Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 9-4-20 by Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle

September 4, 2020 | 15 Elul 5780

Candlelighting 7:28 p.m. | Havdalah 8:26 p.m. | Vol. 63, No. 36 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

Federation annual meeting moves online, offers message of commitment

NOTEWORTHY LOCAL New Federation chair

David Sufrin takes the reins Page 2

$1.50

Local Democrats and Republicans reflect on this year’s unconventional conventions By Kayla Steinberg | Digital Content Manager

LOCAL

Shoah education in Canonsburg

When she accepted the volunteer position three years ago, Ainsman knew she would be representing the Federation and Pittsburgh’s Jewish community through various challenges, she said, but the Oct. 27, 2018, shooting at the Tree of Life building and a global pandemic —shuttering synagogues, schools and other Jewish institutions — were beyond imagining. “This has been one of the most challenging periods in Pittsburgh Jewish history,” Ainsman said. Despite the hardships, Pittsburgh’s Jewish community has been resilient, and with the Federation’s aid, has served as a model to other communities, noted Federation’s president and CEO, Jeffrey Finkelstein. Masters, national director and CEO of the Secure Community Network, a North American Jewish security initiative of the Jewish Federations of North America, elaborated on that point, saying that the actions of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community members,

tacey Reibach watched this year’s Democratic National Convention from her couch, spicing up the experience one night with Chipotle takeout. She had bigger dreams for the event: Reibach wanted to be a Pete Buttigieg delegate. Earlier this year, she went door-to-door across her district, asking registered Democrats if they would help her reach the 300 signatures needed get her name on the ballot. But the dream was crushed twice over, first by Buttigieg dropping out of the race, then by COVID-19. Still, Reibach watched the DNC. “I had low expectations for basically a Zoom convention,” she said. As the executive director for a state senator, Reibach spends a hefty chunk of her day on Zoom calls and said she finds it a difficult means to connect with people. But, she said of the DNC, “I was blown away.” “By the end of 16 hours, you really knew Joe Biden as a human and what he stands for,” she said. “Under trying circumstances, I thought they just really knocked it out of the park.” Cliff Levine agrees. “I thought that that message and the ability to see what makes him tick and what he’s really like and to talk to family and friends — it was really a very accurate and honest depiction of who he is,” he said. Levine can speak from personal experience. As a young lawyer, he worked on Biden’s 1988 presidential campaign, and the two stayed in touch. Levine now serves as the Biden campaign’s Pennsylvania state

Please see Federation, page 14

Please see Conventions, page 14

High schoolers focus on Holocaust literature Page 3

LOCAL

 Jordan Golin accepts the Doris and Leonard H. Rudolph Jewish Communal Professional Award. Screenshot by Adam Reinherz By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

Loss of a community leader

Elaine Krasik dies at 76 Page 6

t’s not always easy to do something new after more than a century, but on Aug. 27, the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, for the first time in its history, hosted its annual meeting online. The program celebrated Meryl Kirshner Ainsman, outgoing Federation board chair, and Jordan Golin, president and CEO of Jewish Family and Community Services, for their years of commitment to Pittsburgh’s Jewish community. The program also welcomed incoming board chair David Sufrin and new board members, and featured words from Michael Masters, a national expert in security. Because of the pandemic, the annual meeting was delivered via Zoom. Although attendees were still able to hear a recapitulation of communal accomplishments and challenges from the past year, meeting virtually was bittersweet, said Ainsman, who marked the event as her final official act as Federation’s board chair.

keep your eye on PittsburghJewishChronicle LOCAL

Laura Cherner directs CRC

LOCAL

Rabbi Pickle

GAMES

‘Broke: The Game’

Headlines David Sufrin ‘excited and ready’ to chair Federation — LOCAL — By Toby Tabachnick | Editor

s David Sufrin takes the reins as new board chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, he’s got a lot on his mind: supporting and strengthening the skills of the agency’s volunteers, figuring out how to better engage young adults, widening the communal tent to be more inclusive. But foremost in the thoughts of the lifelong Pittsburgher as he picks up the baton from outgoing board chair Meryl Ainsman is helping the Federation’s eight beneficiary agencies recover financially from losses related to the coronavirus crisis. “As I begin, we are in the midst of a pandemic and all of the agencies have suffered financial losses and logistical challenges,” said Sufrin, who through the years has held several volunteer positions with the Federation, including chair of its Community Campaign. “My top priority for Federation is to help those agencies recover as best they can.” To that end, he will be leading the Federation in a fundraising project to help the agencies make up some of the financial shortfalls they face as a result of COVID-19. Separate from the Federation’s annual Community Campaign, the new fundraising effort is in its final planning stages, Sufrin said. The goal is to raise at least $8-$10 million. The funds will help the agencies provide assistance to their constituents who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. “We’ve already received some good, solid commitments, one of which was anchored by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation,” Sufrin said, referring to a JHF emergency grant

the Federation’s office, serving as the Federation’s development chair and chairing the board of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. In addition to focusing on the financial security of the Federation’s beneficiary agencies — the JCC, Jewish Family and Community Services, the Jewish Association on Aging, Jewish Residential Services, Hillel Jewish University Center, Community Day School, Hillel Academy and Yeshiva Schools — Sufrin will be working to bolster the skills of the Federation’s volunteers through coaching and constructive feedback, he said. “We want to make sure we are taking the best advantage of our volunteers with the skills they have, and should they not have p David Sufrin Photo by Diane Samuels skills in certain areas that they want to leverage in their volunof $2.5 million to the Jewish Community teer work, we want to help them learn how Center of Greater Pittsburgh. to do it in the best possible way,” said Sufrin. Sufrin has been immersed in volunteerism “It might be how to best speak to a group or since 2005, when he retired after selling his a committee or how to run a meeting or just family’s business, Sufrin Supplies. He was how to focus on top priorities. I want to try inspired to get involved by his two daughters, to improve what we already have, which is Lianne and Becca, who became committed already some pretty good, dedicated volunto Jewish causes through their experiences teers, and try to push them to the next level.” at religious school and youth groups. Lianne Sufrin also will be focusing on enabling is currently Pittsburgh’s field manager of and promoting wider community inclusion OneTable, an organization that helps young and involvement — among the younger adults create and share Shabbat dinners. generations as well as “Jews and people of all Becca formerly worked at 412 Food Rescue. types, colors and lifestyles,” he said. “I really admired their commitment,” Acknowledging that social distancing Sufrin said. mandates during the pandemic make hosting His own volunteer work has included in-person events difficult, he is hoping chairing the effort to find a new location for to find compelling online programming,

even for the short term, that could have a wide appeal. Beyond Pittsburgh’s Jewish community, Sufrin aims to advance outreach and collaboration with other minority communities. “In the environment we’re in, the social injustice we see on the streets, I think this just is a great time to help our community mesh better and better with other communities in Pittsburgh and come up with a more unified front when we face challenges from the outside: bigotry, white supremacy, that type of thing,” Sufrin said. Security remains a top concern for Jewish Pittsburgh, and the community has made great strides in preparedness, he said. With a nod to the work of Brad Orisini and Shawn Brokos — former and current community security directors, respectively — Sufrin noted that the community’s physical structures have been strengthened and that Federation’s staff and volunteer leaders have been “emotionally strengthened.” “I just want to keep that momentum going, not let our guard down,” he said. Immediate past board chair Ainsman praised Sufrin’s talents and commitment. “While it is bittersweet moving on as Federation board chair, I am delighted that Dave will be assuming that role,” she said. “Dave has a long history of leadership and involvement in both the Jewish and secular communities. I know that the Federation is in able and capable hands.” Hoping to build on the work of senior volunteers who have provided him with mentorship, Sufrin said he would be taking “advantage of their knowledge and guidance and skills so that I can do the best job I can. I’m excited to take the reins here and I’m ready.” PJC Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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Headlines Canon-McMillan High School offers semester course on Holocaust literature — LOCAL — By Justin Vellucci | Special to the Chronicle

or a long time, Katlyn Dickerson didn’t live around Jews or hear her peers’ grandparents share memories of the Holocaust. She grew up in Richlands, Virginia, whose residents were mostly Presbyterians and Baptists, then moved in seventh grade to Canonsburg, 18 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, where the dominant religions are Catholicism and Greek Orthodoxy. Before she made her first Jewish friend while attending Duquesne University, she took an English class at CanonMcMillan High School where teacher Meg Pankiewicz covered the Holocaust and Holocaust literature. “Obviously, we had studied the Holocaust in social studies class but we never really went in depth with things that were uncomfortable in nature,” said Dickerson, who plans to graduate from Duquesne with her master’s degree in school administration and supervision in 2023. “I feel that we weren’t educated enough about the Holocaust and what the detriments of hate can cause … It’s more than a history lesson.”

this year — so many that additional sessions were added, two each semester, Canon-McMillan officials said. The course offers a thorough historical background of the Holocaust, including the history of anti-Semitism and the dangers of hate and complicit behavior, according to materials provided by the school district. Students will learn about the numerous collaborators during the Holocaust, “the importance of individual choice” and the results of WWII and the Holocaust. Sources include nonfiction and p Meg Pankiewicz and the late Sam Gottesman, a Holocaust survivor Photo courtesy of Meg Pankiewicz fiction literature, Nazi propaganda, survivors’ memoirs and Pankiewicz now is taking her mission to testimonials, film and photography. Pankiewicz has been teaching for about teach the Holocaust another step forward. Starting this academic year, she is offering 17 years, 12 of them in Canon-Mac. It takes a full-semester class on the subject, in part about 30 seconds to recognize her passion inspired by the Canon-McMillan school for her subject matter. “I want students to see how it escalated district’s “No Place for Hate” campaign, an Anti-Defamation League initiative currently and I want them to see how it was systemic,” said Pankiewicz. “Every single thing always in about 1,600 schools nationwide. Pankiewicz’s Holocaust literature class, comes back to the Holocaust.” open to juniors and seniors only due to Pankiewicz, who is not Jewish, does not the graphic nature of some of the material, paint the Holocaust as solely about the persealready has about 100 students registered cution of European Jews. To start classes in

“ I want students to see how it escalated and I want them to see how it was systemic. Every single thing always comes back to the Holocaust.” — MEG PANKIEWICZ which she covers the Holocaust, she asks students to stand up and then, one by one, goes through the various categories of people who were targeted under Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime, asking those who would have been affected to sit down. At the end of the exercise, nobody is left standing. Pankiewicz also provides context, talking about other genocidal acts in Armenia, Please see Holocaust, page 15

THE JEWISH FEDERATION PRESENTS A TWO-PART EVENT: JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA PRESENTS

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Headlines Laura Cherner promoted to CRC director — LOCAL — By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

aura Cherner, a Pittsburgh native whose work with the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh has helped the organization expand its reach across the wider community, will become director of the Federation’s Community Relations Council on Oct. 19. Cherner, who currently serves as the CRC’s assistant director, will take lead of the group following the departure of Josh Sayles, CRC’s current director. Sayles is leaving Pittsburgh to become director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Miami’s Jewish Community Relations Council. “Pittsburgh is the fifth Jewish community I’ve lived in and the third I’ve worked in professionally,” said Sayles. “It’s a special place. I’ve never seen a Jewish community that is so cohesive and works so well together across denominations and organizations. If Miami comes anywhere close in those areas to what Pittsburgh has then I will consider myself very lucky.” Having worked with Cherner for four years, Sayles was pleased with her promotion. “Laura knows the ins and outs of the work that we do better than anybody,” said Sayles. “She is absolutely the right person for this

job and I’m excited to see her take the CRC to the next level.” Since joining Pittsburgh’s Federation in 2016, Cherner, a Mt. Lebanon native, Squirrel Hill resident and University of Pittsburgh graduate, has spearheaded

multiple projects to attract new members and bolster relationships. Her projects have included creating the CRC Young Leaders group; championing the “Love is Kosher” campaign and encouraging more than 160 Federation members to march

at the 2019 Pittsburgh Pride parade; leading the Federation’s LGBTQ+ task force; initiating a Jews of color task force; and leading the Campus Ambassadors trips to Israel. Please see Cherner, page 15

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Headlines Beth El stalwart steps down as ritual chair after two decades

those interested in expanding their ritual knowledge, Seletz explained. “We are definitely focused on providing By David Rullo | Staff Writer a meaningful spiritual experience for our whole congregation,” she said. lvin Catz is the perfect archetype of Catz believes the way changes have a Conservative Jew. occurred at the congregation are a hallmark Deeply concerned about the of Conservative Judaism — taking small movement’s commitment to observance and steps but allowing for a natural progression rituals but keeping an eye on modernity, in practice and ritual. Catz has served as the chair of the ritual He credits Beth El’s members, specificommittee at Beth El Congregation of the cally families celebrating b’nei mitzvahs, for South Hills since 2000. some of the changes. Over During his tenure, he has the last two decades, Catz worked with hundreds of has met with close to 500 b’nei mitzvah families and families. Ideas for change helped Beth El members in the congregation often adapt their practices and originate in those meetings. rituals to meet the stanCatz’s commitment to dards of the congregation. Conservative Judaism is After two decades, Catz shared by his family. He is is stepping down from the a past president of Beth El, committee. In an email to as is his wife, Sheila. His members, the congregation daughter, Leah, has been welcomed Tracey Ziev as a High Holiday soloist at its new ritual chair. the congregation and his son, Sheldon, currently “It’s something to be serves as the ritual services proud of, but it’s time p Alvin Catz chair at Congregation Beth to let someone else do Photo courtesy of Alvin Catz Shalom in Squirrel Hill. it,” Catz said. Catz, 81, has seen numerous changes at Ziev is excited to take the helm of the the synagogue over the years, including committee. the shifting demographics of the “I am deeply passionate about Jewish congregation’s membership. ritual and about our traditional liturgy,” Ziev “Over the last 20 years, there has been said. “For me, ritual is such an enriching a significant increase in the portion of experience in my life. I want other people our membership that has come from to love ritual. I care a lot about finding intermarried families,” he said. forms of rituals that work for people who The changes taking place within the connect in different ways to themselves, to congregation have been rapid, Catz said, but community and to God.” he acknowledged that even rapid changes at a Ziev comes on board as chair during an synagogue often occur at a snail’s pace. These interesting time for the congregation and for changes have forced the ritual committee Conservative Judaism, as halacha is being to grapple with how the congregation reinterpreted in the face of the pandemic. participates in Jewish life. She believes some of the changes taking Catz said he can recall a time when a place are permanent and will have a positive non-Jewish spouse of a member was not effect on the movement. allowed on the bimah and when women “All these people that can’t normally join us for services, we get to see their smiling faces were not counted as part of a minyan. “Now, non-Jews have access to honors at on the screen,” she said. “We will never go Beth El, for instance,” he said. “It’s only been back to where there’s no way for those people in the last few years that a non-Jew could to play an active role in our community.” In addition to the changes taking place open the ark or carry a Torah. Ten or 20 years ago that was unheard of. It’s revolutionary, in the ritual committee, longtime member but I guess it’s more evolutionary.” Andy Reibach has been named as the For all but two of the years he served as congregation’s senior gabbai, tasked with chair of the committee, Catz worked with ensuring services run smoothly. “I’m looking forward to helping make the congregation’s current senior rabbi, Alex Greenbaum. The pair share a close relation- the day special for someone celebrating a ship, Catz said, that typically includes weekly simcha,” Reibach said. Catz believes he leaves a legacy of stability lunches where he serves as a sounding board for Greenbaum. and organization as a result of his years of Beth El is often on the cutting edge of the service to Beth El. Conservative movement, said its president, “The ritual function has been performed Susie Seletz, who pointed to the congrega- consistently over the years, moving slowly tion’s use of technology to stream services toward modernization that recognizes the long before COVID-19 forced the widespread participation of non-Jews,” he said. “It’s been acceptance of Zoom minyans, as an example. slow, steady progress, not a knee-jerk reacThe ritual committee plays a promi- tion. I think I’ve been the captain of a very nent role at Beth El, maximizing member steady ship.” PJC participation and serving as an advisory David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ committee to the senior rabbi as well as offering educational opportunities to pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

— LOCAL —

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Headlines Lifelong learner and committed volunteer Elaine Krasik dies at 76 — LOCAL — By Justin Vellucci | Special to the Chronicle

laine Krasik, a Pittsburgher dedicated to tradition, family and the Jewish community, died Aug. 18. She was 76. Throughout her life, Elaine loved to learn. As a young girl, she studied the Torah and Hebrew alongside her brothers, an uncommon — but, in her parents’ eyes, necessary — thing for a young woman in the 1950s, and became a bat mitzvah at Congregation Beth Shalom in 1957. In her 40s, years after graduating with a master’s degree from Yale and teaching French in Lexington, Massachusetts, she started a career in Pittsburgh in law, hustling to learn the ins and outs of the job among peers half her age. And, in retirement, she embraced educational classes on all things related to Jewish life. “She loved to learn and she loved to know things,” said her son, Curt Krasik, an attorney who lives in Shadyside. “She was always studying — she worked at that very hard.” Elaine’s passion for Jewish education and community led her to host non-Jews at her Squirrel Hill home for Passover seders for the better part of 30 years. Her guests occasionally posed questions about the rituals and traditions; she’d take those questions straight to her rabbi. “I didn’t know all the answers and she didn’t know all the answers,” Curt said. “But it was always, ‘That’s good question — I’ll get back to you.’” Elaine and her husband, Carl Krasik, an attorney, met in the seventh grade at Taylor Allderdice Junior High School and went on a bowling date about a year later. She won the match and the two didn’t date again for two years. The second time, at a high school

fraternity dance in Swisshelm Park on Jan. 29, 1960, things stuck. The couple later married, and were together for more than 50 years. Elaine was always passionate about attending services at Beth Shalom, her husband said. “Her parents had belonged to Beth Shalom and she literally grew up there,” Carl said. “She loved the institution.” She also found deep satisfaction in giving back to the Jewish community, becoming, in the words of her husband, “a professional volunteer.” “She did a lot of volunteering work in the late ’70s — the Israel Day Parade, she chaired that for a couple years. She was very involved at the JCC. It was just a range of activities,” Carl said. “And she would not do anything halfway. If she was in the swimming pool, she was in the deep end.” Elaine received several recognitions for her volunteer work, and most recently was recognized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh as campaigner of the year, and with the Natalie Novick Woman of Philanthropy Award. “She was always a super-worker, always someone who would take it upon themselves to speak with others about supporting the Federation,” said Jeff Finkelstein, president and CEO of the Federation. “She was a force of goodness in our Jewish community.” Rabbi Seth Adelson of Beth Shalom called Elaine “part of a small but dedicated group” that would come to — and sometimes help lead — 6:30 a.m. services on Shabbat. Adelson remembers a moment about five years ago when Elaine and Carl celebrated their wedding anniversary in the shul’s ballroom, with the whole family posing for pictures around the Torah. “Beth Shalom meant so much to her,” Adelson said. “And it was so special to see her reveling in that moment.”

curiosity,” he said. “Frankly, if I had been a doctor, she would’ve gone to medical school.” Elaine worked for the law firm K&L Gates — where her son Curt now works — and in the law department at Highmark. She retired in 2011. In retirement, Elaine was a regular fixture at Federation classes offered by Rabbi Danny Schiff, who said she was really adept at asking questions that cut to the heart of the matter. “Elaine was one of the special people in Jewish life who simply couldn’t get enough of Jewish heritage and information about it,” Schiff said. “She was warm and inquisitive and wanted to soak up as much learning as she could.” She also lived a very Jewish life, p Elaine Krasik (center) surrounded by rejoicing in the traditions of each grandchildren Connor, Carly and Michaela and holiday — something she hoped to husband Carl. Photo provided by Curt Krasik instill in the rest of her family. “She just loved being in services,” Carl “She’d put together these wonderful family said. “She’d read along and she felt it, in a way meals,” Carl said. “The transmission of these most people wouldn’t understand.” practices and values to her grandchildren ln 1984, Elaine Krasik started law school at was a big mission.” the University of Pittsburgh. And her signature matzo ball soup? Before going to law school, she investi“Adding club soda to the matzo balls — gated the possibility of getting her doctorate that was the secret sauce,” Carl laughed. in French and teaching at the college level Due to COVID-19, graveside services and but abandoned the idea when she realized it shiva were private, though, Carl said in a would be difficult to find that line of work in year the family will hold a public memorial Pittsburgh, Carl said. service at Beth Shalom. So, she turned to her past. When she “In a year, we’ll have the chance,” Carl said, and Carl were living in Massachusetts, she “to give Elaine the honor she deserved.” would sometimes join her husband for his Elaine is survived by Carl, sons Curt law classes at Harvard — and she was trans- and Scott, five grandchildren and fixed. Carl said the decision to pursue law extended family. PJC made sense because it was a subject that Justin Vellucci is a freelance writer living piqued her interest. “She just had a tremendous amount of in Pittsburgh.

Storm damage at Poale Zedeck Memorial Park Cemetery

Left: Photo by Toby Tabachnick; Right, photo courtesy of Joel Ungar

ast week’s storms resulted in damage to the Poale Zedeck Memorial Park Cemetery in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. High winds, multiple fallen trees and excess debris caused two monuments to be pushed off their base centers. In the coming days, six trees will be cleared and work will begin to repair the affected headstones, said Joel Ungar, chair of Congregation Poale Zedeck’s cemetery committee. Based on estimates from arborists and other tree servicers, Ungar anticipates that the extensive damage will cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair, “and that doesn’t even include the stones yet,” he said. In the weeks prior to the High Holidays, Jewish cemeteries typically experience increased traffic. Ungar acknowledged the timeline and said that the cemetery committee is tirelessly ensuring that the area is made safe and that the monuments are repaired. “We’re working on it,” he said. PJC — Adam Reinherz

6 SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

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PREMIERES TUESDAY

September 8 | 10pm on WQED-TV Available for streaming | wqed.org/harborfromtheholocaust

In a Holocaust story of hope, 20,000 European Jews find refuge in Shanghai during World War II. Rivaling all elements and in tragic contrast to those who could not escape, Harbor From The Holocaust is a Holocaust story of life.

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Funding for Harbor From The Holocaust was provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS and public television viewers, Chosky Educational Foundation, Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 7

Calendar >>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, SEPT. 4

The Jewish Studies Program Work in Progress Colloquium at the University of Pittsburgh presents Visual, Narrative & Biblical Interpretation by professor Ben Schachter, artist in residence. The program will explore how images are arranged in graphic novels to create narrations and provide points of view. 1 p.m. For more information and to register, visit https:// calendar.pitt.edu/department/jewish_ studies_program. q

SUNDAYS, SEPT. 6, 13, 20, 27; OCT. 4

Join a lay-led Online Parashah Study Group to discuss the week’s Torah portion. No Hebrew knowledge is needed. The goal is to build community while deepening understanding of the text. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org. q

MONDAY, SEPT. 7

Celebrate Labor Day with Moishe House Pittsburgh. Explore the history of Jewish labor activism in the Steel City and learn from current organizers how to support Pittsburgh’s workers through the pandemic. Visit facebook. com/moishehouse.pittsburgh for more information and registration link. q MONDAYS, SEPT. 7, 14, 21, 28;

OCT. 5

Join Rabbi Jeremy Markiz in learning Masechet Rosh Hashanah, a tractate of the Talmud about the many new years that fill out the Jewish calendar at Monday Talmud study. 9:15 a.m. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org. q

TUESDAY, SEPT. 8

Leket Israel: A webinar with Joseph Gitler, founder of Leket Israel, will focus on what Leket is doing to address food insecurity and food waste during the coronavirus pandemic. Leket is supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Community Campaign, so the webinar will highlight both the issue of food security and Federation’s impact. 12 p.m. For more information and to register, visit jfedpgh.org. WQED presents the premier of “Harbor From the Holocaust.” The documentary explores the relationship of Jews

fleeing Nazi persecution and their adopted city of Shanghai. 10 p.m. Also available for streaming at wqed.org/ harborfromtheholocaust. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9 Adolf Hitler vs. Franklin D. Roosevelt. The 1936 Olympics. American antiSemitism during World War II. These are just a few of the topics that loom large in the conversation of America during the Holocaust. What role did Pittsburghers play in this larger story? In America and the Holocaust: A Conversation, Dr. Barbara Burstin, talks with the director of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, Dr. Lauren Bairnsfather, to explore local history within the context of our national legacy and give a peek into her years of scholarship on the topic. 3 p.m. For more information and to register for this free event, visit hcofpgh.org. Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh for E3: An Unorthodox Conversation. Grab your mothers, daughters, granddaughters, nieces and mothers-in-law for an engaging discussion, moderated by Dodi Roskies. Zoom link and signature cocktail recipe will be provided upon registration. This is a free event open to all women donors who give to the Pittsburgh Federation’s Community Campaign. 7:30 p.m. Visit jewishpgh.org. q

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10

Join Classrooms Without Borders for its Open Minds, Open Hearts Fundraiser. 6:30 p.m. Free to attend but donations encouraged. For more information and to register, visit classroomswithoutborders.org. Chabad of Squirrel Hill presents the Virtual Mega Challah Event. 7 p.m. $10. For more information and to register, visit chabadpgh.com. q

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13

Aleksium and Polish Jews who are part of this ongoing process. 1 p.m. Visit jewishpgh. org for more information and to register. Chabad of the South Hills presents a Pre-Rosh Hashanah Creative Canvas Painting, outdoors and socially distanced in its parking lot. All children age 3-11 are welcome, $8/child. 3 p.m. For more information and to register, visit chabadsh.com. q MONDAYS, SEPT. 14; OCT. 12;

NOV. 9; DEC. 14

Join Classrooms Without Borders in Israel — virtually. Monthly tours with guide and scholar, Rabbi Jonty Blackman, via Zoom. 7 p.m. For more information and to register, visit classroomswithoutborders.org. q

Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh online for This Is Us: 2021 Community Campaign Kickoff and help launch the 2021 Community Campaign. This first-time virtual event is partnered with The Jewish Federations of North America, featuring Eugene, Sarah and Dan Levy. 1 p.m. Learn more at jewishpgh.org/this-is-us. q

Join Partnership2Gether and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, in collaboration with Classrooms Without Borders, for the movie “H.I. Jew Positive,” about four Polish Jews who discover their Jewish identities. A post-film conversation will include director and producer, Ronit Kertsner, Polish Jewish history scholar Natalia

WEDNESDAYS, SEPT. 16, 23, 30

Before you are ready, they will be here. The great days. The awe-inspiring opportunities for human renewal afforded to us each year. This time they will be challenging. Feeling inspiration away from synagogue and community will be hard. So, preparation is needed. Join Rabbi Danny Schiff for Readiness: The Tishrei Holyday Seminars. Learn about Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot, and what they each have to offer in this unprecedented year. All three sessions are just $18. 9:30 a.m. To register, visit foundation.jewishpgh.org. q

Registration opens soon for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s 10th Annual Apples & Honey Virtual Fall Festival. The festival will include special programming, a live event and plenty of downloadable activities. 10 a.m. For more information, visit jewishpgh.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16

TUESDAY, SEPT. 22

The High Holidays are traditionally the time to atone for harm caused in the past year but how should we go about doing that? When does it make sense to apologize for something that happened months ago and what does that look like? Join Moishe House Pittsburgh for How to Apologize: A Discussion. 7 p.m. For more information and to register, visit facebook.com/ moishehouse.pittsburgh. q

THURSDAY, SEPT. 24

Classrooms Without Borders, in partnership with Rodef Shalom Congregation and the Maltz Museum of

Jewish heritage present “Eva: A-7063” and a post-film discussion with Michael Berenbaum and film director Ted Green. 3 p.m. Educators attending this program are eligible to receive Pennsylvania Act 48 continuing education credits. RSVP at classroomswithoutborder.org. The University of Pittsburgh Jewish Studies Program in partnership with the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, the Department of Theatre Arts and the Film and Media Studies Program presents “Warsaw’s Most Beloved Jew: The Prewar and Postwar Celebrity of Lopek-Krukowski.” 5:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit calendar.pitt.edu/department/jewish_ studies_program. q

MONDAY, SEPT. 28

Break your Yom Kippur fast with a kosher- and vegan-friendly meal in Moishe House Pittsburgh’s backyard. To allow guests to eat six feet apart, attendance will be capped at five households/ pods. Advance registration is required. 7:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit facebook.com/moishehouse. pittsburgh. 7:30 p.m. q

THURSDAY, OCT. 1

What are the foundational elements that make up the story of Israel, and what are some of the key questions that Israel contends with as it continues to grow and develop in a shifting regional and international reality? Find out during the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s “A Small Country & Some Big Questions – Israel from the 20th to the 21st Centuries” with Scott Copeland, vice president of education at Onward Israel. 12 p.m. Visit jewishpgh.org for more information and to register. q

TUESDAY, OCT. 13

Join the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Pittsburgh Holocaust Center for Preserving Holocaust History through Artifacts, Archives and Research, a live digital program, exclusive to the Pittsburgh community, featuring the Museum’s National Institute for Holocaust Documentation and its work to collect, preserve, and make accessible to the public this vast collection of records of the Holocaust and support the museum’s wide-ranging efforts in the areas of research, exhibition, publication, education, and commemoration. 12 p.m. For more information and to register for this free event, visit hcofpgh.org. PJC

www.pittsburghjewishchronicle.org 8 SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

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Headlines Pittsburgh pickle fans get a taste of Judaism, along with a lesson in brining — LOCAL — By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

ou’d think that after five months of personal, professional and communal engagement via Zoom, people might not relish an evening at home in front of their screens. Turns out if viewers are being instructed on how to ferment cucumbers then there’s hardly a pickle. During an Aug. 25 hourlong presentation hosted by Western Pennsylvania Chabad centers, Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, of Chabad of Los Alamitos and Cypress, delivered step-bystep pickling instructions, along with musings, Torah teachings and a fair amount of puns. Often sliding between demonstration and drasha, Marcus expounded on the sanctity of salt — it is not only required for koshering meat, but, given its ability to preserve other elements, is a metaphor for Jews — and answered questions ranging from how much sunlight pickling requires to whether old brine can be reused for another batch. Because of the few ingredients required (water, kosher salt, garlic, peppercorn, dill and cucumbers), his pickling process is pretty simple, explained Marcus, while hoisting a giant plastic pickle as a prop.

about Judaism. By the time Moe died, Marcus had soaked up the pickling secrets well enough to be able to teach them to others, something he’s been doing for more than a decade. His presentations, which blend that origin story with step-by-step instructions on the how-tos of pickling, have been offered to thousands nationwide. Marcus’ ability to blend many topics at once is impressive, said Rabbi Mendy Schapiro, of Chabad of Monroeville, one of the organizers of the most recent event. Attendees were similarly impressed. Julie Paris, of Squirrel Hill, thought she and her family p Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, aka “Rabbi Pickle,” holds a giant pickle prop. Screenshot by Adam Reinherz were just signing up for a pickle-making presentation — and It all began with an origin story. then they ended up enjoying a night of meanYears ago, well before Marcus (who goes by ingful Jewish learning as well. the moniker “Rabbi Pickle”) had converted The kosher pickle-making workshop, more than 100,000 cucumbers into crunchy like other recent events, was a collaborasour snacks, he met Moe, an octogenarian tion between Chabads from across Western with old-world pickling secrets. The two Pennsylvania, which have been enjoying enjoyed each other’s company and shared their increased collaboration since the pandemic respective loves: Moe taught Marcus how to began, said Rabbi Yisroel Altein of Chabad make kosher pickles and Marcus taught Moe of Squirrel Hill. Virtual events have enabled

wider access during a time when many individuals remain sheltered in place. Since March, Paris and her family have used Zoom to engage with an Israeli soldier and observe his swearing-in ceremony, participate in Israel-related gaming with other families, listen to concerts and hear from international speakers on a host of topics. “We’re really grateful for the family time and the opportunities that so many organizations have provided for us over the last six months,” said Paris. “We’re definitely making lemonade out of lemons.” Jessica Ackner described herself as a “visual learner” who enjoys in-person programming at Chabad, but praised the pickling workshop and other cooking programs that have been offered virtually. Because of the cameras involved, it’s often easier to observe the culinary process step-by-step, she said. Those who enjoy cooking at home in the company of screens are in luck, said Altein. Because of COVID-19, a “Mega Challah” event scheduled for Sept. 10 has moved online. Given the timing, and depending on one’s taste buds, a cinnamon sweet challah may be a perfect antidote for a classically sour pickle. PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Families, Traditions, Connection These are what make the High Holidays so important.

During this time of no visiting, no gatherings, no social interaction or family get-togethers, you can bring warmth and smiles to your family, neighbors, friends, and community by sending New Years greetings through the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle.

l’Shanah Tovah 5781!

The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle will be deeply discounting ad space (for these greetings) in our High Holiday Issues, September 11, 18 and 25. Black & White

Color

1/16 page

$25*

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1/8 page

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1/4 page

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* EARLY BIRD! Reserve your space ON or BEFORE Wednesday, September 9th, and receive 10% off these already amazing rates! Place two or more ads of the same size and receive 20% off of the second ad. (Discounts not combined).

To place your Rosh Hashanah Greeting, call Kelly Schwimer at 412-721-5931 or email Kschwimer@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 9

Headlines ‘Déjà vu but slightly different’: Jewish engagement on campus during COVID-19 — LOCAL — By Kayla Steinberg | Digital Content Manager

hoshana Hoexter wouldn’t let the pandemic halt her tradition of baking challah each week for the graduate students at the University of Pittsburgh and Chatham University. “I hoarded all the yeast in Pittsburgh,” joked Hoexter, who directs JGrads Pittsburgh with her husband, Shua. “It’s because I bought it in February. When I looked at the grocery stores in Italy, I went to Costco and bought all the yeast before anyone knew about COVID in Pittsburgh.” The yeast went toward weeks’ worth of challahs for her family and the students. In contrast, Pitt senior Eli Sigman, who is starting graduate classes this semester, has been yearning for a no-bake option. “The number of times that I have wished that a microwavable mug challah was a thing has been very frequent these past couple weeks,” said the Pitt Hillel student board president. Back-to-school has always been tough, but COVID-19 adds new stressors that have prompted changes in Jewish engagement on campus. Sigman is especially worried about the

p CMU students at Chabad of CMU’s Shabbat-to-go program Photo provided by Rabbi Shlomo Silverman

freshmen. “It’s a little bit disheartening to not be able to create the same experiences that I had as a freshman,” he said. Cecelia Brower, president of the Carnegie Mellon University Hillel Jewish Student Association, feels the same way. “When everything is so new and changes constantly, I think it’s really important that people have people they can rely on,” she said. “And I think for freshmen, it’s going to

You are virtually invited to join our on-line Shabbat and High Holy Day Services and programs at

CONGREGATION EMANU-EL ISRAEL Greensburg, Pennsylvania

Check our website www.ceigreensburg.org Or call 724-834-0560 Rabbi Lenny Sarko

ADATH JESHURUN CEMETERY

HOLIDAY VISITATIONS Sunday September 6 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Sunday September 27 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Limited Time – Plots available at $1,000 Grave-side prayers provided…Lovingly maintained by on-site caretaker

For more information, visit www.adathjeshuruncemeterypgh.org For questions or to reserve a plot call 412-508-0817 Adath Jeshurun Cemetery | 4779 Roland Road | Allison Park, PA 15101 10 SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

be harder than usual to find those people. So I hope to help them find people who can help them figure it all out.” Brower, who describes this semester as “sort of déjà vu but slightly different,” is working to create pandemic-friendly programs. Take the annual havdalah and s’mores event. This year, Hillel JUC will send CMU students, even those who did not to return to campus, havdalah kits — complete with candles,

p Students grab bags with a Shabbat ritual kit and a meal as part of Hillel JUC’s Shabbat 2 Go Photo provided by Hillel JUC

spices, chocolate bars, graham crackers and marshmallow fluff — for a Zoom havdalah. Pitt’s Challah for Hunger group is considering dropping off dough at students’ dorms so they can braid challah on their own. And Hillel JUC’s weekly Shabbat 2 Go offers students to-go bags with grape juice, a prayer sheet and a meal as well as a Please see Campus, page 20

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

Sept. 4, 1975 — Israel, Egypt disengage

Israel and Eg ypt in Geneva sign the Second Disengagement A g r e e m e nt (Sinai II), brokered by U.S. Secretary of State Henry Ki ss i nge r t h rou g h shuttle diplomacy since March 1975. The deal includes a U.N.monitored buffer zone.

Sept. 5, 1972 — Olympians massacred in Munich

Black September terrorists kill two Israeli Olympic team members and take nine others hostage at the Summer Games in Munich. All nine hostages, as well as five of the eight terrorists, are killed in a German rescue attempt.

Sept. 6, 2007 — Israel destroys Syrian reactor

In Operation Orchard, eight Israeli aircraft destroy a suspected nuclear reactor, built with North Korean help, at the military site of Al Kibar in northeastern Syria. The U.S. government knows about the secret mission.

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Sept. 7, 1907 — Ben-Gurion arrives in Jaffa

Three years before changing his last name to Ben-Gurion, David Gruen arrives in Jaffa to make aliyah with his girlfriend, Rachel Nelkin, and other young adults from Plonsk, Poland. He settles in Petah Tikvah.

Sept. 8, 2010 — Tank designer Tal dies

Former Israeli armor commander Maj. Gen. Israel Tal, best known for leading the 1970 committee that designed and developed the Merkava (Chariot) tank, dies at age 85.

Sept. 9, 1993 — PLO, Israel recognize each other

Four days before Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin sign the self-rule agreement of the Oslo Accords, the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel formally recognize each other’s existence.

Sept. 10, 1956 — Archaeologist Eilat Mazar is born

Eilat Mazar, a third-generation archaeologist, is born. Her finds include remnants of what she believes to be King David’s palace and a jar from the 10th century B.C.E. with a Canaanite inscription that is the earliest alphabetical text found in Jerusalem. PJC

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Headlines â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Black Lives Matter,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; declare groups representing majority of US Jews in NYT ad â&#x20AC;&#x201D; NATIONAL â&#x20AC;&#x201D; By Jacob Magid | The Times of Israel

ver 600 Jewish organizations, representing the majority of American Jews, signed a letter in support of the Black Lives Matter movement that was published in a full-page New York Times ad on Friday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We support the Black-led movement in this country that is calling for accountability and transparency from the government and law enforcement. We know that freedom and safety for any of us depends on the freedom and safety of all of us,â&#x20AC;? reads the letter, which was published on page A17 of the print edition of The New York Times. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As Jews, we know how dangerous this is: when politicians target Jewish people and blame us for problems, it leads directly to violence against us. When Black movements are undermined, it leads to more violence against Black people, including Black Jews,â&#x20AC;? the letter says. The 627 groups that signed the letter included the Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist denominational movements, which make up 35%, 18% and 1% of American Jewry, respectively, according

E SAV

ATE D E TH

p An ad taken out in the New York Times by over 600 Jewish organizations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Screenshot via Times of Israel

to a 2013 Pew Research Center study. Pittsburgh organizations signing the letter included Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Pittsburgh, Congregation Beth Shalom, the 412 Black Jewish Collaborative, Jewish Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh, Kesher Pittsburgh, National Council of Jewish Women-Pittsburgh and Tree of Life * Or Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Simcha.

The list also includes several Orthodox groups such as the Uri Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Tzedek social justice organization and Yaffed, an advocacy group that seeks to improve secular education in Chasidic schools. The letterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signatories include Zionist, mainstream organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League and some local Jewish Federation chapters, along with

several groups that support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, including Jewish Voice for Peace and Anti-Zionist Shabbat. A group of Jewish activists penned the letter and first posted it on the publishing platform Medium on June 25, against the backdrop of nationwide protests that erupted following the police killing of George Floyd in late May. It garnered the backing of over 400 organizations within its first 48 hours, according to Audrey Sasson, the executive director of Jews for Racial and Economic Justice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were starting to see the far-right concoct conspiracy theories that Black Lives Matter was being manipulated by globalists and Marxists in an anti-Semitic attempt to undermine the Black-led movement,â&#x20AC;? Sasson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This brought an opportunity to unequivocally state as a large swath of Jewish community organizations that we stand behind Black Lives Matter and that any attempt to divide that movement will not land.â&#x20AC;? A decision was made to republish the missive as a New York Times ad on Friday to mark the 57th anniversary of the March on Washington, the 1963 mass rally for the civil Please see BLM, page 15

JCC 125th Annual Meeting 7XHVGD\ 6HSWHPEHU r PM Join us on ZOOM Go to JCCPGH.org for registration details

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020â&#x20AC;&#x192;11

Opinion Preparedness is essential for security during High Holidays, even outdoors Guest Columnist Shawn Brokos

lanning and preparation are essential as congregations contemplate hosting outdoor events for the upcoming High Holidays. While we are acutely aware of the dangers of mass attacks in Pittsburgh, we must remain vigilant but empowered to pursue the celebration of the Jewish faith and traditions — whether inside or outside. There were 34 mass attacks in public spaces in 2019, according to a recently released report from the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center. Of those 34 attacks, 59% occurred at public sites accessible to the general population such as outdoor venues, restaurants and stores. The remaining 41% occurred at semi-public sites, including schools, workplaces and houses of worship. It is for these very reasons that the below precautions are so vital to on-going holiday planning. In planning outdoor celebrations during the High Holidays, congregations and other groups are advised to heed the following suggestions. Pre-event planning. Appoint a safety and security committee to assist with planning and the formation of an emergency operations plan specific to the event. This plan should include emergency evacuation routes and designated lockdown spaces, the appropriate placement of medical equipment

While we are acutely aware of the dangers of mass attacks in Pittsburgh, we must remain vigilant but empowered to pursue the celebration of the Jewish faith and traditions — whether inside or outside. and a communications plan in the event of an emergency. Coordination with law enforcement. Provide law enforcement with details of the event to include date, time, location and number of guests. I already have worked with some organizations on this, but we must continue to be proactive so the police can prepare and staff accordingly. If your congregation has not already taken this step, you may reach out to me for assistance. Utilize safety and security personnel. Hire off-duty police officers and armed guards as needed. Utilize volunteer personnel to patrol the perimeter for suspicious activity. Designate several congregants as helpers to assist during emergency situations. Have medical personnel on site if possible. Conduct appropriate communications and outreach. Consider how the advertising of your event could affect security, especially as it relates to social media. Provide tickets or

name tags to those invited so it is clear who the invited guests are. Be prepared to turn away those who are not invited or who have not registered in advance. Communicate these plans with your guests so there are no surprises on the day of the service. Practice appropriate perimeter control. Secure the perimeter of your space by using controlled entrances. Consider the use of temporary fencing or strategically placed vehicles as perimeter protection. Enforce parking arrangements to prevent traffic and congestion. Seek law enforcement assistance for traffic control if needed. Keep in mind the danger of vehicular assaults. Practice appropriate access control. Screen guests as they enter to prevent unwanted persons or items from entering or being brought into the location. Staff the entrances to facilitate ease of entry and exit. Distinguish and announce emergency exits to the guests.

Continue safety and security best practices during the event. Active threat drills such as “Run, Hide, Fight” still apply for outdoor events. Just as you would for an indoor event, ensure there are designated evacuation routes and lockdown locations. Have predetermined meeting points if congregants get separated during evacuation. Have your cell phone on your person to call 911 if needed. If your outdoor space is located near a building or residence, inquire about using that location to lockdown and shelter in place if needed. COVID-19 considerations. Follow local and state regulations on number of guests, social distancing and mask wearing. As of Aug. 28, 2020, local regulations limit outdoor gatherings to 100 people. Do not use security personnel for conducting COVID-19 screening procedures; use volunteers instead. Have clear signage to designate screening areas and procedures. Planning for the holidays should be a team effort, with congregants willing to help and volunteer as needed to ensure safety and security. Planning is not static; plans may change day by day subject to weather, illness or other unforeseen threats or events. Flexibility is important, and community engagement and effective communication are essential. We owe it to ourselves, our family, friends, and fellow citizens to make this a priority. PJC Shawn Brokos is the director of community security for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. She can be reached at sbrokos@jfedpgh.org.

Make America good again Guest Columnist Rabbi Jamie Gibson

lthough I grew up in an extremely involved political family, I have not been active in any political party or campaign since June 1983. That is the year I was ordained as a rabbi by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. After ordination, as I served congregations in Wisconsin and Pittsburgh, I kept faith with a uniquely American bargain: As the congregations I served were tax-exempt, I would refrain from partisan politics. I might express views on issues, but never about parties or candidates. I refused to have a lawn sign showing support for a candidate as I believed I represented all members of the congregations I served as

rabbi, no matter how they chose to vote. I am now retired from congregational life and I am free to express my views more openly. And what a time to do so! We face hatred, division, anger and fear on a scale that I frankly do not remember from my early years, despite having marched in protest against the Vietnam War. We face physical danger from gun violence and climate change. We face spiritual harm from racism, anti-Semitism, and wackadoodle conspiracy theories. We look to leaders for everything from hope to practical policies to guide us out of the morass of problems we face as a country. The current occupant of the White House is giving us neither. President Trump tosses gasoline on the fires of hatred and suspicion and refuses to take responsibility for the blatant public health failures in response to the COVID-19 crisis. He panders to terrifying groups like QAnon because he says, “They like me.” Our most sacred text, the Torah, clearly

teaches that even kings are subject to the rule of law and may not govern according to their self-interest or their whims: In Deuteronomy 17:17-20, we read: “And he shall not have many wives, lest his heart go astray; nor shall he amass silver and gold to excess. When he is seated on his royal throne, he shall have a copy of this Teaching written for him on a scroll by the levitical priests. Let it remain with him and let him read in it all his life, so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God, to observe faithfully every word of this Teaching as well as these laws. Thus he will not act haughtily toward his fellows … ” Of the two candidates for president this year, only one has demonstrated that he will neither be goaded by wealth nor guided by a straying heart, and that is Joe Biden. Only one candidate has steadfastly stood for our religious values and laws, and that is Joe Biden.

Only one candidate has refused to let his heart be haughty and place his wants over our needs, and that is Joe Biden. Only one candidate has kept faith with his faith throughout his life, and that is Joe Biden. As Election Day approaches, I refuse to despair. Rather, as a proud American, a faithful Jewish leader who cares deeply about this country, I will work for and vote for Joe Biden. I don’t need America to be great, I need it to be good. And Joe Biden is a walking role model. Despite countless setbacks, Joe Biden has never stopped being good. I want him to help make America good again. That is why this rabbi is passionately in favor of Joe Biden for president this fall. I hope he can help bring out the goodness in all of us, regardless of party or politics. We need a good man to be a great president. That good man is Joe Biden. PJC Emeritus Rabbi Jamie Gibson lives in Pittsburgh.

www.pittsburghjewishchronicle.org 12 SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

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Opinion

Sukkot saves the High Holiday season Guest Columnist Marnie Fienberg

his year I anticipate the High Holidays with trepidation. I wistfully think about years past, celebrating together with family and friends in Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha’s synagogue in Squirrel Hill and the undeniable power of hundreds of voices raised as one praying for forgiveness and a better world. It makes me feel more separated and alone than ever in our new normal. But we aren’t alone. Judaism supports us in these difficult times and our ancestors went through pandemics and situations that make the horror of COVID-19 look tame. They have provided us with key tools that are adaptable to this moment. We just need to look at the High Holiday season — and Sukkot specifically — a little differently. Sukkot is tailor-made for helping us through COVID-19. Sukkot is a home-based outdoor holiday. It’s one that the less observant among us forget or just observe in synagogue.

Although all our other Jewish holidays look different this year, Sukkot can be celebrated the way it was designed. This year, we can encourage participating in Sukkot as a way to “normalize” part of the High Holiday season. Sukkot seals up the High Holiday season. Hoshana Rabbah, the seventh day of Sukkot, is known as the last of the Days of Judgment. Since this is usually celebrated at shul, how can we reimagine it together virtually this year in the sukkah? Rabbi Jeffrey Myers from Tree of Life suggested having a “drive through sukkah” to celebrate this special Sukkot day. The power of our creativity will take us new places and keep us focused. Sukkot doesn’t have to be perfect to be perfect for this year. Sukkot is not celebrated universally across all denominations of Judaism like the Passover Seder. While there are restrictions on a kosher sukkah, the spirit of being outside, only partially shielded from the elements, reminds us that our walls, and medicine, are flimsy when compared to the power of nature. We truly depend on G-d to get us through this crisis. If someone only has a small outdoor porch with no room for a sukkah, encourage them to decorate it and eat meals there. Let’s lower barriers to fellow

Jews who do not celebrate according to tradition. Let’s encourage participation by all, sending a message of hope, comfort and joy in being Jewish. Sukkot allows us freedom to create new at-home traditions. This year is an opportunity for creating new family traditions or reviving old ones to make Sukkot special. Like Shabbat and the Passover Seder, there is ample room for putting a unique family stamp on this holiday. New traditions might include decorations, food and activities in whatever counts as your sukkah. Bring Zoom outside for the four species ceremony and then play new games with grandparents who are five states away and isolated from their family. Make it yours. This past Passover, we worked with many folks in Pittsburgh and beyond to reimagine the Seder virtually — not only how to do it, but how to make it engaging. This Sukkot, our program, 2 for Seder: In the Sukkah, contains an information kit that includes both Ashkenazi and Sephardi approaches to help those new to the home Sukkot practice get started. Sukkot can bring our diverse neighborhoods together — safely. Jews are being blamed for COVID-19 and cruel tropes

burn across the internet daily. Abraham and the prophet Zechariah set examples of how hospitality with others makes the world a better place. Our program, 2 for Seder: In the Sukkah, asks you to be inspired by their example and invite two friends of another faith to join you for a pandemic-safe meal in the sukkah, either socially distanced or virtually. Offering our neighbors of different faiths authentic, joyous Jewish experiences provides key knowledge to counter anti-Semitic tropes and stereotypes that are the seeds of hate. Sukkot gives us the power to change and repair our corner of the world. Open the flaps of the sukkah, let the air in, spread out a bit, turn on the virtual tools and share Sukkot with those around you. Let’s celebrate our joy, appreciate what we do have, and especially pray for us all to be sealed in the Book of Life. PJC Marnie Fienberg is the co-founder of 2 for Seder, which she created in the spring of 2019 after losing her mother-in-law in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. 2 for Seder: In the Sukkah is a new program encouraging a joyous Jewish holiday while fighting against hate with a Kit and a SafeSukkah Fact Sheet.

Many Orthodox Jews support President Trump. I’m one of them — here’s why.

Courtesy photo via JTA

Guest Columnist Binyamin Rose

nly 6% of voters who cast ballots for Barack Obama in 2008 voted for Donald Trump in 2016. I’m one of them. Political affiliation played no role in my decision. I’m a registered Democrat who often votes Republican. I was raised in an Orthodox Jewish family in North Jersey. We cried when Richard Nixon defeated Hubert Humphrey in 1968 and exulted when Ronald Reagan routed Jimmy Carter in 1980. This year poses a fresh dilemma. President Trump has proven himself as a consistent supporter of Israel. We feel an

affinity to the president’s cadre of Orthodox Jewish advisers, including Jared Kushner. Jared’s father, Charlie, was my high school classmate at the Jewish Educational Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The Kushners wore their commitment to Jewish causes and Israel on their sleeves. I also became professionally acquainted with Joe Biden in the 1980s, interviewing him at length when he was Delaware’s junior senator and I served as news director at WDOV-Radio in Dover, Delaware. I always found Biden well-versed in both domestic and foreign policy, with nuanced views on the issues. We’ve lost contact over the years, but no one can convince me Biden’s morphed into a reckless socialist. I’m only one man, one vote. But in my current role as editor at large for Mishpacha Magazine, the most influential Orthodox

weekly with a quarter of a million readers globally, I’ve kept my finger on the pulse of that community since 2004. Our readership is overwhelmingly pro-Trump. That doesn’t mean they like everything he says, or how he says it. As Sen. Lindsey Graham once put it, the president is a street fighter. But Orthodox Jews see Trump as their man on the street, standing up for causes they believe in, including Israel and religious freedoms by appointing conservative judges to federal courts. A Nishma poll taken in January 2020 showed some 56% of the ultra-Orthodox and 29% of the modern Orthodox voted for Trump in 2016, and his approval rating had risen to 68% among the ultra-Orthodox and 36% among the modern Orthodox earlier this year. Recent events have only solidified Trump’s

standing, despite the coronavirus pandemic, which most Orthodox Jews view as primarily a health issue and not one that politicians can solve. Biden can critique Trump from the basement of his Wilmington, Delaware, home all he wants, but he can’t prove retroactively that he would have done better. Aside from catching COVID-19, the two outbreaks Orthodox Jews fear most are a breakdown of law and order, and rising anti-Semitism. To an extent, the two dovetail. American Orthodox Jewish voters are concentrated in and around major cities, where Jewish institutions have spent millions of dollars since 9/11 on security upgrades. We have watched in dread as this summer’s legitimate demonstrations against police brutality Please see Rose, page 20

— LETTERS — New HFLA loan program praised

I’d like to thank you for your article about the Hebrew Free Loan’s program 412 Business Benefits Notes (“HFLA launches crowdfunding to help small businesses, day school families,” Aug. 23, 2020). My husband and I decided to contribute because of what I heard about the program from our friends Rich Feder and Mark Fichman, who conceived the project based on a similar initiative in Chicago called Benefit Chicago. I know that Rich and Mark contributed a great deal of time and effort getting the program off the ground and seeking out donors and contributors who wanted to be involved. Our thanks to Hebrew Free Loan, which will be implementing the program, and to Rich Feder and Mark Fichman, for their efforts. I think this program speaks well for the Pittsburgh Jewish community.

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Headlines Federation: Continued from page 1

professionals and lay leaders have enabled the Jewish community nationwide to identify best practices. The security model created by Pittsburgh’s Federation is being replicated across the country, he said, crediting Brad Orsini, Pittsburgh Federation’s former community security director and now SCN’s senior national security advisor; Shawn Brokos, the Federation’s current community security director; and Erin Wyland, the Federation’s security program coordinator. Since Oct. 27, 2018, nearly two dozen people have been arrested in the U.S. for planning attacks similar to the one committed at the Tree of Life building, Masters said. Even during the pandemic, with many Jewish buildings closed, there is still a need to be vigilant and prepared when it comes to security, he stressed. Moving forward, COVID-19 will increase communal needs, noted Finkelstein, but caring for the community is familiar work for the Federation. Whether it’s assisting people in the aftermath of the Oct. 27, 2018, attack or aiding those affected by the pandemic, the Federation has acted as a convener and brought together agencies and organizations for the greater good, he said. The Federation has also offered aid through the distribution of personal protective

p Meryl Ainsman, left, and Cindy Shapira welcome Federation’s new board members.

equipment to Jewish organizations and synagogues; provided more than $1.3 million in coronavirus relief funds to seniors, vulnerable populations, children, teens and their families; and, through emergency funding, food insecurity and career assistance, continued Finkelstein. In addition, the Federation’s work during the pandemic has included working with researchers from Brandeis University to study COVID-19’s effect on the Pittsburgh Jewish community; providing assistance with SBA loans; connecting individuals with local services; and transitioning popular in-person educational events, like the Tikkun Leil Shavuot, to online settings. Finkelstein praised Ainsman and Golin for their work in strengthening Jewish Pittsburgh

and addressing communal challenges. Ainsman, recipient of the Emanuel Spector Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Federation, was recognized for her exemplary service to the community and feted by pre-recorded well-wishes from friends and Jewish leaders including Isaac Herzog, chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, Cindy Shapira, former board chair of Pittsburgh’s Federation, and Brian Schreiber, president and CEO of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Golin, recipient of the Doris and Leonard H. Rudolph Jewish Communal Professional Award, was celebrated for his leadership

Conventions: Continued from page 1

counsel and is a member of its national finance committee. Levine has been to four DNCs: 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016, serving as a delegate for three of them. “They’re very exciting,” he said, recalling the breakfasts and parties and conference badges. This year was both different and difficult for him. He attended the Pennsylvania delegation’s morning breakfasts and special briefings, all virtual. But he missed the feeling of actually being there. “On one hand, there’s something about a live show … by not having a live show you’re losing something in terms of the energy level,” he said. “On the other hand, they were able to do some pretty creative things.” While Reibach also missed what she calls the “audience factor,” she sees a silver lining: With most of America homebound, she thinks the conventions might have had a more captive audience. Yet even the Republican National Convention couldn’t make Abby Schachter break her hard “no TV at night” rule. So she watched clips of the speeches the mornings after and got the play-by-play from her husband. Schachter covered the conventions before she even had a vote. The former New York Post writer moved from Canada to Israel to the U.S. in the ’90s and became a citizen in 2007. Now a research fellow at the Institute for Politics and Strategy at Carnegie Mellon

p Cliff Levine with his wife Rosanne and Joe Biden at a 2014 reception in Pittsburgh. Photo by Alicia Dallago

p Jon Tucker at the 2019 Republican Jewish Coalition convention in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of Jon Tucker

“ On one hand, there’s something about a live show … by not having a live show you’re losing something in terms of the energy level. On the other hand, they were able

”

to do some pretty creative things.

— CLIFF LEVINE University, Schachter wasn’t dismayed by the format change to this year’s conventions. “Life has changed dramatically since the conventions were established,” she said. “It’s

probably not a bad thing.” The format changes didn’t make a difference for Jon Tucker — a part-time medical director, retired orthopedic surgeon and

Screenshot by Adam Reinherz

and tireless willingness to work on behalf of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community. In prerecorded messages, both awardees credited their families and the community at large with providing strength and support. The annual program featured a song written by Pittsburgh and Israeli teenagers who participated in the Diller Teen Fellows program. Titled, “Panim el Panim,” which translates from Hebrew as “Face to Face,” the song’s lyrics included a cry for connection. Sang the teens: “It’s bigger than you. It’s bigger than me. I just want to see you panim el panim.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

member of Pittsburgh’s Republican Jewish Coalition — who generally considers the conventions “valueless.” “Frankly, most of the time, I didn’t really want to watch them because it’s just a bunch of people wearing funny hats and yelling and screaming, and I didn’t get a whole lot out of it,” he said, adding that this year wasn’t any better. “I’d rather see debate on issues than on people,” he said. “It’s the politics of fear and preying upon identities and all of the things that I think is wrong with politics. It doesn’t matter what party.” And Tucker thinks viewers see the speeches through the lenses of their preexisting biases. “People pick and choose what they want to hear out of somebody’s speech and find a reason either to applaud it or criticize it,” he said. Schachter sees the conventions as opportunities for viewers to learn about the parties’ platforms. But she’s skeptical that they influence behavior in the voting booth. “Whether their vote can be changed as a result of watching, I don’t know,” she said. “It wasn’t the case for me.” Whatever their party, Pittsburgh-area convention watchers know how important Pennsylvania will be in the election this fall. “It could be the most important swing state in this election,” Levine said. “I would hope that voters in Pennsylvania paid attention,” said Schachter. “What happens here will be very, very meaningful to the outcome of the election.” PJC Kayla Steinberg can be reached at ksteinberg@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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Headlines Holocaust: Continued from page 3

Cambodia and Darfur — and how bigotry and hate speech percolates today in the Western world. “I don’t get political but I don’t have to — I want them to take note of what they support and every decision they’re making,” she said, before turning to the subject of neo-Nazis marching in Charlottesville, Virginia. “These are guys in Dockers and polo shirts marching on a college campus — they’re emboldened.”

Pankiewicz also won’t shy away from sensitive material — and says she plays videos showing concentration camps being liberated by Allied soldiers during World War II. “I want them to cry, I want them to feel uncomfortable,” Pankiewicz said. “If they feel that way, they will become agents of change. It creates an empathy in them that will carry on throughout their life.” The district has taken its anti-hate education further steps beyond the basics, partnering with the Anti-Defamation League to offer workshops to students on the pyramid of hate and related topics, said Grace Lani, who

p From left: The Community Relations Council’s Laura Cherner, Cindy Goodman-Lieb, Josh Sayles and Bob Silverman attend a 2019 joint session of the Pennsylvania Legislature honoring victims of the Oct. 27, 2018, attack on three Pittsburgh synagogues. Photo courtesy of Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

Cherner: Continued from page 4

Cherner intends to strengthen the relationships in the broader Pittsburgh community through physical and emotional support, she said. “Being present for the African American community is especially critical,” she stressed. Cherner recognizes that a key component to community relations is building friendships and allies both within and outside of the Jewish community. Through her outreach to young leaders, Cherner is enabling the

has been the director of curriculum for the Canon-McMillan district for about 10 years. The district also offered its new, incoming teachers education about fighting bigotry. “In today’s day and age, it is through history, through the events of the past, through historical significance, that we teach children so we don’t make the mistakes of the past,” she told the Chronicle. Teaching about opposing hate and bigotry is particularly important in this cultural moment, regardless of the district’s religious makeup, Lani said. “Even though the world seems closer

together than ever, people don’t seem closer,” Lani said. Some, though, seem closer to Pankiewicz. Dickerson, the Duquesne student, said her teacher’s influence on her was profound. She even invited Pankiewicz to lecture at her university on the subject of hate. “I think [Pankiewicz’s Holocaust teaching] certainly inspired me to pursue education,” Dickerson said. “I hope to follow her impact … and give it to my future students.” PJC

in 2016, much of her early efforts centered on combating the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel and promoting an understanding between Catholics and Jews through the CatholicJewish Education Enrichment Program. Following the Oct. 27, 2018, attack at the Tree of Life building, however, emphases shifted. “I think for anyone who is in Pittsburgh or does Jewish communal work in Pittsburgh, that was a pivotal moment that changed a lot of the work we did,” said Cherner. “It changed from theoretical, or preventive, to real. We saw anti-Semitism in its worst form and it increased the urgency of our work in a way no one could have anticipated.” Certain relationships, like the one with the Muslim community, were already in place and grew stronger after Oct. 27, 2018,

but other relationships, like the one with the Sikh community, were really forged in the aftermath of the attack, added Cherner, who was a key player in those efforts. Given her dedication to interfaith and intergroup collaboration, along with her commitment to the community at large, Cherner’s promotion bodes well for the future of Jewish Pittsburgh, said Federation’s president and CEO Jeffrey Finkelstein. Bob Silverman, the CRC’s immediate past chair, agreed. “We are in very capable hands with Laura,” he said in a statement, “as she brings a wealth of experience in many community initiatives and has developed strong relationships with dozens of leaders in diverse communities.” PJC

Justin Vellucci is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh.

Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Federation to broaden its appeal to a new generation, according to Adam Hertzman, the Federation’s director of marketing. “Our impression as an organization is that Jewish young adults tend to be much more interested than previous generations have been in broader social justice and advocacy — not just for Jewish causes but for other causes — and it’s very important that we bring in those voices, both so that we can reflect the concerns of our Jewish community and so that we can connect to young adults in other diverse communities,” Hertzman said. When Cherner began her post with the CRC

Notice to our subscribers BLM: Continued from page 11

and economic rights of Black Americans. Organizers were careful to assert that no single organization had been behind the letter and that a diverse group of activists had been involved in writing it up. “When we put it out, we said there would be no edits,” said Dove Kent, the senior strategy adviser at Bend the Arc: Jewish Action. Her progressive political action group had been involved in the early logistics of the effort. “I was shocked that we didn’t get one edit request from an institution. It showed how committed people in this moment are to supporting Black liberation,” Kent said. PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Asked whether organizers faced any hurdles getting traditionally Zionist organizations to back a movement with some anti-Israel leanings in its past, Kent simply responded, “no.” “What the response to this letter has shown is that people are not succumbing to the politics of division… We’re seeing the need to join together, even when we’re in disagreement on core issues,” she added. Kent went on to assert that the latest effort by the coalition of Jewish organizations does not stop with the letter, and that many of them have been following it up with actions at the local level in support of police reform, hiring equity and affordable housing. PJC

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This story originally appeared on The Times of Israel. PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

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Life & Culture ‘Broke: The Game’ aims to create empathy and change — GAMES — By David Rullo | Staff Writer

ana Gold wants to end poverty. To do that, she believes people must first understand the decisions forced upon those living below the poverty line. “I would spend a lot of time going from meeting to meeting, congregation to congregation, talking about the work that I did,” said Gold, chief operating officer of Jewish Family and Community Services. “People would come up to me and say, ‘Oh, you’re such a good person,’ or they would hand me a check, both of which are appreciated but neither is very effective at ending poverty.” Gold decided to try something completely different — and created a game. Hoping it could be a way to create conversation around a difficult topic, she sat down with paper and pen and sketched out what would become “Broke: The Game.” The objective, she explained, is to replicate the stress felt by those forced to make hard decisions when there’s not enough money and competing priorities. Think of it as a realistic version of The Game of Life. Players choose a character and start in various positions on the board based on life experiences and privilege. So, the recent college graduate and recently divorced suburbanite start closer to the goal of financial stability than the undocumented worker or homeless person. Players are given a set of stars that represent the privilege they have built into their position. Given the biases built into the game, Gold said, the college graduate almost always ends up winning. She has used the game to train educators, police officers and volunteers, and has even played it with groups of grade school children. “It’s fascinating watching them start to think about their decisions and how those decisions affect their future,“ she said. As they play, people develop empathy and understanding, Gold said. A teacher told her after playing the game she finally could

p Players confront real-life situations in “Broke: The Game.”

understand why a student kept coming to school with a backpack untouched and filled with papers. “It helps people get it and want to change, and that’s what we want,” Gold said. “We want to change the systems of poverty that keep people from being their best selves and contributing to society.” Despite the passion she brought to creating the game, Gold is not a gamer. To turn her handwritten notes into a playable board game, she turned to the experts at Carnegie Mellon University, including her old friend, Drew Davidson, the director of CMU’s Entertainment Technology Center. Davidson connected her with other people in the field who helped her secure a grant to hire two interns to help design and work through the logic of the game. “They helped me get this off a piece of paper and into a real box with the board, with the color, with the design and the appropriate

Cooperative Ministry, was the founder and executive director at Sojourner House, and was the founding director of program at Infinite Family, a nonprofit that provides mentoring opportunities for South African adults. “Each of the organizations that I’ve worked with have added to the game in terms of the experiences I’ve had working with individuals,” Gold said. The app can be downloaded through Google Play and the Apple App Store. The board game is available at brokethegame. com. Each board game is custom made so it takes several weeks to arrive. Gold has big hopes for what the game could accomplish — nothing short of “change.” “I’m serious,” she said. “If we can create empathy and compassion, a lot of things can change.” PJC David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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spacing between questions,” she said. Davidson also secured a funder to help Gold transform the concept from a physical board game to a free app that can be played on an iPhone or Android device. In 2018, a team of students at CMU spent an entire semester working on the game, ultimately creating “a really good app experience,” said Gold. While the board game involves multiple players, the app is a single-person experience. Players pick a character, are given a dossier and must make choices based on a goal and challenges. Navigating through the game, characters are faced with real-life setbacks and familial needs. In the end, you win or lose based on your bank balance. The mother of two used real-world experiences to create the game, lending a credibility and realism to many of the situations. Before her tenure at JFCS, Gold was the director of the homeless men’s shelter at the East End

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Celebrations

Torah

B’not mitzvah

The ritual of first fruits Abigail Elena Hilton, daughter of Chad and Yvonne Hilton, became a bat mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Rodef Shalom Congregation. Abby attends The Ellis School. She is an avid chess player and enjoys running. For her bat mitzvah project, she has raised and will be donating money to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and to support coronavirus victims.

Shayna Dawn Valinsky, daughter of Nicole (Cohen) and Howard Valinsky and sister of Alex (Natalia), Andrew, Brad and Eric, will become a bat mitzvah on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Congregation Beth Shalom. Shayna is the granddaughter of Mira and the late Sanford E. Cohen and Toby and the late Marvin Valinsky. Shayna will be in eighth grade at Community Day School. She enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with her friends. For Shayna’s mitzvah project, she will be selling personally designed Pura Vida bracelets and the proceeds will be going to the National Kidney Foundation in honor of her Nana, Mira. Shayna is also taking part in the Remembering the Children B’nei Mitzvah Project where she is able to remember as well as honor a child that may or may not have survived the Holocaust.

Engagement

Dr. Nathan and Jamie Bennett of Upper Saint Clair are happy to announce the engagement of their son, Gregory Louis Bennett, to Gabrielle Ashley Lesnett, daughter of Glen and Felicia Lesnett of Coventry, Rhode Island. Gregory’s grandparents are the late Tilden Bennett and Judy Spahr of Pittsburgh and the late Ronald Friedken and Florinne (Flossie) Friedken of State College, Pennsylvania, and the late Donald and the late Judie Selig of Pittsburgh. Gabrielle’s grandparents are Alan and Lorraine Reich of Barnegat, New Jersey and the late George Lesnett and Joan Lesnett of St. Augustine, Florida. Greg has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University. He is currently working as an advanced electronics packaging engineer for Lockheed Martin. Gabrielle has her doctorate in physical therapy from Quinnipiac University. She is a physical therapist at an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Philadelphia. The couple plans to wed in 2022. PJC

GET THE news. THEN GET THE FULL STORY. T

Rabbi Jeremy Markiz Parshat Ki Tavo Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8

n this week’s parshat, Ki Tavo, we learn about the ritual of the first fruits. This ritual, marked on our calendar during Shavuot, consists of nine distinct parts, with five core instructions. This ritual — one we rarely participate in today, especially outside of the land of Israel — provides a blueprint of how to make meaningful experiences in our lives. As we navigate our coronavirus life through the Haggim and on through the winter, perhaps we can rely on this ritual for assistance. First, the Torah tells us to collect the first fruit. This fruit is unique because the plant has never produced anything before. As I grew tomatoes for the first time this summer, I can say there is a special sweetness to them. Second, place the fruits in a basket. By placing our work into a container, both physically and metaphorically, we have the chance to stop and reflect. Third, we go to a place that God will choose to dwell. As the rabbis teach, God is present with us, wherever we are, but that we choose places that are full of meaning to us. Fourth, we connect with our local priest. This person, a facilitator, helps us define the framework of the ritual to come. Finding meaning can be easier when we have rituals to rely upon, structure to help us. Fifth, we use specific language about the inheritance of the land and declare, “I acknowledge this day,” (Dvarim 26:3). This language is specific and makes this ritual, not just an act of peoplehood, but something that brings us, as individuals, into the moment. Sixth, that same priest takes what we have offered and places it before the altar. As we experience life over Zoom, we know how important physical actions can be. The act of placing it before the altar centers and focuses us. Seventh, we recite a narrative of our ancestors. Starting from, “My father was a wandering Aramean” (26:5) to “The Lord freed us from Egypt” (26:8) to “God brought us to this place...a land flowing with milk and honey” (26:9). As we learn on Passover, it is not enough that we tell the story, we must understand that we are a part of it. Eighth, we are to bow low before God. This is something we do not do often in our

Rabbi Jeremy Markiz is the director of Derekh and Youth Tefillah at Congregation Beth Shalom. This column is a service of the Greater Pittsburgh Rabbinic Association.

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tradition, for fear of idolatry. This reminder of humility, of standing before the Divine is no small act, but a serious moment. Ninth, and finally, we enjoy it, v’simchat b’chol hatov, with the Levite and the stranger alike. While this is a formal ritual, we conclude it with joy, seeing our whole story, our whole life pass before us. Now this ritual might seem arcane for some, but contains within it wisdom for all of us at this time. We can summarize the ritual in five core instructions: collect, go, recite, bow, and enjoy. Each of these core principles is a lesson in how to build rituals, not just in life, but during this period of a global pandemic. When we collect the food in our gardens, we are out in the world. We see the good and the bad, we see what life is truly like. The rabbis in the Talmud used to say, puk chazei, go out and see what the people do. Our tradition is not one of isolation, but instead of being a part of the world. When we are told to go, we remember to find holy places. Like the Mishkan and the Temple that followed, and the synagogues in our lives, we are instructed to find places that fill us up. This might be in nature, sitting in a favorite spot in the backyard or porch, or somewhere else entirely. The universe is full of holy places, go out and find the one that fits you. When we are told to recite words, we know that we must find ways to express ourselves. Not just in art and in stories, but the essence of who we are in relationship to everything around us. To express who we are in ways that can be heard, seen, or experienced by others is a part of being human. When we are told to bow, we engage in one of the most important tasks before us: being grateful. As challenging as it can be, there is always something to be grateful for in life. Each and every day, we can tell God and each other about the things that make a real difference to us. Finally, we are told to enjoy life with each other. As hard as it can be to be apart, we have learned how essential we are to each other. Finding time to celebrate, virtually or in person, is a key to making life worth living. PJC

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Obituaries ABRAMS: Phyllis Schyne Abrams passed away on Aug. 27, 2020, one week shy of her 95th birthday. She lost her beloved husband Milton, her greatest joy, 20 years ago. She was also predeceased by parents Maurice and Lillian Schyne, brothers Harold, Donald and Bernard Schyne, and sister-in law and dear friend Hilda Leff Critchlow. Phyllis was born in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Pittsburgh when she married her husband Milton in 1946. Phyllis is survived by her children Maxine (Jack) Farberow, Sharon Abrams and David (Judy) Abrams. She was grandmother to Lori Nemec and Lee (Audra) Selkowitz, Kimberly (Jason) Petrolo and Molly (Michael) Petruska, great-grandmother to Emerson Nemec and Hattie Petruska and survived by many nieces and nephews. Her favorite title was GG to her great-grandson Emerson. According to Emerson’s mom Lori, “[Her] sun rose and set by his every move.” A heartfelt thanks to nephew Fred Leff, who loved spending time with his Aunt Phyl and she with him. Phyllis was completely devoted to family and brought joy to all she loved throughout her years. After raising her children, she spent many years working alongside her husband. Their life together included many times spent with family and dear friends, and friendships that lasted a lifetime. Service and interment were held at Beth Shalom Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Riverview Towers, 52 Garetta St., Pittsburgh, PA 15217, Attention: Phyllis Cohen, in memory of Phyllis Abrams. Arrangements entrusted to the Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family-owned and -operated. Condolences for the family may be offered online at schugar.com. EICHNER: Sally Weintraub Eichner, formerly of Akron, Ohio, passed away peacefully at age 96 on Aug. 30, 2020, in Pittsburgh. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Sidney Eichner, in 1987, as well as her brothers Sam, Hy and Harry, and sisters Ann and Lil. She is survived by her devoted son, Dr. Martin Eichner (Elyse), and adoring grandsons Scott (Tracy) and Max Eichner, in addition to being an aunt and cousin to many. Sally was a proud member of both Beth El Synagogue and the Shaw JCC in Akron, Ohio, where she worked for many years. Graveside services will be held in Akron, Ohio. Thanks to the staff of the Jewish Association on Aging in Pittsburgh and Home Instead Senior Care, who helped Sally with such compassion. Donations in her memory can be sent to the Jewish Association on Aging, 200 JHF Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Arrangements entrusted to the Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family-owned and -operated. schugar.com KLEIN: Barbara M. Klein, 87, of Point Breeze, passed away on Aug. 31, 2020. Beloved wife of James Klein; mother of Robert C. Klein, Faye (Leo) Kennedy, Jeanne Tomanio and Alisa (Bruce) Johnson; grandmother of William Drischler and to four others; and great-grandmother of Isabella, Scott, and Troy James Drischler; sister of Maxine Ruperto; and aunt of Lauren, Karen and Jeffrey. Burial was held at Homewood Cemetery. Professional services trusted to PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

D’Alessandro Funeral & Crematory Ltd. dalessandroltd.com. LICHTENSTEIN: Phyllis Lichtenstein, 88, of White Oak, died Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. She was born in Pittsburgh on Oct. 26, 1931, and is the daughter of the late Ben and Gertrude and the wife of the late Herb Lichtenstein. Phyllis and Herb owned and operated Philberts, a supermarket near Monroeville Mall, in the 1960s and 1970s. Later she operated a small clothing store in White Oak. She traveled to Florida every winter since she was married. She enjoyed playing mahjong with her friends, going to restaurants and movies, shopping and talking to her friends, but most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her sons, Rick (Sally Lipsky) Lichtenstein of Murrysville and Bruce (Cynthia Farrell) Lichtenstein of Ashland, Massachusetts; and grandchildren, Jennie, Kylie, Katie and Michael. She is preceded in death by her brother, Murray. Graveside services were held at Temple Cemetery on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Howie Stein officiating. Arrangements by Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services (1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA, 15131; Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177). Donations may be made to Temple B’nai Israel, 2025 Cypress Drive, White Oak, PA 15131. To share a memory or condolence, please visit striffler funeralhomes.com SLAVKIN: On Aug. 30, 2020, beloved mother, grandmother and teacher Jacqueline Cuttler Slavkin passed away. She was 82 years old. Jackie was a native Pittsburgher, born on April 23, 1938, to Esther and Louis Cuttler. She attended Peabody High School, graduating second in her class in 1956. Upon graduation from the University of Pittsburgh in 1959, Jackie began her teaching career at Taylor Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill. Jackie married Seril Slavkin, M.D., on July 3, 1960, and after living in Mountain Home, Idaho, for two years while Seril served in the Air Force, ultimately settled in Mt. Lebanon where she resided at the time of her passing. The couple joined Beth El Congregation in 1964, where Mrs. Slavkin remained a member for 56 years until her death. It was after Seril’s untimely death in 1981 that she truly found inner strength and became a centering force in her family’s life. A quiet, elegant woman, Jackie was a lifelong supporter of the arts in Pittsburgh, holding season tickets to both the Pittsburgh Symphony and Pittsburgh Public Theater, among others. She was also a voracious reader, the bookshelves in her home packed with volumes she had read over the years. Jackie is survived by her children Stacey (husband Larry Keller) of Needham, Massachusetts and Rob (wife, Rachel Aronson Slavkin) of Longwood, Florida, and four grandchildren, Evan (25), Emily (23), Drew (20) and Jacob (19). Services and interment private. Donations in Jackie’s memory may be made to her beloved Beth El Congregation of the South Hills, 1900 Cochran Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family-owned and -operated. schugar.com PJC

Jewish Association on Aging gratefully acknowledges contributions from the following: A gift from …

In memory of …

Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Gelman Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bella Cohen David and Judith Clovsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Phillip Clovsky Edward M. Goldston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ted Brown Gay & Alvin Goldstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jack H. Goldstone Jean Metzger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justine Herzog Becker Morris E. Ogun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reah Ogun Rosalyn Shapiro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isadore Davis Richard S. Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth E. Supowitz Iris Amper Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Amper Mrs. Edris Weis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dora Shaffer Mrs. Edris Weis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mildred Tannenbaum

THIS WEEK’S YAHRZEITS — Sunday September 6: Regina Berg, Ethel Borovetz, Celia Grudzinsky Catz, Joseph Gelman, Lillian Ohringer Girson, Louis Goldberg, Barbara Goldstein, Louis Hershenson, Herbert Isaacs, Leon Kweller, Leon Lappin, Pearl Beck Levy, Norma Lewis, Martin S. Morrow, William Richman, Rose Leib Rothman, Mollie Steinman, Selma Volkin, Joseph Weitzman, Belle Strauss Wilder Monday September 7: Justine Becker, Pessie Esman, Nathan Glantz, Leah A. Gluck, Toby Goldberg, Martha Hirsch Green, Bess Z. Kaufmann, Morris Kessler, Leah Tobias Levy, Rose Mikulitzky, William Miller, David Pecarsky, Goldie Rubin, Lena Ruttenberg, Roy Ruttenberg, Estelle Rae Sable, Martin S. Taxay, M.D., Joseph N. Verk Tuesday September 8: Minnie E. Aberman, Emanuel Hyman Bennett, Isadore Brown, Ted Brown, Norma Cohen Dobrushin, Julia Kitman, Fannie Liebman, Lillian E. Friedman Pachtman, Sadie Rebecca Ruttenberg, Benjamin C. Simon, Meir A. Weiner, Meyer Wolk, Irving S. Zamore Wednesday September 9: Elizabeth Marine Chaiken, Esther F. Cohen, Sadie Friedland, Leonard H. Goldberg, Samuel Henry Harris, Ella Herman, Henry H. Katz, Anna C. Kenner, Leonora Lichtenstul, Benjamin L. Schulman, Md, Yetta B. Sirota, Ruth Soffer, Bennie Star, Lawrence Swartz, Harry H. Wyner, Oliver Zimmer Thursday September 10: Isadore Ackerman, Sadye G. Adler, Anna Amdur, Milton Saul Baseman, Arleen Cohen, Isadore Cohen, Arnold Deutelbaum, Harold Glick, Joseph Klein, Sylvia Lebenson, William Leibovitz, Isadore Liberman, Pearl Love, Lena Mandelblatt, Lena Morantz, Alick Portnoy, Sarah Rosen, Albert Ross, Morris Schachter, Elsie Skigen, Anne Skirboll, Hyman Stearns, Louis Herman Weiss Friday September 11: William Beck, Joseph Cohen, Helen Rosen Cowen, Rebecca Eger, Peter Glick, Rose Goldenson, Lucile F. Hanauer, Fannie Zweig Lando, Lillian Goldman Mason, Bessie Wilkoff Osgood, Sam Perilman, Maurice Perr, Bessie Geber Rosenfield, Anna Rubin, Allan Schwartz, Morris Sigman, Jacob Silberman, Bennie Turk, Max Turk Saturday September 12: Julius Altshuler, William V. Conn, Md, Adelyne Crumb, Julius Davis, June Y. Enelow, Fay Ruth Frank, Rebecca Green, Stanley Hohenstein, Charles M. Horovitz, Sarah Basia Horwitz, Max I. Levinson, Mary Ethel Miller, Mark J. Mundel, Charles S. Perlman, Adolf Siegel, Norman Sife, Sarah B. Simon, Herman Wolfe

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Headlines Campus: Continued from page 10

virtual Shabbat event. Of course, it’s not the same. “There is an emotional toll on our Hillel — we miss our students being together with us in person,” said Dan Marcus, executive director and CEO of Hillel JUC. “However, we’re going to look at this as another positive opportunity to learn, reflect and be together virtually.” Chabad at Pitt created a new Friday night tradition: Shabbat in the Park. The first week, it drew more than 150 students, so many that it ran out of homemade food. At Schenley Plaza, three people were playing volleyball, and somebody was beatboxing in the corner, recalled Chabad at Pitt’s Rabbi Shmuli Rothstein. And in the middle of it all were more than 100 Jewish students, singing “Shalom Aleichem” and making kiddush over grape juice. “It’s sort of a blessing in disguise,” said Rothstein. “It was so beautiful that even in future years — without COVID, God willing — we are still probably going to keep a

Rose: Continued from page 13

against Black Americans quickly gave way to rioting and looting, with big-city mayors looking the other way. Jewish businesses were targeted at a time when Orthodox Jews, with their unique dress, are already on edge, having been singled out for beatings and assaults in increasing numbers in recent years. Neither Trump nor Biden can wave a magic wand and provide redress for hundreds of years of grievances. That’s a formidable task for the next administration, and probably many presidents to come, no matter who wins this year. But in the meantime, we must feel safe at home, on the street, in our synagogues and yeshivas and at our places of business. Law and order must be restored. Police should be retrained and reeducated, not defunded. Biden does not support defunding, but Orthodox Jews view the Republicans in general, and Trump in particular, as ready, willing and able to deploy federal resources to restore order. As a senator, Biden championed law and order; however, candidate Biden now walks a tightrope with his party’s progressive wing that tolerates the mayhem. There are other societal issues that

Shabbat in the Park aspect.” Pitt sophomore Sophie Sable, who helped package the food for the event, believes that a Shabbat meal is a great way to bring people together. “I think that providing a basis for everyone to engage in Shabbat together, even if we’re separate, is kind of an interesting idea and a great way to make it feel more homey, more like a community,” she said. Rothstein is considering other options for when it gets too cold to do Shabbat in the Park. One idea is short Shabbat dinners at his home. He’s figuring out the numbers: Maybe two or three rounds with 15 people upstairs and 15 in the basement, which would serve a total of 60-90 students. For JGrads Pittsburgh, too, Shabbat dinners have become an exact science. The outside-only events are made possible with 6-foot tables, one person at each end, and washing and sanitizing stations. Chabad House on Campus, which serves seven Pittsburgh-area schools, has big plans in the works. Rabbi Shmuel and Sara Weinstein are coordinating a virtual talk and concert with a Black Jewish rapper (whose

name is being kept under wraps for now) on Oct. 22, a collaboration with the Pitt Program Council and Pitt’s Black Action Society. And they are talking with Chatham University to plan a virtual challah braiding demonstration. The Chatham Jewish Student Association, which was launched last fall, is working with Hillel JUC to provide community and educational programming for Jewish and non-Jewish students alike. “The education can’t stop just because we can’t see each other in person,” said junior Leah Berman-Kress, who founded Chatham JSA. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to put together something that students will support and be proud of and really want to be involved with.” Even with creative virtual events, Chabad of CMU’s Rabbi Shlomo Silverman sees physical interaction as critical to students’ mental health. “I’m seeing more and more students that are suffering with depression, and it’s affecting many areas of their personal and academic life just because everything has changed,” he said. “Whatever we can do — that personal interaction, the personal soup, the personal family — that is ultimately the key to keeping people

sane, healthy and strong in these crazy times.” Chabad of CMU launched a Matzo Ball Soup Hotline and a Shabbat-to-go program to help. For the High Holidays, Chabad of CMU and Chabad at Pitt will combine for services and a large Shofar in the Park brisket dinner on Sept. 20. Meanwhile, Hillel JUC will provide a mix of High Holiday offerings as well as an Elul workbook to prepare, filled with exercises, texts and inspiration. Both Chabad of CMU and Chabad at Pitt will also hold classes this year through Chabad on Campus International’s Jewish U program. Silverman considers it his mission to provide for students no matter what happens with the pandemic. “[The] Chabad model is family, home and warmth,” he said. “Obviously, if students aren’t in person, it’s a lot harder to do that. At the same time, we’re here and we care, and that’s something that we can keep on doing no matter what’s going on.” PJC

explain why Orthodox Jews have cast their votes in larger numbers for conservative Republicans, such as the family values championed by Ronald Reagan and the Bushes. We believe that marriage is a holy bond between a man and a woman. We also support government funding of secular studies curriculums within parochial schools, as many Western countries do. On those issues, we often have more in common with Evangelical Christians than our fellow Jews, who vote overwhelmingly Democratic, and favor Republican presidents who will appoint more conservative justices to the Supreme Court. I haven’t even mentioned Israel yet, or Iran. These were bigger campaign issues in 2016 than in 2020, but suffice it to say President Trump has amassed a strong record of solid support for Israel. He has restored sanctions on Iran, moved the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and recognized Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights. Let’s not forget his United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley, who took on the entire international community at the U.N. over its obsession with Israel. Trump’s “deal of the century” for Middle East peace has flaws and faces stiff challenges, despite optimism over the flowering

of diplomatic relations between Israel and other Arab nations. But in the minds of many Orthodox Jews, for whom the biblical borders of Israel are sacrosanct, 30% of the West Bank under Trump beats the 4% that Israel was left with under the Oslo agreements that President Obama supported and that a Biden administration would likely revive. While I noted earlier that some 80% of the ultra-Orthodox voted for Trump in 2016, what about the 20% who didn’t? One answer is that many are disturbed by Trump’s divisive rhetoric, and the consequent deterioration of public discourse, opening the door for a major uptick in anti-Semitism. Yes, political dialogue has descended to gutter level. Trump bears his share of the blame for that. Judaism has laws for kosher speech, just as it has for kosher food. Jewish law forbids the use of derogatory nicknames. We’d like to see the president eliminate the name-calling from his political lexicon. Trump’s diatribes have emboldened far-right extremists and white nationalists. At the same time, Democratic progressives have ramped up their anti-Israel rhetoric, supporting the BDS movement under the banner of free speech. Both parties are guilty of fomenting anti-Semitism. But for an Orthodox Jew, what’s the bigger present

threat? A far-right extremist in a distant rural town, or a looter in a Jewish neighborhood? Anti-Semitism has been alive and kicking for centuries. I haven’t seen any recent polling of KKK voters, and I don’t expect to, but it’s a safe assumption that most vote Republican, whether or not the candidate’s last name is Trump. To label Trump a white nationalist because some of his supporters are is as unfair as branding Biden a socialist because some progressives in his party speak approvingly of aspects of Fidel Castro’s regime. In the final analysis, among America’s Orthodox Jews, a primary fear propelling support for Trump is the rise of the progressive left. Many Orthodox Jews are pessimistic about the future of their cities and the country as a whole should the progressive agenda be enacted, with its very real potential to transform America into a much more hostile place for religion. They see Trump as a defender of the values they hold dear, and for them, a vote for Trump in November is a vote to keep the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle viable in the United States. PJC

Kayla Steinberg can be reached at ksteinberg@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Binyamin Rose, based in Jerusalem, is the editor at large of Mishpacha Magazine. This piece originally appeared at JTA.org.

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Community Welcome back to Community Day School After a seemingly endless summer, Community Day School students returned for the start of a new school year on Aug. 27. With families electing in-person, at-home and virtual options, students and staff began a new chapter in Jewish day school education.

p Fourth-grader Levi and second-grader Eliana Marcus are all smiles (probably).

p Kindergarten student Levi Madden exits the bus on the first morning of school.

p Sixth-grader Yuval Perel enjoys virtual instruction.

Photos courtesy of Community Day School

Standing together

p CDS Hebrew teacher Yamit Levy with daughters Shira and Ella

p Fourth-grader Kimi, sixth-grader Benji and second-grader Sammy Smuckler arrive at school.

22â&#x20AC;&#x192;SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

p Kohenet Keshira haLev Fife and Sara Stock Mayo represent Kesher Pittsburgh with a few seconds of physical connection for social justice. Photo courtesy of Sara Stock Mayo

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With social distancing measures in place, University of Pittsburgh students enjoyed contactless Shabbat2Go kits from Hillel JUC.

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Pump up the volume Temple Sinai welcomed Nefesh Mountain, a band that blends bluegrass and Jewish influences, for a Zoom concert on Aug. 22.

p Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff of Nefesh Mountain perform. Screenshot courtesy of Tami Prine p Rose W and family enjoyed a recent window visit

p JAA Director of Social Services Nicole Morgan shows her heart.

Photo by Joshua Franzos

Photo courtesy of Jewish Association on Aging

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Kol Hakavod

p After concluding a three-year term as board chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, Meryl Kirshner Ainsman displays the Emanuel Spector Memorial Award and a challah board, both given by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. The Emanuel Spector Memorial Award recognizes exemplary service to the community. Photo by Joshua Franzos

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 23

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