18b - full issue 2 by Mike Sherwin

online at www.stljewishlight.com

25 Kislev, 5775 / Dec. 17, 2014 / Vol. 67 / No. 52

Will U.S. Jewish groups pivot left if Herzog wins?

Inside & online

NEWS & SCHMOOZE

BY RON KAMPEAS JTA

Reel rabbis Four local rabbis give their opinions about the new movie “Exodus: Gods and King.” See page 2A

FEATURES Last-minute gifts Passionate Palate maven Margi Kahn suggests some books that will brighten any cook’s Festival of Lights. See page 14A

Something to sing about Bob Cohn examines the enduring legacy of American Jewish composers to musical theater in the Newmark pages. See page 18A

ONLINE Celebrating Hanukkah View holiday recipes, features, commentaries and gift ideas on our website: stljewishlight.com/ hanukkah

Index ChaiLights calendar.....30A-31A Classifieds............................35A Features.......................14A-16A Gift Guide ............................25A Healthwatch................19A-21A Jewish Lite...........................28A Obituaries....................34A-35A Opinions......................12A-13A Women in Business........1B-12B

Candlelighting Shabbat starts Friday, Dec. 19, 4:25 p.m. Shabbat ends Saturday, Dec. 20, 5 :27 p.m.

Michael Lyss lights a menorah as Ron Cytron looks on during a Hanukkah celebration at the Missouri Botanical Garden Sunday. Both men are members of the HaShemesh music group, which performed that day. Photos: Mike Sherwin

Happy Hanukkah! RIGHT: Judy Medoff of Shir Ami dances with audience members Olivia (left) and Sylvia Hanes, ages 5 and 7, respectively, during the celebration. For more images, visit stljewishlight.com/multimedia.

WASHINGTON — Come early next year, there might be yet another world capital that opposes Israeli settlement expansion and sees Benjamin Netanyahu as principally responsible for Israel’s isolation: Jerusalem. Isaac Herzog, the Labor Party leader, is faring well in the polls since Netanyahu called for new elections earlier this month and the Knesset dissolved itself. The prospect of a left-leaning government means that U.S. mainstream Jewish groups, which since Netanyahu’s election in 2009 have pushed back against claims that his policies have been detrimental, will have to reassess messaging. It wouldn’t be the first time. A liberal U.S. Jewish community had to contend in 1977 with the election of Menachem Begin, then a Land of Israel maximalist whose prestate career was as a Jewish paramilitary leader who ordered the 1946 bombing of the King David Hotel. Fifteen years later, a pro-Israel community made hawkish through years of Likud-led governments suddenly contended with Yitzhak Rabin and his accelerated moves toward peace with the Palestinians. This time around, Jewish community leaders say, it won’t be so difficult: Pro-Israel groups have long-

See JEWISH GROUPS page 4A

JCRC volunteers lend a hand at North City day care center BY DAVID BAUGHER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

As she lays a coat of paint on a wall at God’s Creation Development Center, Cheryl Whatley of Creve Coeur knows she’s volunteering her time, but it is the staff’s time about which she seems most concerned. “They had to take all of the toys and all of the furniture and move it before we ever got here,” the smiling Shir Hadash congregant said. “They’ve already done a day’s work.” Thanks to the Jewish Community Relations Council, Whatley and a handful of other volunteers were able to help the center’s teachers and others from the north St. Louis neighborhood keep the day care center licensed by assisting with physical improvements. On Sunday afternoon, the group helped paint the interior of the brick building near

Kingshighway Boulevard and West Florissant Avenue. The center serves about 54 children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. “It is a licensed center but, to maintain licensure, it has to be repainted – every wall,” said Renee Marver, chairwoman of the council’s Community Against Poverty (CAP) coalition. The volunteer effort is part of Helping our Community’s Children Flourish, CAP’s project for early childhood development. “We’ve brought together a cadre of volunteers, people interested in seeing that this center reaches its required level,” Marver said. The effort was part of a threeyear partnership with United for Children, a group that identifies high quality, functioning child care operations in need of facility assistance. The next step was collecting donations for paint, some of which was donated by

Benji Rowan (left) and Elizabeth Clemons paint one of the walls at the God’s Creation Development Center, a day care in north St. Louis, on Sunday. JCRC and the Community Against Poverty coalition planned the volunteer service day. A second is planned for Dec. 21. Photo: Mike Sherwin

individuals and groups. The volunteers are also working to raise money for new classroom flooring. The volunteers plan to return next week to do

more work. (See infobox on page 10A for information on volunteering.)

See VOLUNTEERS, page 10A

See special pull-out section, pages 1-12B

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAINT LOUIS MO PERMIT NO. 3833

DECEMBER 17, 2014

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news schmooze BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN

Let my people go . . . or not Four rabbis and an editor walk into a movie theater. One of the rabbis says to the others: “Did you know the guy playing Moses is named Christian?” The above scenario actually took place Monday when Orthodox Rabbi Ze’ev Smason of Nusach Hari B’nai Zion, Conservative Rabbi Noah Arnow of Kol Rinah and Reform Rabbis Deana Sussman of Central Reform Congregation and Michael Alper of Temple Israel accompanied me to see “Exodus: Gods and Kings” in 3D. You may remember from last week that despite spending years as a movie reviewer for the Post-Dispatch, I never found writing film reviews to be an easy task. This week I got to have my popcorn and eat it, too, by inviting the rabbis along to do the heavy lifting — i.e. critiquing — while I facilitated the adventure. It couldn’t have worked out better (for me!). The 2½-hour film re-imagines the biblical story with Moses (Christian Bale) raised as a sibling to Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton) until it’s revealed that Moses is “Hebrew” and is exiled. As the two grow into leaders of their respective people, Moses tries to soften Ramses’ tyranny through demonstrations of God’s power, including the plagues, before leading the enslaved Jewish people out of Egypt and toward the land of Israel. Asked about the historical accuracy of the film, none of the rabbis gave the movie high marks. Said Smason: “Other than the names of the characters, I’m not sure much else was right (and even regarding names — Joshua was called

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The rabbinic critics (clockwise from top left): Rabbi Michael Alper, Rabbi Noah Arnow, Rabbi Ze’ev Smason and Rabbi Deana Sussman.

‘Hoshea’ and not ‘Joshua’) until much later in the desert wanderings — see Numbers 13:16). “The inaccuracies began, literally, from opening moment of the film: A caption scrolled across the screen saying ‘The Jewish people were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years,’ ” continued Smason. “This was also mentioned at least once during the film. We were in Egypt for only 210 years and only 100 of those years were actual servitude.” The film uses the conceit of an adolescent boy portraying G-d. Smason likened this to Jimmy Stewart/George Bailey’s guardian angel Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life” being played by a rotund, inept, cheery fellow. “You just smile and don’t take it seriously,” he said. Arnow, who is the father of a 7-year-old boy, found the representation “fascinating,” while Sussman was confused by it at first but ultimately found the choice “nonoffensive.” Alper, meanwhile, thought it was an “interesting plot device but not as powerful as some possible alternatives.” The manifestation of the plagues gave

Moses (Christian Bale, right) confronts Ramses (Joel Edgerton) in ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings.’

Smason and Sussman some pause, especially because they were rendered out of order. Both Smason and Arnow felt “darkness was given the short shrift,” though Arnow thought “the movie illustrated well the devastating effect the plagues had on the Egyptian common folk” and “loved how the fourth plague, boils, disfigures Pharaoh and all the Egyptians so that their inner, moral rottenness becomes externally visible.” Alper said the plagues “were the best part of the movie,” and where the special effects hit the mark. All of the rabbis applauded Bale as Moses, though Alper felt he was better suited to earlier roles such as the title character in “Batman” and an illusionist in “The Prestige.” Said Sussman, “He was a very different choice than Charlton Heston (Moses in Cecil B. DeMille’s “The 10 Commandments”) who seemed in

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many ways older and less nuanced in his depiction. Bale was able to present a complex character that was oftentimes unsure of himself but sure of his mission.” On a scale from 1 to 4, with 4 being the highest rating, three of the rabbis gave the film a 2.5, Smason gave it a 2. All said they found the film engaging, though in some cases probably not the way the filmmakers had intended. “The unrealistic casting in this movie (‘Christian’ Moses, G-d as a 12-year-old, all whites except for a few black palace slaves) and wildly inaccurate script actually made the movie more enjoyable for me to watch,” said Smason. “Not a great movie but for this rabbi, endlessly entertaining,” added Arnow. Finally, each rabbi was asked what he or she would tell a congregant wondering

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ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

DECEMBER 17, 2014

JProStl announces recipients of 10th annual Peer Recognition Awards JProStl, the association dedicated to supporting professionals working at Jewish organizations in St. Louis, will hold its 10th Annual Recognition Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 at the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus in Creve Coeur. At the luncheon, 10 honorees will receive Peer Recognition Awards. Honorees were chosen by a committee of JProStl leadership and former award recipients, representing colleagues from across the community. This year’s honorees include:

• Career Achievement: Tova Greenblatt (Esther Miller Bais Yaakov) • Chesed/Kindness: Jill Grossman (JCC) • Dedication: Peggy Landsbaum (JCC) • Mentor: H. Lee Rosenberg (United Hebrew Congregation) • Pillar: Patty Bloom (Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School) • Emerging Leaders: Lee’at Bachar (Jewish Federation of St. Louis) & Amanda Radman (Congregation Temple Israel) • Educators: Chanie Winter (H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy) and Marty Schaeffer (Kol Rinah)

• Visionary: Rabbi Michael Rovinsky (JSU) There will be a special presentation to Karole Green and the Lubin-Green Foundation in honor of their long-term commitment to professionals in the St. Louis Jewish community and JProStl. The luncheon is free of charge for staff who work at least 15 hours per week annually at a Jewish organization and $25 for guests. To register for the luncheon and to donate to professional development in honor of the recipients, go to Millstonestl.org/JPro15. For information, contact Marci Mayer Eisen at 314-442-

3810 or MEisen@JFedSTL.org. Luncheon Program co-chairs are Beth Feldman of the St. Louis Jewish Light and Rachel Lubchansky of H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy. Awards co-chairs are Tabari Coleman of the Anti-Defamation League and Margo Newman of Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community Day School. Julie Gibbs of Jewish Federation is JProStl Special Events Chairman. JProStl is affiliated with the Millstone Institute for Jewish Leadership and all initiatives are supported by the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

Shaare Emeth installs Rabbi Jonah Zinn

JCC Used Book Sale seeks donations

Congregation Shaare Emeth formally installed Rabbi Jonah Zinn as assistant rabbi on Dec. 5 in a Kabbalat Shabbat and installation service. Zinn’s cousin, Rabbi David Weiner of Congregation Knesset Israel in Pittsfield, Mass., officiated at the installation, joining Shaare Emeth’s Rabbi Jim Bennett, Rabbi Andrea Goldstein, Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman and Cantor Seth Warner. Zinn and his wife, Jamie, joined the Congregation in July 2014, following his ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. He completed his undergraduate studies in political science at The George Washington University in 2004. From 2012 to 2014 during his rabbinical studies, he served Temple Sinai of Bergen County in Tenafly, N.J., and completed clinical pastoral education at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, N.J. “Shaare Emeth felt like the perfect match from our first visit,” Zinn said in a news release. “In my short time here, they have placed tremendous trust in me, allowing me to try new things to engage youth and young adults in Jewish life. I feel so fortu-

Books may be dropped off at Epstein through Jan. 16

Congregation Shaare Emeth formally installed Rabbi Jonah Zinn as assistant rabbi on Dec. 5. Zinn joined the congregation in July.

The Jewish Community Center Used Book Sale is seeking donations of books through Jan. 16. Donated books may be dropped off at the H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy, 1138 Warson Road. The JCC Used Book Sale will take place Sunday, Feb. 1 through Thursday, Feb. 5 at the Jewish Community Center Staenberg Family Complex – Arts & Education Building, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. The sale’s Preview Day is Sunday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Preview day is the only day with an admission charge ($10), which helps underwrite expenses for the sale. The sale continues from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Thursday is Bag Day, when guests may fill a bag for $5 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Thousands of titles will be offered including mystery and intrigue, novels,

nate to be part of such a caring, forward-thinking congregation.” Zinn also has focused his efforts on creating opportunities to engage young adults and young families in Jewish life. By hosting thoughtful and meaningful one-to-one conversations over coffee with young Jewish adults, Zinn has worked to identify their spiritual and “big picture” needs. “Rabbi Zinn has been here just five months and already he has made a significant impact on our congregation, especially with our teens and young adults,” said Rabbi Bennett. “We are blessed to be working with him and to be installing him as Congregation Shaare Emeth’s newest rabbi.”

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biographies, books on politics, religion, sports, cookbooks, history, animals, art, science, science fiction, business, women’s issues, foreign languages, gardening, poetry, psychology, self-help and humor. Parents and educators will find a large selection of books for children and youth as well as educational materials for home schoolers. Multiples of titles are available for book club reading along with miscellaneous videos, books on tape/CDs and DVDs. Books are priced from 50 cents to $3. Special books — collectibles, art books, antique books — are priced as marked. Ticket sales for Preview Day will begin at 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 1. Children 16 and under are free. There is no cost to shop the remaining days of the book sale. For more information, contact Zelda Sparks 314-442-3169.

The ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT (ISSN 0036-2964) is published weekly, for $45.00 per year by the St. Louis Jewish Light, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3010, St. Louis, MO 63146. Periodical postage paid at St. Louis, MO. Copyright 2014. Postmaster: Send address changes to the St. Louis Jewish Light, 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3010, St. Louis, MO 63146.

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NCJW starts new session of Wife-Widow-Woman support group on Jan. 7 In January, NCJW-St. Louis Section will begin a new session of the Wife-Widow-Woman support group for recently widowed women. The program aims to bridge the gap between grief and growth reducing the sense of isolation experienced from loss of a spouse. Led by Sylvia Nissenboim, LCSW, the WifeWidow-Woman program helps participants on their personal journey to becoming more independent single women after living as a couple. “People who are experiencing like emotions are able to be the most supportive as one rebuilds after a loss,” said Eleanor Rosenbaum. Wife-Widow-Woman works to provide a source of comfort, giving participants a safe place to talk about the issues that they may be unable to discuss with family and friends. All recently widowed women are welcome to participate and may be of any age, race or religious background. There is no cost to join the group as it is underwritten by Nardie and Sally Stein in memory of Jean Stein Bloch. The next session begins Wednesday, Jan. 7 at the NCJW-St. Louis Section offices, 295 N. Lindbergh Boulevard in Creve Coeur. Participants must pre-register in order to join the group, which meets twice a month, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through June. For more information, contact Heather Silverman at hsilverman@ncjwstl. org or call the NCJW office at 314993-5181.

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established and friendly ties with Herzog and his political partner, Tzipi Livni, and in any case, American Jews are likelier to favor the policies of the political left. “On the whole, the Jewish community respects the sovereignty of the Israeli public to decide who rules them,” said Abraham Foxman, the Anti-Defamation League’s national director. “What becomes difficult is you form relationships with one government and another one is in. We may lose some proximity, some access.” Differences between the Netanyahu and Obama governments have sowed discomfiture for American Jews, particularly in the areas of Iran policy and settlement expansion. Frequently the differences have devolved into personal heated exchanges of insults. Herzog has blamed Netanyahu for fomenting the tensions. “You are the man who personally must take credit for the destruction of Israel’s relations with the United States,” Herzog said in an Oct. 27 Knesset speech that anticipated the dissolution of Netanyahu’s government. “You’ve repeatedly insulted President (Barack) Obama and his administration.” For the most part, organizations like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee have sided with Israel in the disputes, advancing Netanyahu’s stance that nuclear talks with Iran could lead to a bad deal and arguing that Palestinian recalcitrance is by far a more decisive factor in scuttling peace talks than is settlement policy in the West Bank. Jack Moline, a leading Conservative movement rabbi known for his close-

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ness to the Obama administration, said AIPAC would easily pivot toward a leftleaning Israeli government should it be elected in March’s polling. “The question for anyone who supports Israel is do you support the right of the government to make its policy or do you only support a government that agrees with the policy you endorse?” said Moline, who until last month directed the National Jewish Democratic Council. “I have no doubt that an organization like AIPAC that presents itself as representing accurately the policies of the Israeli government will make the shift, and elegantly. Organizations whose agendas for American politics mirrors the current administration in Israel will find themselves in a more difficult circumstance.” True enough, said Morton Klein, who heads exactly such an organization, the Zionist Organization of America – but that’s not exactly new. “We criticized Rabin and Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert when they made their offers,” Klein recalled, referring to peace bids by previous Israeli prime ministers. “We are deeply concerned if Herzog and Livni win.” One likelihood should Herzog win, Klein said, is that it will be harder to advance positions in Congress that oppose territorial concessions to the Palestinians. “We fought against the Gaza withdrawal like crazy on the Hill,” he said, referring to Israel’s 2005 pullout from the Gaza Strip. “And they said, ‘Look, this is Ariel Sharon supporting it, how can I go against it?’ ” Aaron David Miller, the vice president at the Wilson Center and for years a U.S. Middle East peace negotiator under various presidents, said a new government

in Israel would likely not bring with it far-reaching change in part because so many other factors are fueling turmoil in the region, and in part because Netanyahu reflected an Israeli consensus on Iran. “Is an Israeli government not headed by Netanyahu more likely to acquiesce in a deal with Iran?” he asked. “Is an Israeli government headed by anyone but Netanyahu likely to create a breakthrough with the Palestinians?” One group with strong and established ties with both Herzog and Livni is J Street, a liberal U.S. Jewish Middle East policy group. Alan Elsner, its vice president for communications, predicted that U.S. Jewish groups would pivot toward the left-leaning governments in part because American Jewish grassroots favor accommodation. “A lot of American Jews would welcome the prospect of a government that is sincere in seeking peace and that doesn’t put peace second to land and settlements,” he said. “Most Jewish organizations would go along; what choice do they have?” Peter Joseph, who heads the Israel Policy Forum, a group that advocates for a two-state solution, said the tendency among the U.S. Jewish voters to back two states means that the greater challenge posed by the coming election was the rise of right-wing parties, which unlike Netanyahu reject Palestinian statehood in any form. Jewish Home party leader Naftali Bennett, Joseph said, “is playing on people’s fears in a way that most American Jews have a problem sympathizing with.” “My children and many members of the next generation are not going to sympathize and relate to a State of Israel that exhibits these kind of values.”

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DECEMBER 17, 2014

Local organization works to nourish U.S.-Israel plant-science roots How did you get introduced to Kaiima Bio-Agritech? During an exploratory trip to Israel in May, we met with Kaiima, an exciting plant-science company based BioSTL, a local organization seeking to bring Israeli in the lower Galilee. Based on our meetings, Kaiima biotechnology firms to the St. Louis area, has found early leadership chose St. Louis to base its U.S. operations. success since the launch of its St. Louis-Israel Innovation Connecting Initiative (SLIIC) this fall. The organization What advantages does St. Louis have over other announced in November that the Israeli agritech firm potential locations for Kaiima’s U.S. headquarters? Kaiima Bio-Agritech selected St. Louis as the location of St. Louis offers unparalleled plant-science research its U.S. headquarters. talent and facilities, including the Donald Danforth Donn Rubin is BioSTL president and CEO and founder Plant Science Center, proximity to major agtech corpoof SLIIC. He chairs the Jewish Community Relations rations (especially Monsanto and German agtech comCouncil Israel Committee and has served on the board of pany KWS), and a growing cluster of related entrepreJewish Federation. Rubin and his wife, Beth, are mem- neurial activity. When we first met, the Kaiima team bers of Kol Rinah and live in Clayton with their two sons, was unaware of most of these assets. who attend Clayton High School. The Jewish Light recently asked Rubin to discuss What will this move mean not only for BioSTL, but BioSTL’s work. for the overall St. Louis area economy? BY ROBERT A. COHN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS

What is BioSTL? BioSTL is a regional nonprofit organization advancing the St. Louis region’s economic vitality by cultivating a strong life-science and innovation community. Since 2001, representing a coalition of top St. Louis academic, business and philanthropic leaders, we have developed a local entrepreneurial ecosystem including a pipeline of new startup companies, venture capital, physical infrastructure (labs, incubators and research districts) and public policy. We have helped start and have invested in 53 St. Louis-based medical and plant-science startups that have collectively raised more than $190 million. How does SLIIC fit with BioSTL’s mission? The St. Louis-Israel Innovation Connection is designed to tap into the amazing stream of innovative companies emerging in Israel, often referred to as the Startup Nation. We see it as an important complement to BioSTL’s ongoing grow-our-own efforts of starting companies in St. Louis based on discoveries and inventions from local universities, medical schools and entrepreneurs. There are many common areas of strength shared by Israel and St. Louis, including plant/agtech, health care and medical technologies, and financial tech/cybersecurity. Our SLIIC approach is not to relocate entire companies from Israel. Rather, we seek to identify Israeli companies that have evolved to the point where it is critical for them to establish a North American presence to access capital, markets, research collaborations or corporate partners. To make the case that St. Louis is a better choice than perhaps more well-known locales on the East and West coasts, our team makes valuable connections to St. Louis corporations, investors, universities or other support.

This early success is an important validation of our approach and our decision to focus our company recruiting efforts on Israel. In contrast to most young, high-risk startups we support locally, Kaiima is a more mature company, having raised $98 million from global investors and employing over 100 workers, mostly in Israel. Kaiima will start with a small team in St. Louis, but as their U.S. operations grow, we can now anticipate that growth to take place here in St. Louis. What’s next with BioSTL and SLIIC? We have eight or nine additional Israel companies we are in discussions with currently. In other international efforts, BioSTL helped recruit the U.S. R&D headquarters of KWS to St. Louis and has been nurturing ChinaSt. Louis relationships. But because of its tremendous potential, our primary international focus is on Israel and the SLIIC initiative.

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Harris Frank honored with Spirit of Philanthropy Award The Association of Fundraising Professionals of St. Louis (AFP) honored Harris Frank with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award during the organization’s National Philanthropy Day Awards ceremony on Nov. 13. Frank was nominated for the award by St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation, which in 2010 named Frank one of its Ageless—Remarkable St. Louisans honorees. A past president of the Jewish Federation, JCCA and Shaare Emeth, Frank and Joy Dunkelman started the St. Louis Senior Olympics in 1979. After the success of the games, Frank helped form the U.S. National Senior Olympics and served as its second national president. Since retiring, Harris has been active in philanthropy in St. Louis, including City Academy, Dansforth Plant Science Center, Memory Care Home Solutions, the OASIS institute and St. Andrews Charitable Foundation. “Harris is an exceptional person, and inspires so many,” said AFP Chapter Administrator Cristina Howard Duncan.

Harris Frank (right) receives the Association of Fundraising Professionals Spirit of Philanthropy Award from Kevin Demoff, V.P. of Football Operations with the St. Louis Rams, during AFP’s National Philanthrophy Day Awards Nov. 13.

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whether to see the movie. Said Sussman: “Be aware that it is a movie, and as such, the creators made artistic and creative decisions that aren’t always true to the story we find in the Torah.” Said Arnow: “I would and will recommend this film to my congregants. It’s a great piece of extended modern biblical interpretation, and needs to be appreciated as such, and not as the ‘true’ version of the story.” Said Smason: “It depends. If the congregant is very familiar with the Torah account and there’s no danger of misinformation or incorrect images residing in their mind, I’d say, ‘Go have fun and watch it.’ But for the uninitiated (young and old), they may believe some things in the movie actually happened.” Said Alper: “I’d say go see ‘Batman’ and come to Torah study. When it comes to Exodus, the book is far better than the movie.” For a complete transcript of the rabbis’ reviews, go to stljewishlight.com/exodus.

Celebrating Judith In Jewish communities in North Africa, the seventh night of Hanukkah traditionally celebrates the triumph of Judith, the heroine of the Book of Judith, who saved her people by killing an enemy general. This seventh night is set aside as Chag haBanot, the Festival of Daughters, which falls on the new moon of the Hebrew month of Tevet and is usually the sixth or seventh night of Hanukkah. To celebrate Chag haBanot St. Louis style, Nishmah and its Rosh Hodesh group have organized a special evening for Jewish women of all ages from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23. at the Jewish Community Center’s Performing Arts Building, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. In addition to a special candle-lighting ceremony in honor of Judith and the Festival of Daughters, the evening will feature a skit, Israeli dancing, an “art experience” and dairy desserts. The cost is $12 a person or $20 for two. For more information, call Sara Winkelman at 314-442-3268 or email swinkelman@jccstl.org. Oh, and for those counting, Dec. 23 is actually the eighth night of Hanukkah. But like I said, this is Chag haBanot St. Louis style.

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If you’re looking for last minute Hanukkah gifts or just want to support the work of authors with St. Louis roots, let me suggest two books by Jewish Light freelancers. The first, by Eve Batey and Light freelancer Patricia Corrigan is, “100 Things to Do in San Francisco Before You Die,” which guides readers to lesser-known places that locals of this city love. Among the 100 things suggested by the authors is the best place to grab a Mission-style burrito, introduce the kids to a giant Pacific octopus, join a sea chantey sing-along, buy tie-dye in Haight-Ashbury, rock out at a free music festival and relax in a redwood grove. The book is available at amazon.com for $12.92. The second book, by Light freelancer David Baugher, is “Once Upon a Time in St. Louis.” Filled with 86 gorgeous illustrations by Marilynne Bradley of St. Louis landmarks, attractions, eateries, street scenes and more, this hardcover book pays homage through words and artistic marvel to the city’s storied past and its vibrant present. It, too, is available through amazon.com or can be ordered, for $35, through Baugher at david@baughereditorialservices.com.

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DECEMBER 17, 2014

Is Livni’s move to team with Labor one of principle or opportunism? Hatnua leader Tzipi Livni has joined forces with Isaac Herzog of Labor to form a joint slate in the upcoming Israeli elections. Photo: Miriam Alster/ Flash90

BY BEN SALES JTA

TEL AVIV — In the latest episode of the satirical show “State of the Nation,” the zingers aimed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu weren’t coming from the comedians. Tzipi Livni, who until last month was Netanyahu’s justice minister, called the prime minister a “zero” on the program Saturday night and promised to “take out the trash” in the March election. But her most brutal jab came when she defended the recent union of her centerleft Hatnua party with Labor, led by Isaac Herzog. The parties will run as a joint slate in the upcoming national elections and, if victorious, Herzog and Livni would each serve two years as prime minister. “I thought a rotation of two potent prime ministers is better than one prime minister who’s impotent,” Livni said. “In my new pairing with Herzog, we’re going on a new path that will give hope to the nation of Israel.” The Labor agreement is one more stage in what has been a tumultuous political decade for Livni. A former minister of the right-wing Likud, Livni is joining her fourth political party in nine years and leading a campaign to replace the current Likud government with a left-wing coalition. Her allies say her progression reflects a steadfast commitment to sensible policies amid a chaotic political landscape. Critics say the party switching reeks of opportunism. “At this point in time, party institutions

are weak, so we’re in a place where every candidate makes his own calculation for every election,” said Yohanan Plesner, a former lawmaker who served with Livni in the Kadima party and now heads the Israel Democracy Institute think tank. “The lines blurred, so it allows much more flexibility in people moving between parties.” A daughter of former militants in the right-wing Irgun militia, Livni began her political career with Likud in 1999. She ascended to Cabinet minister under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and followed Sharon when he split with Likud in 2005 to form the centrist Kadima. Livni became foreign minister when Kadima won the 2006 elections, and rose to lead the party in 2008 after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert resigned. But she lost the 2009 elections to Likud and left Kadima in 2012 after losing in the party primary. Ahead of the 2013 elections she found-

ed Hatnua, promising to depose the Likud government and sign a peace accord with the Palestinians. But when Hatnua took only 5 percent of the vote, Livni joined a Likud-led coalition. That government broke up last month when Netanyahu fired Livni from her post as justice minister, and she united with Labor about a week later. Throughout the changes, Livni has sought to portray herself as a principled leader who has stayed the course as the political ground has shifted beneath her. She advocates for minority rights, tough security measures and territorial compromise with the Palestinians — policies, she says, that a rightward-shifting Likud has mostly abandoned. “I’m in the same place, with the same positions and the same opinions,” she said on “State of the Nation.” “Likud is escaping to the extreme right. Others are going to delusional places. I’m continuing with what I believe.”

For Americans aiding Israeli soldiers, rules of engagement vary BY URIEL HEILMAN JTA

When the season’s first snowstorm descended on Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights a few weeks ago, it didn’t take long before M, a career sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces, received a phone call from Leon Blankrot. “What do you need to keep warm?” asked Blankrot, executive director of Yashar Lachayal, an organization that aids Israeli soldiers and is funded by donations from American Jews. A couple of days later, a shipment of hats and neck warmers arrived for M and the soldiers under his command. “The army provides winter clothing, but there are things the IDF does not supply, like neck warmers and other things civilians wear,” said M, who asked that his name not be published because the army had not authorized him to speak to the media. “That’s where Leon comes in.” Yashar Lachayal is among the efforts to help Israeli soldiers that are funded by Jews living stateside. The initiatives range from large, well-established organizations — most notably Friends of Israel Defense Forces, or FIDF — that are supported indirectly by U.S. taxpayers (because, as 501(c)3 nonprofits, the donations they receive are tax deductible) to tiny start-ups run by individuals and operating without any formal oversight. Sending U.S. Jewish aid to Israeli soldiers can be a touchy subject. U.S. law bars sending weapons or combat equipment to foreign armies without U.S. government authorization, and the Israel Defense Forces has rules about what

Yashar Lachayal’s Leon Blankrot, in black, handing out aid packages with cold-weather gear to an all-Druze Israeli army unit on Nov. 28.

sort of material soldiers are permitted to accept from outside groups (for example, soldiers may wear only IDF-issued boots). The IDF, which declined to be interviewed for this story, also does not want to be seen as a charity case. But like U.S. soldiers who went into combat in Iraq without armor-plated Humvees, which could have offered better protection against rocket-propelled grenade attacks and improvised explosive devices, Israeli soldiers don’t always get everything they want or need. “Sometimes I’m the guy that comes through faster or when they don’t have recourse,” said Blankrot. “If there’s a base on the Egyptian border and they have five broken air conditioners, by the

time they get a technician to fix them it can take months. I can get it to them in two to three days.” The Israeli army supplies soldiers with plastic canteens, but Yashar Lachayal offers them CamelBak-style water backpacks that can keep water cold for hours. During last summer’s war with Hamas in Gaza, Blankrot spent weeks shuttling to the Gaza border from his home near Jerusalem handing out toiletries, Styrofoam thermoses filled with ice and travel pillows for combat soldiers heading into Gaza. He found laptops with special voice-recognition software for injured soldiers unable to use their hands

See HELPING SOLDIERS, page 24

Livni’s opponents in Likud, quick to document her zigzags across the political spectrum, counter that her willingness to discard party loyalties shows that she’s interested only in her own career. “The unholy alliance between Herzog and Livni breaks a new record of political cynicism,” Likud lawmaker Yariv Levin wrote on Facebook last week. “Livni’s journey of switching from Likud to Kadima, from there to Hatnua and now to the Labor party, shows that a loss of direction, despair and small politics have taken over the Israeli left.” Despite the criticism, the union with Labor seems to have elevated Livni’s public standing. Recent polls show the Labor-Hatnua list as the leading party heading into the elections. Before the merger, polls showed that Livni would barely have garnered enough votes to enter the Knesset. Shlomo Avineri, a political science professor at Hebrew University, said voters might not mind Livni’s maneuvers because party switching has become a mainstay of Israeli politics. Sharon helped form Likud in 1973 only to leave it, rejoin in 1977 and leave again in 2005. Former President Shimon Peres was a member of three parties during his nearly 60-year political career. And changing loyalties, Avineri said, has only become more frequent in recent years. “The last 10 years have been characterized by some very centrist people in the Likud leaving the Likud and moving toward a more centrist position,” Avineri said. “People in the center are usually not party loyalists. They can go either way.”

Poll: Close to two-thirds of Israelis believe there is a crisis in U.S.-Israel ties WASHINGTON — A poll shows the majority of Israelis believe there is a crisis in U.S. Israel relations and that the Netanyahu government has harmed the relationship. A poll commissioned by J Street, the liberal U.S. Jewish Middle East policy group, and released Monday, found that 61.7 percent of respondents said “yes” when asked if there was a crisis in U.S.-Israel relations, while 22.8 percent said the relations were “stable and good.” Asked whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has harmed the relationship or strengthened it, 60.4 percent opted for “harmed,” 9.8 percent said “strengthened” and 16.4 percent said Netanyahu’s government had no influence on relations. Netanyahu and President Barack Obama were statistically tied when respondents were asked who was mainly responsible for the crisis. Nearly one quarter each chose Netanyahu and Obama, while 26.4 percent blamed “everyone equally.” A majority of respondents, 61 percent, favored a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while 32.1 percent were opposed. Additionally, a slight majority, 52 percent, favored settlement expansion while 39.5 percent were opposed. The poll, carried out Nov. 9-13 over the phone and the Internet, reached 600 voting-age Israelis. The questions were authored by pollster Dahlia Scheindlin with data collection by New Wave Media. — JTA

DECEMBER 17, 2014

ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

Visit WWW. STLJEWISHLIGHT.COM Participants in an Israel trip aimed at Jewish mothers sponsored by the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project. Photo: Aviram Waldman

Highlighting campus sexual assault, Jewish groups have taken a lead BY RON KAMPEAS JTA

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Jewish campus groups were ready for the painful national dialogue that took place in the wake of murky rape allegations at the University of Virginia. That’s because organizations like Hillel and historically Jewish Greek houses such as Alpha Epsilon Pi, Zeta Beta Tau and Sigma Delta Tau had been having the conversations for months before the explosive Rolling Stone story made national headlines — first for the brutality of the alleged gang rape detailed in the magazine and then for the subsequent evidence of flawed reporting on the part of Rolling Stone. Zeta Beta Tau last year joined Sigma Delta Tau and Jewish Women International in launching a workshop called “Safe Smart Dating.” Hillel International is a partner in the White House’s It’s On Us campaign against sexual violence, and the network of Jewish campus centers has also dedicated to sexual violence a stream of its Ask Big Questions program, which organizes lectures and salons on topics of Jewish interest. Meanwhile, Alpha Epsilon Pi features sessions on consent at its conclaves and a fraternity brother, Matthew Leibowitz, launched the Consent is So Frat movement this year at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. “The prevention of suffering is what we do as Jews, and making pathways for people to heal if they’ve been trauma-

tized is also what we do,” said Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, the editor of the anthology “The Passionate Torah: Sex and Judaism” and the director of education for Hillel’s Ask Big Questions program. “We need to take care of our own in creating a world in which consent is non-negotiable.” The Rolling Stone story has begun to unravel. The magazine revealed that it had not reached out to the alleged assailants in the attack that was the article’s centerpiece, and friends of the alleged victim have since told the Washington Post that they had been misrepresented. Revelations of the article’s problems had just begun to trickle out during a JTA reporter’s recent visit to the campus, but students and Jewish officials said the broader issue of whether women were safe on campus remained a preeminent topic of conversation among students at the school. Weeks earlier, in the wake of the article’s publication, students took part in large-scale protests in front of the fraternity where the alleged crime had taken place. Since 2011, the university has been under federal investigation for allegedly not treating adequately complaints of sexual misconduct, and the Rolling Stone article broadly addressed the complaints. Madison Orlow, 19, a first-year premed student, said the school’s initial reaction to the allegations did not reach far enough and led her to question its honor code.

See CAMPUS, page 17A

It’s Birthright Israel — for Jewish moms BY BEN SALES JTA

JERUSALEM — On the surface, the tour looked much like a standard Birthright Israel trip: Participants celebrated Shabbat in Jerusalem’s Old City, swam in the Dead Sea and ascended the ancient mountain fortress at Masada. The trip was mostly free and organizers were prepared with followup programming after the participants returned home. But the nearly 200 women who arrived in Jerusalem last week weren’t there for one of the free 10-day Jewish identity-building trips that Birthright has operated for more than a decade. They were participants in what has been described as Birthright for Jewish moms, an eight-day tour of the Jewish state for mothers. Run by the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project, or JWRP, the trip’s goals are much the same as that of the regular Birthright: strengthening Jewish identity and connection to Israel.

But the trip also has an explicitly religious component, with several events hosted by the Orthodox outreach organization Aish Hatorah. Some JWRP staff members are former Aish employees and several board members are also Aish donors. And unlike Birthright, which is open to all Jews aged 18 to 26, the JWRP trip is open only to women who are not traditional Sabbath observers – a sign that they already have strong connections to Judaism, JWRP’s founding director Lori Palatnik said. “If you impact a 22-year-old boy, you impact a 22-year-old boy,” Palatnik said. “If you impact the mother, you can impact the whole family. If we want to have Jewish communities rise, a community lives and dies by where the women are.” Some 5,000 women from 19 countries have taken the trip since JWRP was founded seven years ago. The trips are free aside from airfare and are partially funded by the Israeli government. They

See ISRAEL FOR MOMS, page 21A

HAPPY HANNUKAH from your friends at

We join you in this festival marking the first recorded battle for religious liberty, and the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees.

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DECEMBER 17, 2014

Security officials: Chabad attack underscores importance of preparedness BY RON KAMPEAS JTA

WASHINGTON — The stabbing of a rabbinical student at Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters in New York underscores three things that Jewish security officials have been urging in recent years: Be alert for copycats, cooperate with law enforcement and don’t stay away from shul. American Jewish community officials have been on the lookout for an attack on a synagogue ever since terrorists killed four worshippers and a policeman in Jerusalem last month, said Paul Goldenberg, the director of Secure Communities Network, which coordinates security for Jewish institutions. It’s not yet known if the Jerusalem killings inspired the suspected assailant in the Brooklyn attack last week in which a man entered the Chabad synagogue at 770 Eastern Parkway in the Crown Heights section and stabbed Levi Rosenblat, 22. In an encounter with police that was captured on video, officers shot and killed the suspect, identified as Calvin Peters, after he refused their order to drop his knife. Rosenblat was reported to be in an induced coma and was to undergo surgery at a Manhattan hospital where he was transferred. Goldenberg urged communities to take several steps to address threats to Jewish facilities: Be prepared • For several years, SCN has aimed to harden potential Jewish targets by running security seminars throughout the country, including attack simulations that test communal preparedness. At the seminars, Jewish community leaders meet with state and

federal law enforcement officials and undergo training sessions that include instruction on how to secure a facility, evacuate a building and identify suspicious activity. Such preparedness measures are credited with minimizing further carnage from an April attack on a Jewish community center in suburban Kansas City, Mo. In that incident, the assailant was discouraged from entering the center because of a locked back door and a front entrance staffed by a guard. Instead he opened fire in the parking lot and at a nearby Jewish home for the elderly, killing three people. Name a police liaison • Goldenberg urged communities to name a liaison to the local police force, as is the case in New York, where cooperation between the NYPD and local Jewish groups is close. Deena Saleenfreund, the New Jersey director with Community Security Service, which sends unarmed security volunteers to synagogues in the metropolitan

New York area, said alerting police to the first sign of suspicious activity was critical. “The members of a facility know their facility really well, so they have a knowledge that others don’t have and are able to notice things before they happen,” she said. News reports said a Chabad security guard had turned Peters away earlier in the day. In optimal circumstances, Saleenfreund said, the earlier incident with Peters would have been reported to the police. Get back to normal • Goldenberg said attackers consider themselves successful when they lead communities to alter their routines, so returning to normal as quickly as possible after an attack is an important component of preparedness. He urged American Jews to resume their normal business this week - but with heightened awareness. “We want folks to be vigilant in the days ahead,” Goldenberg said.

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WORLD NEWS BRIEFS FROM JTA Claims Conference raises allocations to Holocaust survivors by 21 percent The Claims Conference will raise its allocations to social service organizations serving Jewish Holocaust victims by 21 percent over last year. The allocations for 2015 will total $365 million, an increase of $80 million over 2014, Julius Berman, President of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, announced in a statement. The allocations are used primarily for home care, as well as for hunger relief, medical care, winter aid, and transportation for Holocaust survivors in 47 countries. “All Shoah victims should be able to receive the help and support that they need to live the rest of their lives in dignity, after having endured indescribable suffering in their youth,” Berman said. “Holocaust victims deserve all the aid and comfort that it is possible to give them in the twilight of their lives.” The increase is possible due to an increase in allocations from Germany, according to the Claims Conference. Allocations also come from the recovery of Jewish properties in the former East Germany, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the Austrian government and the Swiss Banks Settlement. The Claims Conference also distributes individual compensation payments to Holocaust survivors.

Security service arrests Palestinian terror cell planning Tel Aviv attack JERUSALEM — Israel’s Shin Bet security service thwarted a Palestinian terror cell planning to carry out a suicide bombing attack in Tel Aviv. Several Palestinian operatives were arrested during the months of October and November in connection with the planned attack, the Shin Bet announced in a statement on Monday. Under the plan, a Palestinian woman from Jenin would disguise herself as a pregnant Jewish woman, get a medical permit to enter Israel, and wear the belt filed with explosives under her clothes, according to the Shin Bet. The four other terrorists reportedly had been instructed on how to handle the explosives by an operative from Gaza. They also had planned other terror attacks, according to Shin Bet. Also Monday, Israel Police announced the arrest of eight Arabs from eastern Jerusalem for using Facebook as a tool to incite terrorist attacks against Jews. The eight suspects arrested in a raid late Sunday night are affiliated with both the Hamas and Fatah organizations, according to police. The suspects disseminated photos and videos on Facebook calling on people to attack Jews and Israeli security forces, according to police.

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VOLUNTEERS

Second volunteer day The JCRC/Community Against Poverty coalition is seeking volunteers from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, for work at an early child care and after-school program at 5474 N. Kingshighway Boulevard. Volunteers will paint classrooms so the center can meet Missouri licensing requirements. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No experience is necessary. To sign up and for more information, email Gail Wechsler at gwechsler@ jcrcstl.org or call 314-442-3894.

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It’s the second such project the committee has handled (the last one was in 2013). “We’ll just keep doing this as centers are identified,” said Marver, who hopes the program’s resources grow enough to do more than one project each year. “We feel that child care centers in innercity neighborhoods that are challenged to keep their facilities up do not have the resources, but they are available, accessible and affordable,” she said. “The community should support them so that families that live in neighborhoods that need child care to go to work, school or wherever have it, that it is [good] quality … and the facility is safe and attractive to children and families.” Marver said the JCRC’s efforts on the issue wouldn’t be limited to simply brightening walls. “We will also advocate for more resources from the government,” she said. “We underfund early child care in the state of Missouri and the country. It should be a priority.” Marver said the private and public sectors should work together to ensure every child has a quality early education. “When you get a good start, you do better,” she said. “You go on to high school and on to a trade school or college. You become a productive citizen. So it’s an economic issue as well.” Regina Carter of Florissant has run the center since creating it five years ago. She said the facility is a great help to local single-parent households where the head of the family may also hold down the job that accounts for a home’s main income. She hopes the improvements will not only get her license renewed but also put God’s Creation on a path to accreditation for

ABOVE: Tamar Sher (left) volunteers with her mom, Karen Sher, at a day care in north St. Louis on Sunday. LEFT: Community Against Poverty Chair Renee Marver talks with volunteers. Photos: Mike Sherwin

Head Start funding. “I’m really grateful. We are working together as a team,” said Carter, who has been working in child care for 14 years. “This is the first time that I’ve ever gotten assistance from another organization, so it means a whole lot to me.” Marver stressed the project involved two parts of the community joining forces.

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“This is not charity,” she said. “This is a partnership to help, and that’s what you see here today. We’re working together.” Whatley, the voluntter, said that helping out isn’t just an aspect of Jewish values but also human values. “It’s certainly our obligation to help other people and to be engaged in the community,” she said. “It is important for

us to promote education, and education begins with the very youngest people.” Central Reform Congregation member Maris Berg of St. Louis said she also believes that the effort is vital. “For us to help license a good day care is very important and probably one of the best things we can do in the community,” she said. For some of the participants, it was a family affair. Karen Sher and her daughter Tamar, 16, of Clayton, came to lend a hand. “We saw the opportunity through an email from the JCRC, and my daughter is really into community-service projects, so I thought this would be a really fun thing to do,” said Sher, her hands streaked with red paint. “This is the first time we’ve done it, but we are excited to continue to do it in the future.” Tamar said it felt good and gave her an opportunity to meet a diverse group of individuals. “You bring everyone together into one space, and it is a really cool experience to talk to different people,” said Tamar, who attends CRC with her mother. Karen Sher said it was all about tikkun olam. “We are a part of one big community, and we should all be helping one another to move it forward and transform it so it is a positive, wonderful, vibrant place to live in,” she said.

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opinions ROBERT A. COHN Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Founded 1963 The Newspaper of the Jewish Community of Greater St. Louis 314-743-3600 • Fax: 314-743-3690 E-mail: news@thejewishlight.com Address for payments: P.O. Box 78369 St. Louis, Mo. 63178-8369 General Correspondence: 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3010 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICERS Gary Kodner, President; Diane Gallant, Vice President; Jeff Golden, Vice President; Jane Tzinberg Rubin, Vice President; Steve Gallant, Treasurer; Sheri Sherman, Secretary; Jenny Wolkowitz, Immediate Past President COMMITTEE CHAIRS Editorial: Ben Lipman; Business: Jeff Golden; Development: Diane Gallant SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS Teen Page: Peggy Kaplan, Caroline Goldenberg TRUSTEES Diana Iskiwitch, Richard Weiss, Michael Corson, Caroline Goldenberg, Jennifer Schmitz, David Singer, Vicki Singer, Toby Warticovschi, Dr. Lew Chartock, Yale Hollander, Rori Picker Neiss, Ben Lipman, Avi Rosenzweig, Lauren Sagel, Harvey Hieken, Peggy Kaplan, Jill Mogil, Ed Musen, Gary Ratkin, Laura Silver, Rabbi Lane Steinger ADVISORY COMMITTEE Terry Bloomberg, Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D., Ava Ehrlich, Charles C. Eisenkramer, Richard Flom, Dodie Frey, John Greenberg, Philip A. Isserman, Gianna Jacobson, Linda Kraus, Sanford Lebman, Michael Litwack, Dr. Ken Ludmerer, Lynn Lyss, Rabbi Mordecai Miller, Donald Mitchell, Milton Movitz, Michael N. Newmark, Adinah Raskas, Marvin J. Schneider, Irving Shepard, Richard W. Stein, Barbara Langsam Shuman, Sanford Weiss, Phyllis Woolen Markus, Vivian W. Zwick. Founder Morris Pearlmutter (1913-1993)

PROFESSIONAL STAFF EXECUTIVE Larry Levin Publisher/CEO Robert A. Cohn Editor-in-Chief Emeritus EDITORIAL Ellen Futterman Editor Managing Editor Mike Sherwin Elise Krug Editorial Assistant Cheryl Barack Gouger Editorial Assistant Barry Gilbert Copy Editor BUSINESS Kelly Richter Debra Gershenson Helen Neuman

Business Director Admin. Assistant Admin. Assistant

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Submit letters to the editor to Managing Editor Mike Sherwin at msherwin@thejewishlight.com. Letters may be edited for grammar, length and clarity. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Please include your name, municipality and a daytime telephone number. The Light will publish only one letter from an individual writer during a 60-day period. Anonymous letters will generally not be considered for publication.

ELLEN FUTTERMAN Editor

JEWISH LIGHT EDITORIAL

Immoral Compass Torture represents one of the basest forms of conduct we can engage in as humans. So are there times it’s okay as Americans? As Jews? The recently released Senate Intelligence Committee report on Central Intelligence Agency activities has overwhelmed us with its graphic depiction of shocking treatments. Not only of high-value terrorist targets, but of those for whom the CIA had little if no evidence of complicity in 9-11 or other planned attacks on the United States. We certainly can’t slam the door shut on the issue the way former Vice President Dick Cheney attempted to do on “Meet the Press” over the weekend. In talking about the report, Cheney suggested that torturing innocents is justified to prevent potential attacks. And he essentially validated the actions of the CIA based on the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel memo in 2002, even though much of that content was repudiated two years later. Cheney tried to argue his way into a justification that if the government has approved an action, it cannot comprise torture. But this is Orwellian at best, and lies in the fallacious assumption that a government decision cannot be wrong. It’s of course an incredibly tough issue when the threat of a great harm looms large. After all, if one knew for sure in advance that torturing one guilty person would absolutely save thousands or millions of lives, would not the equation be easier to solve for many of us? But it’s not so in reality. Intelligence leads to an arrest, but we don’t always know the complicity level of the accused, we don’t know what they know or don’t know, and we don’t know what will extricate information that they may or may not possess. And there’s plenty of data suggesting that torture methodologies aren’t effective in extracting the essentials that could head off future bad acts. Even though thoughtful deliberation from a moral perspective might not yield firm answers in every instance, we must start there so that we are aware of the difficult and critical balance between individual and societal rights. Under Jewish law a rodef is a “pursuer,” someone who is threatening the life of one or more persons. The law allows, even obligates, Jews to save an intended victim from murder by a rodef. Under some interpretations, then, there are circum-

For more on the subject: • Does Jewish Law Allow Torture? Legal and rabbinic scholars have long debated the controversial issue, Tablet Magazine, Dec. 12, 2014 (http://bit.ly/1ACRZkY) • Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, Jewish Values and Torture, http://bit.ly/1we4jZQ

stances when it’s both appropriate and necessary to extract information, to treat a person with knowledge of plots and bad deeds as a sort of surrogate rodef, to save others’ lives. Much has been written about the subject, and there are no easy answers. Several Orthodox rabbinic scholars have weighed in on the matter in recent years, as have those from other Jewish groups like Rabbis for Human Rights, the Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly and the Union of Reform Judaism. Some attempt to strike a balance and others assert categorial refusal to acknowledge any legitimate use of torture. It would be hard to take the information rendered in the CIA report and accept those practices under any circumstances. The lack of oversight, review, ethics and application of any human decency whatsoever appears to have been blatant and consistent. What is harder to say is that there is no possible circumstance under which any single tactic could be used. To make the most preposterous argument in favor of the most atrocious conduct: If a nuclear weapon were about to go off and a convicted felon were known to have the code to disarm it and was known to have given information in the past when physically subjected to such heinous tactics, would you say no to using extraordinary methods? Such a situation may occur in a television potboiler but virtually never in real life, thus illustrating how narrowly our decisions in this area must be drawn. For if we follow the slippery slope of the CIA and allow what appears to be the cavalier use of subhuman practices to become the norm, then we’re acting with the same paucity of moral depth that defines enemies of civilized society.

What’s your take? Let us know on our Facebook page (facebook.com/ stljewishlight) or email us at letters@thejewishlight.com.

Cartoon: Adam Zyglis, The Buffalo News

Eric Garner and Ferguson are symptoms of a deeper problem BY SUZANNE FEINSPAN

WASHINGTON — I sat down earlier this month to write about what happened in Ferguson. As I began to write, there was no doubt in my mind that there would be a “next time” as soon as we hit the next news cycle, if not sooner. Then I heard the news that the New York City police officer responsible for the death of Eric Garner would not be charged. I was struck by the fact that I could write this article every day Suzanne and just leave a blank spot to fill in a Feinspan is the new name. acting execuThis is not just about Michael Brown tive director of or Eric Garner. These cases are not AVODAH: The anomalies but symptoms of something Jewish Service much deeper. Corps. Her We have a system in this country Op-Ed was disthat lets some get ahead while keeping tributed by JTA. others in the cycle of poverty. We see this play out in the disparities in educational opportunities available to low-income AfricanAmerican students compared with middle-class white students. We see it in who can buy a home and what kind of mortgage options are available to them. And we see it in the unequal application of drug laws that send huge numbers of black men to jail for drug crimes committed in nearly equal numbers by white individuals. These are just a few examples from a much longer list. As Jews, we have in recent history benefited greatly from a system that has actively held down our black brothers and sisters. The G.I. Bill and the various programs enacted under the New Deal helped many white Jews

See COMMENTARY, page 27A

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What the shmita year can teach us about Hanukkah BY DASEE BERKOWITZ

JERUSA LEM — When the Maccabees climbed the stairs of the Temple in Jerusalem, they lit the menorah with the knowledge that there was only enough oil to last for one day. Only a miracle could turn oil into a renewable resource. And the future of the planet urges us not to depend on miracles. The faith and initiative shown by the Maccabees can inspire us this year to take greater action, especially during a Hanukkah that falls during the shmita year. Shmita is the biblically ordained law that has roots in agriculture and building a just society. It's a call for the land of Israel to rest every seventh year, for debts to be forgiven and for slaves to be released. Jewish environmental activists, communal leaders and educators (from Hazon, Siah, Teva Ivri among others) have created robust platforms (conferences, papers, websites and synagogue task forces) to help us consider what shmita can mean for us today living in a mainly non-agrarian society. They have confronted us to think about our mission as a people and how caring for God’s earth is central to that mission. They have developed practical ideas that range from the personal and communal to the national. On the personal and communal levels, they encourage us to create more energy-efficient homes and institutions, to place recycling centers at the entrance to our institutions that serve as eco-mezuzahs, and to get outside more (even in winter) to appreciate the majesty of the natural world. On a national level in Israel, Knesset member Ruth Calderon and the minister for social welfare have created a financial recovery program to help

needy families settle their debts, and others have created online time banks that give volunteers an opportunity to contribute their time and skill to the needy in our community. All of these are a part of an initiative to infuse new life into an ancient (and sometimes seemingly antiquated) law. How can a shmita consciousness this Hanukkah help open up another dimension of the holiday? Here are some ideas: 1. Use less electricity:` Different from Shabbat candles, we are not meant to use the light of the Hanukkah candles for practical purposes. Encouraged to "l’rotam b’lvad" (literally, “only see them”), we slow down and are fully present to remind ourselves of the miracle of the oil that lasted longer than it naturally should. While the Hanukkah candles are burning, turn off all the lights in your home and think about renewable energy sources as you view the small flame. Save electricity for those 30 minutes, and when the

A New Year’s wish for Ferguson closure BY MARTY ROCHESTER

As we usher in 2015, one hopes we can bring closure to the Ferguson chapter in the life of St. Louis. I am not talking about the end of the story. Clearly, much remains to be done in addressing various concerns and healing the community. But perhaps we can put the controversy itself behind us, along with the anger and rage it sparked, and have a more productive dialogue. Some will want to use any future white cop-black victim police shooting as an excuse for another round of mayhem, ranging from the kind of burning and looting that occurred Nov. 24 after the grand jury refused to indict Police Officer Darren Wilson, to the less violent but nonetheless bothersome disruptions of traffic and lives, peppered with threats and epithets, that paralyzed much of the metro area almost daily in the weeks following. Many of those calling for civil disobedience have failed to condemn the violence in as loud a voice and haven’t understood that illegal demonstrations, however peaceful, carry consequences of jail time or fines. My comments here are not aimed at these folks, whose demands for justice would not have been satisfied even had

the grand jury indicted Wilson for killing unarmed teenager Michael Brown. I am aiming for the silent majority on both sides of the divide, those supporting Brown and those supporting Wilson. On Brown’s side, we have to first acknowledge the tragic loss of a young man and the suffering of a grieving family. We also have to acknowledge legitimate concerns that have been raised about persistent racism in America, including racial profiling. Beyond these obvious points, we need to concede that protestors have raised reasonable criticisms of St. Louis area municipal court systems, traffic enforcement rules and procedures, and police protocols for dealing with criminal suspects. No doubt the entire process from the moment of Brown’s initial interaction with Officer Wilson to the final disposition of the case was hardly a model of how the American justice system should operate. On Wilson’s side, it was shameful the way in which so many in the media, such as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and cable news stations, along with protestors, who were often egged on by irresponsible leaders that included local clergy, rushed to judgment about his guilt without all the facts. These same people compounded the

ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

Dasee Berkowitz is a Jewish educational consultant and writer living in Jerusalem. She is a frequent contributor to JTA, the Forward and Kveller. com. Her Op-Ed was distributed by JTA.

DECEMBER 17, 2014

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JEWISH LIGHT BLOGGER

It’s family vs. dad in latke dispute BY YALE HOLLANDER

candles burn down and you turn on the artificial lights, have a greater consciousness about the kinds of energy you use and think about switching to the miracle of solar power. 2. Consume less and celebrate more: Many analysts agree that one of the major problems with our ecological crisis is overconsumption. Americans make up only 5 percent of the population of the world but consume 20 percent of its resources (food, water and energy.) In the Jewish community, our affluence contributes to this trend. Instead of placing our emphasis on the material — presents and more presents — let’s think about how we can celebrate in a more creative way. Songs, games, gestures of love and friendship are free. Make these things the center of your Hanukkah celebration this

See HANUKKAH, page 28A

J. Martin Rochester, Curators’ Teaching Professor of Political Science at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, is author of 10 books on international and American politics, including the forthcoming “New Warfare: Rethinking Rules for An Unruly World.” In addition to teaching courses in international politics, international organization and law, and U.S. foreign policy, he has served as Chairperson of the Political Science Dept. at UM-St. Louis.

problem when they continued to ignore the facts that were presented once the grand jury decision was announced and all of the testimony and forensic evidence was released, evidence that tended to support Wilson or was at least so sketchy and inconclusive – regarding “hands up” and other issues – as to preclude criminal charges. Amazingly, even the convenience store robbery caught on video was dismissed by Wilson’s accusers as mere “shoplifting” and irrelevant to the case. It is true that St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch did not follow standard grand jury procedures. He might well have thought there was not enough evidence to indict Wilson and send the case to trial. However, he sure-

See ROCHESTER, page 28A

There’s nothing like a good old fashioned Hanukkah celebration to remind me of my occasional pariah status within my wife’s family. Now, don’t get me wrong: I have an outstanding relationship with my inlaws. My father-in-law is quite possibly the most-liked man in all of St. Louis and you can certainly count me among his fans. My mother-in-law possesses enough grace and charm to make Queen Elizabeth look like a Kardashian — any of them — in comparison. But Hanukkah brings about an enormous rift in our family fabric wherein it is all — my own wife and children included — against one (that, I remind you, is me). You see, on the matter of latke condiments, I am Team Sour Cream; my wife and her family are Team Applesauce. And it’s not just that they’re pro-applesauce; they are vehemently anti-sour cream. They do not understand how I could possibly defile the noble latke when it was clearly intended to be a vehicle for the delivery of applesauce into one’s gullet. Even my precious 12-yearold daughter looks at me in disgust — and this is a child who will gladly render a baked potato completely unidentifiable beneath a mountain of the delectable cultured dairy product. To put it bluntly, I am appalled by applesauce. I’m no fan of apples to begin with, so rest assured I don’t find them any more appetizing once they’ve been boiled so long they decompose into what can only charitably be considered a slurry. Do you know who loves applesauce? Babies. Babies love applesauce. Do you know why babies love applesauce? Because they’re babies and have to rely on a more evolved human being to feed them. Of course they’re going to love applesauce, because if they don’t, they’re either going to starve or they’re going to get fed a bunch of bronze-colored paste that comes out of a jar that says “Turkey and Noodle Dinner.” Given those alternatives, I’d gobble up applesauce with great relish too. And since I’m not a baby anymore, I choose not to eat applesauce. But I have the decency to keep my opinions to myself as I attempt to enjoy my latkes — adorned with sour cream — in peace. My wife will call me weird. My motherin-law will say something eminently polite like, “I don’t understand it, but it takes all kinds.” My father-in-law, well... this is a guy who will fry up a quarterpound of bologna, douse it with barbecue sauce and eat it on raisin toast, so I can’t take his culinary opinion too personally. To borrow a query from another holiday, why is this night different from all other nights? Because on all other nights I can usually eat unburdened by the glare of familial judgment. I am never going to win their favor on this topic, but at least I get all the sour cream to myself. Here’s hoping your Hanukkah is filled with family, friends, fellowship, food and most importantly freedom — freedom to enjoy your latkes however you wish. Yale Hollander is a dad, husband, legal professional and writer whose works have appeared in a number of local and national publications. A Trustee of the Jewish Light, Yale is also the paper’s newest blogger. Check out his posts at stljewishlight.com/yale

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DECEMBER 17, 2014

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FAMILY FUN WHAT: Ice skating at Steinberg WHEN: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday & 10 a.m.midnight Friday & Saturday (10 a.m.-midnight, extended holiday hours Dec. 19-Jan 3) WHERE: Steinberg Rink in Forest Park HOW MUCH: $7, $5 skate rental THE 411: Skate all day (or an hour) for $7, enjoy great exercise and hot chocolate (as well as beer and wine) and one of the city’s best bonfires. MORE INFO: steinbergskatingrink.com

BALLET WHAT: “The Nutcracker” performed by St. Louis Ballet WHEN: Thursday-Tuesday WHERE: Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL HOW MUCH: $22-$55 THE 411: Young Clara’s mischievous uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer, concocts a fantasy world for Clara, replete with growing Christmas tree and a Nutcracker doll that comes to life and battles a Mouse King. The defeat of the Mouse King brings a fantastic sleigh ride through falling snow and dancing snowflakes. Clara’s visit to the Land of Sweets is a showcase of dancing treats presented by the Sugar Plum Fairy herself. MORE INFO: 314-516-4949 or 866-516-4949 or touhill. org MUSIC WHAT: Alan Ox,“Straight Up: A Shot of Sinatra” WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday WHERE: Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Boulevard HOW MUCH: $10-$20 THE 411: Tunes such as “Fly Me to the Moon,”“I’ve Got You Under My Skin,”“The Best Is Yet to Come” and many more will be featured in the show, along with some seasonal surprises. Ox will be backed by the Dave Venn Group. MORE INFO: 314-533-9900 or sheldonconcerthall.org

Tasteful gifts Cookbooks a perfect idea for last-minute Hanukkah presents Delicatessen, which opened in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 2010, are two 20-somethings in love with each other and in love with the If you thought the Internet had rendered deli foods of their childhoods. For Noah, cookbooks irrelevant, you’d be wrong. Yes, who grew up in Montreal, the essence of thousands of recipes are available for free deli food was great smoked meats. For on websites and cooking blogs. But only a his wife, Rae, a New York City native, cookbook can take you on a culinary jour- the appeal was to innovate those tradiney to someplace you’ve never been, teach tional deli favorites with an emphasis you about culinary traditions you knew little on quality ingredients. about, and guide you in preparing delicious As you might guess, their cookbook, meals for family and friends. subtitled “Redefining Jewish Comfort Many people share my sentiments, as evi- Food from Hash to Hamantaschen,” denced by the number of new cookbooks on has an entire section on smoking meats the market. Better yet, as we are in the and fish. Though time consuming, their midst of the holiday season, any of the fol- recipes are straightforward and easy to lowing cookbooks would make a terrific follow. An entire section is devoted to Hanukkah gift. condiments for smoked The roots of the first two cook- Recipe meats — everything from books I recommend can be traced pickled gizzard confit to back to Jewish immigrants who • Check out gribenes and schmaltz. came to America in the late 19th Janna Gur’s If you enjoy baking, you’ll century. In the European shtetl, “Nut And Date find recipes for a delicious Coins” recipe women were homemakers. But range of classics, including kaiser from her book, here in America, economic pres- “Jewish Soul rolls, pletzel, pumpernickel bread, sures forced many of those women Food: From cheesecakes with compote, manto work outside the home. Hence, Minsk to dlebrot and jelly doughnuts. And the Jewish delicatessen was born. Marrakesh if you find yourself in that ineviThrough those delis, rich table meal rut, “The Mile End See page 29A European culinary traditions Cookbook” offers exciting recipes would be preserved, immigrants and ideas for memorable breakwould enjoy the foods they grew up on and fasts, great sandwiches and stick-to-yourneighborhood deli owners would have a ribs dinners. good source of income. The second of my deli cookbook recomIn the beginning, the patrons of those mendations, “The Artisan Jewish Deli at Jewish delis were principally Jewish immi- Home,” pays homage to deli classics, includgrants. But today, deli food has blossomed ing recipes for kreplach, green sorrel spring into a culinary genre enjoyed by all. “The borcht, cheese blintzes, traditional bagels Mile End Cookbook” by Noah and Rae made with a sourdough starter (which I Bernamoff (Clarkson Potter, 2012; $27.50) have made and were a big hit with my famand “The Artisan Jewish Deli At Home” by ily), and kippered salmon, which had been a Nick Zukin and Michael C. Zusman particularly popular menu item in the delis (Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2013; $27.99) of the 1920s and 1930s. provide fascinating stories about the deli The authors precede each recipe with movement and some great recipes to re-cre- lively stories of that food’s origins. They also ate deli favorites. offer recipes that put contemporary twists The founders of the Mile End on the classics, including innovative recipes BY MARGI LENGA KAHN

SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

for pastrami and cheddar scones, pastrami Benedict, herbed matzoh brei and creative options for filling rugelach that reflect the four seasons. In addition to this wonderful recipe collection, the book is peppered with interviews of Jewish food mavens such as Nach Waxman and cookbook author Joan Nathan, and great stories about some of our nation’s finest delis. Even if you’re not a cook, the appetizing photos will make you want to search out the closest deli and delve into its history. And if you happen to know a baker, a wannabe baker or a history buff, I recommend “Inside the Jewish Bakery: Recipes and Memories from the Golden Age of Jewish Baking” (Camino Books, Inc., 2011; $24.95). The authors are the late Norman Berg, a professional baker for 25 years, and Stanley Ginsberg, an avid self-taught baker who learned most of what he knows from

See COOKBOOKS, page 29A

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DECEMBER 17, 2014

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Hanukkah gifts for bookworms BY BATYA UNGAR-SARGON JTA

Looking for a Hanukkah gift for the bibliophile in your life? Here are some 2014 Jewish-themed selections spanning fiction, memoir and essay collections. “All I Know and Love” by Judith Frank (William Morrow) In the tradition of the great 19th-century domestic novels, Judith Frank brings us the tale of Matt and Daniel, a couple living in Northampton, Mass., whose lives are torn apart by tragedy when Daniel’s twin brother and his wife are killed in a Jerusalem suicide bombing. They leave behind two children whom they bequeathed to Daniel’s care. The novel Judith Frank presents the often-conflicting need for self-preservation and the desire to step up for one’s partner in moments of crisis. Frank is a compassionate but honest storyteller; she succeeds in engaging in serious discussions about the Middle East conflict in the context of Matt and Daniel’s struggle to become a family with their new wards. “The Hilltop” by Assaf Gavron (Scribner) Equal parts comedy and tragedy, Assaf Gavron’s sprawling seventh novel takes us to a fictional West Bank settlement deemed illegal by the Israeli government. In so-called Ma’aleh Hermesh C, a small group of pioneering Jews have put down roots. The novel focuses loosely on brothers Roni, a failed entrepreneur, and Gabi, who has become a Breslov Hasid. “The

Hilltop” alternates between the brothers’ lives at the outpost — Roni has hatched a misbegotten plan there to sell olive oil made by Palestinians living nearby and Gabi, a synecdoche for Israel itself, experiences increasingly violent and self-sabo- Assaf Gavron taging outbursts — and their troubled past as orphaned kibbutzniks. “Paper Love” by Sarah Wildman (Riverhead) After finding photographs of a beautiful girl named Valy among her late grandfather’s belongings, Sarah Wildman, a journalist, goes in search of her grandfather’s “true love,” whom he left behind in war-torn Berlin back in 1938. The author traveled to Europe again Sarah and again in search of Wildman anyone who might have a glimmer of knowledge about the young woman. In unraveling this mystery, Wildman rescues Valy’s story from oblivion, proving how a single narrative can illuminate the tragedy of the Holocaust. At its core, the memoir is a meditation on Jewish identity after the last of the survivor generation has passed.

takes on writers, philosophers, cultural critics and theorists. His subjects include Cynthia Ozick, Slavoj Zizek, David Foster Wallace and Charles Darwin. Each of the essays radically alters generally accepted ideas about its subject. For example, on the limits of Dar winian thought, Kirsch writes, “It is human nature to be violent and competitive, and it is human nature to be compassionate and cooperative. Unlike the animals, we are aware that such alternatives exist, and have no choice but to choose between them, not just once and for all, but every time we act.”

“Rocket and Lightship” by Adam Kirsch (W.W. Norton and Company) Literary critic and poet Adam Kirsch’s new essay collection provides a lesson in thinking itself. In “Rocket and Lightship,” his seventh book, Kirsch

“The Zone of Interest” by Martin Amis (Knopf) One of the year’s most shocking books, “The Zone of Interest” is also one of its most gripping. The story, which takes place in a concentration camp, follows three characters through their daily rou-

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tines — Paul Doll, an uberNazi; Angelus Thomsen, a more halfhearted one; and Szmul, a Jewish prisoner who stays alive by acceding to the Nazis most horrific of demands: pulling bodies out of the gas Martin Amis chambers. A Holocaust satire, the book is heretically funny. There’s also a love story: Thomsen lusts after Doll’s aloof wife, Hannah. But Martin Amis’ 14th novel is really an exploration of the Holocaust’s soul-sucking absurdity for both victim and perpetrator.

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Beyond latkes: Hanukkah traditions around the world BY RUTH ABUSCH MAGDER MYJEWISHLEARNING.COM

SAN FRANCISCO — Hanukkah is observed with joy and celebration in Jewish communities around the world. There are eight nights of lights and blessings the world over, but there are also many ways that different communities make the holiday uniquely their own. Here are eight customs and ideas to help you make your celebration just a little more global. • In Alsace, a region of France, double-decker Hanukkah menorahs were common with space for 16 lights. The two levels, each with spots for eight lights, allowed fathers and sons to join together as they each lit their own lights in one single menorah. • There is a custom of placing your menorah in a place where people will be able to view the lights

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burning and appreciate the miracle of the holiday. In some Jerusalem neighborhoods, spaces are cut into the sides of buildings so people can display them outside. Historically in countries like Morroco and Algeria, and even some communities in India, it was customary to hang a menorah on a hook on a wall near the doorway on the side of the door across from the mezuzah. • In Yemenite and North African Jewish communities, the seventh night of Hanukkah is set aside as a particular Rabbi Ruth women’s holiday commemorating AbuschHannah, who sacrificed seven sons Magder rather than give in to the Greek pressure to abandon Jewish practice, and in honor or Judith, whose seduction and assassination of Holofernes, the Assyrian emperor Nebuchadnezzar’s

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top general, led to Jewish military victory. • Gift giving at Hanukkah time is primarily a North American custom, but it is easy to make it global by gifting Jewish items made around the world like handmade necklaces from Uganda, challah covers from Ghana or kipot from China. • In Santa Marta, Colombia, the new Jewish community Chavurah Shirat Hayyam has started its own traditional Hanukkah recipe: Instead of eating fried potato latkes, they eat Patacones, or fried plantains. • The Jewish communities in Ethiopia and parts of India split off from the larger Jewish community in ancient time before Hanukkah was established as a Jewish holiday. They only began celebrating Hanukkah in modern times, when their communities were reunited with other Jewish communities. • In 1839, thousands of Jews fled Persia, where the Muslim authorities began forcibly converting them, and settled in Afghanistan. While some of them lived openly as Jews, others hid their Jewish identity. When Hanukkah time came around, they would not light a special menorah for fear it would attract the notice of Muslim neighbors. Instead they would fill little plates with oil and set them near each other. If neighbors stopped by, they could simply make the menorah disappear by spreading the plates around the house. • The rich culinary traditions of the Moroccan Jewish community know not of potato latkes or jelly doughnuts. Rather they favor the citrusy flavors of the Sfenj doughnut, which was made with the juice and zest of an orange. Notably, from the early days of nation building in Israel, the orange came to be associated with the holiday of Hanukkah as the famed Jaffa oranges came into season in time for the holiday celebrations. Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder Ph.D. is the rabbi in residence at Be’chol Lashon and the editor of the blog Jewish&. A culinary historian and mother of two, she lives and meditates in San Francisco. Follow her on Twitter @rabbiruth.

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Timothy Mathew Howard, now 35, is better known as Tim and one of the finest soccer goalkeepers America has produced. The 6-foot 3-inch Howard was born and raised in North Brunswick, N.J. Tim’s parents divorced when he was three, but his father maintained a strong presence in his life and ensured his sons' involvement in sports. This was fortunate for the United States, as Tim has solidified his position as the greatest goalkeeper in national history. Last July in the United States World Cup 2-1 overtime loss to Belgium in Brazil, Howard pounced, blocked, leapt and lunged his way to a record-setting 16 saves, the most in a World Cup since 1966. In spite of his team’s loss to Belgium, Tim was the team's World Cup MVP. More remarkable in his development, was that Tim was afflicted with Tourette Syndrome when he was 9 years old. It is a condition that can include tics and twitches that come in strong waves. But when the ball is far away, he indulges his twitches. “I don’t suppress it,” Tim says. But when an opposing striker approaches him, his muscles remain miraculously calm. “I have no idea how I do it,” Tim says. “Not even my doctors can explain it to me.” His amazing feat of 16 saves was viewed on TV by 21.6 million people (viewership was up 44 percent from the 2010 World Cup). Tim plays professionally in the English Premier League for Everton — with a three million dollar salary, and contract now extended through 2018. It would hardly be surprising, given his enormous talent and dedication, if Tim is once again playing in another World Cup in four years, when he will be 39. A happy and healthy Hanukkah. Skip Erwin wrote & broadcast sports shows for KMOX for 25 years. Member JCC & UMSL Sports Hall of Fame.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8A The code, first formulated in the 1840s, mandates permanent dismissal if a student lies, cheats or steals. “The honor code does not encompass all of the things that are needed,” said Orlow, volunteering at a Challah for Hunger booth on a chilly Thursday afternoon on the university’s fabled lawn, which was designed by the school’s founder, Thomas Jefferson. “It doesn’t cover sexual assault,” offered her fellow volunteer, Patricia Garvey, 20, a student of environmental science. Volunteers for the group bake and sell challahs to students just before Shabbat; the proceeds go to the needy. “There was an initial sense of ‘this needs to be dealt with,’ “ said Jake Rubin, the director of the university’s Hillel, the Brody Jewish Center, describing reactions by university administrators to the article. “It certainly is a problem at the University of Virginia, but it is not only a problem at the University of Virginia. It has moved to what do we do, how do we fix this issue — being absolutely committed to really taking a hard look at the community and trying to figure out steps forward.” The University of Virginia is not a destination university for students who want deep Jewish involvement, although in recent years the school has increased its Jewish profile. This year it added graduate courses to its Jewish studies program; three years ago the school opened a new Hillel building. Among the 21,000 students overall at the university, there are 1,200 to 1,400 Jewish undergraduates and 400 to 600 Jewish graduate students, according to Rubin. The modern Hillel building is not particularly distinctive-looking. It sticks out on University Circle, a street just off Rugby Road, the leafy winding causeway where many of the elegant Victorian fraternity houses are situated and ground zero for what the Rolling Stone article described as an out-of-control culture of drinking, sexual aggressiveness and worse. Rubin said venues like Hillel provided a homey refuge for students dealing with what has been a traumatic semester, including the alleged kidnap and murder of a student and two suicides, in addition to the allegations described in Rolling Stone. “Frankly, students are overwhelmed,” he said. “To have a resource for them that’s comforting in a sense, just to be there for them, that’s been our first priority.” Jewish fraternities are among those taking the lead nationally in addressing sexual assault on campus. Leibowitz, a 22-year-old recent Wesleyan graduate, started Consent is so Frat this year in part because of reports of fraternity-related sexual assaults at Wesleyan during his undergraduate years. AEPi chapters at other campuses, including Rutgers, have spread the program. The initiative developed and distributes a curriculum on consent that is aimed at members of fraternities and sororities. Ruttenberg said the notion of sexual consent is rooted in Jewish texts. “It’s deeply embedded in our tradition,” she said. “In the Talmud, consent is one of the great non-negotiables in any sexual encounter. The Talmud forbids marital rape, which is astonishingly forward-thinking, considering it took until 1993 for North Carolina to ban it. The Talmud says that if a woman is raped and has an orgasm, she is still raped.” Jonathan Pierce, a past president of AEPi International, said the fraternity solicits advice on sexual consent from groups such as Jewish Women International, inviting its experts to speak at its annual conference, and from its own board of rabbis. The AEPi website links to broad restrictions mandated by the Fraternal Information and Programming Group, to which it is affiliated. According to the guidelines from the national risk management association, fraternities “will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions, activities or events, whether on chapter premises or an off-site location which are demeaning to women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual assault by individuals or members acting together.” Pierce said the best programs arose from the grassroots, citing Consent is So Frat. “This is where real learning takes place, you have your own members coming up with programs,” he said. Jeffrey Kerbel, the president of the University of Virginia’s AEPi chapter, said its consent education begins with pledges and is sustained throughout the brother’s university career. “This responsibility and this education are also

ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

stressed to our probationary members – first through formal trainings and then through further emphasis within the chapter,” he said via email. “Our aim is to emphasize these points consistently and frequently; otherwise we risk growing vulnerable to the social and cultural influences that can diminish the value of consent and the place it must have in society.” The “Safe, Smart Dating” workshop was scheduled before the Rolling Stone article for a University of Virginia appearance in April. The two-hour presentation starts with students texting their encounters with sexual assault, firsthand or otherwise. The texts are projected on a screen, prompting discussion in smaller groups. Case studies also are included, including the 2010 murder of University of Virginia lacrosse player Yeardley Love by George Huguely, also a lacrosse player at the university, as well as more ambiguous outcomes, such as the acquittal of Taylor Watson, a Minnesota man who had sex with a friend who was in a drunken stupor. Jurors accepted the defense’s argument that the woman had deliberately intoxicated her-

DECEMBER 17, 2014

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self before asking to sleep at Watson’s apartment. Zeta Beta Tau and Sigma Delta Tau train campus facilitators to run the program. “It’s starting conversations that people are often uncomfortable with and unwilling to have,” said Dana Fleitman, the director of prevention for Jewish Women International. Included among the hypotheticals handed out to participants on slips of paper are scenarios of digital abuse through online harassment, she said. “The girlfriend who texts all the time and gets mad if you don’t respond” is one scenario, she said. Laurence Bolotin, the national director of Zeta Beta Tau, said the program does not “reinvent the wheel” but guides students on how to use existing resources, including sexual assault responders on campuses. A focus of the program, like the programs that Hillel directs, is how to be an “active bystander,” or to intervene when witnessing what appears to be sexual assault. “It’s not a Greek issue, it’s a college issue,” Bolotin said in an interview.

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DECEMBER 17, 2014

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MELVIN L. NEWMARK MEMORIAL PAGES

Jews Note of

The enduring legacy of Jewish contributions to musical theater, classic American songbook

BY ROBERT A. COHN | Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

o one can deny the enormous, multi-decade contributions that Jews have made to American musical theater and the classic American songbook. On the topic of Jews in Music, Darryl Lyman’s book “Great Jews in Music” (Jonathan David Publishers, Inc., $24.95) is one of the best resources available. Lyman notes that many Jews who became titans in popular American music descended from the klezmer tradition. “Whereas for many centuries a Jewish musician was basically either a cantor or klezmer (an entertainment instrumentalist, often itinerant and usually poor, who specialized in playing at weddings and other celebrations), after the gates of the ghettos were thrown open many Jews emerged to display their musical talents.” Lyman writes. “Those from cantorial backgrounds tended to become singers, conductors, or musicologists while those who inherited the klezmer tradition tended to become instrumentalists and composers of popular music.” What follows is a sampling of some of the top American Jewish musical playwrights and composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Irving Berlin (1888-1989) Perhaps no other popular song composer more aptly symbolizes the universal impact of his work on American culture than Irving Berlin. For decades at this time of the year, Americans have heard “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” by such crooners as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra or Michael Bublé without realizing that it was written by Berlin, an East European Jew. Born Israel Balin in Russia. Berlin’s “God Leonard Bernstein. Photo: Al Ravenna, World Telegram staff photographer; New York WorldTelegram & Sun Collection of Library of Congress

TOP: George Gershwin. Photo: Bain News Service via Library of Congress ABOVE: Mel Brooks LEFT: Irving Berlin. Photo: Life Magazine

Bless America” was sung so powerfully and movingly by the late Kate Smith that many suggested it should replace “The Star Spangled Banner” as our national anthem. Described by Lyman as “America’s most successful popular song composer,” Berlin, a veteran of World War I, also wrote the popular classic “Always” (when he was in his 90s, Berlin refused to let Steven Spielberg use the song for a movie of the same title). Among his specifically Jewish works is the Jazz Age song “Cohen Owes Me Five Dollars” and “Israel,” composed in 1959. Certainly American musical theater would be bleak indeed if it had not been for the works of Irving Berlin.

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) During his long and productive career, Leonard Bernstein (described by Lyman as “the preeminent musical personality in the world”) achieved greatness not only as a composer but also as a conductor. Born of Russian Jewish immigrants in Lawrence, Mass., Bernstein showed a precocious interest in music as a small child. But his hard-headed businessman father strongly opposed his genius son’s total absorption in music, worrying that his son would become a klezmer musician rather than earning a decent living in a more solid profession. Bernstein soldiered on, eventually going to Harvard, where he was mentored by prominent

Melvin L. Newmark Memorial Pages This feature is dedicated to the memory of Melvin L. Newmark, St. Louis attorney and Jewish community leader, who served as president of the Jewish Light Board of Trustees from l969-l972. In his memory, Mr. Newmark’s family and friends established the Melvin L. Newmark Memorial Fund, which has funded and sponsored commentary articles and special features on a topic of current Jewish interest. The St. Louis Jewish Light is grateful to Melvin Newmark’s family and friends, for establishing the fund.

musical figures, including Aaron Copland, at the time America’s leading composer. Always torn between his love of conducting and his creative impulse to compose, Bernstein managed to balance the two with his total focus on his musical work. His conducting included the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Symphony Orchestra, and he also guest conducted at the New York Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Orchestra and La Scala in Milan. After the 1967 Six-Day War, Bernstein conducted an historic concert on Mount Scopus on the northeastern side of Jerusalem. In the realm of popular musical theater, Bernstein is best known for “West Side Story” on which he collaborated with Stephen Sondheim, and which includes such songs as “I Feel Pretty,” “Maria” and “Tonight.”

Mel Brooks (1926 - ) Until relatively recently, Mel Brooks might not have been included among influential figures in American musical theater. Brooks, who was born in New York City (and whose original name was Melvin Kaminsky), was best known as part of the legendary comedy writing team for television’s”Your Show of Shows,” working with comedy giants like Neil Simon, Woody Allen, Larry Gelbart and his close friend Carl Reiner in preparing scripts for Sid Caesar, the show’s superstar. Brooks would move from the small screen of early TV to fea-

See MUSIC, page 22A

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DECEMBER 17, 2014

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Brought to you this month by:

Healthwatch is a monthly feature focusing on a health- or fitnessrelated topic with a Jewish angle. The feature is published the third edition of each month. Have a suggestion for a potential Healthwatch subject? Email news@thejewishlight.com.

New Israeli study says tumors might grow more quickly at night LINDA GRADSTEIN THE MEDIA LINE

Cancer scientists have long been interested in how and why tumors grow and spread. Now a group at the Weizmann Institute of Science has found that tumors might grow more quickly at night, meaning that it might be more efficient to give chemotherapy during the night rather than during daytime. “It could mean that some treatments should be done during the night,” said Yehoshua Enuka, one of the authors of the report. “It could also lead to a better understanding of the exact biological and molecular mechanism that governs the process of tumor progression.” The findings which were published in Nature Communications, were done on gastric tumors in mice and the experiment has not been done yet on human subjects. In the case of the mice, which

are more active during the night and sleep during the day, the tumors grew more quickly during the day. The hypothesis is that in the case of people, the tumors will grow faster at night than during the day. It would therefore be more effective to give chemotherapy at night. Non-scientists might question how much validity a study on mice could have on human cancer, but scientists say humans are more similar to mice than we might think. “There’s a concept of a model organism in biology,” said Don Katcoff of the Faculty of Life Sciences at Bar Ilan University. “The physiology is similar and many of the same rules apply.” He also said the findings that were published do seem to be breaking new ground. “They found that the tumors became smaller if chemotherapy was given to the mice during the daytime, which is equivalent to our night,” he said. “They found

that it the difference was statistically significant, but there is a conglomerate of factors that go into deciding how much chemotherapy to give and what kinds of compounds to use.” He suggested it was likely that a similar trial would be conducted with people to see if the findings are replicated. Dr. Matia Lauriola of Bologna University in Italy, the primary author of the paper, said the new ground broken has to do with the interaction between tumor growth and the hormone receptor factor. The receptors are protein molecules found either on the cell’s surface or within cells. The research focused on two specific receptors - the epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR, helps cells, including cancer cells, grow and migrate. The second receptor binds to a steroid hormone called a glucocorticoid (GC), similar to cortisol. This is often called the “stress hormone” because its levels rise in stressful situations.

“Nobody looked at the interaction between different factors in these cases,” Lauriola said. “We are the first to look at these interactions and we think it is important for the understanding of the mechanism that has been important for tumor growth.” The scientists gave a breast cancer drug, Lapatinib, to mice with cancer. The drug is meant to inhibit EGFR, to prevent the growth of the cancer cells. They were more effective during the day, when the mice were sleeping, than at night. Yehoshua Enuka of the Weizmann Institute says that the research could help scientists understand how tumors grow. “It sheds new light on tumor progression,” he said. “If we know it progresses more at night, we know there are different biological mechanisms that are more prevalent during the night. The cortisol seems to block the biological processes that enhance the tumor.”

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Traditional glaucoma surgery bypasses the natural drainage system inside the eye. This surgery allows fluid inside the eye to drain more easily, lowering the eye pressure. Advanced devices have recently been developed that give more options for glaucoma surgery. These allow new procedures to enhance the natural drainage system of the eye, instead of bypassing it. Other innovative devices are currently under trial and should offer patients safer glaucoma surgeries with more predictable results. It is anticipated that these advances will lead to quicker recovery and potentially better post-operative outcomes. It is important to understand that the goal in glaucoma treatment is prevention before severe vision loss occurs. A board-certified ophthalmologist can discuss all available treatment options to help determine the timing and type of treatment best for you.

Do you have a question for one of our specialists? If so, email WU.Physicians@wustl.edu for consideration in Ask the Expert.

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HEALTHWATCH

Florida teen gets real-world medical training in Central America BY SUZANNE KURTZ SLOAN JTA

While many teens might spend their summer vacations relaxing and enjoying time off, Nathaniel Melnitsky, 14, worked alongside his father in a makeshift medical clinic in a Guatemalan village. T h is summer, through DOCa re International, a medical outreach organization, Melnitsky and his father, an emergency medicine physician in Florida, worked with a team of other volunteers to set up and organize the clinic. The volunteers woke daily at 5 a.m. and drove an hour and a half before converting a school into a functional medical facility that would see approximately 1,600 patients in four days. Melnitsky said he expected to merely shadow his father and the other medical staff. Instead, they put him to good use. He sorted through the equipment, gave eye exams and ran lab tests like an electrocardiogram, he said. “It was really cool to learn and get the hands-on-experience of a medical student,” Melnitsky said.

But the experience wasn’t easy. Standing on his feet nearly all day and not speaking Spanish made it especially difficult, he said. Yet the challenges paled in comparison to the economic challenges of the patients. Many of the patients, including children, would have had to walk nearly eight hours to reach the closest hospital if not for the clinic, Melnitsky said. “I thought it was really interesting to see how the world really is,” he said. A freshman at the Scheck Hillel Community School in North Miami Beach, Fla., he recently became president of the pre-med club that he started there. Melnitsky said he is planning to organize volunteering initiatives at local hospitals for the club’s members. He also is hoping to return to Guatemala or go to Peru with his father next summer for another medical mission. “It’s a separate world, and we’re very fortunate [in the United States] that we can have anything we need with a few touches on the iPhone,” Melnitsky said. “I’ll never think about things the same way.”

Volunteering in a developing country, Florida teen Nathaniel Melnitsky says he saw “how the world really is.”

JTA spoke to him about his hero, the meaningful Jewish experience that he had recently and what he likes to do for fun. Who is your hero and why? My dad is a hero. I saw how he helps people and doctors, in general, how hard they work in their spare time without getting anything in return. What are some important qualities in a hero? They can have any attributes: courageous, smart, caring. There’s no format for being a hero. To be a hero, what do you want to do to help? What is your favorite Jewish holiday? I always liked Pesach because it was so cool to sit at a table and stay up really late and eat matzah. It’s so different from

what I am used to. Can you share with us a meaningful Jewish experience that you’ve had? This past Yom Kippur I sat through all of the service and prayed the whole time. What do you think you want to be when you grow up? That’s a good question. Either a doctor or an engineer or both, maybe a biomedical engineer. What kind of things do you like to do for fun? I like swimming, biking, running. JTA’s Teen Heroes column is sponsored by the Helen Diller Family Foundation. To learn more about the foundation’s $36,000 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards, visit dillerteenawards.org.

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St. Louis participants in the 2014 Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project(JWRP) are pictured prior to their trip this summer. Pictured are (front row, from left) Lynda Baris, Stacey Prelutsky, Tracy Speller, Mia Mandel, Joy Germeroth and Naomi Green; (back row, from left) Mimi David, Jill Mannis, Jane Rubin, Laura Rader, Meredith Friedman, Debbie Granick, Sheri Glantz, Stephanie Brown and Ellen Levy Siwak.

ISRAEL FOR MOMS have become so popular that JWRP began running men’s trips last year. “I thought I needed to find more balanced JWRP in St. Louis meaning and not be so In St. Louis, Aish St. Louis wrapped up in life,” said administers the JWRP trips. Debra Aronson, 42, a For more information on non-Orthodox mother the program, email cwolff@ of two from Toronto. aish.com, visit aishstlouis.net “For me it’s more of the or call 314-862-2474. spiritual aspect and our relationship with each other. It’s not for religion. I’m happy where I am religiously.” The trip caters specifically to women in everything from the cuisine to the programming. The meals are lighter — fish and wine rather than the meat and beer on the men’s JWRP trip. The women visit a group children’s home and attend a cooking workshop, while the men visit an army base and see high-tech start-ups in Tel Aviv. To avoid conflicts over egalitarianism, group prayer is avoided altogether on the women’s trips. Though most of the participants have been to Israel before, some said traveling with other women has allowed them to feel a sense community and warmth. Ellie Bass, who led a delegation from Toronto, said she’s enjoyed getting to know the other group members. “The most fun has been hanging out in the hotel with a bottle of wine and snacks, and making each other laugh,” said Bass, who last came to Israel to perform in a dance company in 1997. “It’s that feeling of family.” After the trip, participants must commit to attend follow-up seminars back home at least once a month either on Israel, relationships or community leadership. Palatnik hopes to build an infrastructure to guide the women into a more involved Jewish experience. “We want this to be the springboard for their entry into their Jewish community, Jewish life and personal growth,” Palatnik said. “Some have been in Israel before, [but] their last memory was the soldiers are so cute. Now the soldiers are their sons’ age. At this age they’re taking life more seriously than when they were in their 20s.”

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MUSIC

FAR LEFT: Ira Gershwin

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18A ture films, producing and directing some of the funniest and most enduring comedy films of all time (“The Producers,” “The Twelve Chairs,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Silent Movie,” “Young Frankenstein” and “High Anxiety”). When Brooks reworked “The Producers” for the Broadway stage, few theater buffs thought it would become the total smash hit of 2001, winning a then-record total of 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book. Brooks was the writer with Thomas Meehan serving as composer and lyricist. A few years later, Brooks and his team adapted “Young Frankenstein” to the Broadway stage, which after a slower start than “The Producers” went on to a successful run.

George Gershwin (1898-1937) and Ira Gershwin (1896-1983) “I like a Gershwin tune — how about you?” goes the familiar pop lyric, and who doesn’t like a Gershwin tune? George Gerhwin and his brother Ira Gershwin are the Tin Pan Alley Jazz Age geniuses whose contributions to the canon of American popular music and musical theater cannot be overstated. Lyman describes George Gershwin as “one of the most naturally gifted of all American composers, was an enormously successful commercial song writer who eventually became known for his use of popular and jazz elements in serious symphonic works.” Born in Brooklyn, George’s birth certificate listed his name as “Jacob Gershwine,” while his father’s original name was Moishe Gershovitz. He adopted the Americanized name of

LEFT: George Gershwin. Photo: PBS/ American Masters BELOW: Jerome Kern. Photo: Alfredo Valente

Morris Gershwin. After learning piano on an upright instrument his family bought in 1910, Gershwin was hired as a pianist at Remick’s, a popular summer resort in the Catskill Mountains. He later became involved composing for shows presented by the Yiddish theater circuit in New York. From there he moved on to Tin Pan Alley, where he met such composers as Irving Berlin, Victor Herbert and his idol, Jerome Kern. His big break occurred in 1919, when he composed the complete musical score for the Broadway musical comedy “La, La, Lucille.” He later wrote “Swanee,” which took off when popularized by Al Jolson, the first Jewish American singer-superstar. Gershwin became even more famous for his 1924 masterpiece “Rhapsody in Blue,” which he wrote at the request of band leader Paul Whiteman. He later collaborated with his brother Ira on the immortal and frequently revived “Porgy and Bess,” which some have described as the first authentically American opera. The Gershwin Brothers repertoire of immortal show tunes includes “Fascinating Rhythm” and “S’wonderful.” Their 1930 musical “Girl Crazy” introduced Ethel

Merman to the stage with the hit song “I Got Rhythm.” The well-known “Embraceable You” was in the same show. In 1937, George Gershwin began to experience severe headaches and dizzy spells, symptoms of a brain tumor, which would cause his untimely death in 1937, at age 38.

Jerome Kern (1885-1945) No compendium of major Jewish figures in American musical theater would be complete without Jerome Kern, described by Lyman as the “father of modern American theater music.” Kern’s mother had a major influence on his musical growth, giving him piano lessons in his early youth and taking him to his first Broadway musical as a 10th birthday present. Kern was born in New York City but in 1897, his family moved to Newark, N.J., where at Newark High School he was called on to play the piano and organ at school assemblies. The next year, Kern wrote the score for a musical staged by the Newark Yacht Club. He then dropped out of high school to devote himself exclusively to building a career in music. He

took a major step by studying music in Germany, where he studied in a small town near Heidelberg. His beloved mother died on Dec. 31, 1907, causing Kern to decline any invitations to New Year events for the rest of his life. While on a trip to England, Kern met and fell in love with Eva Leale, owner of the pub-hotel in which he was staying. Eva proved to be his muse, inspiring him to write “How’d

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ABOVE LEFT: Stephen Sondheim ABOVE RIGHT: Composer Frederick Loewe and lyricist Alan Jay Lerner LEFT: Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. Photo: Photofest

Stephen Sondheim (1930- )

Marvin Hamlisch rehearses with the cast of “Smile” in 1986. Photo: Bettmann/CORBIS, courtesy PBS/American Masters

You Like to Spoon With Me?” which was one of his early hits. His Broadway repertoire included major hits as “Show Boat,” which included the immortal song “Ol’ Man River” and “Roberta.” He collaborated with Oscar Hammerstein II on “Show Boat” and “Sweet Adeleine.”

Marvin Hamlisch (1944-2012) Marvin Hamlisch, a musical child prodigy, was not only multi-talented like Leonard Bernstein and the Gershwin brothers, but also extremely generous with his talent and resources and exceptionally kind and compassionate. Throughout his long career, which began when he was “just a kid” by Broadway standards, Hamlisch always seemed like the Boy Wonder of the Great White Way. His millions of fans were shocked in August 2012, when he died suddenly in Los Angeles of anoxic brain encephalopathy at age 65. Born in New York City to doting Jewish parents, Hamlisch’s career earned him four Grammy Awards, three Oscars, three Golden Globes, three Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for “A Chorus Line.” He was one of only nine artists to have won all four of the major entertainment award in addition to a fifth, the Pulitzer. He was not surprisingly elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Hamlisch’s early collaborator in music was with Howard Liebling; their pop song “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows” (recorded by Lesley Gore) became a top 20 hit in 1965, when Hamlisch was only 21. In 1976, when he won a Tony Award for “A Chorus Line,” he also was a co-producer of “The Entertainer.” Though trained at Juillard to be a classical concert pianist, Hamlisch was always drawn to the Broadway and Hollywood scenes. In addition to “A Chorus Line,” Hamlisch won acclaim for his work with Barbra

Streisand and Robert Redford on “The Way We Were.” During his too-short life, Hamlisch not only produced life-enhancing work, but also loved every minute of his life before he was stricken.

Alan J. Lerner (1980-1986) and Frederick Loewe (1901-1988) Lerner and Loewe go together like the Gershwin Brothers, Rodgers and Hart and Rodgers and Hammerstein. Between the lyricist Alan J. Lerner and composer Frederick Loewe, the duo produced such classic hits as “Guys and Dolls,” Where’s Charlie?” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “My Fair Lady,” “Gigi” and “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever.” Each of these Broadway smash hits are still popular in revivals and contain memorable show tunes in the top tier of popular American musical theater artistry. Their most successful collaboration was “My Fair Lady,” which includes such songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” and “On the Street Where You Live.”

Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) Lorenz Hart (1895-1943) Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1969)

Just as Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe are linked together in popular music, so too is Richard Rodgers, with his two long-time collaborators, Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. Composer Rodgers was born in Long Island, N.Y. His parents loved the musical theater and at home they often sang songs from Broadway shows. As a toddler, he discovered that he could accurately reproduce the melodies on the piano. Formal piano lessons were not successful, since he was so accomplished at playing by ear. Rodgers began to improvise his own mel-

odies at the piano at the age of nine. In 1917, his older brother, Morty Lerner, a student at Columbia University, took him to the university’s annual Varsity Show. When Rodgers expressed admiration for the show’s lyrics, Morty introduced him to the lyricist, the prelaw student Oscar Hammerstein II. Years later, after successfully collaborating with Lorenz Hart on a number of major Broadway hits, Rodgers was to team up with Hammerstein for even more mega-h its. Rodgers took up with Hart after he left Columbia. They worked on “The Melody Man” in Oscar 1924, but their first big Hammerstein II hit was “The Garrick Gaieties,” performed in 1925. Among their later successes was “A Connecticut Yankee,” which featured such songs as “With a Song in My Heart” and “Sprint is Here.” Their 1937 show “Babes in Arms” included such songs as “The Lady is a Tramp” and “My Funny Valentine.” Sadly, Hart’s excessive drinking caused a rift in the team, and caused Rodgers to link up with Hammerstein, and their first show was a smash, “Oklahoma,” which was followed by “State Fair,” “The King and I,” and “The Sound of Music,” the latter of which was aptly named because of the enduring success of most of their shows and the immortal popular songs each of them produced.

Stephen Sondheim, a major force in contemporary musical theater, was born in New York City. Like other Jewish child musical prodigies, Sondheim began to pick out tunes on the family piano at the age of four. When he was 10, his parents divorced and he went with his mother to live in Doylestown, Pa. One of his family’s friends there was the great musical theater lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, who encouraged the young Sondheim’s fascination with musical theater. After graduating from Williams College in Williamstown, Mass., in 1950, he won the Hutchinson Prize, a two-year fellowship that enabled him to study composition privately with avant-garde composer Milton Babbitt in New York City. But like Hamlisch, he was drawn not to classical music, but to popular musical theater. His first big break came when Leonard Bernstein asked him to write the lyrics for “West Side Story,” first performed on Broadway in 1957. He performed both music and lyrics for “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (1962), and he later had a smash hit with “Company,” which was followed by “A Little Night Music” and “Sweeney Todd.” He surpassed even these shows with “Sunday in the Park with George.” Enduring show tunes from his work include “Comedy Tonight,” “Side by Side by Side,” and “Send in the Clowns.”

The ‘Fiddler’ Team Among the Jewish composers who deserve honorable mention are the team who took the Yiddish stories by Sholom Aleichem about “Tevye, the Dairyman” and transformed it into the immortal “Fiddler on the Roof.” That show, which for years held the record as the longest running Broadway show as a collaboration among Joseph Stein, book; Jerry Bock, music and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick.

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HELPING SOLDIERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7A

and bought orthopedic beanbags for soldiers with shrapnel wounds who needed to recover before they could have surgery. In one case, Blankrot paid to widen the front door of a soldier’s home that was too narrow for his wheelchair. The biggest and best known of the IDF support groups is FIDF, a $70-million-ayear organization with chapters throughout the United States that backs capital projects like cultural centers for soldiers; enrichment programming such as educational seminars and Jewish identity tours; university scholarships for IDF veterans; prosthetics for injured soldiers; bereavement support; and aid to indigent soldiers, including winter wear. It does not provide combat or tactical gear. FIDF relies heavily on lavish galas and splashy events for fundraising, including golf outings, casino nights and black-tie dinners. At the organization’s national gala last March at New York’s Waldorf Astoria, FIDF raised $20 million from a dinner that featured IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz and a satellite address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Some 1,400 guests attended the 1,000-a-plate event. The organization has 13 regional U.S. chapters and divisions for real estate professionals and young leaders. FIDF, which has 501c3 status, raised $68 million in 2012, the last year for which public data are available. About two-thirds of the money, $39 million, was spent on grants; salaries and expenses ran in excess of $16 million. FIDF officials declined multiple requests to be interviewed for this story. By contrast, Yashar Lachayal — Hebrew for “straight to the soldier” — is

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a $500,000-a-year organization founded during the 2006 Lebanon War that operates under the pledge that every penny donated (via the group’s tax-deductible American fundraising arm, Friends of Yashar Lachayal) goes directly to soldier aid. What little overhead there is — a salary for Blankrot and one other staffer, plus some expenses — is covered by the Moskowitz family of Miami Beach. The ailing family patriarch, Irving Moskowitz, is known both for supporting controversial Jewish housing projects in Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem and for myriad philanthropic causes in Israel and the United States. (Moskowitz, a physician, made his fortune managing hospitals and securing a lucrative bingo contract with the city of Los Angeles.) The biggest chunk of Yashar Lachayal’s funds comes from the Moskowitz family, with the remainder raised through parlor meetings in American Jewish communities and solicitation campaigns by American family members of “lone soldiers” without family in Israel. “We’re not the dinner kind,” Blankrot said. “We’re more grassroots.” U.S. Jewish federations, which collectively raised $50 million in an Israel Emergency Campaign this summer, support Israeli soldiers primarily through programs operated by the Jewish Agency for Israel. For example, $350,000 from the federations’ summer campaign went to Wings, a Jewish Agency program that provides crisis support, mentoring, and personal and career guidance to lone soldiers. (The bulk of the $22 million disbursed thus far from the emergency campaign has gone to assistance for hard-hit Israeli towns, trauma support, respite days for children, aid to the elderly and support for businesses

All

St. Louis organization helping Israeli soldiers St. Louis has its own grassroots organization to help support members of the Israel Defense Forces, Shaving Israel, founded by Rachel Miller. The organization educates the community about th needs of the IDF and funds the purchase of toiletries, personal items and food vouchers from Israeli suppliers for members of the IDF who are in need. The group has raised and distributed over $150,000 in recent years for the IDF. For more information about the group, email info@shavingisrael.org, call 314579-9653, or visit shavingisrael.org. At right, St. Louisan David Palatnik brings donated shoe laces and socks to his former IDF unit earlier this year.

affected by the conflict.) Then there are the start-ups. When tensions erupted this summer around Gaza, the first thought to hit Jeremy Nye, a 31-year-old American immigrant who recently finished his IDF service, was: What can I do to help? With Israeli troops mobilizing, Nye jumped on his motorcycle and rode to the Gaza frontier to deliver pizzas to his former unit in Givati, an IDF combat brigade. His effort echoed the work of PizzaIDF, a group established in 2002 that sends pizzas, small gifts and holiday food to Israeli soldiers on the front lines. Almost immediately, Nye started hearing about other needs from his army buddies, so he launched a crowdfundingbased campaign online that he dubbed Gear Up Our Soldiers. Within a week he had collected $3,000. Starting with flashlights and pizza, Nye soon expanded to tactical gear, including bulletproof vests, knee pads, combat gloves and headlamps.

Nye says he has delivered more than $40,000 worth of food, supplies and gear, using Facebook and word of mouth to raise money. In recent weeks he also began handing out pepper spray to Israeli civilians. Nye’s effort is not registered as a nonprofit in Israel or the United States, nor is it formally recognized by the IDF. “A lot of regular units don’t have the finances for specialized gear,” Nye said. “Officially the army can’t ask for donations. A lot of soldiers pay to upgrade their own gear. I’m just providing it to people who aren’t able to buy it.” Blankrot says soldiers on the receiving end of U.S. Jewish aid are appreciative not just of the material support but of the morale boost that comes with it. “I tell the soldiers these donations come from Jews who care about you, who pray for you,” Blankrot said. “I tell them you’re not by yourself, you have American Jewry behind you.”

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Michael (left) and Diana Iskiwitch (right) with author Cindy Chupack.

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Karen Yoffie

Joanne and Joel Iskiwitch

Ben Lipman

Darryl and Lauren Sagel

Debbie and Ed Musen

Peggy Nehmen (left), Light Board President Gary Kodner and Cindy Chupack, author of “The Longest Date: Life as a Wife.” Chupack, a New York Times bestselling author and the winner of two Emmys and three Golden Globes, met with Publisher’s Society Members while in town for the Jewish Book Festival.

Jenny and Rich Wolkowitz

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The Jewish Light’s Publisher’s Society met last month for a lively reception with Jewish Book Festival author Cindy Chupack

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COMMENTARY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13A

Laura K. Silver

Jewish Light Editor, Ellen Futterman, and Publisher/CEO Larry Levin

Beverlee Sagel

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Sanford and Gloria Spitzer

Don Rubin and Sheila Flom

Jerry and Linda Kraus

What is the Publisher’s Society?

Jen Schmitz

The Publisher’s Society is a group of the Jewish Light’s most generous supporters. Our Publishers enable the Light to expand our coverage of local Jewish news, produce special sections and provide community events. The Light thanks the members of its Publisher’s Society each year with a special recognition event in a beautiful private residence featuring an engaging guest speaker. For more information on becoming a member of the Society, please call us at 314743-3600 or email publishers@thejewishlight.com.

move into the middle class while either explicitly or in application excluding many AfricanAmericans. I say this not to impart guilt upon those of us who benefited, but as a reminder. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel famously said, “There is no limit to the concern one must feel for the suffering of human beings, that indifference to evil is worse than evil itself, that in a free society, some are guilty but all are responsible.” Jewish-Americans are responsible for understanding how the systems that helped us advance also prevented so many others from doing the same. We must understand how these systems played a role in perpetuating racial and economic inequality, to bear witness, and then to act for change. Many people have told me that they are outraged but simply don’t know what to do. We cannot allow ourselves to be paralyzed by the sheer size of the problem, to simply express our sadness and outrage until it passes through the media cycle. Inevitably there will be another “next time” until we as a society fix the larger system that allows the injustices to occur. At AVODAH, we have been discussing an idea and recently put a name to it: Tikkun Ma’arechet, repairing the system. This framework is vital because the injustice we are seeing is the result of intersecting systems in our society that are badly in need of repair. A broken system has provided many JewishAmericans with privilege and power. We have an opportunity to use that same power to fix it. What is our role in that repair? Here’s a start: Have hard conversations with the people we care about. Race and economic inequality are emotionally charged issues to discuss. It’s easy to disengage when someone disagrees with your perspective or says something offensive, but those are the moments when we must dig deep and continue the dialogue. Take a deep breath. Acknowledge your feelings of frustration, anger and impatience. Think about how to make these issues connect on a personal level. But above all, keep talking. If we only talk to those who agree with us, we won’t be able to move things forward. And remember that having these conversations is not a natural ability; it’s a vital skill that is honed over time. Support work to address the systemic issues. There are many in the Jewish community and beyond who are already engaged in Tikkun Ma’arechet, but it isn’t glamorous work. They need to know that others support them and believe in their vision. These organizations need volunteers, they need people to show up and speak up, and they need support to grow their work to be even more impactful. Learn about being an ally. While we have a role to play, it isn’t always about standing in front, especially as people with privilege. It’s less important to lead on everything than to show up and be supportive. Listen to the stories of people most affected by racial injustice and understand those stories as lived experience, even if what you hear challenges your own perspective. Pace yourself, but start marching. Ethics of the Fathers teaches us that we are not expected to complete the task, but neither are we free to desist from it. The work of Tikkun Ma’arechet is not something we will complete in our lifetimes. But we must begin, and begin now. Lives are at stake today, tomorrow and the day after. We cannot stand idly by. Our work must continue until there are no more “next times.”

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JERUSALEM POST CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1. Mayim Bialik joined The Big Bang Theory’s in 2010 5. Paskesz ___ Toast 10. Performs a sweatshop task 14. Awards hosted by Canadian-Jewish rapper Drake in 2014 15. Lynn Ahrens’s “___ is a Person, Place, or Thing” 16. 1988 Conservative Jewish manifesto “___ v’Emunah” 17. Bar mitzvah boy 20. Joel Grey’s “Cabaret” role 21. Alternative to a glass of Manischewitz 22. Canadian politician Bob 23. Dance Sammy Davis, Jr. was known for 26. Gornisht 27. ___ Crown Jewish Academy (Chicago day school) 30. 2014 “Bachelorette” Dorfman 32. ___ Moines (Location of Lubavitch of Iowa) 34. Scandal fictionalized in David O. Russell’s “American Hustle”

36. Bob Hilliard song whose title is a term of affection 39. Bacteria that may be a particular risk with kosher chicken 40. He partnered with Rodgers on “South Pacific” 42. Shalom from Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Haw.) 44. Embark (for) the Holy Land 45. Opposite of haredi 47.“Simpsons” neighbor Flanders voiced by Harry Shearer 48.“Mad About You” character Buchman and others 52. Andy Newmark band ___and the Family Stone 53. God number in Ladino 55. Milliband and Asner 57. Uri Geller claims to have it 58. Bit of comedy on “Saturday Night Live” 61. Scholar Robert (“The Art of Biblical Narrative”) 63. Husband-and-wife comedy duo who were regulars on “The Ed Sullivan Show” 67. Greek equivalent of

HANUKKAH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13A

year; it can be a model for moderation in consumption that we exercise for the rest of the year. 3. Forgive debts: Whether you have actually lent money to someone in the last three months, this is the year to forgive these debts. But on a more spiritual level, consider how you can be more forgiving this Hanukkah. If there is anyone you hold a grudge against or think you are owed something from, forgive them. 4. Appreciate nature more: Especially in the winter, it is harder to appreciate nature when we are cooped up inside. This Hanukkah, make a point to go for a walk (just dress warmly), breathe the

ROCHESTER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13A

ly realized that, had he not submitted the case to the grand jury, he would have invited even more local and national furor. With a grand jury already in session, he presumably felt that it would be best to present all of the evidence and then release it to the public – admittedly an unusual step – lest he be accused of cherry-picking or withholding evidence and evading transparency. He was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t. The media constantly recited the old saw that a prosecutor “could get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich if he wanted.” No matter a ham sandwich or hot pastrami, just because it may be easy to get a grand jury to indict, does that mean it necessarily should, even if the evidence does not justify it? What happened to such liberal nostrums as “innocent till

By David Benkof, davidbenkof@gmail.com the Hebrew letter yod 68.“___ Again” (motto of the Jewish Defense League) 69.“___, Mikey, Jakey, Sam. We’re the boys who eat no ham” 70. 1936 Palestine Commission 71. Alexander I, II, and III 72.“Nothing but ___” (Reform movement anti-malaria program)

Down 1. Part of the King’s mantra in “The King And I” 2. He wrote the lyrics for “Under the Sea” and “Be

Our Guest” 3. Sephardic cookbook “The Well-___ Life” 4. City nearly destroyed in the Lebanon War 5. Voice actress Whitman (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”) 6. Eilat-Baghdad dir. 7. Like Samson’s hair 8. The amount Gabe Kaplan spends when he joins a poker game 9. Fanconi ___ (Jewish genetic disease) 10.“Shabbat is ___” (Paul Zim album) 11. (:-}# is supposed to be one of a bearded man

with peyos 12. Brooks of “Silent Movie” 13. Abbr. for the last word in a conservative magazine edited by William Kristol 18. Yod preceder 19. Like a kosher hot dog 24. Levine of Maroon 5 25. He was president until he was 90 28. Indian version of the dish Esau served Jacob 29. Jeremy Ben-___, author of “A New Voice for Israel” 31. State where Moses Alexander was once mayor

of Boise 33. In Israel, commonly heard sound in July 2014 35. Asimov genre (abbr.) 37. Temple ___ (synagogue name in St. Louis, Atlanta, and Beverly Hills) 38. She said,“If I believe in something, I sell it, and I sell it hard” 40. Hebron’s Tomb of the Patriarchs, e.g. 41. Sweeney ___ (Sondheim character) 42. Freud remarks during psychoanalysis 43. Al Capp’s ___ Abner 46. Kavannah, an essential element of Jewish prayer 49. Six-Day War goal, visa-vis Jerusalem 50. ___ Y’mei Teshuvah (Ten Days of Repentance) 51. Uses paint in anti-Semitic graffiti, often 54. The Old City has about 225 56.“I am ___” (2001 Sean Penn film) 59. ___ Yisrael (the whole Jewish people) 60.“___ neranenah” (Israeli folk song lyric) 62. Read Torah 63. Emulate Elijah at the seder 64. It might check the temperature of a mikvah 65. ___ neshama (yahrtzeit candle) 66. Advice-givers Laura and Ruth

Cartoon: Yaakov Kirschen

Previous crossword answers

air, take delight in a small part of your garden or a tree on the street. 5. Buy fair trade chocolate gelt: A shmita consciousness considers what “releasing slaves” can mean for us in our day-to-day lives. And while we might have a Pavlovian reaction to those golden coins in a mesh yellow bag, the chocolate industry is known to use child labor in their production of chocolate. This year, think about purchasing fair trade chocolate. 6. Rest: The shmita year calls for the land to rest and can inspire us to think about what rest means for us on a personal level. Consider the difference between how we spend the holiday – rushing from party to party while balancing work/family/friends/volunteer commitments. At the end of the day, all

we want to do is “tune out” (with Facebook, email and TV). Think about “tuning in” to the kind of rest that will replenish you as shmita will replenish the earth. At candle-lighting, offer a short meditation that reflects on your day and sets an intention for the hours ahead, eat healthier food (bake your latkes, don’t fry them!), read and sleep. 7. Share: When land lies fallow during the shmita year, the fields are open for the needy to partake. This mitzvah is as countercultural as it gets for westerners living in a capitalist society as it confronts us with the notion that nothing really belongs to us. This Hanukkah, share with others who really need it. Cut down on your gift budget by half and increase your tzedakah budget by the same. 8. Publicize: One of the Hanukkah

mitzvot is "persumei d’nisa," to make the miracle of Hanukkah public by placing your hanukkiyah in your window (or even outside your home.) This Hanukkah, take your environmental awareness to the streets and share what you are doing with others to have a shmita consciousness. So as the days get shorter and the nights grow longer, as we spend more time huddled indoors disconnected from the natural world that surrounds us, and as artificial light masks the darkness, let’s not forget about the majesty of the created world. When we strike the match to light our Hanukkah candles this year, we are inspired by the spirit of the Maccabees to renew our energy to create positive change for our planet.

proven guilty” or “better 10 guilty men go free than one innocent man be found guilty”? As a Jewish Light editorial rightly noted, it is very dangerous to our justice system to try a defendant based on larger societal ills rather than on the facts specific to the case. To this day, it remains unclear whether the Ferguson shooting – as opposed to the reaction to the shooting – had anything to do with race except peripherally. Groups with a long-standing racial-justice agenda, some less genuine than others, chose to exploit the Ferguson case as a window of opportunity to promote that agenda. Their agenda was OK, but they picked the wrong case. (Arguably, the Eric Garner case in New York City was more suitable.) To repeat, there are legitimate racialjustice concerns that deserve our attention. So how do we go about that postscript to the case?

First, we need to get our facts straight. My University of Missouri-St. Louis colleague David Klinger, an ex-LA cop and now a leading scholar in the field of policing, has noted that we should not stereotype police and exaggerate police brutality, as if the police rather than criminals are the bad guys. For example, his data show that from 2003 to 2012, approximately 20 African-Americans were killed by white police in St. Louis. That figure suggests that white police officers killing blacks — while 20 deaths are significant — is not quite the epidemic some critics have claimed. Compare that number to the more than 1,000 black-on-black killings during those years. That said, we know a widespread perception of distrust of the police remains in black communities that should be addressed. Aside from hiring more black officers and improving community-relations training of police, we might signifi-

cantly enhance transparency by not only fitting police with body cameras that have audio capabilities but also issuing them Miranda-type scripts that require them, as they take someone into custody, to routinely and politely explain what is happening so that if a struggle ensues it is clearer to observers who provoked it. Second, beyond the municipal court and other systemic reforms alluded to above, we need to mobilize leadership at the national and local level in the tradition of Martin Luther King Jr., not Al Sharpton, and Frankie Freeman, not Maria Chappelle-Nadal. We need leaders, white and black, who will not divide, but unite, and will be steadfast in promoting not just bully pulpit words about social justice but real actions. Third, we should all try, at least for a day, walking in the shoes of both an African-American in an impoverished inner-city neighborhood and a beat cop patrolling the same neighborhood.

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COOKBOOKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14A

his grandmother and mother. Their goal in publishing this book was to “preserve and celebrate the tastes and traditions of real Jewish baking and feelings of community they evoked.” This is a book about our Jewish-American culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Jewish immigrants came to our nation in pursuit of the American Dream. The authors have painstakingly revised their collection of traditional Jewish bakery recipes for the home baker, with ingredients broken down into ounces, grams and baker’s percentages. After all, none of us could, or would want to, bake a large enough batch of flomenkuchen (plum cake), sitnice (rustic pumpernickel) or mini-schnecken to supply the entire St. Louis Jewish community! The tantalizing photos make me long for salt sticks, onion-poppyseed pletsl and Mohn bars. My next recommendation is Paula Shoyer’s second cookbook, “The Holiday Kosher Baker” (Sterling Epicure, 2013; $35) Trust me: Even if you don’t keep kosher, you’ll want to bake some of her goodies. Shoyer, who went from practicing law to practicing the art of fine pastry with a degree from the Ritz Escoffier pastry program in Paris, is a fabulous instructor. Her recipes, which she introduces with information regarding degree of difficulty, kashrut classification and ingredients linked to common food allergies, are clear and concise. Shoyer divides her recipes into sections by the major Jewish holidays, including an explanation of each holiday’s traditions. Most recipes include baking tips and menu suggestions. In her chapter on Passover, she even has some pantry suggestions and a list of recipes found elsewhere in her book that could be used at Passover with, in some cases, minor alterations. Shoyer has taken many traditional recipes and made them contemporary, such as babka bites, apple and honey challah rolls and honey cake biscotti. And then there are recipes for sweets that would be right at home in the finest pastry shops in Paris: chocolate eclairs, canneles, caramelized mocha and vanilla bean Napoleons, and raspberry and rose macaroon cake. Simply paging through the book and gazing at the mouthwatering photographs will make you want to own it. In 2009, I reviewed Janna Gur’s wonderful first cookbook, the award-winning “The Book of New Israeli Food” (Schocken, 2009; $35). She has now published her second book, “Jewish Soul Food: From Minsk to Marrakesh” (Schocken, 2014; $35). This new cookbook provides a splendid collection of recipes and traditions that shaped our Jewish culinary heritage. Gur takes us on a Jewish “soul food” journey that includes bistil (potato patties stuffed with spiced minced meat) from Libya, badrijani nigvzit (eggplant rolls with walnut and herb filling) from Georgia and chukor (phyllo spinach and cheese pastries) from Turkey. These and other recipes will instill a new appreciation for the complicated evolution of traditional Jewish cuisine. Gur founded and is the editor of the Israeli magazine Al Hashulchan (“On the Table”). She is also, as she demonstrates in her cookbook, a masterful networker. Some of the recipes were inspired or given to her by Israeli restaurateurs, whose parents and grandparents inhabited the lands of their origins. Others came from Israeli home cooks who have embraced their culinary heritage and woven many of these unique dishes into their family’s menus. With recipes that are easy to follow, Gur’s newest collection will awaken your hunger for tradition and delectable meals. The recipe at top, Moroccan in origin, is a stunning example of how simple ingredients can combine to create a relatively healthy confection that can be a sweet Hanukkah treat. Margi Lenga Kahn is the mother of five and grandmother of five. A cooking instructor at the Kitchen Conservatory, she is working on a project to preserve the stories and recipes of heritage cooks. She welcomes your comments and suggestions at margikahn@gmail.com.

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DECEMBER 17, 2014

Nut And Date Coins INGREDIENTS Makes about 100 bite-size snacks 1 cup whole walnuts 1 cup whole pistachio nuts 1 cup whole almonds 1/3 cup honey ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 cup vacuum-sealed pitted and chopped dates or regular dates, pitted and chopped ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom Pinch of salt 1½ cups sesame seeds DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Put the walnuts, pistachios, almonds and pecans on the baking sheet and

roast for about 15 minutes. Cool slightly. Meanwhile, bring the honey and brown sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the dates and mix until smooth. Remove from heat. Add to the pan the roasted nuts, cinnamon, cardamom and salt and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Place the sesame seeds on a large plate. Divide the nut and date mixture into four equal parts and roll each one into a log 1½ inches (4 cm) in diameter. Roll the logs in sesame, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for one hour. Slice into thin coins (about 1/4 inch/ 1/2 cm thick). The snacks will keep in the fridge for three to four days in an airtight container. To prolong their shelf life, keep the logs whole and slice the coins just before serving.

More Hanukkah stories online View holiday recipes — including new takes on latkes and sufganiyot — features, commentaries and gift ideas on our website: stljewishlight.com/hanukkah Jewish Light fitness blogger (and longtime Jewish Community Center trainer) Cathleen Kronemer gives her take on Hanukkah’s themes, using the Maccabees as inspiration for “Eight Days of Fitness.” stljewishlight.com/fitness

Wishing you and your family a joyous Hanukkah ROSENBLOOM MONUMENT CO. Since 1905

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chailights Thursday, Dec. 18

In the spotlight

Meshorerim Jewish Male Choir performance

Traditional Congregation welcomes community to family Hanukkah event

The Meshorerim Octet – Jewish Male Choir (Fred Blumenthal, Andy Curry, Joe Davidson, Jay Englander, Howard Granok, Mark Krug, Nick Riggio and Andy Youkilis) will perform at 7 p.m. at Stone Spiral, 2500 Sutton Boulevard in Maplewood. For more information, call 314335-7388 or email stonespiralbooking@gmail. com. No cover charge; food and beverage available.

Hanukkah Hoopla at Bais Abe Bais Abraham and Epstein Hebrew Academy will hold Hanukkah Hoopla from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Bais Abraham, 6910 Delmar Boulevard in University City. The cost is $5 per person, with a maximum family cost of $20. The event will include latkes, sufganiyot, crafts, Midrash Manicures, games and prizes. For more information, call 314-721-3030 or visit baisabe.com.

Crown Center celebrates Hanukkah Crown Center celebrates Hanukkah with Rabbi Josef Davidson and Cantor Sharon Nathanson from B’nai Amoona at 1:30 p.m. The group will enjoy holiday stories, songs and holiday treats. Free and open to the community, but RSVP required to 314-991-2055. Crown Center is located at 8350 Delcrest Drive.

Covenant Chorale performance Enjoy an evening of winter wonderland songs and sing-along with the Covenant Place Choir, at 6 p.m. in the Royal Dining Room of Covenant Place, 10 Millstone Campus Drive. Free and open to the community.

Ballroom line dancing at Covenant No partner needed — learn ballroom and traditional line dancing from champion professional Sherry Martin, at 2 p.m. in the Bohm Social Hall of Covenant II, 8 Millstonce Campus Drive. Wear flat-bottom, comfortable shoes. Free and open to the community, but RSVP required to 314-432-1610.

Thursday, Dec. 18 & Sunday, Dec. 21

For a complete listing of community events, visit www.jewishinstlouis.org

Covenant Place Royal Dining Room, 10 Millstone Campus Drive. The Bell Choir continues to entertain the residents and community with melodious tunes and upbeat songs. The choir performs immediately following Kitchen J’s 5 p.m. dinner, which will feature chili/mac, chef salad, corn muffins and oatmeal raisin cookies. The performance is free and open to the public. The suggested contribution for dinner is $3.50 for those over age 60 and $8 for those younger. Call Terri Ferguson at 314-4423149 to RSVP.

Traditional Congregation will hold a Family Hanukkah Spectacular from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. The event will include fun for children and adults, with cookie decorating, Israeli dancing, children’s games and latkes from Kohn’s. Puppeteer Ginny Weiss and magician Carol Watkins will provide entertainment. The cost is $10 per family (and guests are asked to bring a food item for the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry). RSVP to Marian at tradcong@sbcglobal.net or 314576-5230. Traditional Congregation is located at 12437 Ladue Road (one mile west of I-270).

this eclectic and fun musical romp, performed by first through fifth graders, about two friends having a sleepover when they discover there’s a monster in her closet — it turns out to be harmless and just wants to play video games. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For tickets, call 314-442-3175 or visit brownpapertickets.com

Friday, Dec. 19 Backstage tour at The Rep Join Crown Center at 9:45 a.m. for a tour of The Repertory Theatre performance spaces at the Loretto-Hilton Center as well as the shops and production areas to explore the components of live performance. A guide will take the group on a walking tour (includes stairs) behind the scenes to see how the magic is created. RSVP to 314-991-2055. The bus fare is $2 but there is no cost for the tour.

Film at Covenant Place: ‘Winter’s Tale’ Covenant Place will host a film screening at 1 p.m. of “Winter’s Tale” starring Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Russell Crowe, Will Smith, William Hurt and Jennifer Connelly. The film will be shown in the Helene Mirowitz Theatre of Covenant II, 8 Millstone Campus Drive. Includes free popcorn and refreshments.

NJT Youth Theatre performances

Saturday, Dec. 20

New Jewish Theatre’s Youth Theatre Program presents “There’s a Monster in My Closet,” Dec. 18 and 21 at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, in Creve Coeur. Fantasy and reality collide in

Kol Rinah luncheon honors Ann Frank and Linda Makler Kol Rinah’s Annual Karen Solomon Memorial Luncheon, sponsored by Bill Solomon, will

In the spotlight Jewish and Muslim Day of Community Service planned On Dec. 25, the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and its Milford and Lee Bohm Social Justice Center are sponsoring the fourth annual St. Louis area-wide “Jewish and Muslim Day of Community Service.” The two religious communities are working together again to organize and participate in a large scale Christmas Day of Service project. The event will kick off at 9 a.m. with a community breakfast at the Daar Ul Islam Mosque, 517 Weidman Road, after which participants will head to the various community service sites. Registration is required (as of press time three walk-in sites are still open for volunteers). For more information or to register,

To submit calendar items or news releases, contact Managing Editor Mike Sherwin at 314-743-3665 or msherwin@thejewishlight.com

Tuesday Dec. 23 Nishmah’s Chag Habanot Hanukkah celebration for women and girls

honor Kol Rinah members Ann Frank and Linda Makler. The kiddush lunch takes place following Shabbat services. All are welcome to enjoy. For more information, contact nancy@kolrinahstl.org or visit kolrinahstl.org.

NHBZ KidZone Hanukkah party Bring your kids in their favorite PJs with their pillows and blankets to cuddle with as they light Hanukkah candles, watch a movie and decorate pillowcases. The fun is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Nusach Hari B’nai Zion’s lower level (the shul is located at 650 N. Price Road). Snacks will be served, including popcorn, potato latkes and doughnuts. School-age children up to 11 years old are invited, but children 4 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, email Cheryl Ring at cheryldring@gmail.com or call NHBZ’s office at 314-991-2100, ext. 2.

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 20- 21 Menorah lighting celebrations Chabad centers in the St. Louis have planned the third annual Show-Me-Hanukkah program, designed to highlight the history and traditional observances of the holiday, Chabad on Campus is sponsoring the kindling of a giant menorah at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Market in the Loop, 6655 Delmar Boulevard. The program will include a menorah lighting ceremony, live music and hot latkes and gelt. Dignitaries will offer Hanukkah greetings. At 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, Chabad of Greater St. Louis will sponsor the kindling of what it bills as “the tallest menorah in Missouri” at the Lazaroff Chabad Center, 8124 Delmar Boulevard. In addition to doughnuts and gelt, there will be a dreidel crafts program for children, including a presentation on the science of the dreidel by Mad Science. For more information, visit ShowMeChabad.com/Chanukah.

Sunday, Dec. 21 Aish explores Hanukkah traditions

visit http://bit.ly/jewish-muslim or contact Gail Wechsler at JCRC: 314-442-3894. The day of service includes a toiletry donation drive with six drop-off sites: Central Reform Congregation, Shaare Emeth, Daar Ul Islam Mosque, Temple Emanuel, Temple Israel and United Hebrew. View a list of toiletry items needed at jcrcstl.org/bohm.php.

At 10 a.m. Aish will hold “Making Hanukkah Meaningful to the Whole Family” with Rabbi Shmuel Greenwald. He will discuss the significance of the menorah, eating latkes and playing dreidel during the event, held at the Aish Firehouse, 457 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield. To RSVP or for more information, call 314-862-2474 or email cwolff@aish.com.

Monday, Dec. 22 Kitchen J welcomes Bell Choir The Jewish Community Center’s Kitchen J will welcome music therapist Troy Jones and The Bell Choir, for a 6 p.m. performance in the

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nishmah invites the community to bring a mother, daughter, grandmother, aunt or special friend to join in a multigenerational North African celebration during Hanukkah, the festival of lights, which has special resonance for women (some legends say that the women did the work of rededicating the Temple with unusual zeal). The group will celebrate the traditional Jewish heroine, Judith, as the night commemorates her triumph for the Jewish people. Snacks and desserts will be provided. The cost is $12 per person. For more information, contact Sara Winkelman at 314442-3268, swinkelman@jccstl.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 24 YPD plans 5th annual LollapaJEWza The Young Professionals Division (YPD) of Jewish Federation of St. Louis invites local Jewish young adults to reunite with old and new friends during the 5th Annual LollapaJEWza event, from 9 to 11:30 p.m. at Bar Louie, 14 Maryland Plaza in the Central West End. “LollapaJEWza will be the place to be on Christmas Eve,” says Ben Cherry, YPD president. “The rest of the city may be closed, but we’ll be celebrating. We hope to see you there.” Registration is free until Dec. 22 (after that date, tickets will be $10). Drink specials and a full menu will be available at the bar. For more information or to register, visit YPDSTL. org/Lolla or contact Lee’at Bachar at LBachar@ JFedSTL.org or 314-442-3817.

Thursday, Dec. 25 Family gym and swim at JCC From 10 to 11:30 a.m. the JCC will offer families a morning of fun sports challenges and relays in the gym, followed by a healthy snack and hot chocolate bar. Then families may head to the indoor pool for a swim. The free program is best for families with children ages six and under (siblings are welcome) and is coordinated by the Helene Mirowitz Center for Jewish Community Life. For more information or to RSVP, contact Marianne Chervitz at mchervitz@jccstl.org or 314-442-3454.

Rabbi Yitzchok Feldheim discusses ‘Realigion: God for Grownups’ at Aish From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. join internationally acclaimed thinker and lecturer Rabbi Yitzchok Feldheim as he presents a transformative new seminar, “Realigion: God for Grownups” at the Aish Firehouse, 457 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield. Attendees should leave with an overwhelming sense of clarity as to how the world works and where they fit in. Guests will enjoy a Chinese lunch. For more information or to RSVP, call 314-862-AISH(2474) or email cwolff@aish.com.

Friday, Dec. 26 Free movie screening at Covenant Covenant Place will screen the film “An Affair

Visit WWW. STLJEWISHLIGHT.COM To Remember” at 1 p.m. in the Helene Mirowitz Theatre of Covenant II, 8 Millstone Campus Drive. The 1957 classic romance stars Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant. Free; includes popcorn and refreshments.

Starting Friday, Dec. 26 TheResaleShop hosts end of year clearance sale NCJW’s TheResaleShop, 295 N. Lindbergh Boulevard, is hosting an “End of Year Clearance Sale” Dec. 26, 27, 29, 30 and 31. All items in the store are 25 percent off. Select pants are on sale for $1. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Saturday, Dec. 27 Nusach Hari Lunch and Learn Join Nusach Hari B’nai Zion for an informative Lunch and Learn, “How to Get Your Prayers Answered” with Rabbi Yitzchok Feldheim, Aish HaTorah international speaker. This event is free and open to the Jewish community. Home hospitality is available. For more information, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2. The shul is located at 650 N. Price Road.

Jewish holiday party for singles Sparks Services, a Jewish Community service for Jews of all ages who would like to meet someone special, will host a holiday event from 8 to 11 p.m. in a private Clayton home. The cost is $5 for those who RSVP and $10 for those who do not; price includes refreshments. Call Paula Sparks at 314-875-0001 to RSVP and for location.

Sunday, Dec. 28 Sunday Film Series at HMLC The next film in the Sandra and Mendel Rosenberg Sunday Afternoon Film Series is “As A Young Girl of Thirteen: Simone Lagrande Remembers Auschwitz,” which screens at 1 p.m. at the Holocaust Museum’s theatrer at the Jewish Federation Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive. In this inspiring documentary, survivor Simone Lagrange recounts her life before the war, her deportation to Auschwitz –Birkenau, and her role in bringing Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie to justice. Extended conversation, interspersed with archival images and footage of Lagrange from Barbie’s trial, reveal a strong determined woman who refuses to let her spirit be broken. This film is in French with English subtitles and has a running time of 88 minutes. Introductory remarks and a post-screening discussion will be facilitated by Pier Marton, the “unlearning specialist” at the School of No Media. Marton’s father, photographer Ervin Marton, was in the French Resistance. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 314-442-3714 or email dreich@jfedstl.org.

Monday, Dec. 29 Covenant Place Reader’s Circle Facilitator Lesley Levin leads a discussion with members on their book of choice. Participants choose a book each month to present to the group and discuss. Reader’s Circle meets the fourth Monday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Harmony Room of Covenant I, 10 Millstone Campus Drive. Snacks and refreshments served.

Tuesday, Dec. 30 Kitchen J marks December birthdays The JCC’s Kitchen J will host a party in honor of all December birthdays, in the Royal Dining Room immediately following dinner. Musical entertainment for the evening will be provided by Bobby J and will begin at 6 p.m. A mixture of music is expected along with good conversation. The community is encouraged to attend both the dinner and the concert. The menu for the evening includes cream of vegetable soup, stuffed peppers and chocolate mousse cake. The suggested contribution for dinner is $3.50 for those over age 60 and $8 for those younger. Call Terri Ferguson at 314-4423149 to RSVP. Please feel free to leave a message and your call will be returned promptly.

Torah Study at Covenant Place with Rabbi Gertzulin of The Cedars Rabbi Yaakov Gertzulin, Director of Religious Affairs at The Cedars of Town and Country, will lead a discussion of the week’s Torah portion at 10 a.m. in the Harmony Room of Covenant I. Free and open to all. RSVP to 314-432-1610.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 Crown Center Yiddish Group

ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

NJT stages ‘Becoming Dr. Ruth’ New Jewish Theatre will perform Mark St. Germain’s one-woman show, “Becoming Dr. Ruth,” through Dec. 21 in the JCC’s Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. St. Louis actress Susie Wall performs as renowned sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, who was born Karola Siegel in 1928 in Frankfurt Germany. In 1938, as the war heated up, Siegel’s parents sent her on a Kindertransport to Switzerland. From there, she went, at age 17 to then Palestine where she trained as a sharpshooter for the Hagganah. Much more is revealed of Dr. Ruth’s personal journey in the production as the audience discovers the process through which Karola Siegel “became Dr. Ruth.” See related story on page 12. Single tickets are $38$42 and are available at newjewishtheatre.org or 314-442-3283. See related story on page 12.

Torah Tuesdays

Ongoing

TI University

Looking for gently used Jewish books including cookbooks, bestsellers, books on Israel, children’s books or reference sets? These and many other categories of used books of Jewish content are available at the Annual Used Jewish Book Sale at the Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library through Dec. 21. The library is located in the Jewish Federation Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive. Library hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 pm; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call 314442-3720 or email Brodsky-library@jfedstl.org

Classes at Covenant Place The following classes are free and open to the public. For information call 314-432-1610.

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Covenant Place is located at 8 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. Classes take place in Covenant II’s Milford & Lee Bohm Social Hall, unless noted otherwise. • Yiddish Club every other Monday at 7 p.m. in the Covenant I Harmony Room. Group facilitated by David Levine. • RPI physical therapists lead Tai Chi at 11:15 a.m. on Mondays, and chair aerobics exercises at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. • Chair yoga at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. • Music therapist Troy Jones leads bell choir the second Thursday of the month. • Meet with AW Health Care Registered Nurse to discuss medical questions Tuesdays at 2 p.m. in the Covenant I dining room. • The Covenant Place Chorale practices Wednesdays at 1 p.m. • Join the “Knit Wits” for a fun, interactive knitting class. The group meets Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Bring your own projects or take up one from the class. Some materials provided.

At 1:30 p.m. join Crown Center’s Yiddish Group, facilitated by Thelma Edelstein and David Levine. The group includes residents of Crown Center and participants from the community. Call 314-991-2055 for more information.

Used Jewish Book Sale

Bring a lunch and a Bible and join Rabbi Michael Alper on Tuesdays, from 12:15-1:15 p.m. at Temple Israel for a discussion of the week’s Torah portion.

Join Temple Israel’s rabbis from 9:45-11:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings (when religious school is in session) and explore the questions and issues you want to learn about to increase your Jewish knowledge and strengthen your own Jewish identity — a kind of Sunday school for grownups. The program takes place at Temple Israel. Babysitting is available and

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must be requested by the Tuesday before each session. RSVP to Sydney Masin at smasin@tistl.org or 314-432-8050.

Judaism for beginners Join Rabbi Amy Feder and Rabbi Michael Alper, from 10-11 a.m., for a casual introduction to Judaism class discussing everything from life cycle and holidays to theology. No question is too basic or too tough. This class is for Jews of all backgrounds, for those considering conversation, and those in interfaith families. All are welcome; no RSVP necessary. Class meets at Temple Israel. For more information, call 314-432-8050.

Yiddish Club Congregation Shaare Emeth’s Yiddish Club explores the beauty and wisdom of the Yiddish language, literature and culture and includes personal experiences shared by members of the club. Schlep to the next meeting and kvell over the Yiddish words you recognize and enjoy, even if you don’t “speak Yiddish.” Yiddish Club is held at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of every month except holidays. All are welcome. For more information, contact Emily Thal at ethal@ shaare-emeth.org or 314-692-5365.

Bais Abraham classes Bais Abraham, 6910 Delmar Boulevard in University City, hosts several ongoing classes and events. Email office@baisabe.com for more information. • Explanatory Prayer Class/Learner’s Service on Shabbat, from approx. 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. • Basics of Judaism Class on Mondays, 7:30 8:30 p.m., led by Maharat Rori Picker Neiss • Women’s Class: Book of Shoftim (Judges) Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m., taught by Rabbi Hyim Shafner • Shalhevet -The Women’s Kollel of St. Louis, on alternating Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., with 45 minutes of chevrutah (partnered) learning, followed by a group class • Weekly parsha class meets Wednesdays at noon downtown, taught by Shafner. Picker Neiss leads a women’s class at 1 p.m. • Women’s Class: Midrash Tehilim on Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m., led by Picker Neiss. • Women’s Torah Learning Group, Wednesdays at 5 p.m., led by Rori Picker Neiss. • Basic Jewish Law and Customs class with Shafner on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. • Gemara Class with Jack Shapiro on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. • Beit Midrash Learning, Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Bring a study partner or email to be set up with a learning partner.

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Wishing you and your family a joyous Chanukah and a Happy New Year

8 Ways to Shine Brightly Sweetology

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simchas

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SIMCHAS —CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE announcements are paid submissions and do not reflect any endorsement of the newspaper or its board or the St. Louis Jewish community at large. SUBMIT your simcha announcement online at stljewishlight.com/simchas or contact Editorial Assistant Cheryl Gouger at cgouger@thejewishlight.com or 314-743-3674.

MITZVOT FROM THE HEART Yael Portman Congregation Kol Rinah

DEUTSCHMANN-FINE ENGAGEMENT Laura Marie Deutschmann, daughter of Richard and Barbara Deutschmann of Ballwin, and Matthew Elliot Fine, son of Mitchell and Nancy Fine of St. Louis, have announced their engagement. She is the granddaughter of the late Clarence and Nora Deutschmann of Des Peres and Jean and the late George Warner of Ballwin. He is the grandson of Rosalind and the late Marvin Fine of St. Louis and the late Lillian and Marvin Brasch of St. Louis and the late Bernard Solomon of St. Louis. Laura graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy and the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she majored in journalism-advertising. She is currently Development Director at the National Kidney Foundation in St. Louis. Her fiancé graduated Pattonville High School and Central Missouri State in Warrensburg, Mo., where he earned his bachelor of science degree in geography. He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, and is earning his MBA at Washington University in St. Louis. Matthew is currently a Financial AnalystBusiness Valuation for Health Capital Consultants in St. Louis. Matt asked Laura to marry him over a picnic lunch on a trip to New Orleans, one of their favorite places to visit. An August, 2015 wedding is planned.

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In 2010, Yael’s cousin in Israel, Uri Lipzin, died from ALS. Uri, known as “The Father of Recreational Games in Israel,” was a very active person, a sportsman, educator and coach. He was still teaching and playing with his students into his mid 60s. ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It causes muscle weakness and impacts physical function. Daughter of Molly and Alan Portman of University City, Yael chose to support ALS by participating in the Walk to Defeat ALS last summer. Her father and sister, Merav, joined her. “At the Walk, I learned that many ordinary people contract this horrible disease for which there are treatments but no cure,” said Yael. Like Yael, many of the 4,000 participants were walking in support of a friend or family member that passed away from ALS. Teams of co-workers, friends and family members came out in large numbers supporting those in wheelchairs. “I did not realize how many people with ALS have so many supporters,” Yael said. In addition to the Walk, Yael volunteered in the ALS office, offering to help with filing, data entry and mailing. She and her family also collected signatures

Yael Portman (left) chose to support the ALS Association with her mitzvah project. She is shown at the organization’s Walk to Defeat ALS with her sister, Merav.

for letters that were sent to Missouri and Illinois senators requesting their vote against a change in coverage for medical equipment, including wheelchairs. Currently, the Affordable Care Act allows patients to decide whether they would like to rent or purchase their wheelchair, depending on their financial situation. If this ruling changes, this option under Medicare will be eliminated and only rentals will be covered, which could be cost prohibitive for some patients. During Yael’s bat mitzvah weekend, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was in full swing. She had set up a website beforehand

to challenge her guests and collect donations. At her party at the Center of Clayton, Yael challenged her friends and about 10 girls joined in the fun. Yael also participated in two Ice Bucket Challenges at her school, Brittany Woods Middle School. Today, Yael volunteers at the ALS regional office, helping out whenever she can. Mitzvot from the Heart is compiled by Editorial Assistant Elise Krug. For information on including your child’s mitzvah project, email ekrug@thejewishlight.com or call 314-743-3671.

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obituaries

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For assistance in placing an obituary notice, please contact Editorial Assistant Cheryl Gouger at 314-743-3674 or cgouger@ thejewishlight.com.

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DAVID BERNSTEIN, died December NATIONAL 8, 2014. Beloved husband of the late HISTORIC Mildred Bernstein; dear father of Terry PLACE Bernstein, Sandy (Steve) Wilcoxen and Fo 0 Diane (William) grandfa5 loving u n d Irwin; e d 18 ther of Marc, Adam, Todd, Matt, Stefani, Alisha, Kaitlen, Brea, Taylor, Daniel and Emily; beloved great-grandfather of Brayden, Reece, Millie, Toby, Collin, Kasey, Isabelle, David, Maddie, Jackson, Evelyn and Dallas; our dear uncle, cousin and friend, Barbara. Contributions to the Honor Flight Network, 300 East Auburn Avenue, Springfield, Ohio 45505. Rindskopf-Roth y

RABBI DR. YITZCHOK MEYER ABRAMSON, died December 14, 2014. Beloved husband of Ruth Abramson; dear father and father-in-law of Adina (Shmuel) Henderson, Dr. Hillel (Yocheved) Abramson, Shira (Shuey) Nudell And Elana (Rabbi Yerachmiel) Gettinger; dear brother and brother-inlaw of Natalie (the late Sonny) Finkelstein and Lois (the late Alan) Elfanbaum; dear grandfather, greatgrandfather, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend. Contributions to Agudas Israel of St. Louis, St. Louis Kollel, Torah Prep School, Esther Miller Bais Yaakov or the Missouri Torah Institute. Berger Memorial

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SCOTT ALAN FRUMHOFF, died December 7, 2014 at age 56. Beloved son of Marvin L. and the late Carol L. Frumhoff; dear brother of the late Marti J. Frumhoff, Mark H., Brian K. and Lisa H. Frumhoff; dear uncle of Daniel and Royee Frumhoff; beloved partner in life of Hector M. Cabrera; beloved close friend of Richard Marione. Scott leaves behind a true legacy of love, understanding, generosity and advice and has touched countless families and friends making the world a better place. He will be deeply missed. Contributions to Jewish Family and Children’s Services of St. Louis. Berger Memorial BERNICE GERBER, died December 9, 2014. Beloved widow of Leonard Gerber; amazing mother of Jon (Rosemary Townley), Lisa (John Bidell), Michael (Carol Colman) and the late Stephen; adoring grandmother of Josh, Leah, Rebecca and Samantha; dear sister of the late David (the late Sammye) Koslow and Anita (the late Joseph) Cassel; our remarkable aunt, cousin and friend. Contributions to the charity of the donor’s choice. Rindskopf-Roth ew

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RICHARD S. GOLDMAN, died December 1, 2014 surrounded by his loved ones in San Francisco, Calif. Born in St. Louis, on June 3, 1927 to Milton and Elsa Goldman; preceded in death by his sister, Connie King. He was a Navy veteran and went on to become a successful business executive for Wohl Shoe Company. He was Vice-President of Connie/Fanfare division and President of Buskens Division, which he built to be Wohl’s most profitable before moving to San Francisco. While he was with Wohl, he traveled the world and made many lifelong friends along the way. He came to San Francisco in the early 1980s to establish Connie shoe stores. He loved the city so much he made it his home. Upon retirement, Richard became very involved with the Broadway To w e r s Homeowners Association, which led him to become a member of the board of directors until his death. He loved golf and was a member of Lake Merced Country Club. He was an avid fan of the SF Giants and 49ers and was a season ticket holder for many years. He also loved reading books, doing market research and immensely enjoyed going to farmer’s market on Saturday mornings. Richard was known for his work ethic, wonderful sense of humor, generosity and passion for life. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Sarita Sarte-Goldman, his son, Richard (Kelly), four grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. The family would like to add a special note of gratitude to the compassionate health care professionals whom attended to his care. To celebrate Richard’s life, donations can be made to your favorite charitable organization in his name.

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NORMAN BARRIE FINGER, died December 8, 2014. Beloved husband of Shirley Finger; dear father and father-inlaw of Laurie (Stuart) Cohen and Ira (the late Joanne) Finger; dear grandfather of Emily Cohen and Amanda (Joe) Leibu; dear brother and brother-in-law of the late Irving (Alexis) Finger and Miriam “Sissy” (the late Leon) Kantrowitz; our dear uncle, cousin and friend. Mr. Finger was a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona, B’nai Brith and a Veteran of World War II. Contributions to Congregation B’nai Amoona, 324 South Mason Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63141 or the charity of your choice. Berger Memorial

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THE LIGHTS OF

Hanukkah With each lighting of the Menorah, we remember the true meaning of Hanukkah: the triumph of faith and courage over all adversity. This holiday season, take time to revel in all the victories of life and the joy they bring. As you celebrate the miracles of the season with family and friends, may peace and fulfillment find you during this Festival of Lights and all year long.

NEW MT. SINAI CEMETERY Dan Brodsky | Executive Director (314) 353-2540 danielbrodsky@NMScemetery.org

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Stability — Affordability — Caring Obituary notices updated daily, online at stljewishlight.com Online obituary notices include memorial service information when available.

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Visit WWW. STLJEWISHLIGHT.COM DAVID GREEN, died December 11, 2014. Beloved husband of Barbara Green, MD; dear father and father-in-law of Rebecca (Louis) Lapat, Emily (Rabbi Ari) Kaiman, Abigail Green and Jocelyn Green; dear grandfather of Jack and Hailey Lapat, Amalia, Eliana, Maayan and Shai Kaiman; dear brother and brother-in-law of Sara (Mark) Howard; dear son-in-law of Anne and the late Aaron Rosenthal; dear brother-in-law of Saul (Debbie) Rosenthal and Sharon (Ray) Proskus; our dear uncle, cousin and friend. Mr. Green was a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona and the Missouri Bar Association. Funeral service Sunday, December 14th, 1 PM at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Boulevard, Olivette, Mo. 63132. No visitation prior to the service. Interment follows at B’nai Amoona Cemetery, 930 North and South Road, University City, Mo. 63130. Memorial contributions to Congregation B’nai Amoona, 324 South Mason Road, Creve Coeur, Mo.63141, Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School. 348 South Mason Road, Creve Coeur, Mo. 63141 or the MS Center of St. Louis, 1176 Town and Country Commons, Town and Country, Mo. 63017. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial BARRY GORDON MANDEL, died December 8, 2014. Beloved father and father-in-law of Missy Mandel and Laura (Gary) Tockman; dear grandfather of Devin and Mallory Tockman; forever fiance of Gail Lapin; dear brother and brother-in-law of Gerry (Mary Lee) Mandel; our dear uncle, cousin and friend to many. Contributions to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 3450 Park Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. 63104 or BJC Hospice, P.O. Box 957421, St. Louis, Mo. 63195. Berger Memorial

MELVIN KING NEWMAN, died December 7, 2014. Beloved husband of Jeanine Harris Newman; dear father of David (Mark Winer) Newman, Margie (Nissim) Revah and Diane (Joseph) Pryweller; loving grandfather of Yael, Dafna, Hannah and Avi; dear brother of Earl (Faye) Newman, Lee and the late Robert Newman; beloved brother-in-law of Robert Harris and Harriet Harris; our dear uncle, cousin and friend. Contributions to the charity of the donor’s choice. Rindskopf-Roth IRVING LEE RADER, died December 8, 2014. Irving Rader pursued a career in photography and graphic arts for over 50 years. After serving as a Signal Corp photographer in the Army, he trained under Ansel Adams at the Art Center College of Design in California. He then operated Rader Studio for over 30 years, doing illustrative work for advertising and industry. In 1975 he founded Metal Masters Corp, where he worked until retiring in 1989. At the same time Irv taught courses at the University of Missouri and had an exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum. After retiring, he volunteered as a still and video photographer at the St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri Historical Society, and the County Older Residents Program. Irv is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lena Ruth Rader, daughter Janet (Charles Markman) Rader, son Norman Paul (Karen) Rader, and grandchildren Nathaniel, Eliot, and Gregory Markman, Sarah and Courtney Rader. He is brother of the late Miriam Rader (Maynard) Greenberg. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Eagle Scout Association of Greater St. Louis, P.O. Box 436, Creve Coeur, Mo. 63141 or the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, 12 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63146. Rindskopf-Roth

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DECEMBER 17, 2014

HERBERT EDWIN ROSENBAUM, M.D., died December 10, 2014. Beloved husband of Velma Rosenbaum and the late Dorothy Rosenbaum; dear father and father-in-law of the late Connie Rosenbaum, Robert (Susie) Rosenbaum, Barbara (Jeff) Stark and Nancy (John Stein) Rosenbaum; dear step-father of Diana Moellering; dear grandfather of Paul, Marc and Elissa Rosenbaum and Nathaniel Bell; dear step-grandfather Steven (Jill) Moellering and Danielle (Ryan) Gosnell; dear brother and brotherin-law of the late Ruth (the late Irving) Goldfeder, the late Florence (the late Nathaniel) Rabitz and the late Estelle (the late Joe) Greenblatt; our dear brother-inlaw, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Dr. Rosenbaum was an active member of the American Academy of Neurologist and the Clinical Society of Neurology. Dr. Rosenbaum was honored by the Washington University School of Medicine in April, 2014. Contributions to the Dr. Herbert E. Rosenbaum Endowed Chair for Clinical Neurology at the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive, Suite 140, St. Louis, Mo. 63110. Berger Memorial BETTY BRY SCHWAB, died on December 11, 2014 at age 84. Married to Roger L. Schwab for 63 years, who preceded her in death; daughter of Henry Bry and Frances Sandperl Bry; sister of Mary Bry Elbert; cousin of Erwin Bry, Jr. (Patricia), sister-in-law of Margot D. Schwab (the late James L. Schwab, Jr.) mother of Julia Bry Schwab (Peter Maves) Bonnie Bry Schwab, and Barbara Bry Schwab (Alan Reppy); grandmother of Matthew Champoux, Jack, Grace, and Elizabeth Reppy. A graduate of John Burroughs School, Class of ’48, Betty’s athletic prowess and her “breezy” style with everybody earned her devoted

MARVIN S. WOOL, died December 8, 2014. Born October 10, 1928; beloved husband of Harlene (Shucart) Wool for 64 years; dear father of Deni Wool, Sandy (Karen) Wool and Amye (Dan) Carrigan; loving grandfather of Kari (Monte) Marsh, Ben Reeder, Seth Reeder, Shane Wool, Matthew (Lolly) Wool, Samantha Wool, Travis (fiancé, Katie) Wool, Abbey Maier, Lindsay Maier and Steve Carrigan; dear great-grandfather of Owen, Gavin, and Macie Marsh and Jonah Wool; beloved brother of Bebe (David) Krem, Samuel (Helen) Wool and the late Dr. Frohman (Millie) Wool; dear brother-inlaw of Jerry Shucart and the late Alvin (Roselee) Shucart and Abbeye (Charles) Henry; our dear uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend. Contributions to the charity of the donor’s choice. The family wishes to thank Barb Patton, Lori Metz and all of the wonderful caregivers, for their kindness and compassion. Rindskopf-Roth

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friends on and off the tennis courts of St. Louis, Houston, and Clearwater, FL. Her most devoted friends, Lois Marshall, Patricia Bry, Jane Eiseman, Joy Dunkelman, Kit Samuels, Rita Levis, and Edna Rosenheim appreciated her vigor and warmth. Her adventurous travels to the African savannas, tropical rivers, Rocky Mountain trails, and oceanic voyages fed her zest for new people, places, animals, and nature. Whether in a dugout canoe fishing for tarpon or sitting upon the beach at happy hour, Betty was at home and loved by all her knew her. Contributions to the Jane Goodall Institute, 1595 Spring Hill Road, Suite 550, Vienna. Va. 22182.

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DECEMBER 17, 2014

ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

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Owner strives to make physical therapy clients feel like family BY DAVID BAUGHER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Cindy Villebrun, owner of Universal Therapy Group, knows that you can receive physical therapy at any number of locations. But there is a reason people want to go to her establishments. “You come in and it feels like home,” said the 35-year-old native of Canada. “You come in and you are immediately part of our family. We try to make you feel comfortable, because we know it can be a scary environment to come to therapy.” Universal is anything but scary. Natural light streams into the airy, attractive workout area where fitness machines are spread from wall to wall. There are no cubicles or partitions and the open-floor plan is an intentional part of the concept. “We don’t block off the front desk area, because we want you to be a part of the whole experience and environment,” she said. St. Louisans have only recently gotten a chance to try out the Universal experience. Villebrun hung out her shingle in West County just last June. Her new location, 3,000 square feet of cutting edge equipment and welcoming atmosphere in Chesterfield, is her sixth. The others are in Iowa, where she founded the enterprise with business partner Scott Spear three years ago. Since then, they’ve been offering a wide array of services to clients including everything from post-stroke rehab to arthritis prevention. Whether clients are trying to regain full range of motion after a surgery or are looking for pain relief for aching joints, Villebrun said Universal offers answers with a smile and conversation at the java station inside the clinic. “We’ll sit down and have a coffee with you,” said Villebrun. “We do that a lot. People stop by to chat sometimes and just hang out. We like that.” It’s fitting that Universal treats its clients like family. After all, the idea began to take shape in Villebrun’s mind while watching her own grandmother go through therapy years ago. “She didn’t have a very good experience with it,” Villebrun remembered. “I said to myself, ‘You know, I think I could get into this field and really make Cindy Villebrun, owner of Universal Therapy Group, said she tries to bring a sense of home to her clients. Photos: Lisa Mandel a difference in peoples lives.’ I love to help people, and only want the best you with the same therapist rather than she said. “No one is just a number to us. screening is offered; if you are experiquality of care every time someone bouncing you from provider to provider. They are going to be family by the time encing pain or discomfort Universal comes to our clinics.” Villebrun began This allows for better continuity of care they leave. will do an evaluation at no cost. doing research in her own kitchen, and quality of care, as well as, building “They will leave feeling better, stron“People actually have a choice where gathering information needed for an a relationship with your therapist. ger, and living life to its fullest once they go for physical therapy,” said entire year prior to opening their first “When I started down this path to again pain free.” Villebrun, referring to the fact that docclinic. become a therapist, I wanted to always Part of that is the individualized tors might otherwise simply default to a Those feelings were reinforced while make sure that I provided the best care approach the organization takes toward given therapist. “All you have to do is she worked for larger facilities where possible,” said Villebrun, who originally every client whether helping an athlete voice your opinion and say, ‘I’d like to she often found that her clients needed came to St. Louis to study therapy at to recover their form after an on-field go over to Universal Therapy Group. I items that weren’t provided by the com- Washington University. “I wanted to injury, assisting someone who wants to would like to try this out.’” She adds pany or their needs just weren’t being make sure I provided therapy in a dif- help reduce discomfort in the knee, that what her group does is provide met. The quality of care wasn’t their first ferent way where I was always building back or shoulder or serving a client therapy like other therapy clinics, but priority. At Universal Therapy Group, no that rapport with my clients and always looking for dry needling acupuncture to with a more thorough, caring approach. one is just a number — rather, clients are putting them first above all else. trigger-point areas of pain. She feels the response in St. Louis has treated like family. “I want to be give all my patients the “We look at ourselves as a boutique been impressive so far with clientele “I’d end up buying things out of my best quality of care every time. Even if where we are going to go out of our way enjoying Universal’s one-on-one serown pocket,” said Villebrun. “I thought, I’m having a bad day, they will never to make sure that you feel better and get vices and recommending them to ‘OK, I can do this. We can provide a ser- know it, because it’s not about me. I am the best quality of care that you can,” others. vice that’s a little more one-on-one, here for them, and to see that they heal she said. “We’ve been getting involved in the more personalized, and better quality and return independently to their activThe important thing is to get clients in community here and the community of care.’” ities of daily living.” the door so they can try out Universal’s has been great,” she said. “The That means the helpful, friendly staff That simple philosophy underlies services for themselves. Chesterfield Chamber has been great. of seven will assist you with paperwork, everything at her institution. Villebrun encourages area residents The Jewish Light has been great. give you a therapy routine designed to “We’re here to work with you because in need of its long list of services to Everyone has really come together to your personal needs, and always put ultimately we’re here for the patients,” come in and try out a free session. Free try and help us get our name out there.”

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ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

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West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills SERVPRO Fenton/South Ballwin West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills 314-681-5377 Fenton/South Ballwin sp_jmul@sbcglobal.net 314-681-5377 sp_jmul@sbcglobal.net

DECEMBER 17, 2014

Beth Butchko, Julie Cullinane, Katie Kuechler

Shane brings 30 years of advertising sales and account management expertise to the Jewish Light. She began her advertising career in Chicago working with national advertising agencies including TMP Worldwide and Bernard Hodes Advertising. After 15 years of managing local and national accounts including healthcare, IT, financial, transportation, retail and other industries, Shane moved to the newspaper side of advertising sales. Ten years ago Shane relocated to St. Louis and continues to partner and strategize with clients to provide the most cost effective ways for them to increase revenue and maximize visibility. Companies look to Shane as their “advertising consultant” and take advantage of all various platforms of advertising including print, digital, events, sponsorships and more.

(314) 743-3676 (636) 484-2300 sblatt@thejewishlight.com

Creve Coeur & Chesterfield jccstl.org

DECEMBER 17, 2014

ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

Visit WWW. STLJEWISHLIGHT.COM

Cathy Goldsticker, CPA, MST Cathy Goldsticker, CPA, MST

Susie Gitt

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PROFESSIONALS IN OBGYN

(314) (314) 757-GITT 757-GITT (4488) (4488) (636) (636) 532-0200 532-0200

Jeffrey Mormol, MD (voted one if St. Louis’s top docs for the past 3 years) • Donna Wenzelburger, WHNP • Michele Salvatore, WHNP • Melissa Wallace, WHNP

Our mission at Professionals In OBGYN LLC is to provide the complete spectrum of Women’s Healthcare from the teenage years through menopause and beyond. The goal is to individualize the treatment plan combining our medical expertise with the input of our patients.

Office Phone • (314) 842-0340 24 hr exchange #(314) 388-6323

3844 S LINDBERGH SUITE 200 SUNSET HILLS, MO 63127 20 PROGRESS POINT PARKWAY SUITE 206 O’FALLON, MO 63368

Joanne Iskiwitch

Sharon Greenstein is a C e r t i f i e d G e r i a t r i c C a re Manager and Director of Client Ser vices for Home Care Assistance. Home Care Assistance is St. Louis’s premier provider of in-home assisted living ser vices. Home Care Assistance provides ser vices hourly or around the clock across the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Our in-home support includes transportation and hospital sitting with no long term contracts. Our mission is “Changing the Way the World Ages”. Sharon is a founding member of the St. Louis Home Care Alliance, Board Member of the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging, Member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and the National Council of Jewish Women.

Joanne Iskiwitch has consistently ranked in the top 1% of all St. Louis area Realtors and has won the “St. Louis Magazine FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction Award” repeatedly. Many qualities and skills go into being an excellent real estate professional-integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills and a high-quality professional network, all of which are hallmarks of how I work. The “client first” philosophy has always been my approach. Extensive use of the latest technologies and expanded media marketing enable me to quickly and efficiently extend the range of services that I offer to my clients. Contact Joanne now if you are considering buying or selling real estate in 2015.

Home Care assistanCe

Coldwell Banker Gundaker (314) 414-9579 joanneiskiwitch@gmail.com

KNOWLEDGE

Every real estate transaction is important to our clients... and we know it! Our job is to make their experience as stress free and enjoyable as possible. We constantly strive to exceed our clients’ expectations along with delivering the highest level of service.

Are you ready to take

The First Step to a more satisfying life?

Sylvia Nissenboim, LCSW is a counselor, coach and consultant with over 30 years of experience providing:

Supportive Counseling • • • • •

•

Call “The Easy People To Work With!”

314-997-7600

carol.benkatz@gmail.com www.carolandbenkatz.com

COMMITMENT

Have you achieved your career goals? Are you seeking more meaningful professional or personal relationships?

Care Consultation to help You and your older family member •

Ben & Carol Beilenson Katz • Valerie Beilenson 314-503-5186 314-276-7770

Are you feeling depressed, anxious or lonely? Are your relationships the most they could be? Is work causing you stress and distress?

Coaching to accomplish unrealized goals

Buying, Selling, Relocating or Needing Real Estate Advice? Give us a call .... We’re the Easy People to Work With!

UNDERSTANDING

June K. Wolff, DMD & Graydon L. Ballard III, DMD 168 N. Meramec, Suite 102 Clayton, MO 63105 www.claytondental.org 314 • 727 • 4900

Sharon Greenstein

PERSEVERANCE

layton C ental D

www.susiegitt.cbgundaker.com www.susiegitt.cbgundaker.com

cgoldsticker@bswllc.com (314) 983-1274 cgoldsticker@bswllc.com bswllc.com bswllc.com

12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive - Suite 210 St. Louis, MO 63141 (314) 863-8989 homecareassistancestlouis.com

PROFESSIONALISM

•

555 NORTH NEW BALLAS SUITE 240 CREVE COEUR, MO 63141

EXPERIENCE

•

Brown Smith wallace llc Brown (314) Smith 983-1274 wallace llc

Coldwell Coldwell Banker Banker Gundaker Gundaker

•

Cathy provides simple and c oCathy m p l e provides x t a x psimple l a n n i and ng, compliance c o m p l e x t aand x pconsulting lanning, ser vices forand closely held compliance consulting businesses owners in ser vices and for their closely held various industries Brown businesses and theirfor owners in Smith a regionally and variousWallace, industries for Brown nationally recognized public Smith Wallace, a regionally and accounting nationally firm. recognized public A consummate accounting firm. tax professional, Cathy helps clients minimize taxes limits surprises. is A consummate taxand professional, CathyCathy helps actively involved in and community boards and clients minimize taxes limits surprises. Cathy is advancing women’sin and gender issues. She and also actively involved community boards works withwomen’s winners and of the Archissues. GrantsShe startup advancing gender also competition. works with winners of the Arch Grants startup Cathy earned an undergraduate degree in competition. accounting from the of Wisconsin, andina Cathy earned anUniversity undergraduate degree master’s inUniversity taxation of from Fontbonne accountingdegree from the Wisconsin, and a University. master’s degree in taxation from Fontbonne University.

SUSIE SUSIE GITT GITT has has been been aa top top realtor in the St. Louis realtor in the St. Louis area area for for over over 30 30 years years and and is is consistently consistently one one of of the the top top agents agents at at Coldwell Banker Gundaker. Coldwell Banker Gundaker. Her Her experience, experience, dedication, dedication, enthusiasm enthusiasm and and knowledge knowledge have have paid paid off, off, with with many many repeat repeat customers, customers, and and have have earned earned her her the the respect respect of of her her colleagues, colleagues, as as well well as as the the consumer. The Gitt Team includes Susan Burack consumer. The Gitt Team includes Susan Burack and and Terry Terry Safron, Safron, both both licensed, licensed, experienced experienced agents. The secret to the teams’success agents. The secret to the teams’success is is simple: simple: “We work hard to give our clients the “We work hard to give our clients the very very best best service service possible.” possible.” For For all all of of your your real real estate estate needs, needs, remember, remember, “SUSIE “SUSIE GITTs GITTs IT IT SOLD!! SOLD!!

Do you have an aging parent/spouse with chronic, disabling conditions? Are you struggling with guilt, grief or anger?

Presentations to Synagogue Groups, Work Sites and Friend Circles Dealing with Aging Parents

Sylvia Nissenboim, LCSW 12401 Olive St. Rd, Suite 205 St. Louis, MO 63141 314-477-3144 www.sylvianissenboim.com Sylvia@sylvianissenboim.com

Ellie Jacobs, CFP® As a Financial Consultant with the Clayton office of Wells Fargo Advisors, I offer a wide range of services, from selecting individual investments to developing a retirement plan. Because I work for a company that believes our clients should always come first, you can depend on me for objective advice that focuses on your unique goals. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional or CFP®, a cerification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to those who have successfully completed a series of rigorous courses and examinations. Wherever you are on your financial journey, I feel that I have the knowledge, experience, and credentials to assist you along the way. Wells Fargo Advisors, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a nonbank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Securities and Insurance Products: Not insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency*May Lose Value*Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by the bank or any Bank affiliate.

Wells Fargo advisors, llC Financial Consultant 8112 Maryland Ave. Ste 500 Clayton, MO 63105 (314) 746-2955

Myra Katz Since 1981 Myra L. Katz & Associates has provided interior design solutions that tackle function, productivity and image concerns for commercial environments. Our focus is on corporate, financial, healthcare and senior living facilities. In response to changes in the economy causing extended families to live together and a growing demand for healthcare applications in the home, we launched Aging-InPlace Home Solutions. Services offered are not only for those with disabilities, but for those 50+ planning their “forever home”. Our professionals address the need for safety and independence without an institutional appearance. Be sure to ask about accessible home additions and In-Law Suites!

Aging-in-PlAce Home SolutionS (314) 395-9558 mkatz@mlkinteriors.com

KATHERINE JESSICA COLLECTIONS CUSTOM HAIR & BRIDAL ACCESSORIES

KATHERINEJESSICACOLLECTIONS@YAHOO.COM

WWW.KATHERINEJESSICACOLLECTIONS.COM

314.229.2900

Visit WWW. STLJEWISHLIGHT.COM ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT | Carol Beilenson|Katz Valerie Beilenson Carol Beilenson Katz Valerie Beilenson The St. Louis Housing

DECEMBER 17, 2014

Market saw an increase St. Louis Housing in The consumer confidence Market sawHomeowners an increase this year. in confidence feltconsumer they could now sell this year. Homeowners their current home for felt they couldprice. now Houses sell an acceptable priced correctly & in their current home for sold quickly. Buyers who “ready to show” condition an price. Houses in hadacceptable been waiting awhile had priced pent-upcorrectly demand&and “ready to show” condition sold quickly. Buyers who found the inventory low which created a very active had been waiting awhile had pent-up demand and market. found the inventory this low which created areal veryestate active We understand challenging market. market and strive to exceed our clients We understand this challenging estate expectations by providing full service,real reliability market and strive to exceed our clients and responsiveness while always maintaining the expectations providing fulland service, reliability highest level ofbyprofessionalism integrity. and responsiveness while always maintaining the We love what we do and feel that it matters..... highest level of professionalism and integrity. what could be more rewarding! We love what we do and feel that it matters..... what could be more rewarding!

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Berkshire hathaway alliance (314) 503-5186

Berkshire(314) hathaway 997-7600 alliance (314) 503-5186 Carol.BenKatz@gmail.com (314) 997-7600 www.CarolAndBenKatz.com Carol.BenKatz@gmail.com www.CarolAndBenKatz.com

Linda K. Kusmer Linda K. Kusmer Stephanie Kusmer Stephanie Kusmer Linda K. Kusmer founded Linda K. Kusmer Total Interior Designsfounded in 1976. Total Interior Designs in 1976. Her daughter, Stephanie Her daughter, Stephanie Kusmer, joined the firm in 1998. Kusmer, firm inof 1998. Both arejoined allied the members the Both are allied members of the American Society of Interior AmericanSpecializing Society of Interior Design. in the Design. Specializing in the Psychology of Interior Design, Psychology of Interior Design, they create pleasurable tsurrounds h e y c r eby a t egetting p l e ains utouch r a b l ewith client’s styles, surrounds getting in touchDesign with client’s styles, wants and by needs. providing Consulting, wants and needs. providing DesignRemodeling, Consulting, Project Management, Kitchen/Bath Project Management, Kitchen/Bath Landscape Design, all Furnishing,Remodeling, Decorative Landscapeand Design, all Furnishing, Decorative Elements Eco friendly materials needed for Elementscomfortable and Eco friendly unique, spaces. materials From theneeded Historicfor to unique, spaces. From the Historic to the mostcomfortable Modern Styles, these Designers can turn the most Modern Styles, these Designers can turn your house into your HOME. your housesaid, into“It your HOME. Kusmer is very gratifying to be a womenKusmer said, “It is very gratifying to We be agive womenowned, mother-daughter business. our owned,the mother-daughter business. We give our clients personal service they deserve. clients the personal service they deserve.

ToTal InTerIor DesIgns, Inc. ToTal InTerIor DesIgns, Inc. (314) 576-5827 (314) 576-5827 www.totalinteriordesignsinc.com www.totalinteriordesignsinc.com

Mom and dad were there for you – let us help you be there for them Home Care Assistance offers security for older adults and peace of mind for family members. • Our trained, bonded and insured caregivers help with meals, personal care, light housekeeping, transportation and more. • NEW! Home Care Assistance’s Kosher Care program is designed to provide exceptional care in conformance with the laws, customs and traditions of the Jewish religion. Our caregivers are carefully trained in Jewish traditions, holidays and keeping a kosher kitchen.

Call today for a free assessment!

314-863-8989 Changing the Way the World Ages

HomeCareAssistanceStLouis.com facebook.com/homecareassistancestlouis

DECEMBER 17, 2014

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ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

Visit WWW. STLJEWISHLIGHT.COM

Bonnie Laiderman

Kelly Morris

Bonnie Laiderman of Chesterfield is dedicating her life to helping veterans receive daily living assistance. Bonnie’s reason is personal: When her mother Eadie, who lived in Florida, was dying of breast cancer Bonnie traveled back and forth to take care of her. Bonnie tried to find home-health care for her mother, but Eadie had very low income and no savings. Bonnie discovered a little-known government benefit – a special pension for veterans, or their surviving spouses, who had served on active duty during wartime. Eadie died in 2002, before she could receive the pension. Bonnie, determined to help other veterans and their families get this special benefit, founded Veterans Home Care, LLC in 2003.

Kelly brings years of retail, sales and marketing experience to the Jewish Light. Her strong account management skills combined with her enthusiasm and dedication have proven to be a perfect fit with the Jewish Light. Kelly graduated with a B.A. in Communication from the University of Tennessee and has since relocated to the St. Louis area to be closer to her family. Kelly has dedicated the past 10 years volunteering as a camp counselor for burn survivors and provides peer support to patients and their families. In her spare time, she enjoys many things including traveling, running and enjoying life.

Veterans Home Care 314-514-2444

Dr. Stacey Wallach

Now offering Adult Stem Cell Therapy!

Town & Country Veterinary Hospital 1016 Town & Country Crossing Drive Town & Country, MO 63017

St. LouiS JewiSh Light (314) 743-3664 kmorris@thejewishlight.com

Denise Neimann

Sylvia Nissenboim

Warmth, comfort and good cheer. As executive director of Brentmoor Retirement Communities, Denise Niemann, LNHA, knows what makes a home. She spearheads a team that delivers unparalleled personal ser vice to their independent living and assisted living residents. As licensed administrator of Brentmoor’s Assisted Living community, Denise enjoys the personal interaction with residents. “We’re small by design,” says Denise, “which allows us to maintain a significantly higher ratio of staff to residents.” Innovative services and activities have helped to earn Brentmoor an enviable reputation as one of St. Louis’ premier retirement communities. As one resident explained, “It’s impossible to get bored here unless you try really hard.”

Sylvia Nissenboim, LCSW is a counselor and coach with over 30 years of experience helping individuals find relief from stress caused by work and life transitions. Relationships, job, health and famiy challenges can be improved through strategic, thoughtful and caring sessions in Sylvia’s convenient Creve Coeur office. Greater wellbeing and life satisfaction are a primary focus. She is an expert in the field of aging, having authored The Positive Interactions Program a guide on caring for individuals with dementia. Caregiving demands can create a strain and she has helped many families find satisfying solutions to their own or family’s aging-related issues.

Brentmoor retirement Community

12401 Olive Street, Suite 205 St. Louis, MO 63141 314-477-3144 sylvia@sylvianissenboim.com

8600 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63124 314-995-3811 www.brentmoor.com

Sylvia NiSSeNboim, lCSW

&Wmen’sHealth Center

S S S S P

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New Patient Walk-Ins Welcome Celebrating 10 Years In Business

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48 Four Seasons Center Chesterfield MO 63017

(314) 469-7096

J JK

P S S

M M B B F F sp 24-Hour Emergency Service Jan Mullaney sp 24-Hour Emergency Service Independently Owned and Operated Key Account Manager se Jan Mullaney se Independently Owned and Operated se ® Key Account Manager SERVPRO of West Kirkwoo se Jan Mullaney ®

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ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

Cheryl Perl

Jody Present

As a full time professional realtor since 1984, my definition of success is through building greater knowledge. Why? To better serve YOU, my clients. As a demonstration of my focus and commitment to YOU, I have earned the following designations: MRE-Master of Real Estate, CRS-Certified Residential Specialist (4 percent of all Realtors hold the CRS Designation), a GRI-Graduate Realtor Institute of Missouri, an ABRAccredited Buyers Representative and RRESResidential Real Estate Specialist: SFR-Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource. I am also proud to be a recipient of the At Home With Diversity certificate. You wouldn’t venture to a fast food franchise in search of delectible 5 Star cuisine, so rest asssured when choosing a realtor, you will definitely be proud of the real estate transaction we will close together.

After helping her own four kids move through six states and 13 addresses, Jody Present realized that with her organizational skills, she had gotten really good at one thing– helping people move. Organized Moving was born! She still plays mom, helping her clients decide which “special” items to pack. Jody sorts, organizes, packs & unpacks and puts it all away. In addition to getting you ready to move, and settling you into your NEW home, she specializes in getting YOUR home organized and more marketable for selling. She has found a special niche with seniors who are downsizing from larger to smaller homes. Although 50% of Jody’s work is physical, the other 50% is plain ole TLC! Jody does it all, brings the boxes, and in the end takes all the mess away!

Coldwell Banker Gundaker

Organized MOving

Robin Rickerman Randi Poscover

Judy L. Rubin

(314) 276-1166 http://cherylperl.cbgundaker.com

Randi and Robin bring a combined 35 years of experience in event planning and catering to the J! Randi loves to meet new clients and help create memorable events! Robin has cultivated expertise in working with the Jewish community, and is a sought-after expert in kosher catering and social events. Talk to this team about weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, trivia nights, parties, meetings and more! If you can imagine it, they can make it happen – and probably make it even better! The J’s unique spaces and this team’s creativity is really a winning combination for their clients.

(636) 530-0275

Judy is passionate about directly helping clients by focusing on financial planning and private client wealth management. With over 30 years of experience in the financial world and two industry certifications (Certified Financial Planner® and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™), Judy has advised individuals and families with a wide range of needs and expectations. Judy’s emphasis on education makes her a great advisor for people who experience a transition in which they become responsible for their own wealth. Securities, insurance, and advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor. Additional insurance services may be offered through Plaza Advisory Group, Inc., which is not affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.

Jewish Community Center 314-442-3427 314-442-3275 jccstl.org

Plaza advisory GrouP

101 South Hanley Rd, Suite 1350 Clayton, MO 63105 (314) 726-0600 PlazaAdvisors.com

A NEW BEGINNING ... Family Wealth Planning Accounting & Tax Consulting Financial Advisory Services QuickBooks Installation & Training Audit & Advisory Services

Cathy Goldsticker, CPA, MST Karen Stern, CPA Partner, Tax Services, Brown Smith Wallace LLC 314.983.1274 cgoldsticker@bswllc.com

Partner in Charge, BSW Small Business Services LLC 314.983.1204 kstern@bswllc.com

6 CityPlace Drive, Suite 900, St. Louis, MO 63141

The

CEDARS

DECEMBER 17, 2014

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• LADUE • FRONTENAC • • CLAYTON • CREVE COEUR • • OLIVETTE • BRENTWOOD • • UNIVERSITY CITY • • RICHMOND HEIGHTS •

• Selling?

Call for complimentary home marketing consultation and FREE “Listing Book” program enrollment!

• Buying?

Call for expert buyer representation with personalized direct e-mail including up-to-minute housing inventory and FREE “Listing Book” program enrollment!

JOANNE ISKIWITCH Top 1% of All St. Louis Area Realtors... St. Louis Magazine FIVE STAR: Best In Client Satisfaction Award

314.997.3464 Office 314.414.9579 Cell Buying or selling? Call me now!

www.joanneiskiwitch.com

e Suitees! c i p s o H vailabl Now A

of Town & Country

Living in a Prestigious West County Setting • Hospice Suites Now Available • Rabbi on Staff • Kosher & NonKosher Dining • Assisted Living • Physical, Occupational, Speech and Respite Care

• 24-Hour Nursing Assistance • On-Site Dialysis • Private Dining Room • Gall Synagogue • Housekeeping • Private Pay/Medicare • Most Insurance Accepted

Call 314-434-3330 today! 13190 South Outer 40 Road in Town & Country Visit us online at www.thecedarsoftownandcountry.com

Serving the needs of the Jewish Community since 1907

DECEMBER 17, 2014

ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

Visit WWW. STLJEWISHLIGHT.COM

JEWISH LIGHT KEEPSAKES Keep the memory of your cherished Jewish Light photo or article alive with a custom framed reprint Remember that wedding announcement, business profile, or Judaica story that meant something special to you? What about that graduation photo, congregation story, or event that you attended? Now, any photo or story published in the Jewish Light can be reprinted on high-quality photo paper as your own personal keepsake!

POSTER SIZES 8”x10” Print 11”x14” Print 12”x18” Print Frames

$25 $30 $40 $18

To place an order, or if you have any questions Call: (314)-743-3660 | E-mail: office@thejewishlight.com

Lori Smith Lori Smith Lori Smith is a Registered

Nurse and nursing home administrator in the Lori Smithwho is ashares Registered mission Thenursing Cedars ofhome Town Nurse of and & Country to who “honor thy in father administrator shares the and thy of mother”. TheofCedars mission The Cedars Town offers all residents & Country to “honor an thy active father land i f e sthy t y l emother”. i n a The h o mCedars elike environment with an clinical offers all residents active services and physical, l i f e s t y l esuch i nas ain-house h o m e dialysis, like occupational and clinical speech therapies for environment with rehabilitation Located a beautiful services such asneeds. in-house dialysis,inand physical, setting that is easily accessed off highway 40, it for is a occupational and speech therapies perfect community for anyone needing short or rehabilitation needs. Located in a beautiful long term setting thatcare. is easily accessed off highway 40, it is a perfect community for anyone needing short or long term care.

The Cedars

Town & CounTry

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ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

Michelle, a partner at Growe Eisen Karlen, is a skilled family law attorney who concentrates her practice in all facets of family law litigation, including but not limited to dissolution of marriage, legal separation, paternity, maintenance, child support/custody, modification matters, enforcement actions, appeals and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. In addition, Michelle teaches Family Law Drafting and Practice as an adjunct professor at Washington University School of Law, and serves on Region X of the Missouri Bar’s Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel. Michelle is proud to have been recently admitted to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Julie Spizman

Charlee Steiner

Julie Spizman celebrated her one-year anniversary with the Jewish Light in August. A sales professional with experience in broadcast and print media, she loves to help clients with a full range of marketing strategies – whether it be advertising or special events. Julie moved here from Norman, OK after earning a degree in liberal arts from KU. She and her husband, Marc, have two children, Sophie and Adam. When she’s not working Julie enjoys spending time with her family and working out.

Charlee Steiner — having grown up in the St Louis Area — is well connected in the community. Charlee has been selling real estate for over 25 years with listings and sales all over the St. Louis Area. She attributes her success to her attitude, attention to details, customer service, ability to follow through, ability to listen and understand her clients’ needs, her experience and her professionalism. These attributes have earned Charlee numerous awards throughout her many years in real estate such as being a Certified Relocation Specialist, being a member of the Honors Society, President Circle, Five Star Real Estate Agent with St. Louis Magazine for the past several years, and The Leading Edge Society.

Simply

Berkshire hathaway home services alliance real estate 314-974-4780 csteiner@bhhsall.com

Linda K. Kusmer & Stephanie K. Kusmer Allied Members ASID 314-576-5827 | www.TotalInteriorDesignsInc.com

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Put a Spark in Your Holiday!

By Appointment Only 7711 Bonhomme Ave, Suite 501 314-833-4747 | www.diamondspark.com

We Buy Diamonds

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Growe eisen Karlen

Partner/Attorney 7733 Forsyth Blvd., Ste. 325 St. Louis, MO 63105 michelle@groweeisen.com www.groweeisen.com

(314) 743-3661 jspizman@thejewishlight.com

DECEMBER 17, 2014

Michelle J. Spirn

13190 S. Outer 40 Road Chesterfield, MO 63017 The Cedars of Town & CounTry (314) 434-3330 13190 S. Outer 40 Road www.thecedarsoftownandcountry.com Chesterfield, MO 63017 (314) 434-3330 www.thecedarsoftownandcountry.com

St. LouiS JewiSh Light

• Social interaction • Nutritious, kosher meals • Optional services

Quality, licensed, full-day program for adults who need assistance Please visit us. Schedule a tour today. Call Anna Zelinske, Director, M.A., CRC 314.442.3245

10B

DECEMBER 17, 2014

ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

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Plaza Advisory Group, Inc. congratulates JUDY L. RUBIN on becoming Partner. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® AND CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYST™

Visit WWW. STLJEWISHLIGHT.COM

Karen Stern, CPA Karen Stern, CPA Karen is Partner in Charge of

BSW Small Business Services. Karen Partnersmall in Charge of Her teamis assists business BSW Small Business Services. owners with tax, accounting and Her teamplanning assists small business financial strategies that owners tax, accounting and positionwith businesses for growth. financial planning strategies that K a r e n ’s a w a r d - w i n n i n g position for growth. practicebusinesses is known for its K a r e n ’s a w a r d - w iservices, nning outsourced accounting practice is known for its which are perfect for small businesses that need an outsourced accounting services, extra hand with bookkeeping, payroll, accounting which aresetup perfect small businesses that need an software andfor CFO services. extra hand withactive bookkeeping, payroll, Karen is very in developing the accounting firm’s next software setup CFOThis services. generation of and leaders. year, she spearheaded Karen is very developing the firm’s next the launch of active The in Bridge, a networking and generation of leaders. This year, she professional development programspearheaded for women the launch of and Thetomorrow. Bridge, a networking and leaders of today professional development program for women leaders of today and tomorrow.

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Dr. Stacey Wallach Dr. Stacey Wallach Town & Country Veterinary

nurse practitioner with Melissa is a women’s health Professionals in Ob/GYN. She nurse practitioner with specializes in the care of women Professionals in Ob/GYN. She beginning in adolescence, and specializes in the care of women continuing through pregnancy, beginning in adolescence, and menopause, and beyond. She continuing through pregnancy, works closely with Dr. Jeffrey menopause, and beyond. She Mormol, a board certified physician in obstetrics works closely with Dr. Jeffrey and gynecology, who has been practicing in St. Mormol, a board certified physician in obstetrics Louis for almost 20 years. and gynecology, who has been practicing in St. Melissa earned an undergraduate degree in Louis for almost 20 years. nursing science through the University of MissouriMelissa earned an undergraduate degree in Columbia. She earned a master’s degree in nursing nursing science through the University of Missouriscience through the University of Missouri-St. Louis Columbia. She earned a master’s degree in nursing and is board certified in the specialty of women’s science through the University of Missouri-St. Louis health. and is board certified in the specialty of women’s health.

Hospital (TCVH), located at Town & Country Veterinary 1016 Town & Country Crossing Hospital (TCVH), located at Drive, is staffed by Dr. Stacey 1016 Town & Country Crossing Wallach and her experienced, Drive, is staffed by Dr. Stacey compassionate staff. Dr. Wallach Wallach and her experienced, believes that preventative compassionate staff. Dr. Wallach medicine helps pets live long, believes that preventative healthy lives and TCVH brings medicine helps pets live long, high-quality service, the latest in veterinary healthy lives and TCVH brings technology and a focus on patient care. The high-quality service, the latest in veterinary hospital offers advanced technology including full technology and a focus on patient care. The body and dental digital radiology, radio surgery hospital offers advanced technology including full and complete in-house blood work capabilities. For body and dental digital radiology, radio surgery more information visit www.tcvhstl.com or call 636and complete in-house blood work capabilities. For 227-PETS to book your appointment now. more information visit www.tcvhstl.com or call 636227-PETS to book your appointment now.

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Lynne has been in the jewelry Lynne has been in the jewelry business for 30+ years. Her business for 30+ years. Her knowledge of diamonds, and knowledge of diamonds, and keeping up with current trends keeping up with current trends and styles has kept her as a leadand styles has kept her as a leader in the jewelry industry. She er in the jewelry industry. She has taken a new opportunity by has taken a new opportunity by partnering with a diamond partnering with a diamond importer to open DiamondSpark Private Jeweler. importer to open DiamondSpark Private Jeweler. This will allow her to truly bring exceptional qualThis will allow her to truly bring exceptional quality and pricing to clients. Lynne will go the extra ity and pricing to clients. Lynne will go the extra mile to help you select or create that special piece mile to help you select or create that special piece of jewelry. of jewelry. Outside of work Lynne stays active with Outside of work Lynne stays active with volunteering with the Pujols Family Foundation volunteering with the Pujols Family Foundation and is a founding board member of West County and is a founding board member of West County Civitan Club. Civitan Club.

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Agent

Susie ! “Gitts” it SOLD

CHESTERFIELD WEST

2014

2014... Another Great Year! The Gitt Team would like to Wish you and your family a very Happy and Healthy New Year! Let us know how we can help with All of your real estate needs in 2015. Thanks!

The Gitt Team

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Auto-Renew is a free service for Jewish Light subscribers that allows you to keep getting the Light without worrying about when your subscription is due. To enroll, look for your Subscription renewal by mail, and check the box for Auto-Renew. Or Call 314-743-3660.

Susan Burack Susie Gitt 314-614-0582 314-757-4488

Terry Safron 314-708-0040

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Liz and Katherine Weinstein

ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

Elaine is a lifelong St. Louisan (she graduated from Clayton High School) who has been in the advertising industr y for nearly 30 years. A veteran of radio as well as print media, her creativity and marketing savvy have generated legions of loyal clients who rely on her advice and promotional strategies to grow their businesses. Elaine prides herself on her ability to build and sustain relationships. There isn’t anyone she doesn’t know! In short, she is simply Fabulous!

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Dr. June Wolff Dr. June Wolff I have been in the practice of

general dentistr y since I have been in the practice of graduating from Washington general dentistr y since University School of Dental graduating from Washington Medicine in 1985. With a University School of Dental background in fine arts, my Medicine in 1985. With a interest in studying medicine background in fine arts, my led me to acquire an interest in studying medicine occupation that satisfied my led me to acquire an appreciation of art and mechanics, along with occupation that satisfied my allowing me the opportunity to continually appreciation of art and mechanics, along with improve my education and be creative with daily allowing me the opportunity to continually challenges. My office specializes in beautifying improve my education and be creative with daily smiles, maintaining your dental health, and challenges. My office specializes in beautifying helping improve your appearance. I offer smiles, maintaining your dental health, and products with the highest quality that are helping improve your appearance. I offer incredibly durable. We are located in central products with the highest quality that are Clayton. Call 314-727-4900 for an appointment! incredibly durable. We are located in central Clayton. Call 314-727-4900 for an appointment!

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Elaine Wernick

The St. Louis motherdaughter team of Liz and K a t h e r i n e We i n s t e i n started a custom hair and bridal accessory company three years ago and business has taken off! Their company creates comfortable, reasonably priced, fashion-forward jeweled hair and accessory pieces with over 100 styles to choose from. Designs include Austrian crystals, pearls, silk flowers or stones, mounted on soft elastic bands, ribbon or leather. Products, which also include beautiful jeweled sashes or belts, are sold on their website, in local and nationwide boutiques, at special events or from their local studio. These beautiful and unique designs can be custom-made for your special event--whether a bat mitzvah, wedding, prom, or a simple night on the town…With a Katherine Jessica accessory, you will sparkle! katherinejessicacollections.com 314-229-2900

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Michelle J. Spirn

(314) 743-3666 ewernick@thejewishlight.com

Attorney at Law

Anna Zelinske, M.A., CRC Anna Zelinske, M.A., CRC Anna has “a passion for people and a desire to help Anna has “a passion for people of all abilities live people and a desire to help independently, with the support people of all abilities live they need.” Her goals are independently, with the support directly in line with the mission they need.” Her goals are of the Adult Day Center at the J, directly in line with the mission which strives to allow individuals of the Adult Day Center at the J, to live as independently as possible for as long as which strives to allow individuals possible, with as much dignity as possible. The to live as independently as possible for as long as program ser ves adults who may be socially possible, with as much dignity as possible. The isolated but who can continue to live in the program ser ves adults who may be socially community, or who need assistance to perform isolated but who can continue to live in the activities of daily living and need special care, but community, or who need assistance to perform are able to participate in a group setting. activities of daily living and need special care, but are able to participate in a group setting.

Specializing in Family Law Matters DIVORCE: CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN Family law litigation can be frustrating because many aspects of the case are outside your control. You cannot control your spouse, their tactics, the judge assigned to your case or how long the case will last. However, there are specific steps you can take to increase your chance of a favorable outcome:  Don’t be shy: Tell your attorney everything. A good attorney won’t not be shocked and won’t judge you.

 Be proactive: Gather all statements of assets and debts to provide to your attorney. This will save you time and money.

 Step away from the computer: No vitriolic emails to your

former spouse; no Facebook posts/pictures jeopardizing your character; no ‘hate’ tweets that you wouldn’t want to repeat.

 Zip it: Edit what you say to your kids, friends and soon-to-be in-laws.

 Listen up: Listen to your attorney. You chose her because of

her expertise, reputation and trial ability. Trust that she has your best interest at heart.

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With you when you need help designing your future The path to tomorrow takes more than just knowledge and insight. It takes a personal relationship with someone you trust. Together we can develop a plan tailored to your unique financial goals. Ellie Jacobs, CFP® Financial Consultant  Maryland Avenue, Suite  Clayton, MO  -- ellie.jacobs@wfadvisors.com Investment and Insurance Products: X NOT FDIC Insured X NO Bank Guarantee X MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 1109-xxxx [82527-v1] 12/09

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ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

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Effective • Respected • Responsive • Discreet in

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Stephanie Jones, Joseph Kodner, Cary Mogerman, Allan Zerman (Of Counsel), Mary Niemira, and Penny Robinson

In divorce, marital, and family law, Zerman Mogerman LLC brings a respected voice of reason and experience to the effective representation of men and women emphasis on professionals and businesspeople. Access We are proud to be a part of the Jewish Light’s Women in all fields of endeavor, including executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, and to good information is critical when making important in Business section—perhaps that’s because three of our business owners. We know that access to good information is critical to reaching decisions. If you have to make an important family law partners, Penny Robinson, Mary Niemira, and Stephanie important decisions. If you have questions about an important family law decision, decision, from considering a prenuptial agreement, to Jones, are some of the most capable businesswomen that we from considering a prenuptial agreement to considering divorce or modification of divorce or modification of a prior decree, we can provide know. In divorce, marital, and family law, our firm brings a prior decree, we can provide answers in complete confidence. a respected voice of reason and experience to the effective

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