Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 12-6-19 by Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle

December 6, 2019 | 8 Kislev 5780

Candlelighting 4:35 p.m. | Havdalah 5:38 p.m. | Vol. 62, No. 49 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

NOTEWORTHY LOCAL Bar celebrates Chrismukkah

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Ten Commandments Boy Scouts Pittsburgh’s hike brings hundreds first Torah by female scribe commissioned by Temple Sinai By David Rullo | Staff Writer

Page 2

Kreimer conceived of the hike nearly 15 years ago after trying to parse the 12th point of “The Scout’s Law,” which notes that a Boy Scout must be reverent: “Be reverent toward God. Be faithful in your religious duties. Respect the beliefs of others.” “It’s a fairly intangible thing to say that, but I thought that the Ten Commandment hike would be a great way to demonstrate that a Scout has reverence,” he said. Kreimer, one of six Eagle Scouts in his family, reached out to diverse faith leaders, secured locations and welcomed 325 people on the first go-round. In subsequent years, the number of attendees has ranged from 300 to 500, with half the group typically being Scouts and the other half adults. Since its origin, the program’s

hen Temple Sinai’s Senior Rabbi Jamie Gibson retires in June, he’ll leave the Reform congregation with more than just memories. Last month, a scribe began the work of creating a new Torah scroll to commemorate Gibson’s 32 years with the synagogue. Temple Sinai’s new Torah will be historic. Not only is it the first to be written for the synagogue, but it will also be the only Torah penned by a female scribe in the region. The scroll will be one of only 21 worldwide, and Pittsburgh’s first, created by a woman. The idea of writing a new Torah scroll and employing a soferet (a female scribe) was a simple one, according to Executive Director Drew Barkley, who credits the outgoing rabbi. “He embraced the project. He understood the impact. Being Jamie, he immediately said, ‘I want a soferet.’ It came from him. It’s who we are. He wanted it to be inclusive and make a statement.” Once the decision was made to employ a soferet, Barkley worked with the temple’s Torah Project Committee and its chairperson, Nancy Gale. After a search using the website stamscribes. com, which bills itself as “a collective of progressive Jewish scribes from all over the world,” the committee settled on Linda Coppleson. Coppleson grew up in New Jersey and first became interested in Hebrew calligraphy while attending Brandeis University. Reading “The Jewish Catalog,” a guide she describes as a “how-to-be-Jewish book,” the Judaic Studies major came across a section about scribal arts. “I just thought this was the best thing since sliced bread. I went out and bought all these materials and started to teach myself,” she said. “Eventually, I found a teacher.”

Please see Scouts, page 24

Please see Scribe, page 17

NATIONAL Jewish candidates in Georgia

Jon Osoff and Joe Lieberman’s son are both running for U.S. Senate seats

 CW Kreimer, center, joined area faith leaders and representatives of the Boy Scouts at Rodef Shalom Congregation. Below, the badge given to hike participants Photos courtesy of CW Kreimer By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

Page 5 LIFE & CULTURE Pittsburgh native makes film

Marc Lhormer is producing “Dear Zoe,” shot in Squirrel Hill. Page 20

day after scores nationwide gathered for turkey consumption, conversation and televised entertainment, nearly 300 area Boy Scouts, parents and clergy pursued reverence on a seven-hour walk. The 3.5-mile “Ten Commandment and World Faiths Hike” began at Rodef Shalom Congregation in Shadyside and culminated at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh on Bigelow Boulevard. The purpose of the hike is “to expose people to other people’s faiths, not to proselytize,” said CW Kreimer, the event’s organizer. By entering sanctuaries and engaging with clergy, participants get exposure to other faith traditions and understand that “they have to accept the fact that people have a right to believe what they want to believe.”

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Headlines Pop-up holiday bar is intoxicating blend of Chanukah and Christmas

p Death Cab for Cohen, a martini with a Chinese food twist

— LOCAL — By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

o help get in the mood for the upcoming holidays, Pittsburghers may want to indulge in a nightcap at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gingerman — the fictional interfaith couple whose “gingerbread” home is currently serving as the Bakery Square pop-up bar, Chrismukkah. Located in the frothily decorated spot formerly occupied by Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream on Penn Avenue, Chrismukkah, which features both Chanukah and Christmas inspired cocktails, is open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight through the end

p Chrismukkah is a new pop-up bar in Bakery Square.

of December. The pop-up bar is a collaboration of the Galley Group’s Federal Galley and Smallman Galley. The concept of a Chanukah/Christmasthemed watering hole was conceived by Sophia Milinkovic, the bar director for the Galley Group who also runs the Federal Galley on the North Side, and Matt Zelinsky, the bar manager for Smallman Galley. Zelinsky was raised in an interfaith household with a strong Jewish cultural identity, while Milinkovic was raised

Photos provided by Sophia Milinkovic

Orthodox Christian. “We thought that because we were two people who ran bars in Pittsburgh, maybe we should collaborate together and bring a little unity between the two religions,” said Milinkovic, noting that they wanted to be sure to emphasize both Christmas and Chanukah “since a lot of places in Pittsburgh do not cater to the Chanukah part of the holidays.” Half the proceeds of the pop-up will be donated to the congregations targeted in the

massacre at the Tree of Life building last year and to East Liberty First Presbyterian Church, which does a lot of community outreach in East Liberty, according to Milinkovic. “We know there are a lot of pop-up bars in the city that donate a portion of their proceeds, but we wanted to keep it as local as possible so that it would be going directly back into the community we are working Please see Pop-up, page 8

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Calendar Light! An Interfaith Celebration Through Song, an evening of music and spoken word bringing together communities of faith to bring in light during this season of darkness. The event starts with Havdalah at 7 p.m. at JCC of Pittsburgh, Katz Performing Arts Center, 5738 Darlington Rd. Family-friendly, no charge. To RSVP, visit jccpgh.formstack.com/forms/light_dec2019.

q SATURDAY, DEC. 14 The Alumni Theater Company Teen Ensemble and teens from the Jewish Community Center present “Wears Your Mask?” Seven young women create original pieces that address perceptions of ethnicity and the quest to define personal identity and explore their cultures and experiences as black and Jewish teens. This production is appropriate for ages 15+. Children under 4 will not be admitted. 6601 Hamilton Ave., 15206. 7 p.m. $12-18. For more information, visit facebook.com/events/1004160149932435.

Enjoy a gala evening at Congregation Beth Shalom Men’s Club Sweepstakes & Awards Dinner 2019 (5915 Beacon St.) beginning at 6:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and open bar. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. with entertainment at the end of the prize drawings. Reserved seating, RSVPs required no later than Wednesday, Nov. 27. $75. To RSVP, visit bethshalom.org/events-upcoming. q SUNDAY, DEC. 8

>>Submit calendar items on the Chronicle’s website, pittsburghjewishchronicle.org. Submissions will also be included in print. Events will run in the print edition beginning one month prior to the date as space allows. The deadline for submissions is Friday, noon. q FRIDAY, DEC. 6 The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Young Adult Division and Moishe House are teaming up for a Stellar Potluck Shabbat at 7 p.m. Bring your favorite side, main dish or dessert for an outer-space themed evening with food, fun and friends. We’ll provide the challah, wine, beer, beverages and paper goods. For more information and to register, visit jewishpgh.org/event/yad-shabbat-inspace.

q SATURDAY, DEC. 7 Sthiel Pilates & Movement Center (316 S. St. Clair St.) hosts Lauri Lang, RDN LDN Concierge Wellness LLC for Holistic Nutrition and Wellness. Dec. 7, 2019’s theme is Enhancing Immune Function, Vitality and Graceful Aging. The workshop is 75 minutes in length. $59. Visit sthielpilates.com for more information and to register. Congregation Beth Shalom (5915 Beacon St.) welcomes Michael Schudrich, the Chief Rabbi of Poland. Learn about his journey to become the chief rabbi, the challenges Jews face there and the future of their community. Rabbi Schudrich’s talk is free and begins at 12:45 p.m. For more information, visit bethshalom.org/events-upcoming.

Volunteer at Super Sunday, the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s annual mega-phone-a-thon, at the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Three time slots available. For more information, visit jewishpgh.org/event/super-Sunday-2. Kids will come and bake Chanukah gelt crinkle cookies to take home and donate to the food pantry at Kids in the Kitchen - Chanukah Edition. There will also be Chanukah crafts and a special juggling show. The fun begins at 1 p.m. at Chabad of Squirrel Hill, 1700 Beechwood Blvd. $10 per child.

Women: Insight Infused with the Wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.” Chabad of the South Hills (1701 McFarland Road). $70. For more information or to register contact batya@chabadsh.com or 412-341-1494. Women come and bake whole wheat challah loaves and learn how to make special Chanukah shapes at Loaves of Love beginning at 7 p.m. at Chabad of Squirrel Hill, 1700 Beechwood Blvd. $10 per person. Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Young Adult Division for their 3-part series Young Adult Bartending Club. Each session takes place at a different bar. December’s get together is at the Omni William Penn Hotel (530 William Penn Place) beginning at 7 p.m. For more information and to register, visit jewishpgh. org/event/young-adult-bartending-club-5. q SUNDAY, DEC. 15 Dr. Ricky Law presents “Transnational Nazism Ideology and Culture in German-Japanese Relations, 1919-1936.” Law traces the cultural origins of interwar Japanese-German convergence and highlights the significance of Nazism’s durability and flexibility for our world. Q&A and dessert reception will follow the lecture at Rodef Shalom (4905 5th Ave. 2 p.m. Free. For more information, visit classroomswithoutborders.org/events/show. php?244.

q THURSDAY, DEC. 12 Join Chabad of the South Hills for the monthly series “Rosh Chodesh Society for

Please see Calendar, page 4

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Calendar Calendar: Continued from page 3 q TUESDAY, DEC. 17

plus the Grand Menorah lighting and more. Free and open to all 5 p.m. Potomac Ave. & Belrose Ave. For more information, and to RSVP, visit www.chabadsh.com/lights.

Rodef Shalom’s “Wisdom, Wine, and Cheese Lecture Series” presents rabbis discussing their experiences as Women on the Pulpit. Free and open to the public, 4905 Fifth Ave, 7 p.m. rodefshalom.org.

Join Temple Ohav Shalom as they host the 2nd Annual North Hills Public Menorah Lighting at McCandless Crossing (8970 Covenant Ave.) on the first night of Chanukah. Located at the fountain in McCandless Crossing, free, 5:30 p.m.

q WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18

q TUESDAY, DEC. 24

The Squirrel Hill AARP chapter will hold its annual holiday party and meeting at 1 p.m. at Rodef Shalom, 4905 5th Ave. There will be a bingo with door prizes and a raffle drawing of an autographed lithograph of Steeler Cam Hayward. Special holiday refreshments with coffee and tea. Please note, should the Pittsburgh public schools be closed due to weather conditions the AARP meeting will be canceled, check your TV and radio stations before leaving home. For more information, contact Marsha at 412-731-3338.

Chabad of the South Hills (1701 McFarland Road) presents its annual Chanukah Seniors Lunch at 12 p.m. Learn about the important documents you need as you age. Wheelchair accessible. Pre-registration is strongly suggested. Please call 412-278-2658. Lunch is co-sponsored by Chabad of the South Hills and the South Hills JCC. chabadsh.com.

q SUNDAY, DEC. 22 The Annual South Hills Lights Community Chanukah Festival features a live concert with Oneg Shemesh and the world’s first Chanukah virtual reality 3D experience,

q THURSDAYS JAN. 2, FEB. 6, MAR. 5, APR. 2, MAY 7, JUNE 4 Facilitated by local clergy, the ChristianJewish Dialogue at Rodef Shalom (4905 Fifth Ave.), 12 p.m., explores topics of similarities and differences. Themes range from wedding rituals to the story of Noah. Attendees are invited to join for any and all sessions. Free and open to the public. PJC

q SUNDAY, DEC. 15 Games, crafts, music, prizes, sufganiyot and latkes! Everyone is welcome to attend J-JEP’s 10th Annual Latkepalooza from 10 a.m.-noon at Congregation Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon Street. $5 per person. Help give light to others and stop by the BSUSY/ theRSTY teen table with a donation of new clothes or school supplies for NCJW’s Back 2 School Store. For more information, visit jjep.org.

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Headlines Georgia’s two US Senate seats will be open in 2020. Jon Ossoff and Joe Lieberman’s son are vying for them. — NATIONAL — Ron Kampeas | JTA

oters in Georgia will face elections next year for each of the state’s two U.S. Senate seats. Jewish Democrats are vying to be in the mix in both races. Incumbent David Perdue, a Republican, is up for reelection in 2020, while Johnny Isakson, also from the GOP, is retiring at the end of the year because of ill health. Georgia’s Republican governor, Brian Kemp, almost certainly will name someone from his party to replace Isakson, but both slots will be on the ballot in November. Seven Democrats are contending for Perdue’s spot and two for Isakson’s. Each list features a Jewish candidate with name recognition: Jon Ossoff is running for the Perdue seat and Matt Lieberman is going for Isakson’s. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency spoke to Ossoff and Lieberman last week in Atlanta. Here’s a quick compare and contrast. Name recognition: Ossoff, 32, the CEO of a film company that makes investigative documentaries, made national headlines in 2017 when he finished first in an open primary for a special House election in the

p Jon Ossoff poses on his porch in Atlanta, Nov. 21, 2019. The film company CEO is running for the Senate after narrowly missing an upset bid for the Photo by Ron Kampeas House in 2017.

6th District. His strong showing in a longtime Republican stronghold was the first concrete evidence that the “resistance” to President Donald Trump could rally not just marchers but voters. Ossoff lost narrowly in the June runoff, but says now that the exposure makes him a natural to oust Perdue. “In six months we moved that district by 20 percent,” he said. “We built a massive Democratic infrastructure, we ran the largest

get-out-the-vote in Democratic history.” As in 2017, Ossoff has the endorsement of two giants in the state’s Democratic Party and its African American community: Rep. John Lewis, the civil rights icon for whom he once interned, and Rep. Hank Johnson, for whom Ossoff worked as a congressional aide. Lieberman, a 52-year-old entrepreneur, makes no bones about the name recognition he hopes to tap: His father, former

Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, was the first Jewish candidate on a major party presidential ticket when Al Gore named him his running mate in 2000. “When I was doing my due diligence on this, I did a mini poll. One of the things I tested was my dad’s name identification, and it’s quite high in Georgia,” Lieberman said. “That’s not me, but it will make it easier for people to latch on to why I’m running because it’s a point of familiarity.” Lieberman, who moved to Georgia 15 years ago to helm a Jewish day school, has been fundraising in his father’s home state of Connecticut. The main issue: For both candidates it’s health care, which has become the premier issue in a state where black maternal mortality rates are off the charts, abortion is severely restricted and half of the 159 counties do not have an obstetrician-gynecologist. Health care is more directly addressed at the state level, but Ossoff and Lieberman both see steps they can take in Washington. Ossoff said he would back including a public insurance option in any health care reform act and would seek to invest in rural hospitals and clinics. Lieberman is on the same page. He wants to protect and expand the Affordable Care Please see Georgia, page 6

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Headlines Georgia: Continued from page 5

Act, President Barack Obama’s signature domestic achievement, and add a public option. “Health care is absolutely the biggest kitchen table-type issue for folks here,” he said. The odds: Each candidate faces tough obstacles should they win the nomination. Georgia is inching Democratic, but it’s not there yet. Ossoff ’s bid may be daunted by Perdue’s incumbency, but Ossoff thinks that will be offset by the senator’s close association with Trump. “Georgians are awake to the corruption of this presidency and David Perdue’s servility will be his downfall,” he said. Lieberman declaring for the open seat surprised some Democratic insiders, who said a better calculus would be to see who Kemp names and build a strategy from there. Trump is pressuring Kemp to name Rep. Doug Collins, among the president’s most vigorous defenders, but Kemp reportedly is resisting because Trump has been a drag on Republican races this year in Kentucky, Louisiana and Virginia. Lieberman said it made sense to get out early and ahead of the fundraising game. “Kemp is a conservative Republican, he’s going to appoint a conservative Republican, and that person will be an extremely

p Matt Lieberman surprised some Democratic insiders by declaring for the open Senate seat, but said getting a jump on fundraising was necessary. Photo by Ron Kampeas

well-funded candidate,” Lieberman said. The Trump factor: Ossoff notably refrained from mentioning Trump during his 2017 run, a strategy that Democrats running in conservative districts embraced with success elsewhere. This year, with Trump mired in impeachment proceedings and blamed for Republican failures in Southern states, that thinking has changed. “Folks in Georgia and across the country increasingly recognize Donald Trump’s unfitness for office and the way he has debased the office,” Ossoff said. Lieberman also makes a case for running

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helps establish many of Israel’s foundational institutions.

Dec. 9, 1914 — Shmuel Katz is born

Dec. 6, 1867 — Leo Motzkin is born

Leo Motzkin, the chairman of the Zionist Executive from 1925 to 1933, is born into a traditional Jewish family in what is now Brovary, Ukraine. The 1881 pogrom in Kiev inspires his interest in Zionism.

Dec. 7, 1921 — First nurses graduate in Jerusalem

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Shmuel Katz, a founder of Menachem Begin’s Herut party, is born in Johannesburg, South Africa. He joins the Irgun after making aliyah in 1936 and arranges for the 1948 arms shipment aboard the doomed Altalena.

Dec. 10, 1952 — Israel’s second president inaugurated

Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, a native of Ukraine who made aliyah in 1907, is inaugurated as Israel’s second president after 30 days of mourning for his predecessor, Chaim Weizmann. The Knesset elected him on the third ballot Dec. 8.

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the Palestinian Authority, Hamas — are seriously pursuing it,” he said. Doing Jewish: Like his father, Lieberman is Sabbath observant. Religiously, he calls himself “Conservadox” — a portmanteau of Orthodox and Conservative. Lieberman said he recently started driving to synagogue because Atlanta’s notorious sprawl mitigates against living walking distance from synagogue, but he won’t be campaigning on Shabbat. “I’m pretty sure that will be a new thing in Georgia,” he said. Ossoff said his experience working with some of the state’s most senior African American politicians makes him a natural to build bridges between the communities. His first political involvement was joining Johnson’s 2006 campaign to oust Cynthia McKinney, one of the most hostile legislators to Israel. Also, Ossoff notes, “My wife is Jewish.” Alisha Kramer played an unintended role in her husband’s 2017 campaign when rivals dinged him for not living in the 6th District, a fact Ossoff chalked up to Kramer, then his fiancee, needing to live closer to Emory University, where she was in medical school. During the 2017 campaign, Michael Rosenzweig, a leading Democratic activist, recalled asking Ossoff to speak at a program that he organized at a Jewish home for the elderly. “I have a question,” a 90-year-old man said. “When are you going to marry that girl?” The couple married in 2018. PJC

This week in Israeli history Items provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.

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position for years. “The problem relates to the Palestinians and even more so their leadership never coming to terms of acceptance with the fact there’s a Jewish state of Israel sitting there,” he said. “And until that’s fully accepted as reality and not looked at as something temporary that needs to change, it’s going to be hard to resolve that.” Ossoff sees intractability on both sides and a role for a robust U.S. involvement. “I think the two-state solution is on life support and I’m deeply pessimistic that any of the parties — the government of Israel,

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against Trump, but like his father he is disinclined to make personal attacks on his rivals. “He’s the elephant in the room, it’s hard not to mention him,” Lieberman said. “If Trump is no longer president and if the Democrats control the Senate, there is a world of difference in this country.” Israel: Lieberman squarely blames the impasse in IsraeliPalestinian peacemaking on the Palestinians, which perhaps not coincidentally has been his father’s default

Dec. 11, 1947 — End of British Mandate announced Twenty-two women graduate from the Nurses’ Training Institute at Rothschild Hospital in Jerusalem, making them the first nurses granted degrees in the Land of Israel.

Dec. 8, 1885 — Joseph Sprinzak is born

Joseph Sprinzak, the first speaker of the Knesset and a two-time interim president of Israel, is born in Moscow. He makes aliyah in 1910 and

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Arthur Creech Jones, the British colonial secretary, opens a debate in the House of Commons about Palestine by revealing that the British Mandate will end May 15, 1948, and that all British troops will be withdrawn by Aug. 1.

Dec. 12, 1920 — Histadrut founded

The General Federation of Jewish Labor, known as the Histadrut, is founded in Haifa to serve as a neutral, independent trade union representing all the Jewish workers in Palestine. PJC

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Headlines — WORLD — Muslim man who stabbed Jews in Amsterdam ruled unfit A Muslim man who was charged with trying to kill a Jewish father and son at an Amsterdam market was found not criminally responsible for his actions and sent for psychological care. A Dutch judge ruled that Taha Ewis Bakri Abdel Ghani suffered from delusions, heard voices and experienced a psychosis at the time of the March 16 stabbing incident at the Albert Cuyp Market, the NIW Jewish paper reported. The judge based the ruling on a psychiatric report. The ruling follows several recent cases in Western Europe involving Muslim men who assaulted Jews and were deemed unfit to stand trial. Abdel Ghani was charged with manslaughter in the stabbings of Martin Colmans and his son Sharon, who were lightly and moderately injured, respectively. The Colmans and Abdel Ghani owned neighboring stores in the market. According to the Colmans, Abdel Ghani assaulted them following weeks in which he would read the Quran at the entrance to his store and leer at them. During the first hearing in the case, in September, the Colmans asked the judge to consider a religious or racist motive, which was not included in the indictment.

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NIW editor-in-chief Esther Voet wrote on Twitter that the ruling made her “furious.” Last week, a judge in Paris upheld an earlier ruling excusing of criminal penalty a man who in 2017 killed his Jewish neighbor while shouting about Allah and calling her a demon. That defendant said he had smoked too much marijuana to control himself.

French parliament to vote on whether hate of Israel is anti-Semitic

The lower house of France’s parliament is scheduled to vote on a draft resolution that calls hate of Israel a form of anti-Semitism. The 577 members of the National Assembly are set to vote this week on the draft, which also calls on the government to join other European nations in adopting the definition of anti-Semitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. The IHRA definition states that some forms of vitriol against Israel, including comparing it to Nazi Germany, are examples of anti-Semitism, though criticizing Israel’s policies is not. Lawmaker Sylvain Maillard of President Emmanuel Macron’s ruling LREM centrist party with his draft resolution has touched off weeks of debates in the French media. In October, 39 organizations wrote an open letter to National Assembly President Richard Ferrand warning against passing the resolution. The letter argued against a separate definition of anti-Semitism, as it would “weaken the

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universalist approach” to combating all forms of racism” and compromise “defense of freedom of expression and assembly for groups and activists that must be allowed to defend the rights of Palestinians and criticize Israel’s policy without being falsely accused of anti-Semitism.” Among its co-signatories was Malik Salemkour, president of France’s Human Rights League, an organization founded in 1898 to fight the anti-Semitic persecution and show trial of the French-Jewish army captain Alfred Dreyfus. Maillard defended the draft, telling La Croix that in France today, saying “dirty Zionist” … “means ‘dirty Jew.’” The draft denounces “hate toward Israel justified only by its perception as a Jewish collective.”

Boy whose parents were killed in Mumbai attack celebrates bar mitzvah

Moshe Holtzberg, whose parents were killed in the 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai when he was 2, was called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah. Holtzberg celebrated in his hometown of Afula, in northern Israel, Chabad.org reported. A party was held in Kfar Chabad. “As you make this important transition and cross a significant landmark in the journey of your life, the courage of [nanny] Sandra and prayers of the people of India will continue to bless you for a long, healthy and successful life,” Indian Prime

Minister Narendra Modi wrote in a letter to Moshe, COLLive reported. “Your story continues to inspire everyone. It is one of miracle and hope overcoming tragedy and immeasurable loss.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also sent a note of congratulations. “We know that there is life amidst this tragedy. There is revival and there is hope,” he wrote. “You come now with the love of the entire Jewish people, all citizens of Israel and very many outside Israel.” Moshe’s parents, Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg, were the directors of the Nariman Chabad House when it was attacked on Nov. 26, 2008. Four other Israeli and American visitors to the house also were killed. The Chabad House was among 12 targeted locations in coordinated attacks by Lashkare-Taiba, an Islamic terrorist organization based in Pakistan. The child was dubbed “Baby Moshe” when a photo of his terrified-looking nanny running from the besieged Chabad House clutching the little boy was splashed on the front pages of newspapers around the world. In January, 2018, Moshe returned to Mumbai, accompanying Netanyahu on a state visit. In September, Moshe celebrated the ceremony of Hanachat Tefilin, or putting on the tefillin for the first time, during a ceremony in Stony Point, New York, and visited the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson. PJC

Mazel Tov and Thank you to Laura Ellman for the many hours you spend at Aleph Institute, your time and dedication in helping us help others in their daily struggles, with both our re-entry programs and our Shifra (home visiting) program.

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With Blessings to you and your family, Rabbi Vogel and the Board at Aleph Institute 1754 North Highland Road | Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Just between The Galleria and South Hills village www. Trunkshowsboutique.com PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

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in,” said Milinkovic. The Galley Group, she added, is also working with local breweries and distilleries, “so that not only are we giving charity back to the local community, but we are also supporting local businesses.” The interior space looks like a holiday-decorated playhouse for grown-ups, with sets evoking the home of the Gingermans: an old-school kitchen, dining room and a living

room with a Christmas tree and a menorah. There is also a mock family room, where a projector continually plays holiday films on a screen, such as “Eight Crazy Nights,” “The Grinch” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The holiday-themed cocktails include Peace, Love and Jewish Donuts, which tastes like a jelly donut and is concocted with egg whites, Boyd & Blair Vodka with lemon juice and strawberry jam, and topped by powdered sugar; Christmas Morning, comprised of

bourbon and cereal-infused milk; and Man, Oh, Manischewitz, a Manischewitz-based sangria with a holiday flavor. The cocktail recipes were created by Zelinsky. “Man, Oh, Manischewitz has been a long time on my bucket list,” he said of the crowdpleaser. “And it is a lot better than I expected it to be. It’s delightful.” Zelinsky also has been surprised by “how many people have been willing to roll the dice on my Chinese food-based cocktail.” That one is called Death Cab for Cohen and

is a gin martini that incorporates duck sauce. In addition to cocktails, locally brewed beer and non-alcoholic drinks are available. Since its soft-opening on Nov. 20, Chrismukkah has already earned back almost all of its startup costs. “I’m surprised by how many people have come in and are happy to see Chanukahthemed cocktails,” Zelinsky said. PJC Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Rebecca Hurowitz leaving Federation to work with Israeli branding nonprofit

ebecca Hurowitz will be leaving the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, where she has worked in various capacities since 2010, to take a new position with Vibe Israel USA. Since 2015, Hurowitz has served as the Federation’s associate director of campaign and missions. Vibe Israel is an Israeli nonprofit founded about 10 years ago to promote the Jewish state in a positive light through branding strategies. It has recently expanded into the United States with Vibe Israel USA. Hurowitz will begin working for Vibe Israel USA later this month, remaining in Pittsburgh and working remotely for the organization, which is headquartered in New Jersey. Her responsibilities will

include fundraising, outreach and engagement with the Diaspora community. “Vib e Israel’s mission is to change people’s perceptions of Israel through Rebecca a combination of Hurowitz Photo courtesy of country branding Rebecca Hurowitz techniques and the use of social media to target millennials,” Hurowitz said. “We are looking to change people’s perceptions of the country by showing people all the ways that Israel contributes to the world and is a beautiful country and a wonderful destination rather than be thought of as a war zone as it

is often depicted in the U.S., particularly for people who have never been there before.” Hurowitz, who has worked in the Jewish community for the last 15 years and has seen diminishing support for Israel among millennials, was attracted to Vibe Israel because it is tackling that challenge head on. “I’m at the tail end of the generation that believes that you support Israel no matter what because it is Israel,” she said. “And what I am finding working with younger people, and millennials in particular, is that there is not that assumption that you support Israel. In fact, there is a lot of negativity around Israel, particularly on college campuses. This is very concerning for me for the future of Israel and Israel’s Diaspora relations.” She is inspired by Vibe’s work because it

is a “completely fresh approach to changing people’s perceptions,” she said. That approach includes bringing influencers to Israel and having them blog about it; representing Israel differently on social media; and “helping people understand all the ways Israel has contributed to the world through technology and through environmental efforts.” Vibe aims to “enhance Israel advocacy, provide another viewpoint to people who are not as nuanced and not as deeply involved, to just explain to them all the ways that Israel has benefitted the world,” said Hurowitz. “My hope is that we can really have an impact on the way the next generation thinks about Israel.” PJC —Toby Tabachnick

Mazel Tov to our 2019 Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle Volunteer of the Year

Joyce Berman

412.521.3237 | JewishAssistanceFund.org

8 DECEMBER 6, 2019

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

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VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

WELCOME TO THE CHRONICLE’S SECOND ANNUAL EDITION OF

Volunteers of the Year Last year, the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle began presenting Pittsburgh. Their stories are incredibly inspirational. the Volunteers of the Year recognition program, previously We hope you enjoy reading about the wonderful work sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater volunteers perform in our community. Adat Shalom

Michele Fryncko is a volunteer par excellence at Adat Shalom, serving in many congregational roles. A member of the Executive Board of Directors since 2015, she coordinated the Contemporary Shabbat service for many years, and is dedicated to the social action committee. Michele ensures that no one goes hungry: She organizes and participates in Backpack for Hunger, the Roots of Faith Community Table, Operation Isaiah, and provides kosher meals to congregants who need them through our mitzvah team. She is also our “unofficial” event photographer. Michele’s smiling enthusiasm, energy, compassion and dedication truly embody the spirit of tikun olam.

Ahavath Achim – The Carnegie Shul

Congregation Ahavath Achim is proud to recognize Dr. Larry Block as our 2019 Volunteer of the Year. After many years as vice president, Dr. Block took over as president of our congregation in 2012 and has been serving in that capacity ever since. Dr. Block is also the true spiritual leader of our shul. Every week he leads much of our service, serves as our Torah reader, chants the haftorah and inspires and educates us with his d’var Torah. We are a small congregation without a Rabbi or paid staff, but Dr. Block always works to ensure that our members have the traditional Jewish experience that they covet.

Aleph Institute

Laura Ellman is a licensed clinical social worker. For the past eight years, she has worked as a clinician with an employee assistance practice. In that capacity, Laura counsels a wide range of clients with varying issues that include interpersonal, family, substance abuse and job-related concerns. Prior to that, Laura worked as a hospital social worker at Magee Women’s Hospital and served as the clinical director of an international adoption agency

where she helped to facilitate hundreds of adoptions. In addition to her work for Aleph, Laura volunteers at the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry.

board of directors and the ritual committee. Jerry is a giving, loving woman who makes Beth Samuel more than a synagogue—she makes it a family.

Beth El Congregation of the South Hills

Chabad of South Hills

Beth El’s Volunteer of the Year is Cheryl Kirshner. Cheryl served as Beth El’s “first lady” for four years when her husband, Miles, was president. After his term, Cheryl became more involved serving as the coordinator for shiva minyans. Through this role, she has connected with Beth El families, taking care of details, allowing them to grieve. Cheryl has also become an invaluable volunteer at the shul’s weekly bingo fundraiser. She has made it a point to be cros-trained on all the roles so that she can step in and help with whatever needs to be done.

Scott (Chaim) Rovenger arrived in Pittsburgh from Miami, Florida just a short few months ago. In the time he has been here, he has spent hours weekly assisting at Chabad and the South Hills Jewish Community. No job is too big or small for Chaim. His dedication and devotion to Judaism and the Jewish Community is exemplary.

Chabad of Squirrel Hill

Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Beth Jacob Synagogue

Sharon Goldstein, native of Pittsburgh, resided in New England for 25 years prior to returning to Pittsburgh in 1995 at which time she became a member of Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Beth Jacob Synagogue. As the widow of the synagogue’s past president, she has remained an avid supporter by means of financial assistance, membership in the sisterhood, serving on the board of directors, and sponsor of breakfast at the yearly meetings. Prior to retirement, Sharon was a successful business owner, substitute teacher and an active community volunteer in business, education and community. She is a devoted mother and grandmother believing in family above all.

Beth Samuel Jewish Center

If the heart of a Jewish community is the food we share, then Jerry DeSena is the heart of Beth Samuel Jewish Center. Jerry coordinates the food planning, shopping, preparation and clean-up for nearly every event at BSJC, from the weekly kiddush and holiday meals to adult education and party refreshments. She volunteers with and delivers bread to the local food pantry every week. As if that weren’t enough, she also serves on the

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The kiddush luncheon which follows Shabbat morning services at Chabad of Squirrel Hill is enjoyed by congregants young and old, and four dedicated volunteers – Tova Feinman, Luz Manriquez, Dorit Sasson and Ya-hel Schwarcz – have graciously taken on the responsibility of making sure that the kiddush is set up and served every week without fail. Shabbat after Shabbat, this team of women ensure that a tasty and filling lunch is waiting for congregants as soon as the prayer service is over. All of us who have been lucky enough to enjoy one, or many, of these warm meals owes these kind, devoted volunteers a big thank you.

Classrooms Without Borders

Classrooms Without Borders’ Volunteer of the Year is Mary Louise Ellena. Mary Lou, an educator from La Roche University, participated in our 2019 Discovering Greece study seminar and has since devoted much of her free time in helping ensure the success and impact of our programs. Her dedication to our mission is clear from the

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many hours she volunteered before and during our Antisemitism, Hate and Social Responsibility conference, and her perseverance organizing community events like our Sept. 22 lecture with Jack Fairweather, demonstrate her commitment to the Jewish community. We are extremely grateful for Mary Lou’s partnership and commitment to our mission: open minds and hearts through learning experiences that transform education and empower educators and students to change the world.

Community Day School

Kara E. McGoey, Ph.D. is a professor of school psychology at Duquesne University. Dr. McGoey first became involved at Community Day School in 2010 when she volunteered her expertise as a key architect of our Mensch Project, helping the school integrate Jewish values into a Positive Behavior Support model. She has partnered with CDS over the past decade by providing volunteer consultation to teachers and social-emotional support and interventions for students. The families and staff of CDS are especially indebted to Dr. McGoey and her team for the critical and compassionate care they delivered after the October 27 synagogue attack.

Congregation B’nai Abraham

Congregation B’nai Abraham’s Volunteer of the Year is Shirley Grossman. Actually, she could have claimed this title many years. She is a long-time member of the board of directors, where she serves as secretary, but it’s her “hands on” volunteer work that sets her apart. As house chair, she logs countless hours in the building. Shirley always is beautifying our space in a myriad of ways, from instructing our janitorial staff to polishing our silver. As hospitality chair, she makes sure we always have an oneg, often with her delicious homemade desserts. As if that wasn’t enough, she is now filling in as the cantor’s assistant. Every shul should be lucky enough to have a Shirley Grossman!

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Congregation Beth Shalom

Adam Kolko has been a member of Congregation Beth Shalom for over 20 years. Along with Eydie, Elana and Dalia, they have celebrated baby namings and bat mitzvahs along the way. Adam is extremely proud to represent the Beth Shalom community, a family of young and old that provides inspiration on a daily basis.

Dor Hadash

Undoubtedly, leading a congregation after a mass shooting is a difficult and challenging task. What is less clear, is the challenge of leading a lay-led congregation that is used to deliberation and consensus building at a time of upheaval, when decisions needed to be made swiftly. Ellen Surloff did this with poise, dignity and strong leadership. Ellen has served on the Dor Hadash board for three and a half years and during her early tenure helped us plan our long-term stay in the Tree of Life building. While this plan was upended last October, Ellen’s unwavering commitment, her calm, and her common sense have helped Dor Hadash through major transitions this year, including finding a new home, staff for our services and Hebrew school, and myriad of legal and financial issues. Dor Hadash is stronger for her leadership and grateful for her commitment.

Friendship Circle

Brendan Clancy was an obvious choice when nominating an individual from the Friendship Circle who shows outstanding volunteer work. Brendan, a Friendship Circle member for over 13 years, says “yes” to every opportunity to help out whether it is at programs, around the office, or in his community. He has spent years as a Friendship Fellow, volunteering his time around the Friendship Circle office. He is a vital part of the workplace and is always working hard to help things run more smoothly. Brendan sets up for our programs, helps us stay organized, and

is always willing to be one of our heavy lifters. His energy and excitement make the whole office smile. About once a month, the Friendship Circle will volunteer at the JFCS Food Pantry in Squirrel Hill. Brendan shows up to every session and puts hard work in to make sure food is sorted into bags for people who come to the food pantry. Brendan has also been a long-time participant in I-Volunteer programs with the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.

Hadassah Greater Pittsburgh

Family House is an important Hadassah mitzvah. Amy Shugerman Glasser has been the coordinator for the past seven years. She never realized how this project could change her life and the lives of others that Hadassah cooks for. “To see how the Family House guests and staff are so appreciative and touched by the generosity of our caring Hadassah members, friends and family is rewarding,” said Amy. This project shows the part of Hadassah that she is so proud of and goes along with its logo, “The power of women who do.” Amy says she is blessed with the best team leaders and volunteers who keep giving of themselves to help others. Hadassah is honored to have Amy chairing this meaningful project.

Hebrew Free Loan of Pittsburgh

Laurie Moritz has been a board member at the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Pittsburgh since 2012. In addition to regularly serving on HFL’s loan committees, she serves on the executive committee as secretary/treasurer and participates on the strategic initiatives task force. Laurie has generously volunteered hours of her time to these endeavors as well as assisting staff with organizing HFL’s accounts and funds. Laurie’s commitment to the community extends to the YWCA, where she serves on the investment committee. Professionally, Laurie is a senior administrative officer for BNY Mellon Wealth Management, specializing in the delivery of custody and administrative services to endowments and foundations.

Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh

For the past six years Dayna Greenfield has served as the track and cross country coach for Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh. During that time, she has played an integral role in building our program into one of the premier middle school cross country programs in Western Pennsylvania. Dayna has the unique ability to push our students beyond their comfort limits in a warm and nurturing way. While she expects excellence, she understands that her work at Hillel is far more important than winning races. Dayna teaches our students the value of hard work, teamwork and taking personal responsibility for their actions. These lessons are vital for healthy social and emotional development in young people but sometimes hard to teach in the classroom. Dayna works tirelessly to make sure our students not only compete at the highest levels, but that they grow in these other areas as well. We are truly grateful for all that Dayna has done for our school, and we consider ourselves blessed that she is part of the Hillel Academy family.

Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh

Kris Kepler came to the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh in the week following the Tree of Life massacre in October 2018. Like many Pittsburghers impacted by that day, he wanted to give back in a meaningful way. Since then, Kris has been a valued volunteer with the Holocaust Center. His dedicated, caring spirit and calming presence have been deeply felt and appreciated by our staff, survivors and rest of the community, particularly at our public events where he is often so willing to help. The Holocaust Center is incredibly grateful to Kris for his steadfast service.

Jewish Assistance Fund

Joyce Berman shares her dedication, vision enthusiasm, and time to help the Jewish Assistance Fund. For 16 years, she has filled many roles including serving as a dedicated board member and grantor. Currently she is board vice president and very involved with the organization’s essential work of

providing grants to the Jewish community. Joyce plays a pivotal role in the Jewish Assistance Fund. We count on her to assure that even with a small staff, we can have a big impact in the lives of members of the Pittsburgh Jewish community and their families by providing immediate financial assistance.

Jewish Association on Aging

Karen Friedman adheres to a philosophy that has volunteerism at its core. She has embraced Sivitz Hospice, a service provided by JAA and, for the past three years, has donated countless hours of quality time to dying patients. Karen provides comfort and support to patients, families and loved ones who seek her calming and encouraging demeanor. Despite having no medical background, she is incredibly perceptive to physical and emotional issues, silently looking for changes in condition, for signs of agitation, of fear. Karen neither hesitates to consult with nurses, nor oversteps her bounds, and is always willing to learn.

Jewish Family and Community Services

Dr. Patricia Cluss has been a kind and dedicated volunteer with JFCS – AgeWell Rides, Read & Visits for four and a half years. During that time Pat has volunteered with over 32 older adults, offering them short rides to medical appointments or grocery shopping, brought them library books and spent time making friendly home visits. Each person who comes in contact with Pat describes her as a calm and caring volunteer, who is patient and warm. Those 80+ appointments have also meant that Pat has driven 370 miles — all using her own car to take our seniors where they need to go — helping them to maintain independence, while feeling connected to our community.

Please see Volunteers, page 11

Karen Friedman. A gift to us all.

YASHER KOACH TO

Congratulations, Karen. Volunteer for the Ages. Sivitz Hospice is a better place with you in it. You’ve donated countless hours providing comfort and support to patients, families, and loved ones who seek D FDOPLQJ GHPHDQRU LQ XQEHDUDEO\ GLǌ FXOW WLPHV

LEE FELDMAN

That’s volunteerism. Celebrated.

TEMPLE EMANUEL OF SOUTH HILLS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

10 DECEMBER 6, 2019

jaapgh.org | 412-420-4000

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VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

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Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

Known for his passion and his balance of “big-picture” vision with tactical know-how, Evan Indianer has generously shared his expertise in technology, analysis, business and outreach by serving on at least 20 Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh committees. He co-created Shalom Pittsburgh, a program to welcome newcomers, and made notable strategic contributions to Young Adult Division, Partnership2Gether, Federation marketing and funding and Community Scorecard. Mr. Indianer served four terms on the Federation board of directors. A busy entrepreneur, Mr. Indianer has rolled up his sleeves to serve the Federation and the Jewish community in countless ways.

Jewish Healthcare Foundation

Richard (Dick) Simon, 98 years young, is the longest-serving trustee of the Jewish Healthcare Foundation and Montefiore Hospital, with more than 65 years of combined service between the two organizations. Mr. Simon was present at the creation of the Foundation, and over his years of service, he has guided JHF as a member of its finance and distribution

National Council of Jewish Women

Since 2008, Paula Garret has been an essential part of NCJW Pittsburgh Section. She has served as the president, executive vice president and treasurer (twice); Paula has led the section in the areas of governance and strategic planning. She is also a member of the Center for Women Advisory Council. Paula has also served on the NCJW national board since 2017 and gives her time to many other community organizations. NCJW is lucky to have a leader like Paula Garret. We thank her for going above and beyond in her volunteer capacities. She is truly the embodiment of our values. p Michele Fryncko volunteers at Adat Shalom

committees as well as heading one of its grant assessment teams. Mr. Simon is well known for his leadership, generosity and volunteer work, and he has made a deep and lasting impact on the direction and leadership of the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, including his longstanding passion for the Foundation’s aging agenda.

Jewish Residential Services

Jewish Residential Services is proud to honor Bob Rosenthal as Volunteer of the Year. Thank you, Bob, for the countless hours

Photo courtesy of Adat Shalom

you spent overseeing the construction of our new home. Your generosity, dedication and expertise made this project a great success. We are thankful to have someone like you as a supporter. Whether it be overseeing building a sukkah or a six floor building, your efforts make a true difference in the lives of people with psychiatric and intellectual disabilities in our community.

Repair the World

Adam Livingston is a dedicated volunteer with Repair the World at its Sheridan Avenue Orchard. Adam started volunteering with Repair more than three years ago and he continues to show up, week in and week out, at Repair programming and volunteering. The Sheridan Avenue Orchard grows fruits and vegetables for the East End Cooperative Ministry and is Please see Volunteers, page 13

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a space operated by Jewish values aligned with food justice. Repair is grateful for Adam and his continued dedication.

Temple B’nai Israel

Leonard Young, “Len,” has been a blessed lifeline to our Temple in times of crisis, and he enhances our religious observances. Our Temple building had been flooded numerous times during heavy rain storms, and a section of driveway was in danger of collapse due to erosion

beneath the paved surface. Facing engineering and construction costs in excess of our budget, Len analyzed the problem and discovered a blocked and deteriorated sewer line. He dug up and rebuilt the sewer line and shored up the soil erosion area, thus solving both problems. Len also landscapes the Temple grounds and trims trees and shrubs. All of the above is done without charge, except for materials and equipment rental. Len acts as Hagbah and sounds the shofar, all with magnificence and humility. He also directed this year’s building of our sukkah. Please see Volunteers, page 14

ADAT SHALOM

CONGRATULATES

MICHELE FRYNCKO

p Cheryl Kirshner of Beth El Congregation helping with bingo. Photo courtesy of Beth El Congregation

MAZAL TOV & THANK YOU Rachel Kudrick, our 2019 Volunteer of the Year!

Michele Fryncko is a volunteer par excellence at Adat Shalom, serving in many congregational roles. A member of the Executive Board of Directors since 2015, she coordinated the Contemporary Shabbat service for many years, and is dedicated to the Social Action Committee. Michele ensures that no one goes hungry: She organizes and participates in Backpack for Hunger, the Roots of Faith Community Table, Operation Isaiah, and provides kosher meals to congregants who need them through our Mitzvah Team. She is also our “unofficial” event photographer. Michele’s smiling enthusiasm, energy, compassion and dedication truly embody the spirit of Tikun Olam.

Thank you for making our vegetable garden a success and helping us donate more than 200 00 pounds of produce! prod

5505 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412) 421-9715•www.TempleSinaiPGH.org

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VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

Continued from page 13

p Kara McGoey of Community Day School at a meeting Photo courtesy of Community Day School

p Brendan Clancy of Friendship Circle

Len is truly a pillar of strength for our Temple.

our security policy and constantly drives improved security. He is a fixture at Saturday morning services, attends most Temple events and is always willing to lend a hand anywhere. He recently joined our TOSCEL (pre-school) Leadership team to help supervise the enhancement of our outdoor space. Brian is always there for us!

Temple Emanuel of South Hills

Lee Feldman, a Temple Emanuel member since 1982, has been an active volunteer for years. Most recently, as a member of TERMS (Temple Emanuel Retirees in Mitzvah Service), Lee planned a well-attended Seniors Health Information night, bringing in speakers from several organizations to discuss topics relevant to seniors and caregivers. Lee is now coordinating

$CAMJAM, scheduled for January, which will include experts on topics such as financial and investment scams targeting seniors, as well as a program on Medicare fraud in March. Lee is a member of Temple’s Multifaith Inclusion team and attends Shabbat services regularly with his wife Barbara.

Temple Ohav Shalom

Brian Kline, at-large board director, leads our building, maintenance and security efforts. He spends countless hours making our temple look great and makes us all feel secure. Over the last year, he has taken our monitoring, window security and alarm systems to the next level. He helped rewrite

Temple Sinai

Working from early spring through October, Rachel Kudrick led the implementation of Temple Sinai’s garden committee vision to

Photo courtesy of Friendship Circle

create a vegetable garden that would donate 100% of the harvest to the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. Applying her expertise as a master gardener, Rachel led the efforts to test the soil, design the garden’s physical layout as well as deciding which vegetables to grow based on nutrition, space and yield. She also planted and nurtured the seedlings, from organic and heirloom varieties, that were used in the garden. Rachel helped direct volunteers to weed, water and harvest Please see Volunteers, page 16

Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Year

Alan Hausman Thank you, Alan, for everything you do You are the branch that keeps the Tree growing! Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Congregation

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For her many years of dedication, Beth El Congregation of the South Hills is happy to honor Cheryl Kirshner

Photo: David Bachman

as our Volunteer of the Year.

THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER PITTSBURGH CELEBRATES

EVAN INDIANER 2019 RECIPIENT OF THE

Congregation Beth Shalom honors its member Adam Kolko Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle Volunteer of the Year! Congregation Beth Shalom 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 412.421.2288 • www.bethshalompgh.org

Congratulations

Jerry DeSena

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Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Gerald S. Ostrow Volunteer of the Year Award AND A Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle Volunteer of the Year Thank you, Evan, for: Vision and know-how in technology, analysis, business and engagement Creativity in outreach to young adults Volunteer leadership in economic development for Karmiel-Misgav, through Partnership2Gether Enhanced kesher (personal connections) between Pittsburghers and Israelis, through Partnership2Gether Strategic involvement in community funding Valuable marketing input Four terms on the Federation Board of Directors

JEWISH PITTSBURGH WOULDN’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU.

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VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Continued from page 14

“Having a checkup was routine.

Needing a new kidney wasn’t.” Brenda L., North Versailles

p Volunteer Kris Kepler in action

Photo courtesy of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh

the 484 square foot garden. Among the roughly 200 pounds of harvest delivered to the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry were tomatoes, tomatillos, kale, cucumbers, wax beans, radishes, turnips and carrots. Rachel is already working with the garden committee to make portions of the garden handicapped accessible and to improve on the harvest for next year.

Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha

The day after an annual exam that she’d been putting off, Brenda got an unexpected call from her UPMC primary care physician. Her routine bloodwork showed she was in kidney failure and needed a transplant. “One day I’m ﬁne, the next, I need a transplant,” Brenda said. “I didn’t even feel sick. But I knew I was in the right place. My PCP connected me with the transplant team at UPMC. Together, they talked me through everything. I thought I’d be scared, but I really wasn’t. My sister was tested to be a donor and was a match. Now I’m back at work and back to being myself.”

Alan Hausman serves as a vice president on the congregation’s board of trustees; in the past year he has been the liaison to law enforcement, has headed up efforts related to security, clean up and maintenance of the building site, and coordinated the massive effort required for Tree of Life to hold its High Holiday services at Calvary Church. Alan was part of the original team that sat in a room at the JCC on Oct. 27, 2018 and took hundreds of phone calls, dozens of meetings and supported and attended seven funerals. He has spent thousands of hours on a myriad of synagogue tasks. He always has the congregation first in his thoughts and actions.

Yeshiva Schools

To learn why UPMC should be the ﬁrst choice for all your care, from routine to advanced, visit UPMC.com/Routine.

We are proud to recognize Mrs. Theresa Firtell, mother of four Yeshiva students, as

volunteer of the year. She is founder of Rush Messenger Service, an immediate pick-up and delivery company currently s e r v i c i ng We s t e r n Pennsylvania, family run and operated for over 40 years. Theresa also owns a housekeeping and cleaning service in Squirrel Hill and surrounding areas called Mess Be Gone. Her most recent endeavor, and one she’s most proud of, is Camp Chaya, a Chabad summer camp experience for middle school aged girls. Need a job done? Ask a busy person. For seven years, with enthusiasm and efficiency, Theresa successfully spearheaded Yeshiva Purim Baskets, a significant school fundraiser.

Young People’s Synagogue

In 2019/5779, Ted Stern completed a volunteer tenure of 17 years as Treasurer of Young People’s Synagogue/ Bohnai Yisrael. Through his service and counsel, YPS has met all its operational challenges and is positioned to sustain our kehila in the years to come. We are pleased to use this opportunity to acknowledge Ted as a consummate volunteer for our congregation and the community at large. PJC

p National Council of Jewish Women with Paula Garret Photo courtesy of Paula Garret

16 DECEMBER 6, 2019

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Headlines Scribe: Continued from page 1

Coppleson’s first teacher was a commercial artist who learned Hebrew so he could create logos for synagogues. While working at a Jewish day school teaching Tanakh and Jewish history, Coppleson began writing ketubot (Jewish marriage contracts) for friends and friendsof-friends. In 2001, she decided to bring her passion together with her vocation and begin the process of learning how to write a Torah. More than learning the skill of the scribe, Coppleson faced a challenge in finding anyone to teach her. The Talmud prohibits women from writing a Torah and that view is still held by much of the Orthodox Jewish world. Eventually, a rabbi scribe living in New York agreed to be her teacher. “I would meet with him every couple of weeks. I would practice and I would show him what I had done, and he taught me how to write, how to cut the quill, how to do a lot of the practical things,” she said. As important as that early help was, Coppleson credits a study group that met every Monday night for over two years as the most influential part of her training. “I was in a chavrusa with the first woman to write a whole Sefer Torah,” Coppleson recalled. “We studied sections from Talmud and Keset HaSofer, which means ‘The Inkwell of the Scribe.’” While Coppleson was unable to take the

p Soferet Linda Coppleson examines the Torah scroll recently started at Temple Sinai. Photo by David Rullo

exam normally given to men before they begin writing Torahs as a trade, the soferet eventually felt ready. “At some point you say to yourself, ‘I think I can do this now.’” In 2010, Coppleson was one of six female scribes that completed a Torah scroll for a Reconstructionist congregation in Seattle, Washington, writing close to 20 of the 62 pages. “After that, I was contacted by a synagogue in Park Slope and that was my first solo commission.” She has also completed Torahs for the Conservative Jewish day school where she worked, as well as for synagogues in Chicago, California and New Orleans.

Despite appearing to be in line with current trends, Coppleson doesn’t view her work as an overt feminist statement. “I grew up in Rabbi Joachim Prinz’s synagogue. He marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and (Rabbi Abraham Joshua) Heschel,” she said. “He was very liberal in terms of religious practice. The idea of being close to the Torah and not being on the bimah because I was a girl never entered my mind.” Although egalitarianism is important to Coppleson, she is quick to point out that this was “something I wanted to do for myself. It wasn’t for a movement.” Coppleson visited Pittsburgh on Nov. 22 and 23. Participants in the project were

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able to hold her wrist as she scribed the first portion of the temple’s Torah. Writing a Torah is a mitzvah in Jewish tradition. Barkley wanted to allow the entire community to participate in that mitzvah, whether they were Jewish, part of an interfaith family or simply felt connected emotionally to Gibson. Gibson explained that since Coppleson is writing the Torah and participants are touching her wrists, “we can welcome anyone. Everyone can participate equally.” The Torah will be completed sometime next December and Coppleson plans to return to the city several times throughout the year, allowing for additional opportunities for those wishing to participate in the writing of the scroll. “I was so excited to have our congregational family come together to embark on this journey into the Torah,” Gibson said. “Just seeing the ‘bet’ of ‘B’reishit’ written on the parchment was thrilling, knowing we are renewing our Jewish commitment in our source and making it come alive for the generations to come.” The commission of Temple Sinai’s new Torah is just one element of an entire year celebrating Gibson’s legacy. Other activities include an artist-in-residence weekend in March with Dan Nichols, a performance by the band Nefesh Mountain in May and a Friday night Shabbat featuring URJ President and CEO Rick Jacobs on April 3. Gibson’s last Shabbat as senior rabbi will be on June 19 and 20, 2020. PJC David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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DECEMBER 6, 2019 17

Opinion House bill to aid survivors — EDITORIAL —

survivors from qualifying for benefits is that they don’t have appropriate, supportive documentation of their claims. That argument, of course, ignores the fact that Jews who were rounded up in their homes, transported by cattle car and in forced marches, and who survived death camps or escaped to the forests were unlikely to have kept their insurance papers in order. “Of course we have no documents,” one survivor said. “For obvious reasons.” The new legislation recognizes those ‘obvious reasons’ and challenges the insurance

companies’ unreasonable documentation demands. “Victims of the Holocaust and their families should be compensated for unpaid policies that were specifically set aside for times of trouble — not to enhance the profit margins for the insurance companies,” Wasserman Schultz said. “This legislation would provide the critically important financial support to these victims who were forced to endure the worst that humanity has inflicted on a people.” We applaud this bipartisan action. The legislation is another step by a Congress that reflects sensitivity to the precarious

plight of Holocaust survivors, and follows Congressional action in 2016 that launched a five-year $12 million government initiative to provide support for needy survivors. Those funds, channeled through Jewish Federations of North America, marked the first time that the U.S. government allocated social service funds specifically for Holocaust survivors, and has been very successful. The new effort to enable survivors to unlock the vaults of insurance companies for covered losses is a positive step. We urge passage of the legislation. PJC

Should Facebook be regulated? Guest Columnists Oren Dobzinski Anat Talmy

couple of weeks ago, Sacha Baron Cohen, a great actor and comedian, accepted the International Leadership Award at the Anti-DefamationLeague summit on anti-Semitism and hate. In his acceptance speech, Cohen called Facebook “a propaganda machine” and pointed out several other internet companies that disseminate hate speech, causing lies to spread quickly to millions of users. While Cohen mentioned a few despicable ideologies, including anti-Semitism, that are amplified over social media, and while we do appreciate his wish to fight those, his proposed solution — “it’s time for regulation and legislation to curb the greed of these high-tech robber barons” — is both inferior to other approaches and most likely unconstitutional as well. Cohen is not alone in his finger-pointing at Facebook for spreading misinformation

18 DECEMBER 6, 2019

and proposing regulation. In the last two years, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has appeared multiple times before Congress and was grilled on Facebook’s track record on civil rights and handling of privacy, hate speech and misinformation. Several Democratic presidential candidates even proposed breaking up Facebook. Censorship is a slippery slope and may lead to the banning of content that has nothing to do with prejudice or hate speech. From 1933 to the outbreak of World War II, Winston Churchill was not allowed to speak on the BBC and warn his countrymen of Hitler’s Germany because this opinion was considered too controversial. This had catastrophic consequences. Freedom of speech as defined in the First Amendment was not meant to protect popular opinions. It was meant to defend fringe ideas and opinions that may sound objectionable to some people or perhaps to most people. An example of the extent to which hate speech is protected is the case of Brandenburg v. Ohio in 1969, in which the court declared that even inflammatory speech, such as racist language by a leader of the Ku Klux Klan, should generally be protected unless it is likely to cause imminent violence. Similarly,

anti-Semitism and hate speech, in general, are protected under the First Amendment and the government cannot censor them on Facebook or elsewhere. A social network such as Facebook is just one example of an outlet that can be used to disseminate disinformation. Other examples are TV and radio stations. But the Federal Communications Commission, a government body that regulates TV and radio, is “barred by law from trying to prevent the broadcast of any point of view” and from “censoring broadcast material, in most cases, and from making any regulation that would interfere with freedom of speech.” The same protections extend to Facebook. However, Facebook should be free to decide what speech it allows and what it does not. Similar to some social networks, movies also reach millions of people, yet the government is not allowed to regulate their content. Self-regulation has been working great in the case of movies, where the Motion Picture Association of America — a non-governmental body — self-regulates movies and rates them for different audiences. Even if it was constitutional, letting a government body regulate Facebook’s content would be necessarily “one size fits all” and inflexible, where the subject matter

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is inherently subtle and subjective. Currently, people that find some content offensive and are unhappy with the way Facebook handles it can opt out of that platform and use a different platform. Others may opt out if they think Facebook is doing too much to limit content. In contrast, legislation would impose the same limit on all platforms and will have to draw the line somewhere, which might be too permissive for some or too lenient for others, and opting out of one platform won’t help because the same limits would be applied to all of them. Sacha Baron Cohen is right that the speed with which lies are spreading on social media is scary. However, the best way to fight lies, hate speech and prejudice is not by banning it but by arguing against it. Cohen’s paternalistic assumption hides his wish to ban speech he doesn’t like because he assumes people cannot think for themselves and that a government body should tell them what opinions are right and what opinions are wrong. Eventually, the responsibility is on us to distinguish lies from truth and to reject hatred and conspiracy theories, regardless of the platform. PJC Oren Dobzinski and Anat Talmy are software engineers who live in Pittsburgh.

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Photo by Andreas Haas/iStockphoto.com

he Holocaust not only took the lives of millions of Jews, it also took their assets. More than 70 years after the defeat of Nazi Germany, many survivors have still not recovered what they are owed under their families’ insurance policies that covered property, accounts and tangibles which were stolen from them — totaling perhaps as much as $25 billion of unpaid claims, including interest. Last week, legislation with bipartisan support was introduced in the House of Representatives to allow Holocaust-era insurance beneficiaries to sue in federal courts to recover their unclaimed payments. The legislation, which also has a companion bill in the Senate, would remove time and other bars to the pursuit of those claims and would enable surviving families to seek recovery of the insurance benefits that international insurance companies have kept for themselves since World War II. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), a co-sponsor of the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2019, said that “97 percent of the approximately 800,000 policies held in 1938 have yet to be honored.” “Preventing Holocaust survivors and their families from collecting on documented policies is truly outrageous and cruel,” she said. “But allowing these global insurance corporations to hold on to this unjust enrichment is an offensive revictimization that cannot be allowed to stand.” The insurance companies say they aren’t avoiding payment of legitimate claims. Instead, they say that what is keeping

Opinion Bloomberg or Bernie: Which Jewish candidate do American Jews want? Guest Columnist Ami Eden

irst Bernie Sanders. Now Michael Bloomberg. This cycle’s Democratic primary is shaping up to be the all-time greatest troll of white nationalist Twitter — a battle royale featuring both a Jewish socialist from Brooklyn and a Jewish billionaire who made his fortune catering to Wall Street. Talk about trope bait! It’s not necessarily just the anti-Semites who will be triggered. The fight between Uncle Bernie and Mayor Mike has the potential to tap into a century’s worth of Jewish dinner table political arguments and set off a vigorous debate over the past, present and future of American Jews and their politics. Since President Franklin D. Roosevelt, American Jews have been voting for Democratic presidential candidates, almost always by overwhelming margins — hence sociographer Milton Himmelfarb’s famous quip that American Jews “earn like Episcopalians and vote like Puerto Ricans.” His point was that even as they grew more affluent during the post-World War II era, the overwhelming majority of American Jews stayed true to their outsider roots by

casting their ballots for liberal candidates. But the story is a bit more complicated. In 1880, there were only 250,000 Jews in America, most of them of German and Portuguese origin and fairly well established. By 1920, thanks to decades of immigration, the total had spiked to 4 million, with five out of six American Jews hailing from Eastern Europe. Many of these new Jewish immigrants arrived with next to nothing. Back then the Jewish street wasn’t Democrat. It was decidedly socialist. Take 1920, the last time a Democratic nominee failed to win the Jewish vote. That year the Republican, Warren G. Harding, not only recorded a landslide victory, but according to the book “Jews in American Politics,” is believed to have won 43% of the Jewish vote. Only about 20% of Jews voted for the Democrat, James Cox. The real Jewish story that election year was Eugene V. Debs, the Socialist candidate for president (and Sanders’ hero). Debs did 13 times better with Jews than with the rest of the electorate, finishing a close second in the Jewish vote with 39% — compared to just 3% of the overall vote. Jewish politics changed, however, as the Jews escaped the sweatshops of the Lower East Side and eventually settled into the American Dream. While most of them remained on the left side of the political spectrum, they traded in their socialism for

a different brand of liberalism. Which brings us to Bloomberg, who in many ways embodies this political shift. The former New York mayor is an outspoken social liberal who supports a strong safety net and public education system — but is also an enthusiastic defender of capitalism and free trade. Worker rights were paramount for Jews who voted for Debs. Bloomberg’s liberalism — like the liberalism of many contemporary American Jews — is more animated by social issues. Bloomberg, for example, defends Wall Street while waging war against the gun industry. In contrast, Sanders has sought compromise with gun advocates but is uncompromising in his attacks on the financial sector and its billionaires. Until relatively recently, it was safe to say that Sanders was the relic, a reminder of where Jews once were politically. Bloomberg told us about where they were today. After all, Bloomberg received high levels of support from the Jewish community during much of his time as mayor of New York. Sanders, on the other hand, trailed Hillary Clinton in Jewish support in 2016. This time around, Sanders is working hard to fuse his old-school it’s-economic justicestupid message with a more hearty embrace of intersectionality and identity politics. Not surprisingly, his criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyau are sharpening

and he’s promising to use U.S. aid to pressure Israel into achieving a two-state solution. In past years this tack, along with Sanders’ corresponding embrace of prominent Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions supporters, would have sunk the Vermont senator among the majority of Jewish voters, especially with a familiar proIsrael Democrat like Joe Biden in the race. But with anti-Trump passions raging and many Democratic presidential candidates stampeding to the left, it’s unclear if the old rules still apply. Bloomberg is positioning himself as the candidate best suited to grab the steering wheel from President Trump and get America back on track. Sanders’ message is that America had been broken for a very long time; Trump just made things worse. Bloomberg promises a restoration; Sanders wants a revolution. Which vision of the future do America’s Jews see themselves in? PJC Ami Eden is the CEO and executive editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency’s parent company, 70 Faces Media. He served previously as JTA’s CEO and editor-in-chief. Before joining JTA in the summer of 2007, he served as executive editor of the Forward and founding editor of the Forward’s website. He also worked as an editor of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia.

Interfaith families not a problem

— LETTERS — Consider other perspectives on Poland

Allow me to thank you for Ben Cohen’s fairly balanced op-ed “Truth is not selective: Poland vs. Netlix.” The only reservation I have about Mr. Cohen’s article is his information regarding the Institute of National Remembrance bill from 2017. The law was unclear in some details and was changed just a couple of months after it was established. I would also like to refer to the last section of Mr. Cohen’s article and the letter to the editor signed by Dotty Weisberg published on Nov. 22. We understand the extremely painful memories associated with 20th century history by the Jewish people, but we humbly ask that you consider other perspectives as well. The death camps were established by Nazi Germany in the territory of conquered and occupied Poland because our country was home to the largest Jewish community before the war in Europe, incomparable to any other European country. For this reason also, it was Poles who most often helped Jews during the war, evidenced in the Yad Vashem memorial in Israel, where nearly 7,000 trees were planted to honor Poles who risked their lives during the Holocaust to save Jews from extermination by the Nazis. Unfortunately, there were also many cases of Poles betraying Jews during the Holocaust. However, we do not agree with the accusation that Poland is responsible for the Holocaust. The idea of the Holocaust and its death apparatus were not invented nor carried out by Poles. Anti-Semitism before the war was not unique to Poland and it is not unique today. But in today’s Poland, there are no cases of physical aggression against Jews. In my country synagogues are not specially protected by the police and they are not burned to the ground.

As someone in an interfaith family, I eagerly read “Interfaith families study points way to increased engagement.” I appreciate that the Federation commissioned the study and is interested in the issue. But I would argue that the article misses one of the main reasons why Pittsburgh and the Jewish community nationally struggles with interfaith engagement: the framing of the issue as the “interfaith marriage problem.” I am not a problem. My marriage and my family are not a problem. I am very active in Beth Samuel Jewish Center near Sewickley. I am on the board and serve on several committees. Both of my children are raised as Jews. I know there are things BSJC could do to better support our interfaith families, but just knowing that a large portion of the congregation is interfaith, that it recognizes patrilinial descent, and that non-Jewish members can vote and serve on committees was immediately welcoming. One of the biggest turnoffs for being actively involved in the Jewish community for many interfaith families is the way we are judged, talked about, treated and approached — from refusal to marry us or consider our children Jewish to being excluded from participation or leadership roles. The end goal should not be to make us more Orthodox or to make sure our children marry someone Jewish. I want me and my non-Jewish spouse to both feel welcome and supported, to feel excited to be part of the Jewish community and to pass that pride on to our children. Engaging interfaith families is a challenge ... and an opportunity. Interfaith families have been a vital part of the Jewish nation since Moses and Tziporah/Jethro and Naomi and Ruth. Approaching today’s interfaith families as a vibrant and positive part of the community (as opposed to a problem that threatens the future of the Jewish people) is the first step in engaging interfaith families.

Robert Szaniawski Minister-Counselor, Spokesperson Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C.

Letter is disgusting

The letter “Polish government whitewash” (Nov. 22) transfers responsibility for the Holocaust from Germany and its allies to occupied Poland. I find the letter disgusting. You censor any critics. Shame on you. Jerzy Pankiewicz Wroclaw, Poland

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DECEMBER 6, 2019 19

Life & Culture Pittsburgh native brings ‘Dear Zoe’ to film — FILM — By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

ots of people love movies, but Pittsburgh native Marc Lhormer has taken that love to the next level. Not only has the Shady Side Academy alum and his wife, Brenda, been at the helm of both the Sonoma International Film Festival and the Napa Valley Film Festival, but the couple now has embarked on producing their second feature length film, the Pittsburgh-set “Dear Zoe.” The movie is based on the 2004 young adult novel “Dear Zoe,” penned by Aspinwall’s Philip Beard, and is about a teenage girl, Tess, coping with the death of her three-year-old sister, Zoe, in a tragic accident. The screenplay was co-written by Carnegie Mellon University screenwriting instructor Melissa Martin and Lhormer. Lhormer, son of the late Arleen and Barry Lhormer, grew up “enmeshed in the Jewish community” in Pittsburgh, and fondly recalls celebrating his bar mitzvah at Rodef Shalom. Now, a longtime California resident, he still maintains ties with his hometown. He was happy to be back in Pittsburgh most recently from late August until Thanksgiving for the filming of “Dear Zoe.” The movie was shot in Squirrel Hill — which stood in for an upscale neighborhood not specifically identified in the book — Braddock, and at Kennywood. While Lhormer did not plan to be a filmmaker at the outset of his career — he started out as an event producer — after spending years running the film festival in Sonoma, he “got the bug to make a movie.” “I was excited about the power of film to bring people together around a common story,” he said. In 2008, the Lhormers produced their first feature, “Bottle Shock,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. That movie, which was based on the true story of California wines beating those produced in France at the “Judgment of Paris” tasting in 1976, starred Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman, and a then unknown Chris Pine.

p Marc Lhormer, right, with actor Theo Rossi, during the filming of “Dear Zoe” in Pittsburgh. Lhormer’s father, Barry, was the founder of Busy Beaver, hence the apron. Photo provided by Marc Lhormer

“Bottle Shock” caught the attention of Beard, who was seeking a producer to turn his book into a film. Carl Kurlander, a Pittsburghbased screenwriter and television writer and producer, and a mutual friend of Beard’s and the Lhormers’, made the connection and sent the book off to his friends in California. “We loved it,” Lhormer said. He and Brenda then met with Beard shortly thereafter when they were in town for Thanksgiving in 2008. That was 11 years ago, which even by Hollywood standards is a long time to finally get around to making a movie. Although the Lhormers were smitten with the book, their responsibilities running the Napa Valley Film Festival demanded most of their attention. So it was not until last year, when they retired from running the festival, that they had the time to begin putting “Dear Zoe” on film. The project was appealing to Lhormer, who

looks for “positive stories, even if bad things happen in those stories,” he said. The themes in “Dear Zoe” “reflect the best of humanity, but the story is dealing with tough stuff.” The book is a letter from Tess to Zoe, “written, in my mind, as the first anniversary of 9/11 is approaching,” Lhormer said. “Tess is beginning the process of healing, a process that she had been fighting. Tess tells Zoe about the year she’s been through.” In the film, “we show what she writes,” he said. For Lhormer, filming in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Murdoch Farms was inspiring. “I felt so strongly the values of Fred Rogers in this story,” he said. “Caring for children and being good neighbors.” The Lhormers, whose film company is called Zin Haze Productions, filmed in Pittsburgh from Oct.15-Nov. 23, but were

here for several weeks prior to that to prepare, using a largely Pittsburgh-based crew. The production company “took great care to really showcase Pittsburgh,” Lhormer said. After 10 years of development, seven weeks of ground prep, six weeks of filming, followed by several weeks of post-production work, Lhormer anticipates the film being ready in May. His company — which is independent — now is in conversations with potential distributors. “I’m passionate about the story,” Lhormer said. “I think it’s going to bring a lot of healing to so many people.” The film stars Sadie Sink, a breakout star from the Netflix series “Stranger Things.” This is her first feature film. It is directed by Gren Wells of “The Road Within.” PJC Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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Torah

Bar Mitzvah

Brotherhood of a different kind

Ezra London Rothschild is the son of Sara London and Adam Rothschild. He is the brother of Lena and the grandson of Elaine and Alan London, and Renee and Leonard Rothschild. Ezra is a seventh grader at Community Day School. He is a freestyle BMX biker who also enjoys skiing, mountain biking and his French bulldog, Brie. Ezra participates in Repair the World’s PeerCorps program. Ezra will celebrate becoming a bar mitzvah at Shaare Torah Congregation on Dec. 7, 2019.

Birth

Michael and Cait Ulicny of Pittsburgh announce the birth of their son, Michael Benjamin Ulicny Jr. on July 9, 2019. Paternal grandparents are Michael and Kathy (Kramer) Ulicny of North Huntingdon. Maternal grandparents are Lynn Lawrence of Greensburg and David Thayer, also of Greensburg. Great-maternal grandparents are Herschel and Joan Benjamin and paternal great-grandmother is Diane Thayer, all of Greensburg. PJC

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Rabbi Zalman Gurevitz Parshat Vayeitei Genesis 28:10-32:3

was privileged to grow up in a family with 12 siblings. While sharing limited living space with that many people can be challenging at times, it is truly a blessing to know that there are 12 people out there who will have my back no matter what. In this week’s Torah portion, we read about a different type of brotherhood: Jacob and Esau. They were a set of nonidentical twins. Not only were they completely different and did not get along at all, the rivalry reached its peak this week after Jacob received his father’s blessings — Esau was planning on killing his only brother! Rebbeka, their mother, was informed of Esau’s plan and instructed Jacob to flee the Holy Land of Israel to Charan where her brother Laban lived. Jacob spent 36 years on the run and never got to see his beloved mother again. Just imagine the feeling of having to run for your life — and your only brother is the one chasing you. You would think Jacob would be totally crushed and not have the strength to do anything other than what was necessary for surviving. But the Torah tells us a different story. This week’s Torah portion begins with the word “vayeitzei” (“and Jacob left”) — words that don’t seem necessary. After all, if he went to Charan, he must have left his home town of Beersheba. One of the lessons we learn from these seemingly extra words is that Jacob knew everything had a purpose. He knew that everything is by divine providence and therefore he was able to find meaning in every situation no matter how undesirable it was. So leaving Beersheba was a meaningful experience and part of his life’s mission. In other words, the fact that the Almighty put him through such a challenging experience must have meant that there was something great to achieve to make it worth it. The lesson is clear: Whatever situation you may find yourself struggling in, may it be financially, emotionally or physically, understand that you are there because G-d gave you the strength to come out victorious. As with Jacob, when he fled Israel, he was a single man in his 50s. He returned 36 years

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back to civilization, though they were not going to his hometown. It took over two years for him to get back home. On his next visit to the Baal Shem Tov, he asked for help understanding why G-d wanted him to waste more than a year of his life doing nothing. The Baal Shem Tov — who always emphasized divine providence — explained: “Every soul has a mission in this world. Your mission includes the place, time and people you interact with throughout your life. Your soul was destined to elevate that island. By spending those few months there and serving G-d, you elevated that place and that might have been the most meaningful part of your entire life.” PJC Rabbi Zalman Gurevitz is the rabbi at the Rohr Chabad Jewish Center in Morgantown, West Virginia. This column is a service of the Vaad Harabaim of Greater Pittsburgh.

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later with 13 children! Instead of viewing a challenge as a road block, see it as a ladder that G-d is giving you to reach heights you have never thought were possible. There is a story told about one of the Baal Shem Tov’s students. He was traveling on a ship when a storm broke out and the ship capsized. The man grabbed onto a large piece of floating wood and was miraculously saved and reached a deserted island. Thanking G-d that his life was saved, he began figuring out how to survive alone on this island. Days and months passed, and finally a group of merchants stopped at the island and they agreed to let him join them in the journey

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Headlines Scouts: Continued from page 1

purpose has remained the same, though slight tweaks are not uncommon. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hike, which occurred roughly one month after the attack at the Tree of Life building, necessitated a reminder of American values, explained Kreimer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We started giving people a pocket-sized copy of the Constitution, and we put the First Amendment on the front of the booklet because one of the things that Scouts tries to do is instill values in youth,â&#x20AC;? he said. As spelled out in materials provided to participants, the protections afforded by the free exercise of religion, the freedom of speech and the right of people to peaceably assemble, speak to the heart of the hike. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for the First Amendment, we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do the Ten Commandment hike,â&#x20AC;? said Kreimer. Susan Loether, of Allison Park, has been involved in the hike for about 10 years. The daylong program fosters knowledge among hikers, she explained. This year, while hundreds sat in Rodef Shalom Congregationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sanctuary, Loether, former education director at Rodef Shalom Congregation and Temple Ohav Shalom, shared insights on the weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Torah reading. Loether waxed on the relationship between Jacob and Esau, and remarked that the same story is read on the same day in synagogues throughout the world.

p CW Kreimer holds a Torah at Rodef Shalom Congregation.

Photo courtesy of CW Kreimer

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My passion is truly education,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been a Jewish educator for more than 40 years so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always happy to see people who are like little sponges who want to soak up all my knowledge.â&#x20AC;? Father Christopher Bender was among those at Rodef Shalom Congregation. Bender, dean of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, has also participated in the hike for years, and described this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program as particularly noteworthy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This time, CW invited all of us clergy to join him and leadership at Rodef Shalom to help unroll the scroll of the Torah, which of course is where you find the Ten

Commandments, which we did,â&#x20AC;? said Bender. Discussion pertaining to those biblical portions, and to the history of Rodef Shalomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building, fostered camaraderie, Bender explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the things that most impressed me was the continuity that I felt between what we were being told and our own tradition, in terms of how we understand our role in the world and the importance of being faithful to God,â&#x20AC;? said Bender. After departing Rodef Shalom Congregation, the group visited Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church; St. Paul Cathedral; First Church of Christ, Scientist;

and Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, before heading to Heinz Chapel, where representatives from the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center, Hindu Jain Temple and Zoroastrian Association of Pennsylvania spoke. From Heinz Chapel, the group headed north to First Baptist Church before finishing at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I felt that there was such respect shown, I thought it was a fantastic day,â&#x20AC;? said Bender. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The children really got education, both in the Ten Commandments but also in the importance of religious freedom in our Constitution, which I think today is threatened to some degree because of ignorance and fear, especially for those faiths that are not majority faiths.â&#x20AC;? Loether hopes others will join in subsequent years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving. It would be a great learning tool for anybody whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interested,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open to the entire community, not just Scouters and not just kids, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tremendous way to do outreach.â&#x20AC;? Though the 14th hike just finished, Kreimer, 59, is already looking ahead to the 2020 tour. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had a heart attack when I was 45, right before I started to do this,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way to give back. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way to build bridges. The more people that we have, the more bridges we build.â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201A; PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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THIS WEEKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S YAHRZEITS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sunday December 8: Leo L. Americus, Fannie Bowytz, Karen Kaplan Drerup, Irving Gibbons, Clara Helfand, Eva Herron, Jennie W. Mogilowitz, Jack Myers, Louis Sadowsky, David Louis Smith, Martha Spokane, Samuel Srulson, Dena Stein, B. William Steinberger, Sylvia E. Swartz, Sari R. Talenfeld, Betsy Mark Volkin, David A. Weiss, Ida C. Wise, Anna Zacks Monday December 9: Nettie R. Broudy, Pescha Davidson, Israel Levine, Max Mallinger, May Schachter, Ben E. Sherman, Louis Thomashefsky, Charles Wedner Tuesday December 10: Dr. Solomon Abramson, Max Adler, Saul Cohen, Ethel Simon Cooper, Marcella Dreifuss, Nathan Fireman, Ruth Hirsch, Isador Katz, Bessie Levine, Lena Riemer, Sara Berkowitz Rozman, Etta M. Sigal, Sophie Patz Strauss Wednesday December 11: David Ackerman, Alan Adler, Bertha Lillian Berliner, Simon Blatt, Morris Braun, David Breman, Sarah Cramer, Rebecca A. F. Finkelhor, Gussie Finkelstein, Jacob Firestone, Sol Z. Heller, Rebecca Hoffman, Hyman Kalovsky, Ithamar Lando, Frances Elling Levine, Morris Levine, Tema Lewinter, Sam Makler, Benjamin Mitchel, Esther Bluestone Morrow, Jacob Offstein, Elly Mars Goldstein Resnik, Sam Sacks, Silas J. Simensky, Ethel Solomon, Jack Talenfeld, Dr. Louis Weiss, Bessie Zakowitz, Samuel Zaremberg Thursday December 12: Max Blatt, David H. Fischman, Walter Frank, Fern Halpern Kaye, Lawrence L. Lifshey, Marian Malt, Edward C. Meyer, Sam Salkovitz, Harry B. Saltman, Harry Soltz, Abe Stolovitz, Samuel Tufshinsky, Jacob Winer Friday December 13: Eleanor Bergstein, Thomas Berlinsky, Maurice A. Berman, Sybil Young Cherington, Henrietta Chotiner, Bessie C. Cohen, Hyman Cohen, Gertrude Dugan, Joseph O. Goleman, Helen Gusky, Meyer Leff, Leona Mandel, William Nathan, Hyman Parker, Samuel Silverman, Anna R. Weil Saturday December 14: Flora Breverman, Harry A. Cohen, Lillian Cohen, Sol M. Cohen, Morris D. Golden, Myron (Bunny) Klein, Edward Lamden, Pvt. Joseph Mandel, Louis J. Rubenstein, Fannie Solomon, Edward E. Strauss, Blanche Strauss Zionts

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Obituaries BALK: David Balk accomplished a great deal throughout his 91 years. He became a star athlete, a soldier, a business owner, an expert stockbroker, an amateur philosopher, a father and doting grandfather. But his greatest accomplishment, he would say, was his ability to live a life of gratitude. “He was grateful for every day,” his younger son Harold Balk (Ingrid) said. “He was thankful for his family and his station in life. However, he was just as appreciative for the simple things in life like the changing of seasons or the smile shown from a caregiver.” David was raised in the small mining village of Coverdale (now Bethel Park), where his parents owned and operated a small general store during the Depression. Being the oldest and a natural leader, David helped nurture and mold his four younger brothers and one sister. When he was 11, the family moved to Squirrel Hill where his father opened a workman’s uniform store in uptown (located where PPG Paints Arena now stands). A gifted athlete, David excelled in basketball, track and baseball. At age 15 he was awarded the prestigious Kiwanis Club Sports Award for the best overall athlete. He also set the pole vault record at Taylor Allderdice, which held for over 35 years. Upon graduation, and with WWII combat still broiling, David, against his mother’s wishes, and forgoing a promising baseball career, joined the Army. Fortunately, peace was declared once he completed boot camp and was shipped off to guard Emperor Hirohito in his Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan. Although his mother was appreciative of David sending his military pay home to help the family, she was more grateful when he returned home and enrolled at Pitt with the aid of the G.I. bill. After earning a bachelor’s in physical education, David worked as a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. Upon graduation from Pitt he was introduced to Rosalyn Hirsh, a friend of his brother Leizer. Their whirlwind romance resulted in marriage soon thereafter. David and his new bride moved to Latrobe, PA, where they planned to open a women’s dress shop (The Hollywood Shop) with the help of Roz’s uncle. Due to the uncle’s sudden illness, David was left opening the store by himself. With little retail and business experience, not knowing the difference between a girdle and a goiter, David at first struggled. Fortunately, being a fast learner and with the help of his wife, David soon got the hang of running the operation. Within a few years, he was successful enough to open a children’s store as well as another Hollywood Shop in Connellsville, PA. In the early 1970s David foresaw the bleak future of retail for the small-town merchant. He closed the Latrobe store, sold the Connellsville store and went back to school to become a stockbroker. It was slow going when David first started with Parker and Hunter (acquired by Janney

Montgomery Scott in 2005) with Stagflation and the oil crisis, but due to his stellar reputation, honesty and work ethic, he slowly built a loyal client base. David worked well into his 80s, interminably researching new investment vehicles and companies developing the latest technologies. David may not have fully comprehended IP protocol, but he gained enough insight to steer his clients toward companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Cisco during their nascent years. The family remained in Latrobe into the late 1980s where David would make the daily two-hour trek to Pittsburgh and back. In his 30-plus years living in Latrobe, David was a very active member of Beth Israel Synagogue where he served in almost every capacity, ensuring the survival of the small congregation. David was also a member of the Elks and the Lions clubs and was active in the Latrobe Chamber of Commerce. After his three children left for college, the couple moved from Latrobe to Wilkins Township where David could walk to his brokerage firm. His charmed life was filled with work, which, at this stage, was more of an exciting hobby, and spoiling on his four grandchildren. David and his wife then moved to Concordia of the South Hills in 2017. “My dad was a man of faith. Faith in not only a higher entity, but in human kindness and the innovative spirit,” Balk continued. “He marveled at, and invested in, the newest technologies. He, in fact, built the first all-electric home in the 1950s in Latrobe.” “My father was a role model extraordinaire,” said his daughter Ellen Balk of Atlanta, Georgia. “He was subtle with his lessons, but always reliably guiding us to make the most moral and courageous of decisions.” In his late 40s, David survived a bout with colon cancer. He attributed his survival to God shining a benevolent light in his direction. From that point on he not only became more pious, but he approached every day with enormous gratitude. He studied the great rabbinic minds and ruminated on poignant philosophical and ethical questions each day. “He became quite the philosopher in his later years,” said his wife of 65 years, Rosalyn. “He meted out wise and thoughtful advice not to just our family, but to anyone, even the care givers in his final months. I think he believed it was his inherent duty to pass on learned wisdom and elevate conversations, even the everyday humdrum conversations, into something meaningful.” David is survived by his son M. Brian Balk (Carol) as well as his two surviving brothers Sam Balk (Hanna) and Dr. Phillip Balk (Bette) and sister Reva Cohen (Henry ‘z). David was blessed with four granddaughters, Dalya Balk, Ellie Balk, Macey Balk and Jessica Balk. David was also blessed with 20 nieces and nephews and many friends that will truly miss his generosity and kindness. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Mount Lebanon Cemetery/ Beth El Section. Contributions may be made to Jewish Family and Community Services, 5743 Bartlett St., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. schugar.com

LAZARUS: Helen Klein Lazarus, age 94, on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, devoted wife and best friend of her husband of 42 years Darrell “Buddy” Lazarus, who died in 2017. Loving mother of Dr. Cathy (Dr. Thomas) Tyma and Dr. Patti Soffer (Bob Cannon) and stepmother to Lynn Lazarus Shapiro. Proud grandmother of Meredith Tyma (David) Stevenson, Alexander Tyma and Ryan Shapiro. She was the youngest daughter of the late Saul and Matilda Klein, also predeceased by her sisters Rosella (late Albert) Bernstein and Evelyn (late Norman) Applbaum, and her brothers-in-law Arnold (late Belle) Lazarus and Norman (late Sivia) Lazarus. She attended the University of Pittsburgh and was a successful licensed real estate agent for U.S. Realty. She had a passion for the arts, took dancing lessons from Gene Kelly, sang on Saturday morning radio shows as a child, was a mezzo-soprano as a teenager appearing as Hansel in a Carnegie Music Hall Production of “Hansel and Gretel,” and actively performed in a singing duo at local events while raising her children. She was a woman of great beauty inside and out, who was always so kind to all of those around her. She will be greatly missed and remembered with love by her family, friends, and caregivers. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery. Her family suggests memorial contributions to the Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh or a charity of your choice, and to perform an act of kindness in Helen’s name. schugar.com ZITTRAIN: Ruth A. Zittrain, age 82, on Nov. 26, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Lester E. Zittrain, over-themoon proud mother of Laurie Zittrain Eisenberg (Michael Eisenberg), Jeffrey Zittrain and Jonathan Zittrain (Laura), and exuberant grammy of Rebecca Eisenberg (Jimmy Mayers), Hannah Eisenberg, Benjamin Eisenberg and little Ise. Daughter of the late Abe R. and Belle Cohen, sister of Bobby Cohen (Susie). A Squirrel Hill girl at heart and happy graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School and Smith College, Ruth enjoyed lifelong friendships with dear friends she met and kept along the way. She had boundless energy, infinite optimism and an innate drive to do, accomplish, achieve, help and lead. At age 40, Ruth entered law school at the University of Pittsburgh and graduated fifth in her class. Her study group often convened at her Churchill home, where they enjoyed discussing interesting cases with “Ruth” and “Mr. Zittrain.” She was a gifted wordsmith and wrote long humorous poems for friends’ birthdays as easily as she composed legal

briefs; her article on no-fault auto insurance appeared in the Pitt Law Review her final year of law school. She and Les practiced as Zittrain and Zittrain, her daring feistiness a complement to his conservative meticulousness. They were, as they inscribed on a brick outside the Zittrain Gardens they gifted to Tree of Life Congregation, “partners in life, love and law.” She was an outstanding trial attorney who went to bat for people who had been injured or neglected. She wrote her briefs the way she wrote her college term papers: scribbled in longhand up to the last minute, up all night, with stellar results. She wore bright colored powersuits to court and made mincemeat of male colleagues who got in her way. She was a vocal feminist, a ferocious champion of women and the elderly — and a proud lifelong Democrat. Ruth excelled at everything she set her mind to and frequently took leadership positions in organizations, among them the Girl Scouts, Women’s American ORT, Tree of Life and the Allegheny County Bar Association. Music was one of her lifelong passions, and in each of her endeavors she found opportunities to sing, dance and choreograph, coaxing equally stellar performances from 12-year-old girls, suburban ladies, bashful congregants and otherwise-dignified judges. The humane treatment of animals was another of Ruth’s passions. She never met a whale she didn’t want to save. Instead, over the years she rescued one dog and five cats, all of whom lived extraordinarily long lives in her loving care. She took up painting later in life and all of her artwork featured domestic animals or wildlife. Many of these paintings will find their way to her youngest grandchild’s nursery, so he can enjoy a tangible connection with his grammy. Rebecca, Hannah and Benjamin cherish their many years, adventures, art projects and trips with her. Like any good grandmother, she let them make messes, eat way too much sugar, candy and cereal, and stay up way too late. They adored her. Photography was another hobby and for many years Ruth was not without a camera in hand. It was indicative of many aspects of her personality that she not only took thousands of pictures of her family and friends but that she made duplicates for them (when negatives had to be sent back to be reprinted) and curated her own prints in massive albums, where she captioned each and every photo. She truly enjoyed living her life and reliving it. Ruth was a sparkling firecracker and an irrepressible personality; no one who met her will forget her. Her family offers heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff of Woodside Place and The Willows, both part of Presbyterian Senior Care in Oakmont, PA, who cared for her with great affection and tenderness for many years, as well as to the kind staff of Bridges Hospice. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Tree of Life Memorial Park. The family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center of the University of Pittsburgh, the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, or a liberal (!) charity of your choice. schugar.com PJC

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DECEMBER 6, 2019 25

Community Exhibit ‘Optic Voices: Roots’ closes

Paw-fect day at school

The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh held a private closing reception for “Optic Voices: Roots” on Nov 21. The exhibit by Emmai Alaquiva, which opened in July, incorporated new photographs of members of the Jewish community into the ongoing OpticVoices series. The event was hosted by Scott Lammie, CFO and vice president at UPMC Health Plan, and Dr. Barry Kerzin, physician to the Dalai Lama.

Zone 4, Pennsylvania State police officers and special K-9 guests, Brutus and Zane, visited Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh students and staff.

p Scott Lammie, left, Lauren Apter Bairnsfather, Janis Burley Wilson, Emmai Alaquiva and Dr. Barry Kerzin

p Ruffhousing

p Lauren Apter Bairnsfather and Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett

Photos courtesy of Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh

p Officer Roy Cochrane, left, Hadar Levy, Moriah Siman-Tov and Officer Melinda Bondarenka

Fun at Beth Shalom Congregation Beth Shalom hosted an evening of comedy and jazz with Modi and Phat Man Dee on Nov. 23.

p Steve Hecht, left, and Kenneth A. Turkewitz

26 DECEMBER 6, 2019

Photo by Toby Tabachnick

p ‘Another chumash test? I’m all ears.’

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Photos courtesy of Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh

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Community Honoring victims with study

AgeWell Wellness Fair

In the two weeks leading up to the first yahrzeit of the 11 victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life building, Yeshiva Schools’ eighth grade boys studied an extra hour of Torah each day. The project culminated in a brunch with members of Joyce Fienberg’s family. Fienberg was among those murdered in last year’s attack.

More than 30 health and wellness vendors provided information during the AgeWell Wellness Fair at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Participants learned about healthy aging and received free massages, hearing tests, fitness and health screenings and classes like yoga, Walk 15 and pickleball.

p Studying in memory

Holocaust education field trip Eleventh grade students at Yeshiva Schools Girls School visited the ‘Lest We Forget’ art installation in Oakland.

p Amy Gold, right, shares information about AgeWell at the JCC.

p Students surround a photo of Shulamit Bastacky, a local survivor.

Photos courtesy of Yeshiva Schools

p Attendees talk to an exhibitor at the JCC.

Photos courtesy of Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

Momentum Mission to Israel Pittsburgh Jewish women traveled to Israel with Momentum, formerly Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project, between Nov. 3 and Nov. 15.

p The group in Tzfat after a day touring the city

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Photo courtesy of Emily Richman

Clergy remembers

p Rabbi Chuck Diamond, bottom right, participated with Staten Island interfaith clergy in a yahrzeit memorial for the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life building. Photo courtesy of Rabbi Chuck Diamond

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

DECEMBER 6, 2019 27

KOSHER MEATS

• All-natural poultry — whole chickens, breasts, wings and more • All-natural, corn-fed beef — steaks, roasts, ground beef and more • Variety of deli meats and franks Available at select Giant Eagle stores. Visit GiantEagle.com for location information.

Empire Kosher Fresh Ground Turkey Sold in 1 lb. pkg.

49 lb. Save with your

Price effective Thursday, October 4 10,11, 2018 Price effective Thursday, December 5 through through Wednesday, Wednesday, October December 2019

Available at 28 DECEMBER 6, 2019

and PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

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