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
Standing Where Ben Gurion Once Stood
Israel's Declaration of Independence was signed at the Tel Aviv Museum on May 14, 1948, with David Ben Gurion then going out onto the museum’s balcony to announce the long awaited news to the excited, expectant crowds below. In an electrifying moment spanning history, Federation Past President Allan Nyman (right) and Federation CEO Bruce Landgarten (second from right) were brought to the same balcony during their fact finding mission to Israel in May, accompanied by Rani Trainin, Deputy Chairman of JAFI (Jewish Agency for Israel) (left), and John Levey, advisor to the Deputy Chair of the Executive, JAFI (second from left).
On the cover....
Standing Where Ben Gurion Once Stood
CElia Norian President
Israel's Declaration of Independence was signed at the Tel Aviv Museum on May 14, 1948, with David Ben Gurion then going out onto the museum’s balcony to announce the long awaited news to the excited, expectant crowds below. In an electrifying moment spanning history, Federation Past President Allan Nyman (right) and Federation CEO Bruce Landgarten (second from right) were brought to the same balcony during their fact finding mission to Israel in May, accompanied by Rani Trainin, Deputy Chairman of JAFI (Jewish Agency for Israel) (left), and John Levey, advisor to the Deputy Chair of the Executive, JAFI (second from left).
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
I have just returned from the International Lion of Judah Conference in New York City. While, as Chair of our Federation’s Board, I attend many meetings and conferences, going to the International Lion of Judah Conference is always a moving experience. The energy of 1400 Jewish women was felt throughout the two and one half days. We came together to learn, exchange ideas, share our passions, renew friendships, make new ones and make our commitment to the 2015
annual campaign. We were privileged to hear from speakers as diverse as Second Lady Jill Biden, who gave her reflections on tikun olam, to Rabbi Sharon Brous who explored and reflected on tikvah (hope). Breakout sessions addressed such issues as Interfaith Families, how to address the BDS (Boycott, Divest and Sanction) movement, and Modern-Day Slavery. The strength of convictions and how they have made a difference was told by Raheel Raza, advocate for human rights and author of “Their Jihad… Not My Jihad.” Eli Winkleman recounted her experiences as she started the organization “Challah for Hunger.” We heard from the father of the murdered Israeli teen, Gilad Shaer, who told stories of his son that he
Attending the International Lion of Judah Conference from our Federation were (left to right) Carol Horwich Luber, Celia Norian, Libby Hoffman, Barbara Platt and Cookie Miller. Missing from the picture: Margie Kulp. Libby Hoffman (center) was honored as a 2014 KipnisWilson/Friedland Award recipient. This award, established by National Women’s Philanthropy in 2004, recognizes extraordinary women who have set a high standard for philanthropy and volunteerism in their communities. Since its inception, four other women from our community have been recipients: Barbara Platt in 2004, Cora Ginsberg in 2008, Celia Norian in 2010, and Roberta Nyman in 2012.
Bruce Landgarten, Chief Executive Officer
Table of Contents Vol. 40 • No. 3
Calendar 14-15 Federation 2, 3, 9, 13, 25, 28 Legacy 22 Women's Philanthropy 2, 6, 25 Young Adults 22 Have a Nosh 27 Holiday Ads 21 Jewish Family Service 4, 19 Schools 24 Simchas & Classifieds 26 Temples 14 Tolerance Education Center 19 Tributes 16 2 • JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org
did not know previously but heard from others during shiva calls. We stood in solidarity with his parents as their son was also a son of Israel and our son, too. We were one Jewish community. We were gathered together with a common thread – a commitment to Israel and the Jewish people. The large number of young women in attendance assures us that the Jewish Federations’ critical work at home and around the world will continue. Now, having returned home, I shall take the energy from this extraordinary conference to tackle the many local issues that confront us here in our desert. Our 2015 annual campaign has officially begun. Please join me in making a difference.
From the CEO
Fact Finding Trip to Israel Bruce Landgarten Jewish Federation Chief Executive Officer
In May I spent 5 days in Israel. Traveling with Allan Nyman, Past Federation President and current Board member, the purpose of the trip was threefold: to revisit sites and projects we have supported, experience new projects to be considered in the future, and to scope out options for our Federation’s 2015 Community Mission. As is always the case when going to Israel, the visit was much, much more. Our community’s focus over the past decade has been in the Negev, and it is always special to spend the time with our partners Shmulik Rifman, Mayor of Ramat HaNegev, Raz Arbel and Eran Doron. This included a cornerstone laying ceremony for a pre-school learning center in Kadesh Barnea and dedication of a therapeutic workroom at the Zin Elementary School which our Federation has helped underwrite. Each time I visit I want to really take advantage of the opportunity to get questions answered and become more knowledgeable in the areas from previous visits. And I did! We spent time with the founders of the OR Movement , Roni Flamer, Co-Founder and CEO and Ofir Fisher, Co-Founder and CDO, and observed the tremendous impact of our support in Merhaz Am and Eliav, the communities we have funded. We have always valued the level of commitment and dedication at
the OR Movement as you rarely see coupled with such professionalism in the non-profit world. OR Movement has entered into its second decade of development initiatives in the Negev and Galilee so that they will become independent and thriving centers for life, transforming them into a magnet for new population and an engine for national growth. Another dynamic was that we were able to get a glimpse of life through the eyes of Bedouin’s which opened my eyes! Seeing first-hand as we chatted over tea in their home in the middle of the Desert…..no electricity, no running water…no typical comfort we enjoy in our lives. I was thrilled to see the synergy between the Ramat HaNegev Regional Council and a group of about 160 Bedouins. This is an exception, but a real beginning of hope that this could happen throughout the Negev. Allan and I scoped out new and exciting options for our 2015 Israel mission. After Allan and I met with Ramat HaNegev young families in their home, we are convinced that
Top: Dedication of therapeutic classroom at Zin Elementary School. Second Row: Signing documents to go into cornerstone time capsule for kindergarten in Kadesh Barnea. Second Row Right: Visiting the West Bank with the IDF. Third Row: Having coffee with a Bedouin in the Negev.
journey that impacts not only those of us who are visiting Israel but also, I’m quite certain, the Israelis with whom we met. It would sound cliché to say the trip will change life. But when you visit Israel with a group of smart, generous, and committed people it will change you. Whenever I return home from Israel, many people have asked, “What was your favorite part? What did you love the best? What place was the most spectacular?” Such questions are impossible to answer. Seeing the impact of our support throughout Israel and the Negev, stepping into the warm Mediterranean Sea, viewing the memorials at Yad Vashem, touching the dovecotes at Masada, traveling underneath the old city into the Western Wall Tunnels, walking to the Kotel at sunset on Shabbat, meeting so many fascinating, incredible people . . . there can be no one favorite – everything is a favorite! I can’t wait to return to Israel. Each trip reinforces the importance of our work and our commitment. I see first-hand how we are making a difference. We are people helping people and Jews supporting Jews in this extraordinary land of our past, present and future … Israel.
our next mission will offer travelers the opportunity to see Israel through the eyes of Israelis, each with their own story of how they ended up living where they live and doing what they do. One of the primary purposes of our community missions is to give individuals who support our Federation’s annual campaign the opportunity to see exactly where their dollars are making a difference in Israel. But it is so much more than that. The experience always turns out to be a rich, inspiring, enlightening JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 3
In 2014, France is New Top Source of Immigrants to Israel Jewish Agency’s French Office Head Blames anti-Semitic Climate for Uptick in Aliya By AFP & JTA
More Jews have left France for Israel so far this year than any other country, blaming a “climate of anti-Semitism.” “France is today the leading country for Jewish emigration to Israel. It has never been before,” said Ariel Kandel, head of the French office of the Jewish Agency for Israel. Kandel cited figures from the Israeli integration minister showing that, as of August 31, 2014, 4,566 Jews had left France for Israel this year. This was ahead of Ukraine (3,252), Russia (2,632) and the United States (2,218). “We will get close to 6,000 departures from France in 2014,” added Kandel. He cited a “climate of anti-Semitism that is losing its taboo” as well as economic difficulties in France, which is suffering from zero growth and record high unemployment.
A rise in antiSemitism this summer came during Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza. Even before the latest Israel-Gaza war, community leaders said antiSemitism levels had reached w o r r i s o m e Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky and Minister of Immigration and Absorption Sofa Landver pose with a family from France, who dimensions and immigrated to Israel in July 2014 were spurring on “Our lives have become absurd,” record levels of Jewish emigration out commented Nicole Yardeni, the head of France. From January 1 to June 30, of the local branch of the CRIF umbrella Israel saw the arrival of 2,830 new group of French Jewish communities. immigrants from France — nearly a “We endure daily insults and get spat 250-percent increase over the 811 on, a general feeling of anxiety because French immigrants who arrived in a part of the population has a poisoned Israel in the corresponding period in mind that makes it their mission to hurt 2013. Jews, regardless of Gaza.”
JEWISH COMMUNITY NEWS A Publication of the Jewish Federation of the Desert VOL. 40, No. 3
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.
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Germany to Provide Funds to Nazis' Child Victims By David Rising, Associate Press
The German government has agreed to provide additional financial assistance for child survivors of the Holocaust, who are suffering increasing problems associated with malnutrition and psychological trauma when they were young. The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany said the agreement reached with the Finance Ministry late Wednesday would provide one-time payments of 2,500 euros ($3,280) for Jewish children who were in concentration camps, ghettos or spent at least six months in hiding. The Claims Conference didn't say how many might be affected, but it's thought that tens of thousands of survivors might qualify for the payments. The Finance Ministry on Thursday confirmed the agreement but refused to provide further details. Claims Conference executive vice president Greg Schneider said
Jewish children survivors had to endure serious undernourishment, sometimes for years, among other physical harm. Some were witness to "unimaginable atrocities." "A range of injurious experiences has had a cumulative effect ... resulting in late-onset problems that are only now manifesting as physical and psychological symptoms in the survivors' advanced age," Schneider said in a statement. Because so many survivors lost most, if not all, relatives in the Holocaust, many lack support in their old age. The agreement, which still has to be approved by the German Parliament but isn't expected to meet any political resistance, will provide the one-time payment for special psychological and medical care to Nazi victims born Jan. 1, 1928 or later. That would have made them at oldest 11 at the start of the war, and 17 by its end.
The payment would come in addition to any other compensation they have received, and the fund is expected to become operational January 1, 2015. In total, Germany has paid around 70 billion euros ($95 billion) in compensation for Nazi crimes, primarily
to Jewish survivors. Compensation has evolved continuously since Germany agreed in 1952 to make payments, with annual negotiations between the Claims Conference and the German government on who should receive funds and how much will be paid.
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Women's Philanthropy Council Tina Friedman Joins Federation as New Development/ Women’s Philanthropy Director On September 11, 2014, Bruce Landgarten, CEO, Jewish Federation of the Desert, announced the appointment of Tina Friedman as the Federation’s new Development/ Women’s Philanthropy Director. Her selection is the result of an extensive search over the summer. She will begin work on October 27th. Ms. Friedman brings with her an impressive background in sales and marketing. She has been the Assistant Executive Director for Planning & Administration at the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester (New York). In this role she has directed the Federation’s allocations process as well as supervising staff, programs and activities offered through their Jewish Education Services,
Community Relations, Hillel College Services, and Center for Holocaust Awareness and Information departments. Tina directs all programs and activities related to Partnership2Gether and the community’s relationship with the people of Modi’in, Israel. All this in addition to fundraising related to the Federation’s mission to “enrich the quality of life” for Jews at home, in Israel and around the world through financial resource development, planning, education, community
relations, and volunteer recruitment and training. Prior to arriving in Rochester, she served as Director of Community Relations (1995-2008) and community missions’ lead professional for the Jewish Federation of San Diego County. She is married to Dr. Noah Friedman, a physician with Kaiser Permanente, and is the proud mother of two daughters, Aliza (a graduate of UC Santa Barbara – and the Simon Business School University of Rochester – and a former JDC Service Corps fellow in Mumbai, now living and working in Boston), and Mirit (a senior majoring in environmental sciences in the College of Natural Resources at UC Berkeley). In announcing the appointment,
Landgarten commented “I'm convinced that our Federation is going to be a great match for her skills and experience. She clearly matches the qualities that I look for in a professional. I’m looking forward to seeing her help our leadership grow. She has a high level of care, concern and compassion for others. I’m certain she will find her work here to be rewarding, challenging, and meaningful. We look forward to an eventful and productive future of working together with her and seeing to it that Jewish lives are enhanced in our community and worldwide. Please join me in welcoming Tina to our Federation family.”
IDF Col. (Res.) Miri Eisin WP Education Day Speaker
Women's Philanthropy is bringing Colonel Miri Eisin to speak for the December 8th WP Education Day. Miri Eisin served in the Israeli intelligence community, retiring from active duty in the Israel Defense Force in 2004 with the rank of full colonel. Over her twenty year career in the military she served as the deputy head of the combat intelligence corps, assistant to the director of Military intelligence and as the intel officer in combat units and research departments. Miri is a member of the small group of women to achieve the rank of colonel in the Israeli Military (less than 2 %). After leaving the IDF she was
appointed as the Israeli government spokesman during the s e c o n d Lebanon war and then took the position of the Israeli Prime Minister’s international media advisor. She served in that position until December 2007. She is an articulate, engaging and compelling speaker, and continues to be Israel's face and voice presenting Israel's case to the media worldwide.
L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu 6 • JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org
JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 7
Former Mossad Chief: There are Signs of Support for Islamic State in Israel The Jerusalem Post
Israel should be with the possibility that its own citizens will potentially volunteer to join the terrorist group Islamic State, former Mossad chief Efraim Halevy warned on September 7, 2014. Speaking during an interview with Army Radio, Halevy said Israeli-Arabs
volunteering for the group pose a greater threat than the possibility of the organization threatening Israel's borders. "There are signs of sympathy for the Islamic State among Israeli citizens," Halevy told Army Radio. "When a backdrop of sympathy exists, there are
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8 • JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org
usually some who cross over to wider action." He said a similar process "occurred in western Europe and could already be happening here." He said Israel must also keep an eye out for Islamic State activity in Jordan and Gaza, "despite the fact that in Gaza there is already an effective actor in the struggle against Islamic State - Hamas." Islamic State, fighting to redraw the map of the Middle East, has been coaching Egypt's most dangerous militant group, complicating efforts to stabilize the biggest Arab nation. Confirmation that Islamic State, currently the most successful of the region's jihadi groups, is extending its influence to Egypt will sound alarm bells in Cairo, where the authorities are already facing a security challenge from home-grown militants. A senior commander from the Sinai-based Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, which has killed hundreds of members of the Egyptian security forces over the past year, said Islamic State has provided instructions on how to operate more effectively. "They teach
us how to carry out operations. We communicate through the internet," the commander, who asked to remain anonymous, told Reuters. "They don't give us weapons or fighters. But they teach us how to create secret cells, consisting of five people. Only one person has contact with other cells." Militant groups and the Egyptian state are old foes. Some of al-Qaida's most notorious commanders, including its current leader Ayman al-Zawahri, are Egyptian. One Egyptian president after another has crushed militant groups but they have always resurfaced. The success of Islamic State in seizing large parts of Syria and Iraq has raised concerns in Egypt, where authorities are battling Ansar as well as militants who have capitalized on the chaos in post-Gaddafi Libya to set up over the border. Islamic State became the first jihadi group to defeat an Arab army in a major operation after steamrolling through northern Iraq in June almost unopposed by the Iraqi military.
Todah Rabbah. Thank you Thank you to everyone who gave to the
“Stop the Sirens” Emergency Campaign. As of going to press, our Federation has received 239 gifts totaling $115,374.00. Thank you to everyone who realized that while we could not silence the sirens, we could help mitigate their impact on Israelis living under fire. Thank you to these additional individuals and families who sent in funds since the September issue of the JCN.
Ron and Marlene Caudill Phyllis Eisenberg Mollie Gole Frances Katz
Judd and Katherine Malkin Dr. Barry Mantell and Shelley Miller-Mantell Cookie Miller
HADASSAH HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA Sunday, November 9, 2014
Herbert and Marilyn Radosh Susan Recht
Wishing You a Happy New Year JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 9
Jerusalem College of Technology Launches Program to Train Orthodox Men to Become Nurses By Renee Ghert-Zand, The Times of Israel
A new academic nursing program for religious Jewish men will launch this fall in Jerusalem in an effort to bring more Haredim in to the Israeli workforce, and to address a serious shortage in qualified nurses. The Jerusalem College of Technology program will be the first to train Orthodox men to enter the female-dominated field, and it will do so in accordance with halacha, or Jewish law. Israel lags behind many Western countries when it comes to number of nurses per capita. Israel has 49.7 nurses for every 10,000 residents. France has 93 nurses per 10,000 people; Britain, 94.7; United States, 98.2; and Germany, 113.8.
Israel’s situation is more similar to those found in countries such as Oman, Egypt and Malaysia. And traditionally, far more women Dr. Chaya go into nursing Greenberger than men — but that is changing. “Only 20 percent of nurses in Israel are men, but the stigma associated with men becoming nurses is diminishing,” said Dr. Chaya Greenberger, dean of the JCT Health and Life Sciences Department. “Nurses have more responsibility today. Nursing is a desirable,
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honorable profession, and we wanted to give an opportunity to religious men to join it,” she said. The fouryear Bachelor in Science in Nursing program, which is geared toward men from both the ultra-Orthodox and national religious sectors, is attracting applicants in their late 20s and 30s, many of whom had prior interest in the medical field. Shaul (who does not want his last name revealed), a 34 year old Orthodox yeshiva student from Jerusalem, has applied to be accepted to the nursing program. In addition to studying Talmud and checking tefillin and mezuzas, he has been riding along in an ambulance as a volunteer once a week for the past two years. “I would have liked to have gone to medical school, but it’s not really a realistic option for me now.” He has found volunteering with the ambulance service fulfilling and expects to enjoy nursing. “It’s the closest thing to being a doctor, and it’s at the top of my list in terms of suitable occupations, given my interest and skills in the life sciences.” Like JCT’s nursing program for women, this new program for men will be closely supervised by the Schlesinger Institute for MedicalHalachic Research at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, with rabbis (led by physician-rabbi Mordechai Halperin) supervising and advising on Jewish law issues. “Ethical issues will be attended to the way they should be,” said Greenberger. “But we are not reinventing the wheel with this program. We have the same rabbinic supervision in place for our 600-student nursing program for women.” In accordance with JCT’s practices, only male teachers will lecture to
the male students in the classroom. On the other hand, administrative staff and clinical staff, as well as the program’s director, will be women. The separation of the sexes practiced by Orthodox Jews is obviously an issue, but according to Greenberger, it is possible to train religious Jews to provide nursing services to patients of the opposite gender. “There is no difference in training a male nursing student than a female one when it comes to shomer negia (the prohibition against men touching women and vice versa),” Greenberger said. Orthodox male students will be exempt from studying nursing as it pertains to labor and delivery. “Training is one thing, but of course, once someone is a nurse, if it is a matter of pikuah nefesh [life or death], then you do it.” “It’s not just the male-female thing” that rabbis would need to weigh in on, Greenberger said. “There’s that, but there are also issues relating to abortion, feeding tubes, ending life support and everything in between that have to be considered in terms of Jewish law.” Greenberger expects to enroll 50 students in the first cohort of the program to train male nurses. She is confident that JCT can teach men to be nurses without violating halacha. “Of course, there is no question that some rabbis would tell young religious men to go find another profession, but there is a real need for male nurses to tend to religious men,” she said. “I know my interest in becoming a nurse will raise some eyebrows,” said Shaul, who is not deterred. “There is a huge shortage of nurses, especially religious male nurses who can treat patients according to their religious comfort level.”
Anti-Semitism Growing More Virulent on U.S. College Campuses By Jeremy Ginsberg
I am a Fourth Year Student at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and President of Gauchos United for Israel (formerly known as American Students for Israel). Also this year I am a Fellow for the Committee for the Accuracy in Middle Eastern Reporting in America (CAMERA). On my campus, as on university campuses across the United States, Students for Justice in Palestine have been gaining support at an alarming rate and we are bracing for an even more difficult year ahead. Operation Protective Edge, the 51 day defense of Israel, is still fresh in the minds of most of the world, with Israel
repeatedly portrayed in the media as the world’s ruthless aggressor, despite Hamas firing almost 4,000 rockets into Israel and using their own people as human shields, journalists being beheaded by ISIS, 100,000+ Syrians being killed by their government in the past 3 years, and Russia just successfully testing a nuclear device in plain sight of the world. Trouble for Jewish students got underway even before the start of classes. At an orientation event in late August, a pro-Israel student at Temple University in Philadelphia (a CAMERA fellow that I had met at our annual conference in July) was punched in the face by a member of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and called a “baby killer,” “Zionist pig,” and “kike.”
pro-Israel student community is expanding and has banded together both on and off campus, and it shows. We are producing new ideas, fostering dialogue, creating campaigns and becoming more efficient. We know there will be problems, but we are ready. "Mock die" at UC Irvine At UCSB we have scheduled events Last year at UCSB, as President of beginning three weeks before school Gauchos United we fought our second starts, have activated a social media divestment battle amidst an increase campaign and pro-Israel signs are being in anti-Semitic confrontations. We are ordered. With ever increasing help bracing for even more confrontations and cooperation from organizations this year, which we are already seeing such Hasbara Fellowships, CAMERA, around the country. The good news is StandwithUS, Hillel, and many others, that our Jewish students are stronger I am confident that this year, although and more unified then ever. Although complicated, will be one where the organizations of students who support pro-Israel voice will be better heard Israel have always loosely worked through our united effort defending together, in the past three years the Israel.
L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu
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11 Top Israeli Inventions to Treat, Seal and Heal Wounds By Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel 21c
Exciting new methods for treating, cleaning, sealing and healing wounds of all types are constantly being developed in Israel and introduced to the global healthcare community. Here are 11 of the most innovative and useful wound-care products recently introduced to the market or in advanced clinical-trial stages, listed in alphabetical order. 1. Aid-Tec
disinfects and even kills cancer cells. The product is close to market and will likely be marketed first as an alternative for Cesarean section incisions.
3. CureXcell Macrocure, one of six Israeli companies that had a Wall Street IPO last summer, developed CureXcell as a therapy for treating severe wounds using white blood cells from donor blood. Clinical trials have shown CureXcell results in a 90 percent reduction in infections among patients with deep wounds. Currently for sale only in Israel, CureXcell is expected to be manufactured and marketed in the United States following advanced clinical trials. Aid-Tec smart bandages
This smart adhesive bandage, recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has a patented breakable capsule that releases a multi-compound therapeutic substance onto the sterile pad. The line of waterproof bandages offers varieties that come with an anticoagulant, an antibiotic, an antifungal, a wart remover or a corn remover. The company, based in Ramat Gan and in New Jersey, manufactures and sells the bandages in the United States.
4. Emergency Bandage Also called “The Israeli Bandage,” this first-aid item from First Care Products was invented by a former combat medic and has come to be used widely around the globe. The bandage features a unique built-in pressure bar to stop bleeding and was credited with saving the lives of many U.S. servicemen in Iraq, as well as Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
5. Gordian 2-in-1 Trocar A trocar is used in laparoscopic surgery to open abdominal access ports for surgical instruments. The problem is that these ports are timeconsuming for surgeons to close. Gordian Surgical’s novel trocar and closure device opens the port and then seals it shut when withdrawn. The company has three U.S. patents and is doing validation and verification studies prior to applying for FDA and BioWeld1 seals incisions CE approval in 2015. The global trocar with cold plasma market is valued at $1.2 billion.
2. BioWeld1 IonMed developed this unique device to seal surgical incisions using cold plasma gas. Ionized particles in plasma have been shown to weld human tissue in a way that causes little or no scarring, controls bleeding, enhances tissue repair,
6. Jetox Jetox lavage systems byTavTech clean and debride wounds effectively and
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gently, using a patented technology based on aviation engineering principles. The disposable systems use compressed oxygen combined with saline solution, pressurizing the air to high velocities through a nozzle that breaks the accelerated liquid into micro-droplets. It has been in use for several years in North America, Mexico and parts of Europe. 7. LifeBond
LifeBond’s mesh
Formulated originally by two Israeli biomedical engineers for sealing complex shrapnel wounds by mimicking late-stage blood coagulation, LifeBond is in advanced clinical trials in Israel and Europe for sealing any surgical incision along the staple lines. CEO Gideon Sturlesi tells ISRAEL21c he hopes to launch LifeBond in the European market next year. Also in the company’s pipeline is a unique self-fixating hernia mesh made of biosurgical material. 8. NexoBrid
Seal-V reinforces sutures in vascular surgery.
Introduced on the European market last year, MediWound’s enzyme
treatment, NexoBrid, is formulated for non-traumatic, non-surgical removal of dead or damaged tissue (eschar) in adults with deep thermal burns. A pediatric study in Europe is starting soon. MediWound is also testing Escharex, a product for debriding chronic wounds such as foot ulcers. 9. Seal-V Inspired by algae, this vascular surgery adhesive from Sealantis is launching in Europe and soon in Israel. The product reduces blood loss by mechanically sealing areas of potential leakage in surgical reconstruction of large blood vessels such as arteries. It can be used for other types of surgery as well. 10. SilverStream EnzySurge develops innovative aqueous solutions to remove debris and foreign material from chronic or acute wounds. Its first product, SilverStream, has been on the market in the U.S., Israel and India since the beginning of 2013 for cleaning chronic wounds and burns. SilverStream is the only liquid on the market with antimicrobial silver ions to kill germs on contact. It also fights biofilm and contains a soothing agent. 11. TopClosure This trauma-management system for mass-casualty situations allows for temporary wound closure to avoid further damage and contamination to the injured tissues until the injury can be evaluated and treated. It consists of two attachment plates with adhesive on their underside, and an approximation strap that gets inserted into the first and then second plate to secure the wound edges. TopClosure is CE- and FDA-cleared, and is headed to the worldwide market with an emphasis on hand and orthopedic use.
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Save the dates Yom HaShoah Sunday, April 27
Yom Ha’atzmaut Sunday, May 4
We believe that no child should go to bed hungry. That every senior in our community has the right to live with dignity. And that all Jews should be able to live without fear of persecution – anywhere in the world. That’s why the Jewish Federation’s annual fundraising campaign is so important. With your support we can help people in need, rescue people in danger and keep our Jewish community vibrant and strong. Together we can do extraordinary things to make the world a better place.
JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE DESERT 69-710 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 324-4737
L’Shanah Tovah Happy New Year
Happy Purim
We Believe In Each Other
s, munity New m o C h is We’ve w f the Je ide County! rs e Together We Do ExtraordinaryDThings iv R ear Friends o d n a ve y nd informati chella Valle a a o g C in g st in re rv te se in n er Caring ish newspap unity News a for the The only Jew make The Jewish Comm unity. to mm Vulnerable worked hard Jewish world for our co in our e th onthly paper m ty li a u window of q nd a s cognized a er can be fou r re p a w sp o n w e is n s e w e th as ou ommunity N than 7,000 subscribers, rea, as well A rt se e The Jewish C D re d o n Springs a ing areas. We have m community. and Synagogues in Palm throughout the surround onal Jewish d ati les in the Temp s racks locate blend of local and intern orts with an w e n d n a Partnering with s, e u cie eff Israel & Overseas partner agen Jewish News and its uniq ry, please support our ta e n h e T y ve comm If you enjo nd provocati 5 or more. a s re tu a fe news, ! n of $2 tary donatio wish people n Je lu e o th v l Celebrating h a it u w n an lidarity Jewish Life essage of so m e th st a c d ue to broa below, or by n ti ss n re o c d d s a u e lp th He n to your donatio g in d n se y b rt . HANDlE WITH CAREPlease show your suppow w.jfedps.org w t a e n li n o contributing
HUNGER DOESN’T DISCRIMINATE
Campaign 2014 FRAgIlE:
There still are many people in our own community who are forced to choose between paying the rent and putting food on the table. Our special Tzedakah fund is increasingly being asked to intervene with families in crisis and fund emergencies. There is so much more that needs to be done. help us to be the community’s safety net. help us ensure that no one is turned away. support the 2014 annual Campaign. Thanks to your generosity, the jewish federation will continue to make a difference in the lives of our people.
Happy Passover
Thank you,
Every day, thousands of elderly Jews here at home, in Israel and around the world are fed, sheltered and given the care and love they deserve. From emergency financial assistance to medical care to transportation, with your help we can provide Jewish seniors with the help they need to live with dignity.
This Chanukah, help us share the light with everyone, young and old.
This Chanukah,
be the light
in someone’s life
Honor Roll Pages 18-25
Chanukah brings light into our lives at the dark time of year. And when you make a donation to the Jewish Federation of the Desert, you share that light with those who need it most right now. Give so that emergency funds are there for a desperate family. Assure hot meals are delivered to a homebound elderly woman. Give a young child a Jewish book. Your gift to Federation does all of that and more. Be the light at www.jfedps.org.
Ensuring a Jewish Future for Our Children
Together we can ensure that community programs and activities that build Jewish identity remain vibrant and shining. And we can fight poverty, hunger and despair right now. Share the light. Donate. Volunteer. Make a difference.
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
arten Bruce Landg e Officer tiv Chief Execu
A hailstorm of ping pong balls? Why not? Jewish families are always creating new ways to bring the Passover story to life. But our core values do not change. As we sit at our Seders and recall our people’s transition from slavery to freedom, we must take to heart the words from the Hagaddah, “Kol dichfin yeitei v’yeichol — let all who are hungry, come and eat,” and remember that there are Jews in our community and around the world who are hungry and desperately need the help that funds from our annual Federation Campaign provide. As you eat the matzah and drink the wine, remember those who are hungry and make the commitment to help. Your donation will make a difference.
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. Morning Minyan on hiatus. Resumes in November.
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 760-325-0774 www.chabadpalmsprings.com Shabbat services Friday/Saturday; daily morning and evening minyan.
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 760-770-7785 www.chabadrm.com Shabbat services Friday/10 am Saturday; daily morning and evening minyan.
CONGREGATION HAR-EL (Member, Union for Reform Judaism) Rabbi Richard Zionts 47-535 Hwy 74, Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-779-1691 harelurj@aol.com 5 pm Friday evening Kabbalat Service, followed by speaker or discussion.
CONGREGATION SHALOM BAYIT (Reform) Rabbis Larry and Linda Seidman 1320 Williams Ave., Banning Contact 951-769-3678/769-7514 Shabbat Service 3rd Friday/ Havdallah 1st Saturday evening.
Kol Nidre Yom Kippur Erev Sukkot Sukkot Shemini Atzeret/Yizkor Erev Simchat Torah Simchat Torah
Friday, October 3 Saturday, October 4 Wednesday, October 8 October 9-15 Thursday (AM) October 16 Thursday (PM) October 16 Friday, October 17
Desert Hot Springs
TEMPLE SINAI
Monthly Friday Shabbat Service Rosh Hashanah through May. October 3/4 Yom Kippur services at Mission Lakes Country Club. Contact 760-324-4737 for more information.
TEMPLE ISAIAH
(Conservative) Rabbi Sally Olins 332 West Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-325-2281 www.templeisaiahps.com 7:30 pm Friday/10 am Saturday Shabbat Services; morning minyan Mondays & Thursdays 8:30 am. Bar Mitzvah of Noah Reef on October 25th.
(Reform) Interim Rabbi: Rabbi Andrew Bentley 73-251 Hovley Lane West, Palm Desert. 760-568-9699 www.templesinaipd.org 7:30 pm Friday/10 am Saturday Shabbat Services Bar Mitzvah of Aaron Hoffman on October 18th.
BIKUR CHOLIM
A project of Chabad of Palm Springs & Desert Communities (Community Outreach) Rabbi Yankel Kreiman www.BikurCholimPS.com 760-325-8076
October Community Calendar Wednesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 10:00 am and 1:30 pm Tolerance Education Center free movies. See page 19 for October movie schedule. Monday, October 6 7-8 pm Chabad of Rancho Mirage Conquering Everest:
Spiritual Mountain Climbing. Wednesday, October 8 Chabad of Rancho Mirage Dinner in the Sukkah. Space limited. RSVP to 760-770-7785. Friday, October 10-Sunday, October 12
14 • JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org
Tolerance Education Center Transgender Film Festival. See page 19 for details. Tuesday, October 14 11 am Tolerance Education Center screening of “Escape From a Nazi Death Camp.” No charge. See page 19.
Tuesday, October 14 5-7 pm Chabad of Rancho Mirage Weekly Community BBQ begins for the season. Reservations appreciated. 760-770-7785. Wednesday, October 15, 22, 29 4:00-5:30 pm Har-El Galen Trimester Course “The
October Community Calendar Continued Emergence of Worldwide Anti-Semitism: Past Present & Future - What Does It Mean to You and Me?” Instructor: Rabbi Richard Zionts. Fee. Call or email for information and to register: 760-779-1691 or harelurj@gmail.com. Friday, October 17 4:00 pm Tolerance Education Center Cabaret Series Event: Vicki Knight sings old favorites. $20. Reservations recommended. 760-3288252. See page 19. Monday, October 20 10:30-11:45 am Har-El Galen Trimester Book Course. October’s book: “The List” by Martin Fletcher, reviewed
by Bob Schneeweiss. Fee. Call or email for information and to register: 760-779-1691 or harelurj@gmail.com.
by Stephen J. Dubner. Discussion led by Fran Lubens. Call 760-200-3636 for information.
Monday, October 20, 27 6:30 pm Chabad of Rancho Mirage Men’s Talmud Class given by Rabbi Benny Lew. For more information call 760-636-2897 or rabbibenny@chabadrm.com.
Sunday, October 26 2:00 pm Temple Sinai Town Hall Forum. Guest speaker: Senator Barbara Boxer. No charge. See ad page 5.
Tuesday, October 21 11:00 am Temple Sinai Sisterhood Book Club. Thursday, October 23 4:00 pm Beth Shalom Book Club discussion “Turbulent Souls: A Catholic Son’s Return to His Jewish Family”
Sunday, October 26 4:00 pm Temple Isaiah Cabaret Afternoon: Shelley Fisher in the one-woman musical play “The Hebrew Hillbilly.” $30. Reservation hotline: 760-844-7305. See ad page 10.
Monday, October 27 10 am-noon Hadassah Desert Area “Hadassah on Tour” Event. Hadassah Hospital Orthopaedic Trauma Physician Dr. Ram Mosheiff, “Stem Cell Regeneration.” $18. See ad page 11. Tuesday, October 28 11:00 am Temple Sinai Sisterhood Luncheon Thursday, October 30 4:00 pm Tolerance Education Center Cabaret Series Event: Back by popular demand: Ken Green. $20. Reservations recommended. 760-3288252. See page 19.
Fijian UN Peacekeepers Held by Al-Qaida Affiliate in Syria Released in Golan Jerusalem Post Online
United Nations peacekeepers were released by Syrian rebels on September 11th, crossing into Israeliheld territory on the Golan Heights. A UN spokesman said all 45 Fijians, who had been held by al-Qaidabacked Nusra Front fighters for the past two weeks, had been released. They went on to say that “all 45 peacekeepers are in good condition and will proceed back to Camp Foar for medical assessment." The Fijians were kidnapped last month by Islamist fighters battling the Syrian army after the militants overran a crossing point in the so-called disengagement zone that the UN peacekeeping mission, known as UNDOF, has monitored since 1974. The cease-fire line was agreed after a 1973 Arab-Israeli war. On September 10th the Nusra Front posted a video on its Twitter and YouTube accounts in which the hostages, from the South Pacific nation of Fiji, said they expected to
be freed soon. The head of Fiji's army said the Islamist militant group had dropped all of its demands to free the 45 hostages, but at least slightly back-pedaled later in the day as the situation appeared to deteriorate. It was unclear whether the video, carried by the SITE monitoring service, was made before or after the confusion surrounding those comments, but a UN source earlier told Reuters that the militants had insisted on such a video as a condition for the peacekeepers' release. "We are all safe and alive, and
we thank Jabhat al-Nusra for keeping us safe and keeping us alive. I'd like to assure you that we have not been harmed in any way," one hostage, who was not identified, said, using the Nusra Front's full name. "We understand that with the limited resources that they have, they have provided the best for us and we truly appreciate it and we thank them. We are thankful that Jabhat al-Nusra has kept its word and that we will be going home." Syria's three-year civil war reached the frontier with Israel last month when Islamist fighters overran a crossing point in the line that has separated Israelis from Syrians in the Golan Heights since a 1973 war. The fighters then turned on the UN peacekeeping force that has patrolled the ceasefire line for 40 years. After the Fijians were captured, more than 70 Filipinos spent two days besieged at two other locations before reaching
safety. The Nusra Front had demanded compensation for fighters killed during the confrontation, humanitarian assistance for its supporters and its removal from the UN list of terrorist organizations. Qatar, one country in the Middle East thought by the United States to have influence with the Islamist militant group, said Fiji had formally requested its assistance in freeing the hostages. U.S. officials have said that Qatar played a critical role in persuading the Nusra Front to free American journalist Peter Theo Curtis last month, whom the front had been holding hostage since 2012. Since independence from Britain in 1970, Fiji has sent more soldiers on UN peacekeeping missions than any other nation, on a per capita basis, which provides its stalled economy with much-needed hard currency and helps to bolster its global standing.
JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 15
Tribute Card Donations Sending tributes and memorials is a meaningful way to honor loved ones.
Honorarium Tributes –
In Appreciation For:
• Dr. and Mrs. Ric Conen, Thank you for a wonderful afternoon and evening, from Marnie Miller and Joe Noren. • Suzanne Feder, Happy birthday wishes from Judy and Marty Cohn. • Helene Galen and Jamie Kabler, Thank you for your hospitality, from Margie and Steven Kulp. • Mr. and Mrs. Norman Libman, Thank you for a wonderful afternoon and evening, from Marnie Miller and Joe Noren. • Barbara Marx, Congratulations on your big birthday, from Barbara Platt. • Steve Moyer, Happy 70th birthday, from Barbara and Chuck Hand, and Patricia Schnetzer. • Larry Novack, In honor of your 80th birthday, from Melinda and Stanley Goodman. • Lila Rauch, Sending you birthday wishes, from Cora and Ted Ginsberg. • Stan and Adrienne Schwartz, Congratulations on your 45th anniversary and Stan’s 70th birthday, from Barbara and Bernie Fromm.
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.
Refuah Shleimah –
Get Well Wishes To:
• Art Arenson, Our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery, from Gail and Bob Scadron. • Arnold Learner, In hopes for your complete and speedy recovery, from Marnie Miller. • Ruth and Mal Kaufman, Wishing you both a speedy recovery, from Margot and Jerry Halperin, Marnie Miller and Joe Noren, Gail and Bob Scadron.
Memoriam Tributes –
Condolences Sent To:
• Brenda Berman and Family, In memory of your mother Jeanette, from Sandra Zide. • Carol Frankel-Cohen, In memory of your beloved Mort, from Pat and Howard Levy, Marnie Miller and Joe Noren. • Harriet Goldberg, In memory of your beloved husband Marvin, from Mary Levine and Alan Goldstein. • Gary Greenwald, Heartfelt condolences in memory of Dr. Conrad Greenwald, from Nancy and Bob Fraiman, Mary Levine and Alan Goldstein and Barbara Platt.
• Loreen Jacobson, In memory of your beloved husband Herb, from Susie and Bob Diamond, Carolyn and Don Shagrin, Elaine and Ted Stein. • Ernest and Harriet Karmin, In memory of your beloved brother Kurt, from Libby and Buddy Hoffman. • Joan Lehr, In memory of your beloved husband Marty, from Mary Levine and Alan Goldstein, Marnie Miller and Joe Noren. • Barbara Levick, In memory of your beloved husband Mark, from Suzanne and Jeffrey Feder, Libby and Buddy Hoffman, Melinda and Stanley Goodman, Mary Levine and Alan Goldstein, Marnie Miller and Joe Noren. • Raye Price, In memory of your beloved husband Jerry, from Anita and Barney Teich. • Peter Samuels and Family, Please accept our sympathies on the loss of your mother, from Pat and Howard Levy. • Goldene Strauss Family, In loving memory of Goldene Strauss, from Lainie and Tom Weil. • The Warshasky Family, Heartfelt condolences go out to the whole family, from Carol Horwich Luber.
L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu
16 • JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org
A Trip to Israel By Michael Fromm
Three weeks ago, Bruce Landgarten, Federation CEO, received an email from Bernie and Barbara Fromm, in which they shared their son Michael’s remarkable narrative about the impromptu visit to Israel in early September, taken by Bernie, Barbara, Michael and Michael’s wife Susan, in the midst of the fighting between Israel and Hamas. What Michael wrote was compelling reading and exceptionally well written. We wanted you to have the opportunity to read his story, but it was simply too long to put into JCN, running over 3500 words. We came up with an idea, received Michael’s permission, and have put the story onto our Federation website. All you have to do is go to www.jfedps.org and click on “Fromm Trip to Israel.” To whet your appetite, the first two paragraphs are below, along with a photograph of (left to right) Bernie, Susan, Michael and Barbara with Colonel Nachum Mandel, Deputy Commander of the Givati Brigade of the IDF. In early August, Susan and I decided to go to Israel. For no reason and for lots of reasons. The Gaza conflict was anguishing on many levels. Every day
it seemed Israel was being unjustly vilified in the media for defending itself against Hamas terrorist attacks. Acts of anti-Semitic violence were being
reported in the U.S. and other western countries with an eerie regularity. Instead of going to the beach, Israeli families spent their summer running back and forth from their homes to bomb shelters, sometimes ten times in a day. Needless to say, the Israeli
tourism industry was virtually defunct. We were frustrated and feeling like there was nothing we could do about it. Except go there. Unbeknownst to us, my parents had reached the exact same conclusion at the exact same time. At 75 and almost 80 years old, jumping on a plane to Israel – during a war no less – is a pretty bad-ass move that can only be motivated by a fierce love for the Jewish state and a natural proclivity for performing acts of chesed (Hebrew: compassion). Frankly, for all four all of us it was instinctive. So we planned a trip together at the end of the month.
JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 17
Archaeologists Uncover Buried Gas Chambers at Sobibor Death Camp By Kacper Pempel, Reuters
Archaeologists working at the site of the Nazi concentration camp at Sobibor, in eastern Poland, say they have uncovered previouslyhidden gas chambers in which an estimated quarter of a million Jews were killed. German forces tried to erase all traces of the camp when they closed it down following an uprising there on October 14, 1943. The Nazis demolished the gas chambers and an asphalt road was later built over the top. Archaeologists excavated beneath the road and have been able to establish how big the chambers were, information they said would help build up a more precise picture of how many people were murdered at the camp. “ We were amazed at the size of the building and the wellpreserved condition of the chamber
walls," said Yoram Haimi, one of the archaeologists. Haimi said two of his own uncles, who had been living in Paris during the war and were rounded up by the Germans, were among those who were killed at Sobibor. The archaeologists said among the personal items they had come across buried in the ground near the gas chambers was a wedding ring which carried the inscription, in Hebrew:
"Behold, you are consecrated unto me." (see photo)
Historians say that because the Germans razed the camp, and because so few of those detained there came out alive to give testimony, there is less information about how Sobibor operated and the scale of the killing than there is for some other concentration camps. Polish archaeologist Wojciech Mazurek, who has also been involved in uncovering the site, said the excavations revealed there were eight gas chambers. "The extermination of people took place there; murder by smoke from an engine that killed everyone within 15 minutes in these gas chambers, in torment." According to Israel's Yad Vashem International Institute for Holocaust Research, the 1943 uprising was organized by Jewish civilians at the camp and Jewish officers in the Soviet army who had been taken prisoner and sent to Sobibor. About 300 people
escaped, but most were caught and killed. Those who did not take part in the break out were also killed. At the end of World War Two, about 50 escapees were left alive. The research project at Sobibor is being carried out in coordination with the Israeli-based Yad Vashem International Institute for Holocaust Research, the German-Polish Foundation, and the Majdanek State Museum, near the Polish city of Lublin.
Severely Injured 12-year-old Arrives in Israel from Damascus on Donkey
Israel 21c Doctors at the country’s northern hospitals are used to middle-of-thenight calls to come and treat wounded Syrians brought across the border for Israeli medical aid. The 12-year-old Syrian boy who arrived in serious condition in mid-September to the IDF border post was the first to make the trek by donkey from Damascus. The boy told Israeli doctors that he sustained serious injuries – to his arms, one of his legs, and loss of vision in his eyes – when a mortar shell exploded near his home in the outskirts of Syria’s capital city. He said his family had initially taken him to a hospital in the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon where doctors amputated his right hand. He was discharged after being administered first aid to his other injuries but said the route home to Syria was blocked by civil fighting. He told doctors that his brother had the idea to seat him on the back of a donkey and cross the Syrian side of Mount Hermon to the 18 • JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org
Israeli border. IDF soldiers transferred the boy to the Ziv Medical Center. “The boy is conscious, he’s still in shock, but he’s communicating with us and understands what happened. His journey here was not an easy one,” said Prof. Alexander Lerner, head of the orthopedic department at the Safed medical center. Lerner said the boy will need to undergo a series of operations. The Israeli medical team is working to save the boy’s other limbs from amputation and “get them to function as much as possible.” The healing process will be a long one, Prof. Lerner said, “but the ultimate goal is to get him walking on his legs again and using his wounded arm. From the few stories we’ve heard so far, it seems we’re talking about a very brave boy who has been through a difficult ordeal and has survived. As such, I’m optimistic and believe that he will once again stand and walk on his own two feet.”
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 show free movies on Wednesdays at 10 am and 1:30 pm
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Help us help seniors by providing companionship to the home bound as a Friendly Visitor. Help us help seniors with transportation needs as a Volunteer Driver. Make a Difference. Contact us now: 760-779-9400 Ext. 204.
OCTOBER Films
October 1: Innocent Voices October 8: My Family (Mi Familia) October 15: Gods and Monsters October 22: The Railway Man October 29: What Dreams May Come
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
In memory of the 71st anniversary of the Sobibor Uprising, TEC will have a free screening of Escape From a Nazi Death Camp – Tuesday, October 14th at 11 am (See related article page 18).
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.
Transgender Film Festival October 10-12 Films • Life Performance • Art Exhibit Friday, October 10 – noon & 7 pm ($10) “Screaming Queens: The Riot at Compton’s Cafeteria” Saturday, October 11 – noon & 7 pm ($10) “Just Call Me Kade”; “Remember Me in Red” & “I’m No Less: A Transgender Story” Saturday, October 11 – 2 pm ($8)
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.
“Self-Made Man” Sunday, October 12 – noon & 2 pm ($10) “The Believers”
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.
Back by popular demand! KEN GREEN “I Believe in Music” Thursday, October 30 – 4 pm $20. Reservations recommended
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.
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.
JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 19
Hollywood Celebrities Show Public Support for Israel By Viva Sarah Press, Israel 21c
Mayim Bialik
Scooter Braun
193 Hollywood celebrities have voiced support for Israel in a new statement calling for ‘a solution that brings peace to the region.’ The Creative Community for Peace and Friends, which released the statement, features the likes of Mayim Bialik, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Minnie Driver, Ziggy Marley, Seth Rogen, Sarah Silverman, Scooter Braun and Sylvester Stallone, among many
Minnie Driver
Ziggy Marley
others, denouncing boycotts against Israel and highlighting the need to stop Hamas from firing rockets at Israeli cities. The statement was released to Hollywood magazines and was meant to run in general newspapers in the U.S. as well. “We may not all share the same politics or the same opinion on the best path to peace in the Middle East. But we do agree that
Seth Rogen
Arnold Schwarznegger
singling out Israel, the only democracy in the region, as a target of cultural boycotts while ignoring the nowrecognized human rights issues of her neighbors will not further peace,” Creative Community for Peace writes on its website. The statement featuring 193 names of producers, actors, directors and musicians says Hamas cannot be allowed “to rain rockets on Israeli
Sarah Silverman
Sylvester Stallone
cities, nor can it be allowed to hold its own people hostage. Hospitals are for healing, not for hiding weapons. Schools are for learning, not for launching missiles. Children are our hope, not our human shields. We join together in support of the democratic values we all cherish and in the hope that the healing and transformative power of the arts can be used to build bridges of peace.”
72% of Palestinian Arabs Support Hamas Military Approach – Want to Use it for Judea-Samaria From Zionist Organization of America
A new poll has shown that a majority of Palestinian Arabs - 72% - support adopting Hamas' military approach, used in Hamas-controlled Gaza to fight Israel, in Judea/Samaria as well. The poll, conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, also found 61% of Palestinian Arabs would choose Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as Palestinian Authority (PA) president if PA presidential elections were held today. Only 32% of Palestinian Arabs would back incumbent Fatah/ PA President Mahmoud Abbas. This shows a huge increase of support for Haniyeh and Hamas over Fatah and
Abbas from June, before the Gaza war, at which time Haniyeh was found to command the support of only 41% of Palestinian Arabs, while Abbas was supported by 53%. The poll also revealed that 79% of Palestinian Arabs believe Hamas won the war and 86% support the renewal of rocket fire on Israel if a blockade on Gaza is not lifted, one of Hamas' main demands. ZOA National President Morton A. Klein said, "We see clearly a number of important insights in these poll results. "First, it is obvious that the Israeli blockade of Gaza -- which was
20 • JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org
necessitated by Palestinian Arab terrorism both before and after Hamas seized Gaza in 2007 from the Fatah/PA -- is not the issue. If it were, why are they not demanding that rockets be fired into Egypt to lift Egypt's similar blockade on Gaza? Why aren't they firing rockets into Egypt. This is about hating the Jews and seeking to destroy the Jewish state, not blockades, restrictions or any other bill of particulars. "Second, we see clearly that Palestinian Arabs, and not just in Gaza, favor terrorism against Israel. These are not meek, hapless civilians; they are violent, terrorism-supporting
enemy civilians. They support the murderous doctrines and terrorism of Hamas. They would have been thrilled if Hamas had managed to use their terror tunnels to carry out mass-casualty, Mumbai-like terror attacks in Israel. The overwhelmingly support indiscriminate attacks upon Israeli civilians -- war crimes "Third, we see that a war that ends with an inconclusive finish, an unsatisfactory ceasefire and without the defeat and disarmament of Hamas, is one that feeds and intensifies Palestinian Arab hatred and terrorism, not peace."
Happy New Year
L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu
May you be blessed with a year of health & happiness
Order your greetings today! Order your A wonderful greetings today! opportunity A wonderfulto wish everyone opportunity to a Happy New Year! wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Heartfelt wishes for a year of peace good health and happiness, especially for good health!
Order your greetings today! A wonderful Order your opportunity to greetings today! Order your wish everyone a Fern & Burt Miller A wonderful greetings today! New Year! Happy
Marcia and Rick Stein
opportunity A wonderfulto wish everyone opportunity to a Happy New Year! wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Dr. Paul and Stephanie Ross
May you be blessed with a year of health & happiness May you be blessed with a year of health & happiness
Wishing You A Sweet Year
Carole Fryer and Family
Bikur Cholim of Palm Springs & Rabbi Yankel & Rochel Kreiman & Family Order your greetings today! A wonderful opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Happy New Year
Chuck & Sheila Bailin & Families
Blessings to our LGBT Brothers & Sisters Bernie Steinberg & Mike Mailhot
Evie Edidin
L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 21
Wearable Tech: This T-Shirt Will Monitor Your Heart and Read Your Vital Signs By David Shamah, The Times of Israel
An Israeli company is one of the first in the world to market with a T-shirt that can read a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac irregularities, and other vital signs that could be the key to preventing heart attacks. Speed is the key — data is generated in real time and reaches the doctor immediately, instead of waiting until the next scheduled exam. And you can throw the special T-shirt in the laundry with the rest of your clothes. HealthWatch debuted its hWear line of 15-lead ECG-sensing garments at the recent annual meeting of the American Telemedicine Association. It allows doctors and medical workers to keep track of a heart condition remotely, without having to hook the patient up to a heart-measuring device in a doctor’s office. It’s made with standard cotton or synthetic yarn, with special electrodes woven in that include extremely thin electrocardiogram sensors that read vital signs and upload them to a monitoring device via Bluetooth or a Wifi connection to a cloud-based database, where the data is processed.
If anything abnormal is detected, the patient’s doctors can be alerted, and a treatment protocol can be instituted right away. “Our hWear T-shirt garments measure the highest quality vital signs all without adhesives, gels, or shaving preparations for both men and women. The garments are machine washable and compatible with most cardiac telemetry systems,” according to Uri Amir, HealthWatch CEO. Currently, the T-shirts are registered with the FDA as Class I devices, but
the company is applying to have them “upgraded” to Class II devices, so they can be used in professional medical settings. Only a few other companies have come out with similar shirts, so HealthWatch is ahead of the curve, said Amir. “The eHealth, TeleHealth, mHealth, and tele-cardiology industries can now deploy intensivecare quality telemonitoring without affecting the lifestyle of their users ranging from patients within a hospital environment, to homecare settings, to heart attack survivors, to the active elderly seeking better coverage of their health, or to users wishing to have direct contact with their expert personal physician from anywhere.” The T-shirts are designed to work with HealthWatch’s MasterCaution sensor reader, which provides realtime alerts to both doctors and patients on cardiac events such as arrhythmia, ischemia, respiratory abnormalities, and sudden patient falls or prolonged immobility. “We are restoring the ‘wear’ into wearable technology,” said Amir. “Unlike other products that report only heart rate, our new
healthwear garment is a true medical device monitoring full 15-lead ECGs along with other physiological vital signals. It will change the future of personal monitoring offering aroundthe-clock peace of mind to users — wherever their lifestyle takes them.” Wearable tech is a hot topic now, so much so that large companies like Intel consider it one of the most important technologies for the coming years. According to Neil Cox of Intel Europe, “We expect 500 million wearables to be sold annually by the end of the decade. To that end, the company recently partnered with Barneys, the New York high-end department store, “to explore and bring to market smart wearable technology, and to increase dialogue and cooperation between the fashion and technology industries,” said Ayse Ildeniz, vice president of business development and strategy at Intel’s New Devices Group. "Our shared vision is to accelerate wearable technology innovation and create products that both enhance peoples’ lives and are desirable to wear.”
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
22 • JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org
The Strength of a People. The Power of Community.
Revolutionary Stem Cell ALS Treatment Begins Advance Trials
BrainStorm’s NurOwn enhanced adult stem cells seem to halt the progression of incurable neurodegenerative diseases. By Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel21c
As the” Ice Bucket Challenge” raises millions for research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an Israeli treatment to ease symptoms and slow the progression of ALS and other incurable neuromuscular diseases is going into Phase 2 clinical trials in three major US medical centers. Petah Tikva-based BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics’ NurOwn platform is based on a technique developed by Profs. Daniel Offen and Eldad Melamed at Tel Aviv University for growing and enhancing stem cells harvested from patients’ own bone marrow. The enhanced cells secrete elevated levels of nerve-growth factors that protect existing motor neurons, promote motor neuron growth and reestablish nerve-muscle interaction. Last June, the publicly traded BrainStorm raised $10.5 million in private investments, and in July it was notified of the allowance of its U.S. patent application. Two initial trials conducted at Jerusalem’s Hadassah University Medical Center led by stem-cell transplant pioneer Dr. Dimitrios Karussis, head of Hadassah’s Multiple
Sclerosis Center, showed promising preliminary results in 24 patients. “We are working on analysis of the data, but we can say there is some positive effect. In some of the parameters there was up to a 60 percent beneficial response after the treatment. We hope in the next three months we will have a paper ready to be published.” The Soldier and the Rabbi Four ALS patients in an advanced stage of disease received NurOwn transplants at Hadassah starting in 2012 as “compassionate use” cases, including Omri Chotam, a former paratrooper in his 20s, and octogenarian sage Rabbi Rafael Shmuelevitz. All four are alive as of this writing. Globally, some 90% of ALS patients die of respiratory failure within three to five years after the onset of symptoms, though a new study shows that in Israel, 20% of ALS patients survive past 10 years, possibly due to earlier diagnosis and treatment. As the disease progresses, patients lose the ability to stand or walk, and have difficulty breathing as the muscles of the respiratory system weaken. “All four had, at least for three to six months, a response of improvement in respiratory function or muscle power,” reports Karussis. ”The most impressive response was in the rabbi, who had a very severe and unique combination of ALS and myasthenia gravis. He improved for about six months substantially, started walking
important thought leaders in the field of ALS,” he notes. In this study approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 36 of the patients will receive NurOwn enhanced stem cells from their own marrow, and 12 will receive a placebo. After the study is completed in early Hadassah Hospital’s Dr. Dimitrios Karussis. 2016, the results will be analyzed for safety and efficacy. and speaking, and then the effects Fiorino says, “This is really a faded and then we did a second platform technology with applications injection and he had even more outside of ALS, though ALS is our impressive improvement. This makes it lead indicator. The cells can apply highly unlikely to be a placebo effect, in any disease where neurons are which is important to note.” dying,” such as multiple sclerosis and Chotam also received two additional Parkinson’s. NurOwn injections through the “There are many companies in compassionate use program, resulting the stem-cell space,” he adds. “What in functional improvements and makes us unique, first of all, is that halting the progression of the disease we’re in the clinical phase. Secondly, for about 18 months now. many others have a ‘shotgun approach’ “According to the data we have, the in which they use early stem cells with treatment makes a beneficial change the potential to turn into differentiated in the progression of the disease. This cells. We have taken our cells and is the first step. Now the US study is converted them into factories that starting, and we are collaborating and pump out growth factors. We know consulting with them,” says Karussis. exactly where we want to use them; “We probably need to improve the there are no mysteries.” protocol to do multiple injections for Fiorino says BrainStorm’s approach the longer term, and find the best way is “highly innovative and proprietary, of administration in each individual and represents a fruitful collaboration patient.” between an Israeli academic BrainStorm CEO Dr. Tony Fiorino institution and an Israeli biotech tells ISRAEL21c that 48 patients will company.” Meanwhile, Karussis is participate in the multicenter, double- starting a large placebo-controlled blind, randomized trial beginning in study with multiple sclerosis patients Massachusetts General Hospital, the at Hadassah, not connected with University of Massachusetts Memorial BrainStorm but also using modified Hospital and the Mayo Clinic. stem cells. “Each of the three sites is headed by
IDF's New Submarine Arriving from Germany
Jerusalem Online INS (Israel Navy Ship) "Crocodile", Israel’s fourth dolphin class submarine, is on its way from Germany to Israel, and when it arrives, it will provide a major boost to the maritime fighting force of the IDF. "The significant change is the ability to stay underwater for a longer period of time," a military source said about the new submarine. "It allows it to do the most of the voyage from Germany under water
without stops, sailing more than 20 days." In 2015 Israel is expecting to receive the fifth submarine and another submarine will arrive a few years later. "The significant difference between INS Crocodile and previous submarines is the possibility to remain underwater for longer periods of time, making it more effective for intelligence missions" the source
explained. The military source added that "additional submarines also increase the Navy’s ability to have several submarines at sea at once, since submarines undergo planned maintenance, so not all of them are in the water at any given time. This allows us to increase the operational capabilities."
JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 23
Shalom
Community Schools 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 Shalom The finest in Jewish Living
24 • JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org
Director: Debbie Midcalf 24 mos - Pre-K 73-251 Hovley Lane West, Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-568-6779
Holiday Food Baskets for DHS Jewish Community
Photographed by Rabbi Kreiman: Standing (second from left) Federation bookkeeper Bebsabe Morrison; (third from left) Federation Board Member Dr. Paul Ross; (fourth from left) Federation Board Member and Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair Stephanie Ross; (fourth from right) Federation CEO Bruce Landgarten; (third from right) Women’s Philanthropy Board Member Brenda Weinstock and (second from right) her husband Roger; and (far right) Women’s Philanthropy Administrative Assistant Linn Menne.
Rabbi Kreiman blowing shofar for month of Elul
CEO Bruce Landgarten helps record the afternoon’s program, seated with Dr. Paul Ross.
Jewish Federation provides a spiritual experience for Jewish senior residents of Desert Hot Springs who have limited ability to affiliate and/or attend a Temple or Synagogue. Rabbi Faith Tessler leads holiday services as well as one Shabbat service each month during the season. Rabbi Yankel Kreiman of Bikur Cholim also visits the DHS community on a regular basis and for years has put on a
Rabbi Kreiman presenting High Holiday program
wonderful Chanukah party for the Jews of that community. In addition, a group of Desert Hot Springs Jewish senior residents have been receiving Holiday Food Baskets. This is the second year that Jewish Federation’s Women’s
Holiday Food Basket Roger Weinstock joins Rabbi Kreiman’s shofar blowing using a plastic shofar
Philanthropy Council has been involved with Rabbi Kreiman in providing the baskets (thanks in part from the support of Tamarisk Golf and Country Club). Women’s Philanthropy is provided with a list of suitable items from Rabbi Kreiman
and then a committee of women puts the bags together. On September 16, 2014 representatives from the WP Council helped deliver the bags to Desert Hot Springs for distribution at a pre-Rosh Hashanah program led by Rabbi Kreiman.
Farmer Makes Porta-Shower for Soldiers By Abagail Klein Leichman, Israel 21c
Tzvika Bitan, a farmer from the Negev, wanted to do something to show his appreciation to the soldiers serving in Operation Protective Edge. The troops had been showered with food, clothing and toiletries by hundreds of goodhearted Israelis, and he decided to give them a unique treat: a real shower. Bitan explained that he and a friend thought about how the soldiers were covered in the dust and sand of the
Tzvika Bitan and his portable shower
Negev, compounded by the sweat
brought on by summer heat. What could they possibly appreciate more than a hot shower? So he and his pal spent a whole night putting together a portable shower. “We finished building it at three in the morning, and in the first three days we managed to provide a shower for more than 850 soldiers,” he said. Every evening he laundered hundreds of towels so they would be ready for the next day, and he
also brought along soap, shampoo, underwear and socks to the base camps. Some of the soldiers told Bitan they hadn’t showered in two weeks. “This shower is the best I’ve ever had,” says a Golani upon emerging from the portable setup. Bitan spent up to eight hours a day transporting the shower to soldiers serving in the tank and artillery corps during Operation Protective Edge.
JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 25
Simchas In last month’s JCN we announced the wedding of Mendy Kreiman, son of Rabbi Yankel and Rochel Kreiman to Chaya Dinerman on August 20th. We just received this lovely photo
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of Mendy and Chaya and are delighted to share it with you ... Mazel tov to Aaron Hoffman, son of Michelle
and Neal Hoffman, on being called to the Torah at Temple Sinai for his Bar Mitzvah on Shabbat Bereshit, October 18, 2014 Mendy and Chaya ... Mazel tov to Kreiman
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Candle Lighting Times Friday, October 3 Wednesday, October 8 Thursday, October 9 Friday, October 10 Wednesday, October 15 Thursday, October 16 Friday, October 17 Friday, October 24 Friday, October 31
Kol Nidre Erev Sukkot 2nd day Sukkot Shabbat Sukkot Shemini Atzeret Simchat Torah Shabbat Bereshit Shabbat Noah Shabbat Lech Lecha
Aaron Hoffman
D e s e r t C h a p t e r o f B ra n d e i s National Committee Showcase 2014 Luncheon: Monday, October 20, 2014 at the Miramonte Resort & Span, Indian Wells. Join us for the opportunity to sign up for our many Learning Opportunities/Study Groups/Special Events. Couvert $38. Registration starts at 9:45 am. For additional information, contact Bailey Rubenstein-Herz (760) 360-5196 / e-mail: itsbaileyr@aol. com. DAVID’S CONSTRUCTION Conscientious licensed, insured, bonded, general contractor. Catering to all your home repair needs. No job too small or big. 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 .
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. COUNSELING Are you anxious and depressed? Is it impacting your life? With over 36-years experience providing therapy for seniors, couples and individuals, GLADYS BECKER, LCSW, can help you with your issues. Medicare provider, other insurances, sliding fee scale if needed. Licensed Social Worker #17882, Board Certified Diplomat. For a confidential assessment, call 760-3204377. Call 760-323-0255 to place your Classified ad today!
Wishing You a Happy New Year 5:47 pm 5:41 pm After 7:04 pm 5:38 pm 5:32 pm After 6:56 pm 5:29 pm 5:21 pm 5:11 pm
We Mourn the Passing of... Lillian Bookin, Morton Cohen, Norman Freedberg, J. Conrad Greenwald, Joel Hochberg, Erin Hyman, Henrietta Kopell and Mark Levick. Our deepest sympathies to their families and friends. May their memories endure for a blessing. 26 • JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org
Noah Reef, son of Deborah Reef, on being called to the Torah at Temple Isaiah for the Bar Mitzvah on Shabbat Noah (!) October 25, 2014 ... Share your Simchas with us. Call or email Miriam Bent at 760-323-0255 or mhbentjcn@earthlink.net.
Laugh out Loud Stories in the news that bring a smile!
WAYWARD IPAD
Answering a complaint from a new mom whose iPad ‘disappeared’ from the maternity ward of Rambam Hospital, security officer Igor Fredkin set about locating the wayward device, but he didn’t need Apple’s GPS app after all. When he asked for the victim’s iPhone, Fredkin noticed the owner’s Instagram app was open. ‘Gorgeous baby,’ he complimented out of courtesy, waving the phone before her nose for emphasis. “That’s not my baby,” she retorted, somewhat dismayed. Turns out the shot of the unfamiliar newborn taken with her missing iPad had automatically been logged in the true owner’s Instagram account. Almost as easy as taking candy from a baby, Fredkin had no trouble zooming in on the high-resolution photo and jotting down the name on the newborn’s identification bracelet to collar the culprit, found just down the hall. (Yediot)
ALL OR NOTHING
Now that hostilities in Gaza are quieter, Israel can go back to the ‘Jewish Wars’ between modern Orthodox (knitted-kipa) and ultraOrthodox (black kipa) over the ground rules for Jewish dietary laws. If legislated into law, cafes open on Saturday** will be eligible for a kashrut license…valid only on weekdays. Chefs won’t be limited to serving hard boiled eggs or Cholent, like hotels. The proposed bill sponsored by MK Elazer Stern (The Movement) and Minister Naftali Bennett (Jewish Home party, who holds the portfolios of both the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Minister for Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs) endorsed by the Coalition’s Legislative Committee will allow eateries to stay open and cook whatever their little hearts desire on the Sabbath – provided the fare doesn’t mix meat and milk and follows all the other laws of kashrut. Chefs would be required not only to keep two sets of dishes for milk and meat, but also two separate sets of dishes and pots and pans – one for weekdays and one for Shabbat. The sponsors – both of them observant Jews - argue that refusal to issue kashrut licenses for eateries open on the Sabbath backfires, encouraging restaurateurs to follow the age-old Jewish adage - “If you are going to eat pork, the juice should run down your beard”: If they’re not going to get a kosher license anyway, many owners figure they may as well ‘go whole hog’ - with an openly non-kosher menu with cheeseburgers or shrimp scampi. * This arrangement already exists in most municipalities in the Galilee.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Is it true that ‘all pregnant women in labor call out for their moms’? Probably not. In this day and age. Be what may, Nurit Peled’s daughters (and daughters-in-law) don’t need to. She’s right there beside them in the delivery room. The kibbutznik from kibbutz Lavi and mother of six, who has been a midwife at the Poriya Hospital in Tiberias since 1978, has 21 grandchildren, 17 of whom she personally delivered. What about the other four grandchildren? They were delivered by her daughter’s mother-in-law – also a midwife – in Kaplan Hospital in Rechovot.
Have A Nosh With Miriam
By Miriam H. Bent
The theme of serving dishes for a “sweet year” continues with Sukkot, utilizing fruit as a prominent ingredient. The three recipes are easy to prepare and sure to sweeten your holidays. Hag samayach! Miriam Bent
Moroccan Chicken with Prunes, Almonds and Couscous 3 pounds chicken pieces 1-1/3 cups pitted prunes 2 yellow onions, minced 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon salt Freshly grated nutmeg Freshly ground pepper 1 package (10 ounces) plain couscous, 1 stick cinnamon cooked to package directions 1 cup chicken stock, broth or water 1/2 cup whole blanched almonds, 1/8 teaspoon saffron threads lightly toasted Combine chicken, onions, salt and pepper in a Dutch oven. Cover; cook over low heat, turning chicken pieces over occasionally, 5 minutes. Add cinnamon, stock and saffron. Heat to a boil over medium heat. Cover; simmer over low heat, turning pieces occasionally, until breast pieces are tender when pierced with a knife, 35 minutes. Transfer breasts to a plate. Cook remaining chicken pieces, until tender, covered, 10 minutes. Transfer to plate. Add prunes and honey to sauce; cook uncovered over medium heat until prunes are just tender, 5 minutes. Transfer prunes to a heated bowl; cover. Discard cinnamon stick. Cook sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes. Add nutmeg. Taste, adjusting seasoning. Return chicken to pan. Cover; heat over low heat 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork; mound it on a heated platter. Arrange chicken around or over couscous; spoon sauce and prunes over chicken. Garnish with almonds. Serves 4-5.
Orange Chicken 4 tablespoons orange juice 4 tablespoons orange marmalade 6 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 chicken, cut into pieces
2 slices white bread ¾ cup whole (not blanched) almonds ¼ cup fresh parsley ¼ teaspoon salt
In a small bowl, mix the orange juice, marmalade and mustard. Dip chicken pieces in mixture and place in a pan in a single layer. Pour the extra marinate over and set aside. In a food processor with the metal blade, pulse the bread, almonds, parsley and salt until coarse crumbs are formed. Don’t overprocess. Pour crumbs into a plate. Dip chicken pieces in the crumb mixture, heavily coating all sides. Return the chicken to the baking pan in a single layer. Refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 8 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 75 minutes, uncovered. (If crumb coating starts to burn, cover with foil.) Serves 4.
Cranberry-Apple Torte Crust: Filling 2 cups all-purpose flour 4 apples, peeled and cut into small 2 cups dark brown sugar chunks 1½ cups quick cooking or 1 minute type 1 16-oz. can whole berry cranberry oatmeal sauce 1 cup (2 sticks) parve margarine, melted 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cinnamon Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heavily coat a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray; set aside. In a large bowl, mix the 2 cups flour, brown sugar, oats, margarine and cinnamon. Reserve 1½ cups of the mixture. Press the remainder into the prepared pan and halfway up the sides with the palm of your hand. In a medium bowl, combine the apples, cranberry sauce and 2 tablespoons flour. Mix with a spoon. Pour the apple mixture into the crust. Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the top. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the oats so they evenly cover the top and meet the crust that is coming up the sides, enclosing the filling. Bake for 40 minutes. Makes 10-12 servings. JCN • October 2014 • Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 27
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. As we prepare for our 2015 campaign, we ask that you give generously. The needs are great. The time is now.
The Strength of a People. The Power of Community. 69-710 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760-324-4737 • www.jfedps.org