’s Special Tzedakah Fund in 2006, a fund that has made a phenomenal Amanda and Dorian Curtin impact in the lives of Jews in crisis here in our Coachella Valley and we are thrilled that Sherry Salzman is also out of the hospital and in rehabilitation and making such wonderful progress … Congratulations to Rabbi Sally Olins of Temple Isaiah, on being chosen AIDS Assistance Program’s Herb Lazenby Community Service Award Honoree, along with Joyce Shampeny, at the 21 st annual Evening Under the Stars gala on May 3rd. Community Philanthropist Harold Matzner, recognized by 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. 4-hour minimum 760-902-3490.

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22 • JCN • Summer 2014 •Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org

Bill Brodovsky

Celia Norian

Dennis Seidenfeld

Sherry Salzman

Lainie Weil Aaron Elazar Muller

Rabbi Sally Olins

Harold Matzner

so many organizations for his involvement and generosity, will receive the Jeannette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award along with Jim Houston that evening ... Rose Levy called to say she and Ben are celebrating their 60th Ben & Rose Levy Eyal Feder & Michal Levy wedding anniversary on May 2nd and are shepping naches over Mazel tov! …Share your Simchas the engagement of granddaughter with us. Call or email Miriam Bent Michal Levy to Eyal Feder, both of at 760-323-0255 or mhbentjcn@ whom live in Tel Aviv. Mazel tov! earthlink.net.

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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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JFS VOLUNTEERS WELCOME: JFS has rewarding volunteer opportunities available and is now accepting applications for the following positions: Lunch In & Out Driver, Lunch In & Out Program Volunteer, Friendly Visitor, JFS Express Senior Ride Transportation driver, Front Office Assistant. For more information contact Julie Hirsh, 760-325-4088, extension 109.

THE SAGE: A monthly cartoon in the Jewish Community News created by Congregation Har-El. Please see Page 13. Registration open for Har-El Summer Galen Trimester Courses. Call 760-7791691 or e-mail harelurj@gmail. com today for information on courses, upcoming events and membership. Har-El offers study and worship four seasons a year.

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

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TEMPLE SINAI GIFT SHOP: One of a kind and largest Judaica shop here in the desert. For all your traditional needs and unique gift items. Special orders available. For information call the Temple office at 760-568-9699.

Candle Lighting Times Friday, May 2 Friday, May 9 Friday, May 11 Friday, May 18 Friday, May 25 Tuesday, June 3 Wednesday, June 4 Friday, June 6 Friday, June 13 Friday, June 20 Friday, June 27 Friday, July 4 Friday, July 11 Friday, July 18 Friday, July 25

Shabbat Emor Shabbat Behar Shabbat Bechukotai Shabbat Bamidbar Shabbat Naso Erev Shavuot 2nd night Shavuot Shabbat Bahalotcha Shabbat Shelach Shabbat Korach Shabbat Chukat Shabbat Balak Shabbat Pinchas Shabbat Matot Shabbat Masei

6:47 pm 6:52 pm 6:57 pm 7:02 pm 7:07 pm 7:09 pm After 8:36 pm 7:11 pm 7:14 pm 7:17 pm 7:18 pm 7:18 pm 7:16 pm 7:13 pm 7:09 pm

We Mourn the Passing of...

Dr. Michael Bailie, Edward Cohon, Dr. Samuel Landau and Les Surlow. Our deepest sympathies to their families and friends.

May their memories endure for a blessing.

Separated But Equal - Take II Remember the January 2013 story about the predicament of a gay couple who tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Canada but after eight years together decided to part ways…after they had successfully fought to have their status recognized by the Israel Ministry of Interior (which duly registered them as married in the Population Register)?

Canadian authorities needed confirmation they were legally divorced in Israel so one of the two could remarry in Canada – a document which, because both men were Jewish, was supposed to be

provided by a rabbinical court which never recognized their union in the first place!

Now a year later, there’s a breakthrough, thanks to another gay couple whose New York marriage at City Hall went on the rocks: An Israeli Family Court took the bull by the horns and issued a declaratory order “dissolving the marriage as registered” on the mutual consent of the parties, while delicately skirting the issue whether their marriage was legally-binding under Israel law in the first place.

Have A Nosh With Miriam

Shavuot Recipes

By Miriam H. Bent

Milchig dishes are the traditional fare for Shavuot, and I am giving you three very different kugels that celebrate their dairy ingredients. Their preparations are quite different but the outcome for each is a delicious Shavuot treat. Betay avon. Wishing you a lovely Shavuot. Miriam H. Bent

CREAMY HAZELNUT NOODLE KUGEL 2-1/2 cups milk ¼ cup golden raisins 1 cup very fine noodles ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts Pinch of salt 1 teasp. grated lemon rind 1/3 cup sugar 3 large eggs, separated 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter Bring milk to a boil in a medium-heavy saucepan. Add noodles and salt and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, 20-30 minutes or until noodles are tender and absorb most of milk. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350̊. Butter a 4 to 5 cup baking dish and sprinkle a little sugar on sides of dish. Set baking dish in a roasting pan.

Stir 3 tablespoons sugar into hot noodle mixture. Cool several minutes. Stir in butter, raisins, hazelnuts, lemon rind and egg yolks. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Beat in remaining sugar at high speed and whip until stiff. Fold whites into noodle mixture. Transfer to baking dish.

Add enough hot water to roasting pan to come halfway up sides of dish containing noodle mixture. Bake, uncovered for about 40 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out dry. Serve hot or warm. Serves 6.

UPSIDE DOWN PECAN BROWN SUGAR KUGEL 12 oz. medium noodles, cooked according to directions and drained 4 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup sour cream 1 cup cottage cheese 1/2 cup white sugar

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 1 Tbsp. cinnamon Pinch salt 1/4 cup butter or margarine 1 cup finely packed brown sugar 1 cup pecan halves

Preheat oven to 350̊. Place drained noodles in a large bowl. Add eggs, sour cream, cottage cheese, white sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Mix well. Place butter (or margarine) in a 9" X 13" pyrex pan and place in oven until butter melts.

Sprinkle brown sugar over butter and press pecans into the sugar. Pour noodle mixture into pan and bake 1 hour. Cool in pan 10 minutes, run knife around edge and invert onto serving platter. Serves 8-10.

CHERRY ALMOND KUGEL 8 ounces medium, spiral egg noodles 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1 can pitted cherries, well drained 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups sour cream 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1 cup cottage cheese 2 tablespoons melted butter 3 eggs 1/2 cup slivered almonds Cook noodles in a large stockpot with boiling, salted water until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain noodles in a colander and place in a large bowl with the butter.

Toss to coat well.

Preheat the oven to 350̊ F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Combine sour cream, cottage cheese, eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, the lemon zest, vanilla, and almond extract in blender or food processor. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Stir together the sour cream mixture, buttered noodles, and cherries. Place the noodle mixture into the prepared dish. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, almonds, and the remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Sprinkle nut mixture over the noodle pudding and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Pudding should be cooked through and golden. Serves 8-10.

JCN • Summer 2014 • Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5774 • www.jfedps.org • 23

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(F) $30 Order your ad today! Deadline August 8. Call Miriam Bent 760-323-0255, for prices on custom and larger ads