The Jewish Magazine by orisher

THE PASSOVER ISSUE

Israeli actress mili avital opens the 16th annual TjFF WITH NOODLE See FULL festival SCHEDULE INSIDE Page 24

Spring home trends are in full bloom Page 20

Issue 152 APR 2008

TJM’s Death-Free take on the 10 plagues Page 12

Let’s Talk Bondage... Page 37

ON THE TOWN: TJM CITY GUIDE PAGE 33 www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER!

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Every Challenge. Every Struggle. Every Step of the Way. &ORÃ¦MOREÃ¦INFORMATIONÃ¦PLEASEÃ¦CALLÃ¦ Ã¦ Ã¦ Ã¦Ã¦Ã¦Ã¦JFANDCS COMÃ¦

JEWISH FAMILY &CHILD EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

2008 HAPPY PASSOVER! March 2008 4 www.TheJewishMagazine.com April

Bereshit*

*Beh-ra-sheet= In the beginning G-d created heaven and earth.

Dear Readers, We hope you’re well-rested from your March break getaways. Not that we’re trying to make you feel guilty, but we’re exhausted. We didn’t exactly have a chance to escape our offices here in Toronto because we were putting together the April issue. While you were off seeing the sites or getting in that game of beach volleyball, we put together this Passover-themed issue. We felt it was an appropriate issue after March’s travel theme, because what is Passover if not a memorial, an observance and a celebration of the mother of all Jewish “getaways” - our Exodus from Egypt. We know we’re supposed to re-tell the story of our escape from bondage under Egypt’s Pharoah. We know it’s required of us to clean every inch of our homes to rid every nook and cranny of hametz (a.k.a. spring cleaning). Regardless of the hardships associated with this particular holiday, we thought we’d try to spice it up a bit...put a happier spin on things. As a start, we’ve taken the ten plagues and put our own twist on them (pg 12). Is it possible that things might have been different for the Jews leaving Egypt if they had had better modes of transportation? We’ve got a pretty extensive list of what we saw at the 2008 International Auto Show (pg 42). Can you picture our man Moses parked at the foot of Sinai in his camel-coloured ragtop Jeep Chariot? Since getting to Israel from Egypt might’ve been considered a travel nightmare, we were wondering (internally mostly) if there was a bit more flair to the décor in the land, might things have been different in the region? Not that we’re saying a little colour to a couch would drastically alter the state of biblical Middle East affairs, but maybe if they had someone like Dvira Ovadia working for them, anything’s possible. Our newest contributor (pg 20) on all things décor and style, Dvira not only won the Debbie Travis reality TV show From the Ground Up, but she placed first in our hearts! We’re excited to have her. Since arriving in the Promised Land, the country and its people have developed quite a culture. Many of us have been to Israel to experience what that means...some of us have even moved there to get closer to it! But do we really know what it’s like to actually BE an Israeli...to really live there? That’s why we’re introducing Eganu.com (pg 30) to you, dear readers. If you’re at all concerned about bringing Israeli culture into your home, Eganu.com could be the answer to your prayers. And let’s not forget the 16th Annual Toronto Jewish Film Festival; 9 days, 86 films and 12 countries, Toronto’s 4th largest festival schedule is our centre spread! Israeli actress Mili Avital’s film Noodle will open the festival (pg 24). We have so much more in these pages and we hope you get to read them cover to cover. Regardless of what your prayers are this month, either at the seder table or elsewhere, we hope you have a great Passover. Tell us about your experiences and tell us how we’re doing because as always, The Jewish Magazine is your magazine. The Editorial Staff - The Jewish Magazine editor@TheJewishMagazine.com

Letters From our Readers: Dear Editor: The travel issue was both delightful and informative at the same time. Although we did not venture to Pacific Mall, we did make use of the day trips recommended. We normally head south for the break but opted to remain in the city this year. To be honest, I had nothing planned for the kids and didn’t realize all the activities available in the city. Our eldest (now 11) really enjoyed day camp at the ROM. Thanks for the great suggestions! Keep up the good work! Lisa K., Toronto, ON Dear Editor: Your pick in March brought back some great memories for me! I can actually recall the time when Doc was in Israel surfing in the late 50’s. It was quite a sight! I was barely a teen, however I’ll never forget those days when my friends and I would hang out at the beach waiting for him to arrive. He was truly the epitome of cool in those days. Sincerely, David Toole, Toronto, ON

Founder & Publisher : Simon Sher Editor In Chief: Helen Hatzis Editor : Sam Title Creative Director : Ori Sher Sales and Marketing Director: Ari Elo Advertising : Elie Malka, Edan Sher, Jordana Smiley Jr. Copy Editor: Miriam Cross Contributors: Steven Chupnick, Miriam Cross, Jeremy Freed, Paul Gauchi, Rena Godfrey, Edward James, Jewreview.net, Helen Hatzis, Jenna Kalinsky, Derek Kreindler, Elayne Laken, Ilan Mester, Dvira Ovadia, Sarah Pearson, Ian Richter, Lauren Soul, Marcie Somers, Tracey Erin Smith

Features:

6 Editor’s Pick 8 Gift Guide 12 The 10 Plagues Revisited 20 Spring into Interior Design Tips 23 Helen Zukerman Founder of TJFF

Cover :

24 The 16th Annual Toronto Jewish Film Festival Schedule

Columns:

14 J’Walkin 16 Profile: Martin Katz 18 Youngest Entrepreneur: Amanda Belzowski 26 JewReview.net 28 Shiksa in the City 33 City Guide 34 Montreal Mensch 35 FashionWatch.com 37 Burning Bush 39 Travel 43 Horascopes 46 Jew or No Jew

How To Subscribe:

For just $19 a year, you can get the best of Canada’s Jewish community in a glossy, full colour format - the only one of its kind. To get your 12 issues a year, send an email to subscribe@TheJewishMagazine.com or call us at 416.987.3201 “We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Magazine Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage for this project / Nous reconnaissons le soutien financier du gouvernement du Canada, par l’entremise du Fonds du Canada pour les magazines, du ministère du Patrimoine canadien, pour ce projet.”

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Photo courtesy of: WeirFoulds L.L.P

Photo courtesy of Fernando Allende

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’s r o

i d E

c Pi

Lisa Borsook

In our line of work, we have the pleasure of meeting some of the most interesting people in the community - some more unique than others, but definitely interesting. They’re the type of personality that you feel compelled to share with friends and family during dinner or drinks. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to make the acquaintance of such individuals that I will introduce to you in this new column on a monthly basis. One individual at a time will be presented. In their own way, they have made a unique mark on society, making life more interesting. Finally, I’ll leave you with a bit of advice…as the old adage goes, don’t judge a book by its cover because frankly, you’ll be wrong. I certainly was… See you next month for another interesting edition to Editor’s Pick. Feel free to send ideas to editor@thejewishmagazine.com. Enjoy! Helen Hatzis.

’d like to introduce Lisa Borsook, a successful lawyer and the Managing Partner of WeirFoulds LLP in Toronto, Canada. Self-proclaimed ‘black sheep’ of the family, Borsook is the only lawyer amongst a family of engineers and doctors. A graduate of the University of Toronto Law School, she was called to bar in 1982 where she began her career with WeirFoulds, which was recently ranked #1 in real estate law in Toronto and Ontario by Best Lawyers in Canada. She also chairs the firm’s Commercial Leasing Practice Group. In a time when women are reportedly leaving law, Borsook is making her mark. She has contributed her expertise in books related to her practice area, has written numerous articles and is sought after to speak at countless events. I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Borsook about family life, law, living healthy and her penchant for shoes. People often wonder how to find that sought after balance between a successful career and family life. Getting to know Borsook, she makes it look simple but admits it takes a lot of hard work. “I start my day at 5:30 am and head to the gym.” Having worked out regularly over the last 17 years, Borsook attests that eating right, taking a slew of vitamins and maintaining a routine workout has attributed to her success. After her morning workout at the gym, her routine seven a.m. wake up call to her family is made and then she’s off to work by nine a.m., where she juggles the demands of both managing the firm and her practice. “As a commercial lawyer, you have more control of your agenda,” shares Borsook, and thus she is home before seven to enjoy diner with her husband, two sons and the family dog affectionately known as ‘Molly the Mutt’ (her third child). “I strive for that perfect balance of home and work,” says Borsook The weekend mantra is family first! Between her sons’ hockey and basketball schedules, hitting the slopes at Snow Valley, spending time at the cottage or attending shul at Beth Radom - a synagogue in Toronto that her father-inlaw founded - this well-organized individual makes it work.

Borsook’s husband Symon (a partner in the law firm of Danson Zucker, who practices exclusively in the area of commercial, family and health litigation), is both supportive and proud of her achievements. “You need support at home to be successful at work and you need support at work to have a successful home life,” confides Borsook. WeirFoulds has been very supportive from the onset of her career. “I was never interested in working at a big law firm. When I joined WeirFoulds I sensed immediately that the environment was receptive, supportive and had a family model. There is room for growth…I made partner within five years. Most of our lawyers retire here. It is very rare for us to lose a lawyer to another law firm,” Borsook attests. Reading this, one may ponder on the dwindling numbers of women in law. The March 3, 2008 issue of the Law Times – featuring Lisa Borsook on the cover – examines the problem of a demanding law career clashing with the demands of raising a family. Thus women now represent 50 percent or more of law school graduates in Ontario, 37 percent of the legal profession and 28 percent of the lawyers in private practice, according to a report from the Law Society of Upper Canada as reported by Law Times. Borsook, who was a member of the expert advisory group for the report, is clearly an advocate in maintaining diversity, equality and a reasonable balance in the legal profession, with affiliations that include the Ontario Bar Association, Women’s Law Association and Toronto Commercial Real Estate Women. “I never felt different because I was a woman; I’m a lawyer, period. Starting out, I was more conscious of being inexperienced.” Borsook may be the ‘black sheep’ in her family, but she is a ‘rare bird’ in the world of law. “If you are a hard working individual and open to opportunities, you’ll do well,” shares Borsook. Having been recognized as a leader in her field by LEXPERT® as well as being named one of the best lawyers in Canada in her area of practice by Best Lawyers in Canada, her advice is golden! And as for the shoes, “It’s an obsession, what can I tell you?” she muses.

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By Miriam Cross and Ilan Mester

PREPPING FOR PASSOVER

SPRING CLEANING – Stringent cleaning rules, clutter all over the house, and the spring weather tempting you outdoors all make preparing for Passover a strenuous task. To make your job as painless as possible (after all, you still have two seders to cook for), we’ve gathered the best ways to accomplish the job, with an eye to eco-friendly products. Natural methods

Ewww…mould!

Method All-Purpose Surface Cleaner (828mL, $4.99), Method Tub & Tile Spray (828mL, $5.99), Method O-mop Sweeping Cloths (16 cloths, $6.99); all available at Canadian Tire stores. Why we love it – Method cleaning products are all naturally-derived, non-toxic, and biodegradable, and smell lovely. (The All-Purpose Surface Cleaner did wonders for our office.)

Concrobium Mold Control; $9.97 (956 mL) at The Home Depot and other home improvement centres across Canada. Why we love it – With so much melting snow and with plenty of rain ahead of us yet, your homes are more susceptible to mould growth (especially in your bathrooms)! Smite (and keep away) mould the eco-friendly way. It’s bleachfree and won’t harm your most prized possessions – your family!

Aromas for the home

Les Couvents des Minimes Linen Water (500mL, $14), Home Perfume (100mL, $16), and Pillow Mist (100mL, $20); available at selected Shoppers Drug Mart and Jean Coutu. Why we love it – You can instantly freshen up your linens and home environment with these fragrances, which evoke the Couvent des Minimes (an ancient convent) in the Alps of HauteProvence. Products are made of natural ingredients and packages are environmentally-friendly.

Green cleaning

The Green-Tec program at Future Shop lets you drop off used electronics – such as batteries, MP3 players, CDs, and ink cartridges – in their green boxes to be safely recycled. Drop-off kiosks are at all Future Shop locations. 1-888-858-1515. Why we love it – This type of clean-up comes without a cost – to you or the environment. By depositing your old electronics in these boxes, you can ensure they will not end up in landfills.

Wash and nosh

Cascade 2in1 Action Pacs in Citrus Breeze Scent with Dawn, 54 packs; approximately $10.99 at drug stores, grocery chains, and mass retailers across Canada. Why we love it – Dazzle your seder guests with sparkling clean dishes – this one-dose dishwashing product combines the scrubbing and greasefighting capabilities of Cascade and Dawn.

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Bite the dust

Swiffer Dusters Refills with Febreze Fresh Scent; approximately $5.99 at drug stores, grocery chains, and mass retailers across Canada. Why we love it – These strips trap more dust and allergens than a feather duster, and work on surfaces not suitable for polishes and sprays, such as electronics and plants.

Raising the bar

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Foaming Cleaner; approximately $3.99 at drug stores, grocery chains, and mass retailers across Canada. Why we love it – Ideal for quick touch-ups, this multi-purpose cleaner can be used on surfaces and appliances in the kitchen and bathroom.

Suck it up

Dyson DC23 Motorhead Stowaway vacuum; $649.99, www.dyson.com for retailers. Why we love it – The Dyson Motorhead is the only canister vacuum in Canada to be certified ‘asthma-friendly’ by the Asthma Society of Canada, and with its new core separator technology, which picks up more microscopic dust than any other, you can rest assured that every scrap of hametz is removed.

PASSOVER FOOD – You know the drill once Passover is here. We cook, we set the table, we eat. Here are a few ways to spice up Passover for 2008. Blended sensations

Oster Fusion blender features 1000 watts of Osterizing power, excellent chopping, blending, and ice-crushing capabilities, large 6-cup capacity pitcher style glass jar for easy pouring, and pre-programmed settings for frozen drinks and chopping; $99.99 at Wal-Mart stores. Why we love it – The Fusion Blender takes you through all the courses of a meal, offering more variety and tastier solutions to the usual bland Passover fare. Visit www.blendit.ca for recipe ideas.

Tuck in

Beau Cadeau mix-and-match Create-a-Bib with front pocket and detachable patches; $19 for a bib with a patch, $6 for additional patches, available at DEW (647-436-1232, Toronto), Heart to Find Designs (905-731-1092, Thornhill), and Parpar (416-657-3333, Toronto). Why we love it – These durable bibs will help keep matzah crumbs off the floor, and the front can be easily wiped down with each meal. Buy an assortment of patches and you can alternate them each day to reflect your baby’s mood.

Matzah with a tasty twist Kosher wine, unkosher taste

Pure pomegranate dessert wine from Rimon Winery produced at Rimon Winery’s winemaking facility in Israel. Dessert Wine 500mL (SRP $29, 500mL), dry wine 750mL (SRP $38), and a port-style wine 750mL (SRP $48); order at www.rimonwines.com. Why we love it – Drinking four cups of wine each Seder can get boring with the same brand. Pomegranate wine is an interesting new option for the seder table.

Charles Chocolates’ Chocolate Covered Matzah uses a handmade blend of fine chocolate, while traditional candied fruit slices have new life with Charles Chocolates’ Pate de Fruits in flavors like papaya, blood orange and passion fruit, all made from 100% real fruit; $26-$34 for one-pound boxes of matzah, $22 for pate de fruits, $56 for matzah and pate de fruit duo (online only), www.charleschocolates.com to find your nearest retailer or to order. Why we love it – Our taste buds deserve a treat from the lack of bread, so indulge yourself with a variety of chocolate matzahs and unique fruit slices.

Best served cold

Samsung French Door Refrigerators offer 26 cu. ft. of space and are available in stainless steel, stainless platinum, black and white. External or internal water/ice dispensers are optional; approximately $2499.99-$2699.99 at Future Shop stores. Why we love it – Wide open space up top, two shelves in the freezer compartment underneath, and Samsung’s TWIN Cooling System (allowing you to control and seal each compartment) and CoolSelect Pantry (allowing you to adjust the temperature of each drawer) make organization and food storage easy and efficient.

Oven-fresh

Frigidaire Professional Series 4.2 cu. ft. stainless steel self-cleaning oven features an electronic oven control with keypad entry and much more; $2,099 at major retailers including The Bay, The Brick, Sears, Leon’s, etc. Why we love it – This oven has Star-K Kosher Certification, meaning it complies with Sabbath kosher cooking practices and can therefore be used on any day of the holiday.

Flower power

Fresh arrangement of lilies; $75 at Flower Trends (905-764-1388, Promenade Mall). Why we love it – One look at these beautiful blooms will instantly brighten up your day. Plus, they’re a great way to infuse your Passover decorations with a touch of spring.

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DURING THE HOLIDAY – Passover is the perfect time to refresh and renew as you host your seder dinner. If you are in the ‘guest’ role, be sure to bring a little something for your gracious host! Let your hair down

Clairol Perfect 10 by Nice ‘n Easy delivers high gloss, permanent hair colour in only 10 minutes, as well as 100% long-lasting grey coverage and reduced damage; approximately $15.99 at health and beauty stores. Why we love it – Brightening up your hair with a fresh, vibrant colour is a great way to celebrate the onset of spring. And did we mention it only takes 10 minutes?

Pamper your teeth

Arm & Hammer Complete Care Gel provides a visible whitening benefit in addition to a thorough and safe cleaning, while preserving the health of teeth and gums; approximately $2.29 at drug stores, grocery chains, and mass retailers across Canada. Why we love it – Instead of buying three different toothpastes (ones for whitening, cavities, plaque, etc.) Complete Care Gel offers a swift solution to spending over six dollars on toothpaste.

Pass over…the eggs?! Smooth moves

Veet High Precision Facial Wax (approximately $12.99, 13mL) and Veet Hair Removal Gel Cream (approximately $16.99, 400mL); available in the beauty aisles of major grocery, mass, and drug retailers across Canada. Why we love it – These new formulas – ideal for first-time users – make hair removal a quick and easy do-ityourself task, right on the cusp of swimsuit weather.

Save face

Intraceuticals Rejuvenation Infusion all-natural oxygenated facial is safe for sensitive skin and delivers intense hydration to quickly revitalize dull, dry, or dehydrated skin; gift certificates available in many denominations at the Bay Dermatology Centre (790 Bay Street, Suite 536; www.baydermatologycentre.com). Why we love it – Gift certificates for various treatments and/or products at the Bay Dermatology Centre (including cosmetic consultation, laser/light treatments, and much more) are the perfect way to indulge after a long winter.

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Green & Black’s Organic Easter Egg collection includes milk chocolate, dark chocolate, maya gold, and white chocolate selections; approximately $9.99 (110g Eggs) and $8.99 (Mini Eggs) at select Shopper’s Drug Mart locations, Whole Foods, and natural health food stores across Canada. Why we love it – Bring out your inner goy with Green & Black’s Easter eggs. While you eat them, think about how non-Jews are eating everything from French croissants to Italian pasta while you’re stuck with dull matzah. But also, take the time and put yourself in the shoes of the Jews in Egypt – wouldn’t they give everything for a piece of bread or chocolate?

Hang up your moments

Hang & Level is a picture hanging accessory; $19.99 at Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, Home Outfitters and Linens & Things. Why we love it - This tool marks exactly where the nail goes, making it easy to decorate your walls like a pro. It’s simple to use, saving time and frustration. Commemorate Passover by hanging new family photos!

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Compiled by TJM staff

We tend to continue with the same traditions every time Passover rolls by. Remembering the 10 plagues, however, is something we always need to do. Here are a few ways you can spice up your Passover this season.

Blood - It’s in you, not the river Although blood-donating foundations would trade gold for a river abundant with blood, that’s not a reality anymore. To make them and the millions of people in need happy, donate some blood. After all, it’s in you to give, not the river. www.bloodservices.ca FROGS - FROG LEGS, ANYONE? “I will smite all thy borders with frogs… which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens….” and thus we have frog legs! And if amphibians aren’t your thing, opt for a cute plush Kermit the Frog toy! LICE - NOT YOUR TYPICAL DAY AT THE SALON Remember that day when the school nurse arrived to check students for lice? They lined everyone up and one by one, tweaked through your hair with chopstick like utensils? No discretion here! To commemorate this moment of unabashed judgment, treat yourself to a day at the salon. FLIES - DON’T KILL THE FLIES In the environmentally-friendly world of today, killing annoying flies is considered unethical. Heck, every living thing has its role! Next time you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, think twice before splatting or spraying with pesticides – the result is still harming the earth!

Pestilence - MAD COW Even in modern times, livestock has been plagued. Now is a good time as any to perhaps convert to vegan!

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Boils - COVER UP With increasingly warm weather ahead, either cover up or butter up with 45+ UV lotions to avoid sun blisters.

Storm - IT’S SPRING TIME, BABY I’m happy to say that there probably won’t be hail – it’s spring time! What there will be, however, is rain, and plenty of it. Treat yourself to funky rain boots and an umbrella to match them.

Locusts - PLANT A TREE The crops in Egypt were destroyed due to this plague. To compensate for this, plant a tree in Israel through the JNF or any other organization.

Darkness - LET THERE BE LIGHT What a perfect way to incorporate the environment when remembering the plague of darkness. Try turning off the lights for a change. Heck, we did it on March 29th for Earth Hour, why not make it a regular routine? If you need light, use a clean burning beeswax candle to light up a dinner for two. You’ll be helping out the environment twofold! Death of Firstborn - DON’T USE THIS AS AN EXCUSE TO KILL YOUR OLDER SIBLING! Being the older sibling, thinking about the death of the firstborns gives me the shivers. So don’t hurt your older brother or sister! Instead, give them a free pass for the day – let them into the spotlight and get away with whatever they want.

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J-Walkin’

Josh Raskin’s Little Big Movie

By Jeremy Freed

All Art by Josh Raskin

The story of a Toronto filmmaker, his John Lennon film, and their trip to Hollywood.

hen the word came down that he’d been nominated for an Academy Award, several things changed immediately in Josh Raskin’s life. First, and perhaps most noticeably, was his schedule. “All of a sudden, I was spending 14 hours a day on the phone doing interviews,” he says over the phone, appropriately enough, from his Toronto home. He was in the thick of the Sundance festival, surrounded by filmmakers, producers, and some of the most powerful people in Hollywood, when he found out that his five-minute animated short I Met the Walrus would be competing for an Oscar. All of a sudden, within a matter of hours it seemed, Raskin went from being just another starry-eyed kid with a low-budget movie to someone everyone wanted to talk to. “It was like all of a sudden this weird red curtain fell down,” he recalls, “and things went completely insane.” This is not the beginning of Raskin’s story, however. His story starts 27-some years ago in Toronto, where he grew up listening to the Beatles, mostly as a result of his parents’ enthusiasm for the band. “I also watched a lot of animated stuff growing up,” he says. “My dad force-fed me stuff like Yellow Submarine, and used to drag me out to

the animation festival every year to watch things that I probably didn’t understand at all.” Because of this, or perhaps in spite of it, he developed a serious case of Beatlemania at a young age and a particular appreciation for the music of John Lennon. Jerry Levitan presumably did not know this, years later, when by chance he saw one of the films Raskin had made during his studies at Ryerson University’s New Media program. Here, Raskin’s story takes another important turn. Levitan, a Toronto lawyer, had as a teenager snuck into the King Edward Hotel, where Lennon happened to be staying at the time with his new wife Yoko Ono, and interviewed the Beatle for almost an hour. The tape of their conversation had collected dust for years as Levitan turned down request after request to turn it, and his story, into a film. None of them, he felt, could capture Lennon’s charisma and the essence of that time, not to mention the significance of the recording of one of the world’s most famous men by an unknown 14-year-old. That is, until he met Raskin. “I was immediately in love with his story,” says Raskin. “I’d grown up reading John Lennon’s books and looking at his artwork, and so it was an instant sell for me.” Several thousand listens, many late nights, and more than a year later, Raskin and a few of his friends had put together the film, a fluid, shape-shifting animated companion to five carefully-culled minutes of Levitan’s tape. Inspired by groundbreaking sixties artists like Terry Gilliam, Peter Max, and Yellow Submarine’s George Dunning, the film rips Lennon from 1969 and deposits him firmly in

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the present day, giving his words a new life and assuring their timelessness. Becoming an Oscar nominee was nothing less than surreal. Raskin went on a tour of the big animation studios in San Francisco, he met with important people, George Clooney squeezed his arm. As for the outcome of Oscar night, which saw the award go to an American production of Peter and the Wolf, he isn’t too disappointed. “I think not winning was an enormous weight off all of our shoulders,” he says. “For me, the most exciting thing was just getting back to real life.” That involves working on a screenplay for a live-action film and putting the rest of his energy into creating an album of mash-ups, although he wouldn’t call them that. “It’s less popular stuff that everyone will know,” he says, “and more stuff that I happen to love. More like chop-ups.” For the present, Raskin is keeping busy with his various projects and enjoying the promise of things to come. “I think one of the great things about all this,” he says, “is getting a foot into a lot of different doors at once. Hopefully those doors don’t close on my foot. We’ll see.”

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Marty with Lord Attenberough, director his film "Closing The Ring".

Profile By Marcie Somers

Martin Katz is making movies with meaning. Making movies can often be complicated and unpredictable. Just ask Martin Katz. “I was working on a film called Hotel Rwanda,” explained Toronto film producer Martin Katz. “After taking four years for the film to get off the ground, we were finally ready to begin shooting in Johannesburg.” Johannesburg, which admittedly doesn’t look like Rwanda, is at least close to the equator and tropical. Katz’s film company found a perfect abandoned hotel and was promised full security protection by the premier of the province. The situation seemed ideal. “That is, until our producer went down three weeks before the start of shooting,” says Katz. “It turned out the hotel was directly on the flight path to the airport, with planes flying overhead every four minutes. So here we were, at the last minute

“

Business Affairs with the CBC, he made his entré into the business when, in 1993, he was invited by Alliance Atlantis to be a producer. This is what Katz affectionately refers to as ‘the big transition.’ “That was the moment when my career shifted from legal - and public affairs - related to a more creative focus.” In 2004, he left Alliance Atlantis to found his own production company, Prospero Pictures, which specializes in providing film financing and production for international co-productions. One of the first films he produced was Stander, based on the true story of André Stander, a South African homicide/robbery police captain who became one of the most notorious bank robbers in the country. However, it was his film Hotel Rwanda that really jettisoned the 45-year-old into the limelight.

At the end of the day, if my film makes an impact – where people leave the theatre thinking about what they’ve just seen – then I know I’ve done my job.

”

having to scramble to find a new location.” Luckily, they found an empty boarding school that had the right feel and, after a little architectural refitting, the Hotel des Milles Collines began to take shape. “We re-landscaped the entire place—we planted palm trees, built a swimming pool and even painted the surrounding grass green to replicate Rwanda.” Of course, in the end he was able to pull it off in spectacular fashion. Katz has almost twenty years’ experience in film and television production. A former Head of

Hotel Rwanda, nominated for several Oscars, tells the story of Paul Rusesabagina, who during the 1994 genocide saved the lives of over a thousand Tutsi refugees by granting them shelter in the hotel he managed. The content of Hotel Rwanda resonated strongly with Katz. “When I first read the script, I couldn’t help but think about other terrible moments in history, including the Holocaust. To me, the film unfortunately sheds truth on the human experience and the universality of killing neighbours. I compared Paul Rusesabagina to Oscar Schindler. He believed it was his

16 www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER!

Marty with Lord Attenberough

For the Love of Filmmaking

responsibility to look after others.” Since the release of Hotel Rwanda, Katz has been extremely busy. Two of his films, Shake Hands with the Devil (based on General Roméo Dallaire’s experiences as a peacekeeper in Rwanda during the genocide) and the Lord Attenborough feature Closing The Ring, starring Shirley McLaine, Christopher Plummer and Pete Postlethwaite, premiered at the 2007 Toronto Film Festival to great accolades. According to Katz, both films had standing ovations, “which was quite moving.” He recently finished filming Art in Las Vegas, a dark comedy starring Jennifer Tilley, Elizabeth McGovern and Amanda Plummer, about a variety of people travelling to Nevada for in vitro fertilization treatments. He also bought the rights to David Layton’s (son of poet Irving Layton) first novel, Bird Factory, which is currently being written for the screen by Montreal writer Alex Epstein, who wrote Bon Cop, Bad Cop. He’s also developing a movie called The Journey Is Destination, based on the true story of Dan Eldon – a Kenyan photojournalist who was killed by a mob in Mogadishu. Although he is non-observant, his Jewishness comes through with the films he decides to get involved in. Many of them focus on humanity, the human experience, hope and courage. Although his films resonate with him as a Jew, Katz believes his films are universal enough so they can resonate with everyone in the audience. “At the end of the day, if my film makes an impact – where people leave the theatre thinking about what they’ve just seen – then I know I’ve done my job.” Looking back at his body of work, past, present and the future, apparently he has done that.

www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER! 17

Entrepreneur By Rena Godfrey

Lemonade with Heart How ten-year-olds can make their mark in the world of business.

At first glance, Amanda seems to be like any typical fifth grader I’ve come across; she loves to draw, read, write, act, and play with her little brother, Joshua. However, after interviewing

“

to accept this invitation, he has sent her autographed books, photos and such in return. One inscription read, “To Amanda, Work Hard and Never Give Up.” Last year, Amanda actually met Mr. Trump while he was speaking at the Learning Annex. Trump forked out $200 U.S. towards her lemonade stand. Amanda is hoping that Mr. Trump will finally make the trek to her lemonade stand this year.

Photos courtesy of Lisa and Dan Belzowski

o you remember your first lemonade stand? You most likely lugged your wagon full of Dixie cups and a plastic pitcher and placed it on a folding card table, hoping that some nice neighbour would splurge on a cup of that sweet, lemony mixture you concocted. Then you waited patiently for the plunking sound of coins dropping into your glass jar. Well, ten-year-old Toronto native Amanda Belzowski has taken this childhood rite of passage to new heights, arranging for corporate sponsorships and donations and creating a website, all of which are a testament to her commitment to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. On Sunday, May 4th, Amanda will be having her 10th annual lemonade stand; all funds raised will go to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Over the years, Amanda has raised over $51,000 dollars and hopes to raise an additional $50,000 this year.

Over the years, Amanda’s lemonade stand has grown in size and popularity. Hundreds of people have flocked to visit Amanda and her family at her grandparent’s home in the Lawrence and Leslie area. Aside from the fabulous lemonade offered, there’s a concert, balloons, pony rides, treats and a silent auction, all generously donated. Last year, Amanda raised

I used to say when I was little and cute, that I’m raising money for people whose hearts are broken.

”

Amanda, I soon discovered that this young lady is anything but ordinary. Amanda is extremely bright, articulate, unaffected, warm and very friendly. Her passion for the Heart and Stroke Foundation comes through loud and clear. Even at age 2, Amanda knew exactly why she was having her lemonade stand. “I used to say when I was little and cute, that I’m raising money for people whose hearts are broken.” Amanda has received United Way’s Get in the Way Award presented to young community leaders and the Junior Citizens of the Year Award from the Mirror, was Bayview Post’s Hometown Hero and was chosen to be one of Becel’s “Heart Heroes.” Amanda happens to be a huge fan of Mr. Donald Trump. Every year, Amanda handwrites a letter to Donald Trump on her cute stationary, inviting him to visit her lemonade stand because “he’s a cool, smart guy.” Although Mr. Trump has yet

$20,000, which was her biggest year yet. Amanda’s tenth lemonade stand is dedicated to the memory of her great-grandfather, who recently passed away, and who helped out every year. “If I get some more corporate donations, I can do this,” she assured me. Like Mr. Trump, Amanda has no problems presenting her case in front of potential corporate sponsors. You couldn’t say “no” to this angelic young dynamo. With a huge smile, Amanda told me about her fondest memory of the lemonade stand. “A few years ago, I had just finished the Ride for Heart, and a man came up to me and thanked me for having my lemonade stand. He told me that he wouldn’t have made it if I hadn’t raised all this money to help him and others like him. He had just had open heart surgery.” Sitting around the dining room table, chatting with Amanda and her mom, Lisa, it all became

18 www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER!

clear to me how such a young person could achieve so much. Although Amanda’s parents and grandparents are highly supportive and help facilitate this annual grand event, Amanda is truly the driving force behind her lemonade stand. All funds raised from Amanda’s lemonade stand will be directed towards children with congenital heart disease. “I love helping and I especially want to help kids with heart problems.” Get thirsty and help Amanda achieve her goal of $100,000 this year. www.lemonade4heart.org amandaslemonade@sympatico.ca May 4, 2008 11am-2pm, 10 Brian Cliff Drive, Toronto

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Spring Trends

Design By Dvira Ovadia

Get in on what’s hot and what’s not for the Spring Season!

Rugs are the New Art: Head-turning patterns, colours and textures are creating quite a spark! The 70’s shag is also making a comeback with an updated and lower - piled look. Adding a uniquely crafted carpet will surely add punch to your living room, dining room, or any space in your home needing a little “pick-me-up.” Check out these new outfits producing some of the latest variety in unique rug designs: www.sourceuk.ca; www.modernweave.ca; www.urba.ca. For a more affordable alternative, Urban Barn can customize a shag for you in any desirable size, with a variety of colours to choose from. This is always a fun and reasonable option.

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Sticks in a Jar: With the peaking of the fresh spring air outdoors, you may want to boost your indoor air as well. Sprucing up at all the major retailers and local home stores are scents for the home. Most commonly known and still very popular are the pillar candles that come in a wide variety of scents, from chocolate cake to lavender. New to the market are modern aromatherapy air diffusers; these are scented oils in fancy glass containers with “reeds” (wooden stems) that diffuse the oil for months at a time. These really work and are a wonderful alternative to air fresheners that contain harsh chemicals. Any scent or brand you choose will create an inviting and welcoming fragrance for your home and will help eliminate smoke, pet, cooking and other common stale home odours. Most importantly, the jars look great and don’t make a mess! My personal favourite is Pottery Barn’s Ocean scent; this one is a bit of a splurge but is really worth it!

Spring Flavours: Some of the hot colours this season will liven you up and even drag you out early from the long-winded winter blues that continue to linger. Look for hot pinks and oranges – this bright and bold colour combination is bound to perk you up this season. Red is another vibrant colour to watch for. If you are looking for a toned-down approach to spring, choose soft and fresh hues of greens, limes and yellows.

www.homevisions.com 20 www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER!

Animal Instinct: The Safari look is back again, with this style popping in and out of fashion every few years. We are now seeing a chic comeback of leopard and zebra prints in the home. Most popular are the cowhide rugs which make a fabulous accent to any home, whether yours is modern or traditional! Other fun accents with these patterns can be found in pillows, bedding, towels, and ottomans. Small items from this collection make a big statement in any room, which can easily be brought in and out with the changing of trends. For a hot bargain with style, check out Ikea’s Stockholm Pouffe ottoman in the stylish cowhide print. Image from BO CONCEPT

Exotic Spring Blooms: Moving forward and expanding from the still popular damasks and paisley prints, spring is bringing out a romantic feminine touch of exotic floral prints and patterns, from rosettes, carnations and chrysanthemums, to willow and tulip trees. These beautiful multi-leafed flowery prints can be found on everything from wallpapers, upholstery textiles, pillows, table lamps and even dishes and glasses in seasonal colours! Look for your favourites and pretty-up your home this season.

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From Zen to Organic: The green influences are still here to stay – with everything made organic and merchandise becoming more globally conscious, you’ll find some wonderful organic, raw, untreated and nature - inspired products, from decorative pillows, blankets, leafy prints and patterned pieces, to bathroom accessories. The natural look of linen, wicker, bamboo, aged woods and green accents generate a fresh look in any home.

Dvira Ovadia is a Chief Designer and an expert in everything to do with residential and commercial design and décor. Dvira has a sharp eye which explains her forte for colour and material composition. Her educational background began with a degree in architecture from the University of Toronto and a Masters in interior design from Pratt Institute in New York. She has trotted the globe on a mission to discover the world in the context of design and architecture. Dvira has worked on an extensive line of design projects and has been a part of some of the most renowned design firms. Most notably, Dvira was a winner of a reality show called From The Ground Up, where she beat out 9,000 applicants and 14 finalists who competed to become Debbie Travis’s chief designer.

www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER! 21

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22 www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER!

People in Our City By Ilan Mester

From 0 to 30,000 How a woman with a passion for film created a successful festival from scratch.

could tell just by stepping into her funky office that Helen Zukerman wasn’t your average Canadian. Everything from mysterious colourful objects to an oversized poodle suggested a lady with personality. “Hello!” she yelled, with a loud yet surprisingly warm voice, and from then on, I just didn’t want to miss a word.

For those who don’t know, Helen is the founder of the Toronto Jewish Film Festival (TJFF), an event that started in 1993 and has continued to expand ever since. Today, the festival reaches an audience of over 30,000 movie-lovers and is considered the fourth largest film festival in Toronto. However, before it reached this status, there was plenty of work to be done. “I went to the Jewish film festival in San Francisco in 1991 and I saw how fascinating it was,” Helen explained. “Helga Stephenson was running the International Film Festival at the time. I spoke to her and then we just started.” What seems like a simple task took a great deal of time and effort. Helen realized that although this was a great epiphany, she would be needing help along the way.

“

festival, there was no stopping the odd butterfly or two in her stomach. “After renting the theatre we went and drank a few beers and got quite drunk because we were really…no, we weren’t drunk,” Helen joked. “We were concerned about how many people would show up – we had no idea.” The butterflies and the drinking turned out to be unnecessary. In the first year, approximately 7500 individuals checked into the festival, a great start for the freshman event. Even with the impressive turnouts, there’s still one never-ending challenge, “You know, the biggest challenge then that remains today is getting the idea across to people that it is a Film Festival of international films. That a Jewish Film Festival doesn’t mean these little Yiddish films

Jewish life is not on Bathurst Street. Jewish life is everywhere. “We hired the executor of the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival,” Helen said, “and then a third member, Linda Bronfman.” Realizing they had only four months to prepare and polish the festival, Helen was determined to get everything done in time. “We weren’t sure how many people were going to show up. The only theatre available was the Bloor Cinema and at that time it had about 925 seats, so Debra Plotkin (the co-founder) and I rented the theatre.” Even though she was fairly confident about the

”

from the 30’s.” The TJFF has hosted films from as far away as Norway and Iceland.

With this challenge being worked on, the TJFF has much to be proud of. “In 1993 we were 5 days, 7500 people came. Now we’re 10 days, 3 venues, and about 30,000 people come.” Yet with hundreds of other film festivals in Toronto, why is it important to take part in the TJFF? Helen said, “It’s not a film festival for Jews. It’s as important for non-Jews to come. I don’t think many realize the Jewish experiences across the world.”

I might add the TJFF is probably the only festival to have Herring Wednesdays. In fact, in the past, their cover read Beyond Bathurst. “Jewish life is not on Bathurst street,” Helen claimed. “Jewish life is everywhere, and I think it’s good for Jews and people who aren’t Jewish to see the experience all over the world.” One of the main goals of the TJFF is to show Jewish diversity. This year, the festival has created a thread on sports. A few of the films include the story of an orthodox boxer and a Jewish skater. Also, Sharon, Lois and Bram are preparing something special for a younger audience. Another focus of this year’s festival is comedy. The first part will focus on American-Jewish legends such as Mort Saul and Danny Kaye. The second part will focus on contemporary mavericks outside North America. Also, there’s the Israeli program called Israel at 60 Through Film. Everything from politics to features will be represented. You would think that a film festival would be enough to handle, but Helen also runs a family charity with the help of her two daughters. The Zukerman Family Foundation, created in 1986, helps families in the Toronto district suffering from financial problems. “What we’re trying to do is make life a little more accessible in the city. It’s hard to take your kids to a play when it costs $600.” At the end of the day, however, the festival remains a passion of hers. “Oh, they’ll have to carry me out of here in a stretcher!” Helen said jokingly. “As long as I feel like I can do the best possible job, I will be here.”

www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER! 23

NOODLE ISRAEL, 2007, 90 Min. Hebrew with English subtitles Director: Ayelet Menahemi Starring: Mili Avital Israeli film star Mili Avital is Miri, whose Chinese housekeeper disappears while on an outing, but her young son, who was waiting for her in Miri’s house, is left abandoned. After an extensive search, Miri discovers that the woman had been apprehended and deported to Beijing from Israel because of illegal documentation. Nobody knew that she had a son. Miri is determined to reunite mother and son and devises an ingenious plan that takes advantage of her position as airline hostess with El-Al, which just happens to fly to Beijing. She faces many challenges - of language, customs and even food. This film will leave you tearfully joyful!! A light, upbeat film to kick off this year’s Toronto Jewish Film Festival in real style with appropriate snacks.

Time

Sat. 3th Bloor

MNJCC

Sun. 4th Sheppard

Bloor

MNJCC

Sharon Lois & Bram

Yiddish Puppet At Home in Utopia

Mon. 5th Sheppard

Bloor

MNJCC

Tue. 6th Sheppard

Bloor

MNJCC

Sheppard

10am MNJCC 11am 12noon

1pm 2:30pm

3:30pm

Orthodox Stance

5pm

6pm

Paying for Justice

Tehilim Max Minsky and Me Mike Nichols & Elaine May My Israel

7:30pm

Gloomy Sunday

My Mexican Shiva

A Slim Peace

Between Two Notes

2:00 Ernst Lubitsch in Hebrew Berlin Lesson

It’s Not in Heaven 1-888-GOKOSHER

6:15 7:00 Mr. Warmth: A Touch Aviva the Don My Love Away Rickles Part I

At Home in Utopia

A New Leaf

Operation Mural

10pm

9:30 Noodle

Praying with Lior

Bad Faith Jerusalem

Is Proud to Present

11pm

MY FATHER MY LORD (HOFSHAT KAITS) ISRAEL, 2007, 72 Min. Hebrew with English Subtitles Director: David Volach Starring: Assi Dayan, Ilan Griff, Sharon Haohen

A hauntingly beautiful film about a middle-aged torah scholar in Jerusalem’s orthodox community and his younger wife who dote on their only child, Meachem, a sweet and innocent little boy. This film explores the conflict between the demands of a man’s religion versus his obligations to his family as tragedy unfolds. A film that will remain in your soul.

24 www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER!

Orthodox Stance

Arthur Szyk Iluminator Photoshop

My Oppositon Battle of

Max Minsky and Me

Cable Street

10:30

Beaufort Mort Sahl Va Vis et Deviens

Skate to Survive Mum

Julot

Project

8:30pm

Shield of Steal A Solomon Pencil for Me

Noodle

8:45 The Secrets

Comedy Panel

No Exit

Please note: screenings and films are subject to change.

Anne and the Reverend From Anne Frank’s Window

Steal a Pencil for Me

BEAUFORT

ISRAEL, 2007, 125 Min Hebrew with English subtitles Director: Joseph Cedar Starring: Oshri Cohen, Itay Tiran, Eli Eltonyo, Ohad Knoller, Itay Turgeman, Arthur Faradjev, Itai Szor.

On a mountain top in southern Lebanon sits Beaufort Castle, originally built by the invading Crusaders. In 1982 Israeli special forces waged a bloody battle to occupy the position. Now in the year 2000, the castle has lost most of its strategic value. Israeli troops are evacuating Lebanon, but a small group of soldiers is still stationed in the fort, under continual rocket and missile bombardment. Israeli soldiers are dying and being maimed in defence of a military position that has lost all its meaning. Beaufort is an accurate account of the events that occurred in the months before the Israeli withdrawal. It is an intense and gripping film. 2008 Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Film.

Time Bloor 10am MNJCC 11am

Wed. 7th

Thur. 8th

MNJCC Sheppard

Bloor

12noon

1pm

Making Trouble

Reverend

5pm

SixtySix Pop 7:30pm Goes the Weasel

The World is Ours Stones of Sharashova

Bad Faith

6pm

Arab Labor

Tehilim

Stalag GIA

Jerusalem

8:30pm 10pm

11pm

To See if I’m Smiling

Rabin Peres

Sat. 10th

MNJCC Sheppard

Bloor

MNJCC Sheppard

Arthur Quest for the Szyk Arranged Danny Sixty Six Missing Iluminator Kaye Piece Photoshop A Trip to Prague To Be Or Not To Be you Nazty Spy!

The Secrets

10:00 Will Eisner

MNJCC Sheppard

11:00 Israeli Intelligence Champagne Spy

2:00 First Basket Hans Jewish Christian Women in Anderson American Sports

Dans La Vie

Powder Caesers A Touch Away and the Writers I Glory

My Father My Lord

Maharal My 7:00 Father A Touch My Lord Away II

10:30 8:00 Frozen is Proud Jellyfish Days to Present Roads

Bloor

The Light Ahead

The Goldbergs Yoo Hoo Ms. Goldberg

4:30 Matzo & Shield of Dans La Mistletoe Solomon Vie Song of Slomon

Sun. 11th

Blessed is the Match

9:15 Un Secret

11:30 Wristcutters Night of the Living Dead

9:15 Lenny Bruce

Pete Seeger: The Power of Song

A Touch Away II

Please note: screenings and films are subject to change.

Maharal Children of Anne Tehran 2:30pm Homeland and the

Stealing Klimt Exodus

Bloor

House on August Street My Love My Love

Fatherland

3:30pm

Fri. 9th

ORTHODOX STANCE

UNITED STATES, 2007, 83 Min. Director: Jason Hutt Starring: Dmitriy Salita

“If anyone wants a wupping from me, they will have to wait until after sundown.” These are the words of Dmitriy Salita, a young Russian immigrant who is pursuing a professional boxing career while also being devoted to Orthodox Judaism. Sounds like a contradiction, but Dmitriy makes it all work. He is careful to keep kosher, even when on the road, and he refuses to fight on Shabbat. Undefeated in the ring, he is hoping for a title shot in the near future. With all these factors in play, this becomes more than a film about boxing and religion—it is a powerful story about a young man’s search for meaning in life.

www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER! 25

MOVIES BY

JEWREVIEW.net is our Los Angeles-based partner that covers all aspects of the entertainment industry delivering you, our devoted readers, an inside look at Hollywood!

www.JEWREVIEW.net

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Let’s skip to the middle of the month with the Jason Segel comedy, Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Built out of the Judd Apatow school of films, you know you’re in for a treat; it’s written by and stars Segel, along with Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis and Paul Rudd. After Jason and Kristen break up, he takes a vacation to Hawaii to escape his depression, only to run into Kristen and her new boy toy. Trying to make her jealous, he hooks up with Mila - not a bad second choice, if you ask me. Forgetting Sarah Marshall hits the big screen April 18th. 26 www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER!

On April 25th, Harold and Kumar are back in Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay! Picking up where the first film left off, the pot smoking boys are off to Amsterdam to visit Maria. Unfortunately, their plane ride takes a detour when the two are mistaken for terrorists and they’re sent to prison at the military camp. One highlight from this one is another great cameo from Neil Patrick Harris. There’s not really much else to say about this one, other than Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, who wrote the first film, are also back as writers and directors for this sequel.

Also closing out the month on the 25th is the comedy, Baby Mama. The film stars Saturday Night Live alum Tina Fey as a mother looking for someone to carry her baby; she finds current SNL star Amy Poehler. Now if that doesn’t scream ‘Help me, I can’t think of any more movie ideas,’ I don’t know what does. Well, if track records are right, it should be a sort of funny movie, but will quickly be forgotten when May rolls around the next week. Bring on the May blockbusters, please!

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

A guy named George Clooney headlines the month with his football flick Leatherheads. Co-starring Renee Zellweger and The Office’s John Krasinski. The film centers around an aging football star (Clooney) in the 1920’s who has to give up his famedom to the newbie on the team, played by Krasinski. What makes matters worse is they’re both making a play at Renee’s love. Clooney directed the film, which was co-written by Sports Illustrated contributor, Rick Reilly. Leatherheads rumbles into theaters April 4th.

Photo Credit: New Line Cinema

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

YOUR SPRING MOVIE LINE UP!

81169_WordSearch_JewMag

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2:28 PM

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CAN YOU FIND THE MATZAH? M

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FROM ALL YOUR FRIENDS AT VOLVO VILLA, HAVE A SAFE, HEALTHY AND HAPPY PASSOVER.

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By Tracey Bennent

Can True Love Conquer All? After 12 remarkable years together, Tracey and Alan came to a crosroads: can you marry without compromising your religion?

Photo by Tracey Bennent

y name is Tracey Bennent and I grew up in a small town outside of Hamilton. Life was great. We lived in a massive farmhouse smack in the middle of sprawling acres of property. Watching the sun rise from our kitchen window at breakfast was routine. My days were filled at a small public school that resembled a pioneer village, but that was all I knew. We knew everyone within the 30-mile radius of our town and just about every aspect of their life. Dad was a VP of a major company in the big city (Toronto), so we were not your typical country bumpkins. We had frequent visitors to our home and Dad’s business colleagues would have weekend work retreats in the guest house. Summer at the farm was always memorable! Family from the city would stay for a week at a time as well as Dad’s colleagues. One summer in particular seemed endless…that was the year I met Alan. Alan was the son of a VP at the same company my father was employed with. One summer, when I was 16, my father decided to invite approximately 20 families to our home for the weekend as a kind of retreat/team-building initiative. My mother, who loves to entertain, always looked forward to these events. She would single-handedly organize games and activities for everyone while cooking up a storm! I first met Alan during a treasure hunt. We were paired up for the whole day and spent most of the time getting to know one another; needless to say, we didn’t find one item during the hunt. Alan and I ended up spending the entire weekend together talking endlessly about school, hobbies, likes and dislikes, and even religion. Living in a predominately Anglo-Saxon existence, it was refreshing to learn about Judaism as I (until this day) have a tremendous thirst for knowledge. That weekend was the beginning of a strong bond. After he left that weekend, we would speak every day until we became roommates at Western. Alan was my first boyfriend, my first kiss and my first love. We both obtained our Masters in Business and as I carried on studying law in Toronto, he supported me while working at the same company as our fathers. We have always been there for each other, but after 12 remarkable years together, we ended our relationship. We were holding off on the inevitable – getting married. To be honest, our parents have been pushing it on us for almost a decade! I didn’t want to convert and neither did he, and we had so much respect for each other that we realized we couldn’t compromise who we were at the end of the day. Oddly enough, for the duration of our relationship, it was a non-issue: I attended Seder dinners and he celebrated Christmas with us, and it was fun and exciting with no pressure. However, when the thought of children came into play, we could both foresee the conflict. Our families suggested we raise our family with dual religious status but we thought the juxtaposition would confuse them. To the disappointment of our family, friends and colleagues, Alan and I, after a month of ongoing discussions, decided to part ways. What we realized was that although we had a truly amazing 12 years together, we were not going to be great life partners if we couldn’t see past this very important issue. How do you compromise? You really can’t…one has to give in and neither of us was willing. We will always be each other’s greatest love and we both have yet to meet our life partners. Please note: In the March issue, the “Shiksa in the City” writer used the pseudonym ‘Faye Bailey.’ We apologize for not clarifying that earlier.

28 www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER!

www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER! 29

Culture

L to R: Tal Zvi Nathanel, Erez Spatz, Assaf Talmor Wertheimer

By Ian Richter

Eganu.com: Bringing a taste of Israel to the Diaspora How three Israelis are helping to bring a little bit of true Israeli culture to non-Israeli Jews.

ow accurate is our perception of Israel as Jews in the Diaspora? We can read the newspapers and watch the news, and after filtering through the bias, form an opinion about what’s going on in Israel in the political or even economical sphere. But what about daily Israeli life? What about Israeli music and culture? Are we missing out on anything?

best way to present Israel to the world would be to let her speak for herself.” There are close to 14 million Jews worldwide, and Asaf and Tal felt that there were two main needs that weren’t being answered to: The first was a firmer connection to Israel and the second was that of a unified community. “It seems that whether religious or not, reform or conservative, every Jew feels something about Israel.”

Big time. At least that’s what Tal Zvi Nathanel and Asaf Talmor Wertheimer, two Israeli students, believe. “Jews outside of Israel are exposed to only a small fraction of the Israeli cultural scene. They visit Israel and all go to the same bars, restaurants, and clubs,” says Tal. Asaf and Tal also noticed that only the few most popular mainstream musicians have a chance at reaching Jewish audiences abroad. Tal said that it was “a shame that a Jewish kid overseas that loves heavy-metal can’t have an Israeli metal album as part of his collection. Not to mention hip-hop, reggae and all the other musical genres. There’s so much talent here.”

With these observations in mind, Asaf and Tal set out to “form a connection between all the Jews in the world through Israeli content.” Besides lengthy research and setting up a business scheme, one of their first steps was to introduce Erez Spatz to the team. Erez served as an officer in an intelligence unit of the Israeli Defense Force and has worked with international hi-tech companies such as Oracle. “We snatched him just before the hi-tech market did, and we’re very lucky to have him with us.”

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serves as a platform for artists to promote their work on a global level – Eganu.com currently hosts close to a thousand Israeli musicians and bands from a wide variety of genres. Future plans of the company include a system similar to that of iTunes where music can be bought directly from the artist. Eganu.com is also involved in projects outside the online world. They recently held a huge music festival at the port in Tel Aviv where bands from the site were showcased on different stages. All profits were donated to “Tav Hamashve” – an organization that aims to provide music lessons and instruments to the less fortunate. “We don’t want to provide the content. We want to provide the stage. There are some very interesting dialogues going on between new immigrants, Israelis born in Israel, and Jews that have never even visited Israel. We want people to speak for themselves. If you’re a musician, show it. If you just want to express your opinion about Israeli life, write a blog.

We don’t want to provide the content. We want to provide the stage.

A survey that was published around the same time showed that 46% of American Jewish youth didn’t even care whether the state of Israel existed or not. “We were shocked but we knew that preaching Zionism wouldn’t help either. We talked about it and realized that the

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Soon after the team was formed, so was “Eganu.” The Eganu.com website is a multiplatform social network designed to connect people around the world to Israel through the common language of culture. The site also

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We believe that this can be a great basis for in-depth and real interactions between Jews from different cultures and people in general of all ages, whether the topics are music-related, political, or about travel or philosophy.”

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Happy Passover!

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Until April 20

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby

This theatrical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ acclaimed novel is brought to you directly from London’s West End. Twenty-seven actors and five musicians play over 150 unforgettable roles in this comic piece. The production is making its only North American engagement here in Toronto. Ticket prices range from $45.00 to $95.00, and can be purchased through the Mirvish website or directly at the Princess of Wales Theatre. www.mirvish.com. 416-872-1212

April 2

Extraordinary Canadians

Penguin Books is having a literary discussion at the Royal Ontario Museum with award winning writers Charlotte Gray, Lewis DeSoto and David Adams Richards for the Toronto launch of Extraordinary Canadians. The authors are set to discuss prominent Canadian icons like Emily Carr, Nellie McClung and Lord Beaverbrook. Hosted by John Ralston Saul. 416 586 5797

April 2-6

ReelWorld Film Festival

This film festival is dedicated towards new and upcoming Canadian talent from all over the country. This year, the festival will take place in the Carlton Cinemas and Scotiabank Theatre. www.reelworld.ca. 416-585-2524

April 3 and 5

TSO welcomes Benjamin Zander

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is especially pleased to welcome the multitalented Maestro Benjamin Zander to Toronto and Roy Thomson Hall. As a prominent Mahler interpreter and specialist, he will conduct Mahler's Symphony No. 5, as well as deliver pre-concert talks from the stage to all members of the audience. April 3, from 7pm to 7:30pm (concert starts at 8pm), April 5, from 6:30pm to 7:00pm (concert starts at 7:30pm) OPEN TO ALL TICKET HOLDERS (tickets from $28.50 to $123.00) 60 Simcoe St. www.tso.ca. RTH box office 416.593.4828

April 12 - 18

April 5 – 6

The International Spring Motorcycle Show

Has everything for the avid biker’s needs. There will be a used bike marketplace, as well as vendors selling motorcycle gear and new bikes. Find those hard to replace parts at the swap meet, plus motorcycle memorabilia, books, videos and other items. Adults $15, Youths (under 12) $5, kids under 6 - free. (905) 677-6131.

April 7 The Film Buffet – A Feast for Your Eyes Royal Ontario Museum

60th anniversary of the Toronto Film Society’s event with 7 part double feature presentations of classic films. It’s $90 for a membership or $15 at the door. www.myspace.com/torontofilmsociety 416-363-7222

April 8, 9, 10

Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week The Distillery (55 Mill St. Bldg 6)

L’Oreal Fashion Week has competitors on the catwalk. The Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week will be kicking mainstream fashion in the teeth to show fashionistas the other side of contemporary style and design. $15. 7:30 pm – 1:00 am www.alternativefashionweek.com

Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children Various Locations in Toronto & the GTA

The Sprockets festival in its 11th year, allows kids of all ages to enjoy international films and take part in hands-on activities during this popular April event. The festival includes a Family Programme (April 12-13) for ages three and up, and a weeklong School Programme (April 14-18) for students in Grades 1 through 12. $6.60 Children under 18, $10.61 Adults www.sprockets.ca . 416-968-FILM

April 19

CN Tower 18th Annual Stair Climb

Climb the stairs of the CN Tower and help raise funds for the World Wildlife Foundation. www.cntower.ca/portal . 416-868-6937

April 19 & 20

Aza’s Party for the Planet: Greenfest Toronto Zoo

Taking place in the Educational Auditorium, Children will learn how to conserve water, and how the zoo works to help the environment. Adults-$20.00, Children 4-12 - $12.00, Seniors $14.00, kids under 3 - free. www.torontozoo.com. 416-392-5929

April 10

Koffler Centre of the Arts presents Chana Rothman CD Release Party

Take a musical road trip from São Paulo to Tel Aviv. A funky mix of folk, reggae, hip hop, and rock, Chana’s bilingual (Hebrew-English) earthy vocals echo her commitment to dialogue and social justice. Samba Elégua opens. Tickets: $10 advance / $15 door. 416.636-1880 x222 info@kofflerarts.org.

April 25

Sci-Fri: Ontario Science Centre

On the last Friday of every month, the Ontario Science Centre is having a science based theme for every Sci Fri day. Geared towards teens (14-24), the free event is encouraging participants to network and have fun. The theme for every Sci Fri changes from month-to-month. www.ontariosciencecentre.ca. 1-888-696-1110

April 8 – 20

Rough House

Andy Massingham’s Rough House is a oneman performance with no plot, no dialogue and no separate acts. It tells the story of one man whose attempts to gain control of the world around him often have hilarious consequences. $15 for Kids - $20 for Adults - $15 for Seniors. www.lktyp.ca 416-862-2222

April 25 - 27

Green Living Show Direct Energy Centre

The Green Living Show caters to today’s informed consumers wishing to learn about and purchase green products/ services made to fit their busy lifestyles. $9 - $12 toronto.greenlivingshow.ca 416-360-0044 x 110

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Montreal Mensch By Sarah Pearson

To contact Montreal Mensch with anything on your mind, email her at MontrealMensch@TheJewishMagazine.com

Montreal, City of the Rising Dough

here are few things more wonderful than the smell of rising dough. And on this continent, there are few places you will smell it more than in Montreal. Sweet-smelling patisseries are as common in this city as the corner dépanneur. We may get lousy winters and bad drivers, but we sure do get great bread.

It's not just the obvious French influence that makes Montreal the bread capital of Canada (although French patisseries are indeed a dime a dozen here, complete with the white-hatted French-speaking servers and the assortment of traditional baguettes, fougasses and crème caramels). The sizable Italian, Greek and Portuguese communities here represent a large portion of our bread culture. Bakeries come in all shapes and styles, from no-frills mom-and-pop counters to upper-crust Parisien storefronts. I'm not wild about bread myself. As a selfdiagnosed gluten-sensitive type, I don't plummet into the ecstasy that, say, my uncle experiences at the first cut of a Montreal sourdough (he lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Gentle winters they have; decent bread they have not). But though I am indifferent to eating bread, I love the ritual of buying bread. In Montreal, bread isn’t just something you pick up at the grocery store. It requires a separate trip. You pop into your bakery of choice, you kibbitz with the owner or counter-gal, you mull over which loaf calls your name that particular day. They tell you what's fresh from the oven, and what won't be ready for another hour or so. You pick a loaf, you choose to have it sliced or not. You choose if you'd like it in a paper or plastic bag. Pop it into your bike basket, and you're on your way. It's a lovely procedure, and far more personalized - and dare I say, "Old World" - than grabbing that pre-sliced loaf off the shelf at Loblaws.

baked; the hamotzi (the blessing on the bread) is the most elaborate and lengthy of all Jewish food blessings. It is a sacred food, and has a ritualistic power that separates it from all other foods. And of course, we observe Passover by eating yeast-free bread. The speedy growth of yeast is actually what gives rising bread its wonderful smell. As the warm water awakens these little organisms, the yeast spring to life, expanding the dough as they breathe. We can learn a lot from these little creatures. The rising of the dough is the most time consuming, and most easily botched,

phase of bread-baking. The yeast's life-span is very sensitive, and not to be taken for granted but oh, what wonderful rewards! At Passover, it is these very lessons of growth, life, and fragility that we pay reverence to by abstaining from leavened products. A holiday that both commemorates slavery and celebrates emancipation, these are appropriate lessons to reflect on. As a rabbi I know said last year, at Pesach time, leavening is potential actualized. Just as it makes the bread rise, it is the thing that makes us grow tall and great.

Au Premier Moisson (Several locations) A classy French bakery chain specializing in traditional crusty breads, buttery croissants, and decadent pastries. Close your eyes as you bite into your baguette: you can almost hear the rushing Seine. Cheskie's Heimishe Bakery (359 Bernard O.) I've met Israelis who have only heard of Montreal because of this Hassidic bakery. Brave the lineups for kimmel rye, Shabbos challah, and the world-famous gooey chocolate babka - they're worth it.

Samos Greek Bakery

(4379 St. Laurent) This simple storefront is a lasting presence on Montreal's ever-changing Main Street. I've been known to walk through sleet and snow for a loaf of their savoury cornbread. This coming from someone who doesn't even like bread.

St Viateur Bagels (263 St. Viateur O.) While many Montrealers swear their allegiance to Fairmount Bagel down the street, I'm partial to St. Viateur's. Open 24/7, this standing-room-only joint has been dishing out the renowned Montreal Bagel since 1957, straight from their wood-burning oven. Ask for whatever's hot, and eat it straight out of the paper bag.

Us Jews are obsessed with bread. Our Sabbath meals are built around the breaking of it; special prayers must be made over it as it's being

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Bread-obsessed? Check out these great blogs: www.thekneadforbread.com www.thefreshloaf.com

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Recession - what recession?

All Photos by: Edward James

NYC fashion week was all about girls gone chic. Fall/Winter 2008 was very much in keeping with the over trend in recent years towards elegance and sophistication in everyday fashion. In this new minimalism, stylists have found a fresh lean sexiness using trim fitting silhouettes and see-through materials - a staple in any fashionable womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wardrobe. Visit www.fashionwatch.com to see trends, videos and photo slideshows!

BGBC Max Azria Nanette Lepore

Baby Phat

Herve Leger Max Azria

Miss Sixty Carmen Marc Valvo Phillip Lim 36 www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER!

The Burning Bush By Tracey Erin Smith

Let’s Talk About Bondage. . .

Not That Kind!

efore your mind becomes full of images of leather chaps, whips, and that spooky mask from Silence of the Lambs, let’s pull our minds out of the gutter and refocus on the big Jewish holiday we’re celebrating this month. Oh, that bondage! Passover, in a nutshell, is the story of how the Jewish people were once slaves in the land of Egypt and then made an Exodus to search for the Promised Land. It is also when G-d spoke to Moses out of The Burning Bush (my favourite part, but you knew that!) and initiated the long schlep of forty YEARS, not hours or days, but forty years lost in the desert, on their pilgrimage to the new land of freedom: the Promised Land. I love this story because it operates on so many levels. Passover is a great time to look at the ways you might still be in ‘bondage.’ What do you mean, Tracey? So glad you asked. Some examples of being in ‘bondage’ in 2008 could be: feeling like you are a slave to a mortgage or car loan payments that are simply beyond your means; working in a job that has nothing to do with who you are and what you want to contribute to the world; staying in a relationship that either you feel should never have started or should have ended weeks/months/years ago. Oh, I just thought of another modern day Pharaoh: my BlackBerry! This thing vibrates and I shout, “How high?” There is also the bondage of negative belief about ourselves. These beliefs are chains that keep you tethered to a spot and make you feel stuck. Let’s time-travel to the desert to help illustrate my point. When G-d first spoke to Moses out of The Burning Bush and asked him to go to the Pharaoh of Egypt and demand he let the Jewish slaves go free, Moses refused, saying “I am slow of speech.” The scholars have interpreted this as Moses having a speech impediment. If you are at all familiar with Joseph Campbell’s theory of ‘The Hero’s Journey,’ you may remember that he says when we are called to go on a big new adventure most of us will initially answer ‘no way!’ and thus ‘refuse the call.’ There are many reasons for this: our fear of the unknown, lack of confidence in our abilities, and often because it’s

just more comfortable not to take a risk. But back to The Burning Bush. After G-d performs a few fancy miracles to prove that G-d would have Moses’s back when he goes to talk to Pharaoh, he agrees to go and speak to the Pharaoh. I love the irony here. G-d chooses a man with a speech impediment to be the Divine spokesperson. How fantastic to hear a story where we learn that what’s holding us back could be our greatest asset. What have you deemed a defect in yourself that you use as an excuse to hold yourself back? What would your life look like if you were free of those fears and excuses for one week? Just imagine. Sometimes, even when you free yourself from those metaphoric chains, you still find yourself wandering in the desert. You’ve left the old bondage but are not quite yet in the Promised Land. Or you may have no idea where your Promised Land is or what it looks like. The good news is that this ‘wandering period’ can be a very creative time because we are walking in the land of possibilities. The world has opened up and you may now become who you have always been inside. You are free to blossom into the world and bring forth the fruit of your soul. This spring, as you’re crunching down on your Manischewitz matzo and discussing your favourite plague, think of your own soul’s journey from bondage to freedom, from slavery to creativity, and remember G-d chose a man with a speech impediment to be G-d’s spokesperson! What would you be capable of if you saw yourself through the eyes of that unconditional love? Take it from this Burning Bush, bondage is only fun if it’s a choice between two (or more) consenting adults! Happy Passover!

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Germany

Travel

By Jenna Kalinsky

Today’s Germany converses daily with its past, which has given rise to a tolerant, responsible, and highly conscious new era. Such awareness and transparency make this country – full of history, culture, and renewal – a remarkable place to discover. For history buffs, a single German street yields the ancient (many ruins and streets date to B.C.), the ancestral, and the recent (yes, you may kick the Berlin wall). There’s tons of shopping and sipping opportunities in funky quarters. And Klezmer band performances, kosher eateries and renovated or newly built synagogues have become part of daily life due to the ever-growing Jewish communities. The country is compact, which makes it easy to experience the culture from any angle. The rebirth and unification of Berlin with its resurgence of Jewish culture interest you? Aim north. History of all eras and some relaxation or stylish immersion more your thing? Head west of Frankfurt to Germany’s picturesque wine-growing region. Berlin: East Meets West (mit schmear) German Jewish culture is exploding, mostly due to immigrating eastern European Jews. The country now boasts the third largest Jewish population in the world, and the fastest growing in Europe. In Berlin, Germany’s largest community, visit the beautifully restored New Synagogue, dating back to 1866; Daniel Libeskind’s stirring architecture of the Jewish Museum; and kosher and Israeli restaurants. Experiencing the drama and triumph of Communism’s grip on East Berlin at the Checkpoint Charlie museum and paying tribute to the victims of Germany’s past in the Reichstag’s Room of Silence will also add dimension and meaning to your visit. Relax Across the river, most of the Victorian buildings and sulphur springs of Wiesbaden are original, which lend the city its chic atmosphere. Take a “kur” at one of the numerous spas, stroll the weekend market stalls, or ride the funicular to Neroberg with its striking views and regional wines.

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German Jewish culture is exploding, mostly due to immigrating eastern European Jews. The country now boasts the third largest Jewish population in the world

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The Rhein-Main Gebiet Take a scenic cruise on the Rhine River, flowing between historic Mainz, Victorian Wiesbaden, and Frankfurt, the country’s financial heartbeat. It’s a diverse holiday: go medieval and traipse through one of the many 12th century castles by candlelight, or go cosmopolitan and sip a martini on a rooftop bar in one of Frankfurt’s sky-scraping design wonders.

Home away from Home Immersive travel is rewarding, but sometimes a dose of the familiar is welcome. Among diverse cafés, museums, music and shopping, Frankfurt also has a strong expat contingency: try the English Bookstore with its hand-picked selection of literature (and a native English-speaking staff) and the English Movie Theater to refuel before heading back out to discover more of the excitement and beauty that is today’s Deutschland. Historic tourism Mainz is modern, but historic artifacts are everywhere. Originally built in 975 or 976, Cathedral Mainz stands in the pedestrian zone, where tiny streets yield charming cafés and lopsided half-timbered buildings. Slightly off centre find Alexander Gutenberg’s printing press museum and Schott glass, fuel up with kebab at a Turkish Imbiss, go native at Augustiner Keller with a litre of beer, pork knuckle and knoedel, or have Kaffee und Kuchen with the locals on the riverside patio at Bastion, a 1100s sentry. www.TheJewishMagazine.com April 2008 HAPPY PASSOVER! 39

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AutoShow By Derek Kreindler

The Auto Show is back with designs to make the savviest enthusiast salivate!

oronto car enthusiast’s universally loathe the season from December to late March, where salt and slush dot the landscape and their beloved sports cars take their annual trip to the garage. Fortunately for the city’s gear heads, a ray of sunshine appears in February in the form of the Canadian International Auto Show, a 10-day event spanning three buildings where nearly every car sold in Canada (as well as a few that aren’t) can be thoroughly examined by patrons, without having to deal with the bad coffee and pushy salesman that are a staple of car showrooms everywhere. Rather than run through the standard boilerplate descriptions of “exciting” and “new” models provided by the manufacturers’ PR teams, I took on the burden of roaming around the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the Rogers Centre for an entire day, sampling the free food and open bar provided by the car companies and then contorting myself into all sorts of crippling positions to fit my gawky frame into the foreign sports cars that were unlocked for members of the media only. Of course, I also made sure to look at vehicles that don’t require a second mortgage to purchase; no car was able to escape my unwavering scrutiny. Best Car under $20,000: Honda Fit. Nobody expects economy cars to be attractive, fun to drive or well-equipped, but Honda has managed to deliver on all fronts. The diminutive hatchback looks like it would struggle to carry a single bag of groceries, but the interior is a miracle of packaging. There is ample room for two adults in the back, and the seats can be folded in a variety of ways to maximize cargo space. While its small 4-cylinder engine may leave the Fit winded during hard acceleration, it has also outperformed the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 in certain handling tests. Not bad for a car that qualifies for the federal government’s $1000 for fuel efficient cars.

Best Car To Get If Your Neighbour Drives A Hybrid: Dodge Challenger SRT-8. I could use any number of corny metaphors to describe this car, but the facts speak for themselves. Other Chrysler products that use the Challenger’s 6.1L 425hp Hemi V8 engine are slapped with a $4000 penalty due to their ability to suck Saudi Arabia’s oil reserves dry during a trip to the grocery store. Yes, patrons of health food stores will sneer at you, but it’s a small price to pay for driving one of the meanest looking cars on the market. Global warming scares be damned, this is a car that today’s dads dreamed of owning in high school, and with an estimated price of only $40,000, you can expect them to be a common sight on the roads when they go on sale later this year.

Best Kept Secret of the Show: Hyundai Genesis. Tucked away in a corner of the empty Hyundai booth sat a stately looking sedan, with only a single “H” badge affixed to the trunk. Hyundai’s recent offerings are easily on par with anything coming out of Japan (and have far surpasses American cars), but rather than rest on their laurels, they’ve now got Lexus and other premium brands in its sights, and the Genesis could be the car that turns Hyundai into a respected brand rather than a punch line. With the Genesis, Hyundai aims to give buyers an alternative to cars like the Mercedes S-Class, for the same money as a C-Class. While the interior materials might not be equal to Mercedes flagship, they’re pretty close, and the 375-hp V8, rear back-up camera and Lexicon stereo system (currently used in Rolls Royce cars) are compelling reasons to give this car a serious look.

Best Car for Vacationing In Miami: Jaguar XKR Convertible. You really can’t go wrong with this one. It looks exactly like an Aston Martin, the 420hp V8 is perfect for cruising down the boulevards and it’s comfortable enough for Bubbie to drive to the hair dressers.

Car of the Show: Audi R8. The past few years have not been kind to Audi. Quality problems and a product line-up built for comfort rather than speed has seen Audi’s image take a dive, while their one true masterpiece, the full size A8, has been a sales disappointment. Fortunately for Audi, they are the owners of Lamborghini, so when they needed something to bring some life back into their lineup, they took the Italian car makers entry-level Gallardo supercar and somehow made it look better. Lamborghini’s have always had the image of “I wear a chest-wing and too much cologne,” but the R8 could not be more different. While the Gallardo is low, narrow and angular, the R8 is much more organic, wider and yet still graceful. The interior (one of Audi’s strong points) is luxurious and as comfortable as any of their passenger cars. The V8 engine and all-wheel drive create an unstoppable performance package, and with the price tag around $140,000, the R8 is aiming squarely for the Porsche 911. And the hyper-modern Audi stands a very good chance of taking the top spot from the venerable Porsche, whose design dates back to 1964.

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For personal astrological consultations with ELI7, email eli7@writeme.com

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) This is one of those rare times when it’s actually okay for you to speak your mind. Whatever you want to communicate happens to be the very thing that needs to be said. Don’t hold back, even if it’s not so nice. Coming from you, even the worst criticism is interpreted as constructive. This is also a good time to ask for a raise if you desire one.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) Out with the old, in with the new – that goes for ex best friends, former lovers and anyone else whose name is stored in your cell phone but you can’t seem to put a face to them. You’ve kept some contacts around for merely nostalgic reasons but get rid of them all. You’re about to meet a whole new fresh set of people who will mean more to you than “Who the heck is Dave G?”

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) It wouldn’t be fair to call you prudish but for the most part, you are. It’s not that you’re inhibited or overly serious – look at fellow Taurus comic Jerry Seinfeld for proof (though you are a typically conservative sign). As much as you try to be “in control” this month, you can’t help but unleash a wild side that shocks everyone (but mostly you).

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) Having power is only satisfying insofar as your authority remains unchallenged but it’s inevitable that a leader will eventually be questioned for his or her motive even if they’re doing a good job. So, when you’re put on the stand and contested, the best thing to do is admit your mistakes if you’re wrong and refuse to engage in conversations with disloyal compatriots when you’re sure that you’re right. Those who try to bring you down are unworthy and a waste of your precious time.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) Sure, it’s springtime and you feel refreshed, but it doesn’t mean you have to go to extremes and completely remodel your entire lifestyle. If you want to quit smoking, this would be a good thing to do; however, if you feel like taking all your savings out of the bank and investing it in a stock portfolio, reconsider the irrationality of this decision.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21) A serious tone sweeps over your usually carefree self. Don’t worry, you’ll get back to that happy-go-lucky mode of being soon. While you exhibit more conscientious albeit humorless behavior, why not take on tasks that require such staid skills like organizing your desk, catching up on reading all those “great works” you postponed until now and other activities you usually trade in for more lighthearted endeavors.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) In an ideal world, whenever you phone a relative to ask a favor, they’d be there in a flash. When will you learn the only person you can rely upon is yourself? It sucks to hear and it’s even worse to accept it. So, given the grandiose new professional plans you have on the burner, to avoid disappointment, it’s best to refrain from counting on others’ help.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19) Take everything you’ve learned and apply it somehow. While you were learning certain skills, you might have complained at the time and overlooked their importance but now is time for the big payoff. Don’t worry about acquiring any new talents at this time or even bother perfecting old ones. Just use what you have and use it wisely.

LEO (July 23 - August 22) Bigger doesn’t mean better nor does the phrase “the best things come in small packages” hold true if the content inside the little box is a plastic ring from a supermarket toy vending machine. The only real ideology that holds any substance is this: it really is the thought that counts but above all, it’s about being driven with the purest of intentions.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) Things all around are such a mess that it’s beginning to really bother you not to mention those around you. Clean up! Hiring help isn’t the solution either because you know the second your personal belongings are rearranged you’ll feel more disorganized than you are now. Bite the bullet and get to the grind. They don’t call it “Spring Cleaning” for you, it’s more like Winter transitioning into Summer reorganizing.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) If anyone knows the answer or can source it out, it would be you. These days, you question if you’re remotely competent. Stop the scrutiny! No one else has even opened their books or even considered the question. Even if you’re wrong, the fact that you can offer an erroneous response should tell you something about what you know and what they don’t

PISCES ( February 19 - March 20) Cater to your sensual side this month and don’t think twice about being called “sappy” for it. You’re a romantic at heart and this is the time to let it show. Whether or not feelings are reciprocated is irrelevant. It’s more than likely that your loving advances will be well received but the point of the exercise is to just love with reckless abandon because you can and for once, your feelings won’t be hurt.

ELI7 has been following the movement of stars and planets ever since she can remember. She has studied Western astrology, the Chinese zodiac and the Mayan calendar for over ten years and has a firm grasp on the movement of the cosmos. Having consulted people one on one for many years, she finally has found a home with The Jewish Magazine, ready to counsel you with your planetary alignments.

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Jew or no Jew?!

Information provided by Wikipedia

WonderBread

Matza

Wonder Bread is the name of two North American brands of white bread: One produced by George Weston Bakeries in Canada, the other by Interstate Bakeries Corporation in the United States. It was originally produced by Taggart Baking Company of Indianapolis and debuted on May 21, 1921. It was named by Taggart Vice President Elmer Cline, who was inspired by the International Balloon Race at the Indianapolis Speedway resulting in the red, yellow and blue logo.

Matza (also Matzah, in Ashkenazi matzo or matzoh, and in Yiddish matze) is a cracker-like flatbread made of white plain flour, and water. The dough is pricked in several places and not allowed to rise before or during baking, thereby producing a hard, flat bread. Matza is the substitute for bread during the Jewish holiday of Passover, when eating chametz bread and leavened products - is forbidden. Eating matza on the night of the seder is considered a positive mitzvah, i.e., a commandment.

Taggart was purchased by Continental Baking in 1925. This made Wonder Bread a national brand and added “It’s Slow Baked” to the logo. In the 1930s, Continental Baking began shipping Wonder Bread in sliced form, one of the first companies to do so. Unsliced bread returned for a while during World War II due to metal shortages for the war effort that resulted in the unavailability of blades for the slicing machines.

There are numerous explanations behind the meaning of matza. One is historical: Passover is a commemoration of the exodus from Egypt. The biblical narrative relates that the Israelites left Egypt in such haste, they could not wait for their bread dough to rise. The resulting product was matza. (Exodus 12:39).

During the 1940s Continental Baking began adding vitamins and minerals to Wonder Bread as part of a government-sponsored program of enriching white bread. This development is credited with greatly reducing the incidence of the diseases beriberi and pellagra. In the 1950s, Wonder Bread further expanded advertising of its nutrient enrichments. The company sponsored Howdy Doody with host Buffalo Bob Smith telling the audience, “Wonder Bread builds strong bodies 8 ways. Look for the red, yellow and blue balloons printed on the wrapper.” By the 1960s Wonder Bread was advertised with the slogan “Helps build strong bodies 12 ways,” referring to the number of added nutrients. In 1986, the lowercalorie Wonder Light bread was introduced. In 1995, Continental Baking was bought by Interstate Bakeries Corporation. Wonder Bread is seen in American culture as the prototypical American-style industrially produced white bread. Elmer Cline, who created the Wonderbread logo, was Jewish. JEWISH

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The other reason for eating matza is symbolic: On the one hand, matza symbolizes redemption and freedom, but it is also (lechem oni), “poor man’s bread.” Thus it serves as a reminder to be humble, and to not forget what life was like in servitude. Eating the “bread of affliction” is both a lesson in humility and an act that enhances one’s appreciation of freedom. At the Passover seder, it is customary to eat matza made of flour and water only. Matza containing eggs, wine or fruit juice in addition to water is not acceptable as it is considered to become leaven. Matza made with these items without the use of water is acceptable during the remaining days of the holiday, although some strictly Orthodox Jews will not eat this kind of matza at all. JEW

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