Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 11/24/2017 by Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle

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November 24, 2017 | 6 Kislev 5778

Candlelighting 4:39 p.m. | Havdalah 5:40 p.m. | Vol. 60, No. 47 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

Momentum mission to Israel inspires local mothers

NOTEWORTHY LOCAL No ordinary volunteer In retirement, Ronna Scoratow has turned helping others into a full-time job.

filled to capacity,” said Altein, a member of the Lubavitch community. Requirements for participation were that participants (excluding city leaders) were not Sabbath observant, were “physically and emotionally healthy” and had children under the age of 18 years old at home, according to the JWRP. Participants paid for their own flights, deposits and tips. Everything else was covered by JWRP, the Israeli government and CWB. Given the stipulations and the fact that several of the Steel City’s inaugural cohort have children of roughly the same age, a few participants considered themselves acquaintances prior to the trip. But for those who were even initially strangers to one another, after spending multiple intensive days together, the group “really clicked, and everyone connected well,” said Adrienne Indianer, adding that “everyone was nice and friendly and wanted to meet other people.” During the Nov. 7-14 mission, the group visited “all the major touring spots,” engaged in “daily inspirational classes” and partic-

he young African-American man enters the tiny downtown store and from his pocket removes a silver chain bracelet and what might be a piece of a gold earring. He lays the jewelry on the counter and addresses the Jewish man across the counter, saying “Mr. Eddie. We spoke on the phone this morning.” Eddie Lowy, the owner of Banner Coin Exchange, greets the gentleman with a generous smile. Smiles come naturally to Lowy; they shape his “resting face” and seem to fade only those moments when he is gazing intently into his jeweler’s loupe, determining whether a given item is treasure or trash. This time it’s treasure. The bracelet, Lowy tells his customer, was made in China, but it is sterling silver. He tests the earring piece with acid and confirms it is made of 10 karat gold. Lowy presses a few keys on his adding machine and tells the young man that his trinkets are worth a total of $22.83. “I guess that was worth the trip down here,” Lowy says, and his customer agrees. “Yes, it was,” says the man, who is simultaneously giving a play-by-play on his cell to his girlfriend, telling her what price her pieces have fetched. Lowy checks and records the man’s identification — it’s clear he has laws to follow, and he is following them to the letter — and completes the transaction by paying his patron and tucking the jewelry away. The customer does not for a second doubt Lowy’s appraisal. After being in the business of coin and jewelry exchange for more than 37 years, Lowy has developed a reputation for honesty and integrity. His Google and Yelp reviews are uniformly outstanding, with customers writing that Lowy’s shop offers the “best price in town,” and that he is

Please see Women, page 16

Please see Lowy, page 16

LOCAL Federations’ full-court press

 Pittsburgh’s participants are all smiles as they pose for a group photo at the Western Wall. Photo courtesy of Adrienne Indianer

Page 4 LOCAL Akko pride Manchester Bidwellmodeled center celebrates first year of operation. Page 5

Meet Eddie Lowy: buyer of rare coins, scrap jewelry, dental work By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

Page 3

Pittsburgh’s delegation sounds off on JFNA’s Israel declaration.

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By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

fter spending eight days in Israel on a first-from-Pittsburgh “Birthright for Moms,” 10 women have returned spiritually rejuvenated. As part of the Momentum program of the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project, they will now spend the next year strengthening their bonds to Judaism and the Jewish state. Momentum, which began in 2009, caters to its demographic because “mothers are teachers, and they basically can strengthen Judaism and bring Israel into the family,” said Tsipy Gur, founder and executive director of Classrooms Without Borders, a local organization that partnered with the JWRP to make Momentum available in the Steel City. “When I first found out about it, I was like, I’m there,” said Julie Paris, who explained that she discovered the JWRP more than three years ago online after reading about Momentum. Once Chani Altein was selected as the city leader, word soon spread. “I told a few women and they told a few women, and before we knew it, we were

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LOCAL JNF celebrates Steelers legacy

NATIONAL Holocaust education up in Pa.

NATIONAL Puerto Rico’s recovery continues

Headlines With JNF honor, Steelers’ owner continues family tradition — LOCAL — By Lauren Rosenblatt | Chronicle Staff

ome 20 years ago, the late former Pittsburgh Steelers owner, Dan Rooney, was awarded the Jewish National Fund’s Tree of Life Award, a humanitarian honor that recognizes community involvement and support for Israel. This year, Greta and Art Rooney II, the current owners of the Steelers, continued the family tradition and accepted the 28th Tree of Life Award, given to a Pittsburgh resident or native for their support of JNF, Israel and many philanthropic causes in the city. “My father was a man of all seasons,” Art Rooney II said, referring to his father’s eagerness to contribute to several different causes. “It’s an honor to sort of follow him.” The Rooneys accepted the award at a reception and dinner at the Omni William Penn Hotel on Tuesday night along with 200 attendees. Throughout the night, the Rooneys were praised for their involvement in different Pittsburgh philanthropies, including the Pittsburgh Public Theater, the Senator John Heinz History Center and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. “Art and Greta are such wonderful, beautiful people and they do get involved, they do give back,” said former Steelers running back Franco Harris, who has known the Rooneys since he came to Pittsburgh in 1972. “That’s really been a trademark of the Rooney family.” The organization gives out about 20 Tree of Life Awards in 20 cities each year, according to Jason Rose, associate executive director

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EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Email: newsdesk@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org BOARD OF TRUSTEES David Ainsman, Chairman Evan Indianer, Vice Chairman Gayle R. Kraut, Secretary Andrew Schaer, Treasurer Richard J. Kitay, Immediate Past Chairman

Jonathan Bernstein, Gail Childs, Elizabeth F. Collura, Seth Dresbold, Milton Eisner, Malke Steinfeld Frank, Tracy Gross, Catia Kossovsky, Andi Perelman, Amy Platt, David Rush, Charles Saul GENERAL COUNSEL Stuart R. Kaplan, Esq.

2 NOVEMBER 24, 2017

p Greta and Art Rooney II accept the Jewish National Fund’s annual Tree of Life award at the Omni William Penn Hotel. Photo courtesy of the Jewish National Fund

Midwest for JNF USA. The idea behind the award, Rose said, is to “honor a mensch of the local community and also someone with a strong support for Israel and the Jewish National Fund.” In recent years, JNF has honored Scott Lammie, senior vice president and chief financial officer for UPMC Insurance Services division, and Pittsburgh native and artist Burton Morris. At the Rooneys’ celebration, New York Times columnist and former editor-inchief of The Jerusalem Post Bret Stephens

gave a keynote speech about foreign policy in America, addressing how he thinks the current administration should handle the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Stephens listed several “rules” he would offer should the president ask him for advice, including urging the administration to simply not do anything, to focus on what and who is important to the country when deciding how to proceed and to get away from “clichés that have dominated foreign policy for so long.” “Foreign policy is not about making

dreams come true,” Stephens said. “The truth is that foreign policy is fundamentally about keeping your nightmares at bay. “Draw up a list of your nightmares, Mr. President. … How are you going to ensure they won’t happen?” Stephens, who frequently speaks at JNF events, said he got involved with the organization about 15 years ago when his family donated a forest in Israel in honor of his great-grandmother. Since then, he has donated a forest for his father and another for a friend. “Being in Israel gives you a sense of confidence and hope,” Stephens said at the conclusion of his speech. “That’s, I think, a sense of confidence and hope all of you should share not just in Israel, but in the U.S. as well.” At the event, JNF also honored four local high school students, Leo Berzon, Mitchell Dubin, Maya Groff and Sofia Sherman, who had recently returned from an eight-week seminar studying at the Alexander Muss High School in Israel through a JNF partnership with the Genesis scholarship fund. Internationally, the Israeli branch of the JNF, known in Hebrew as Karen Kayemeth L’Israel, or KKL-JNF, is locked in a legislative battle with the Israeli government, which wants a larger cut of the revenue the organization has earned through donations and contributions over the years to fund national infrastructure projects, according to a JTA report. JNF-USA, the American branch of JNF, does not send money to KKL-JNF and funds its own distinct projects, the report said. PJC Lauren Rosenblatt can be reached at lrosenblatt@pittsburghjewishchronicle.com.

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Headlines Retirement for Ronna Scoratow is a full-time volunteering job — LOCAL — By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

onna Scoratow of Squirrel Hill may be known best for her 47-year-old plant. In 2014, The Wall Street Journal featured the East Ender after she set aside $5,000 for the care of the 7-foot-tall philodendron upon her demise. The publicity generated by the story was unexpected. “I don’t like being recognized. I just like to do what I do and keep anonymous,” she said. Such a desire to stay within the shade is why Scoratow rejects any praise for her various volunteering ventures throughout the city. Given the opportunity that she presently has, the Squirrel Hill resident is more than pleased to devote time to others. For nearly four decades, Scoratow, 67, was part of National Builders & Acceptance Corporation. She spent the last 17 years of her tenure at the helm of the real estate business. “When I was 65 it was sort of a family decision that I would step aside and the younger generation would step in,” she said. But once retirement hit, Scoratow had no desire to rest, she said. “I’m a worker bee, I like to leave my house and do something every day. I certainly didn’t want to stay home and look at the walls.”

direction of strength and vitality.” With a keen awareness of human frailties and a need for connection, Scoratow also dedicates time to AgeWell Pittsburgh. “I drive people to their doctor’s appointments.” Often, what results is “we become girlfriends, go out to lunch and do things together,” she said. “Ronna is one of our kindest and most dedicated volunteers at JFCS,” said Ellen Leger, volunteer p Ronna Scoratow, left, spends her retirement coordinator for AgeWell Rides and volunteering in the community. Photo provided by Sharyn Rubin Visits. “Her wonderful cheery voice is easily heard by many seniors So Scoratow has filled her days in the who are hard of hearing, and her smile can change an ordinary drive into a warm service of others. On Tuesdays, she helps with bingo at the connection with a new friend.” Scoratow is a “free spirit,” said Sharyn Charles Morris Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; other days, she works with residents Rubin, JAA’s director of resident and commuat the Jewish Association on Aging’s AHAVA nity services. She is “into volunteering for the right reasons and just goes with the flow.” Memory Care Center of Excellence. “I think everybody should find something The volunteer sites are calculated decithat suits them,” said Scoratow, who spends sions, she explained. “This way I know what’s out there. If I have one day a week sorting clothes at the Society to go to a nursing home one day, I know what of St. Vincent De Paul thrift store in Swissvale. I like and I know what I don’t like,” Scoratow “I don’t care if they do it once a month, once a said. “I think our generation is so naive. Many week, find something because we are all going of them have never stepped into a nursing to need a little help down the road.” home. A life of vigor and good health, that’s Like her days, Scoratow’s evenings are not how it goes. As we age our body starts to often selflessly spent, as several times a week go the way it’s designated, and it’s not in the she volunteers at Sivitz Jewish Hospice.

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“When I bond with someone, I stay with them through that journey,” she said. What that means is that Scoratow will essentially do whatever is needed. When she realized that one of the residents lacked a nighttime sitter, Scoratow told the patient’s daughter, “I will come every night from 5:30 until 7 so you can go home and have dinner with your family.” It was a simple decision, said Scoratow. “You need to have someone to give some relief because what goes around comes around.” In explicating her commitment to karma, Scoratow added, “We’re all in the journey together. I’m in the last quarter of the game. I’m hoping that when I need assistance, there will be people out there to help me too.” “It’s sort of the pay-it-forward philosophy; we’re all going to need a little help from our friends,” added the animal lover, who fosters cats for the Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania. “People often say to themselves, ‘When I retire, I’ll volunteer’ or ‘I wish I could do more things, but I’m working or I have kids.’ But when the time comes, people for whatever reason are reluctant [to begin volunteering],” Rubin said. “I try to fill my life with things I feel good about,” said Scoratow. “After all, it’s part of our religious obligation to be kind.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz @pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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Headlines JFNA presses Israel on Western Wall egalitarian prayer space, conversion bill — LOCAL — By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

ust prior to an address by Israel’s president, Reuven Rivlin, at the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly, the umbrella group’s board of trustees passed a resolution urging Israel to undo recent actions that the JFNA said could “undermine the Zionist vision and the State of Israel’s sacred role as a national home for the entire Jewish people.” The harshly worded statement reproached Israel for the Jewish state’s recent reversal of an agreement on egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall, as well as a bill that would put the authority of Jewish conversions in Israel solely in the hands of Orthodox. Hours later, Rivlin appeared in person before the thousands of professional and lay leaders gathered in Los Angeles last week for the JFNA’s annual conference. Rivlin attempted to assuage the G.A. delegates’ concerns. “The State of Israel was, and will always be, the home of every Jew; Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, secular, traditional, Ashkenazi, Sephardi Jews,” he said. “We are all one

Rivlin urged the North American Jewish community and the Jewish state to “put the arguments aside and work together. Let’s develop our mutual commitment as a value and as action. For the good of the Jewish people, for the good of the State of Israel, for the good of the whole world.” The following day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the JFNA live via satellite, saying that ‘’all Jews should have access to the Western Wall.” Netanyahu said he would work to expand the egalitarian p Pittsburgh’s Todd Rosenfeld and Ellen prayer section at the Kotel’s Teri Kaplan Goldstein at the JFNA’s General Robinson’s arch by next year. Assembly in Los Angeles last week. Photo by Toby Tabachnick “I’m very proud of the JFNA for taking this brave stance people, and Israel is dear to all of us.” The development of the agreement for in support of egalitarian prayer at the egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall, he Western Wall,” said Meryl Ainsman, chair said, “was a sensitive process, led by our of the board of the Jewish Federation of government in order to try and bridge Greater Pittsburgh. Ellen Teri Kaplan Goldstein, a board the gap” between Israel and the diaspora community. “I hope that in the future we member of Pittsburgh’s Federation and vice can return to the table together and reach an chair of its community campaign, said she understanding on this important issue.” was in favor of the resolution passed by the

JFNA urging Israel to be mindful of the prayer and conversion needs of the non-Orthodox Jewish community. “I believe that was the right thing to do,” Kaplan Goldstein said. “Those are two things that will make Jews around the world feel that Israel is their homeland, where they are totally accepted for whatever type of Jews they are.” While Pittsburgher Todd Rosenfeld was “encouraged” by Rivlin’s words and Netanyahu’s reassurance that an expanded egalitarian prayer space at the Kotel would be forthcoming, he said he does not “put much stake in what politicians say.” Israel’s relationship with the Palestinians has made the country’s politicians suspect, according to Rosenfeld, chair of Pittsburgh Federation’s Men’s Philanthropy. “Being an American Jew, there are all kinds of conflicts we deal with when relating to Eretz Israel,” said Rosenfeld. “On the plus side, the country is our homeland in times of conflict, but it has treated the Palestinians so poorly, it has colored my views. It’s great to hear the politicians are listening, but until they show they’re listening, I don’t put much stock in it.” PJC Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsbughjewishchronicle.org.

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Headlines Integrated Israeli center for underserved Jews, Arabs celebrates successful first year — LOCAL — By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

icture this: a devout Arab Muslim woman enters a classroom for 3-D printing in Israel. The class is an afterschool program filled with both Arab and Jewish youth, and the woman is the instructor. None of the teens is looking at his or her phone, and instead, each student is rapt, listening to the teacher’s every word. There are a lot of things improbable about this scenario, not least of which is the fact that Arab and Jewish youth are learning together in the same space, a rare situation in a region where ethnic segregation is rife. And yet the one-year old Akko Center for Arts and Technology, modeled on the Pittsburgh-based Manchester Bidwell Corporation, has turned an unlikely sight into a familiar reality. ACAT celebrated the successes of its first year at the center on Nov. 15. Pittsburgh attorney Mark Frank, a longtime associate of MBC’s founder and CEO William Strickland and a key player in establishing ACAT, was in Akko for the celebration. More than 350 people came out for the occasion, including Salim Joubran, Israel’s first Arab Supreme Court justice, members

p More than 350 people celebrated ACAT’s one-year milestone. Pictured is the center’s staff.

of the Knesset and the mayor of Akko, Shimon Lankri. “We are really becoming part of the fabric of the Israeli community,” Frank said. “We are starting to have a nice and high profile.” Pittsburgh’s Manchester Bidwell Corporation is a local nonprofit that provides at-risk populations with the opportunity to succeed

by allowing them to learn in an environment of respect and beauty. For the last four decades, MBC has reversed the negative trajectory of scores of Pittsburghers through such avenues as photography, horticulture, ceramics and the culinary arts, boosting self-esteem and providing people with skills they can use to find jobs.

p “Peace,” a bronze sculpture by artist Marla Friedman, was created in celebration of ACAT’s first year.

Photos by Eyal Tagar

The goal of ACAT — inspired by the MBC model — is to place a high percentage of its adult career training students in life changing Please see ACAT, page 20

HOW WE CHALLENGE Our exceptional faculty encourages students like Henry Friedlander ’18 to pursue their passions. Inspired by his teacher, Henry developed an interactive grammar app that is now used in our Middle School English classes. How will you ensure your child embraces challenge?

BECAUSE “HOW” MATTERS. PK-12 • Four Campuses

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Calendar q MONDAY, NOV. 27 The annual Jewish Studies-Israel Heritage Room Lecture at the University of Pittsburgh takes place at 7 p.m, in the Cathedral of Learning, room 324. Professor Jodi Magness will discuss “More than Just Mosaics: the Ancient Synagoge at Huqoq in Israel’s Galilee.” The public is invited to attend this free event. This year’s lecture will also commemorate the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Israel Heritage Classroom in the Cathedral of Learning. A reception will follow and the Israel Heritage Room will be open that evening for visitors. Magness has been directing excavations in the ancient village of Huqoq since 2011 and has brought to light the remains of a monumental Late Roman synagogue, including a building paved with stunning mosaics with a variety of biblical scenes. In this slide-illustrated lecture, Magness describes these finds. Magness holds a senior endowed chair in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism. The Israel Heritage Room committee,

one of the Nationality and Heritage Room committees at Pitt, raises funds to support scholarships for University of Pittsburgh students to study in the summer in Israel. All funds raised by the committee support the Nationality Rooms Scholarship Program and other activities related to the Israel Heritage Classroom. Since 1980, the committee has awarded scholarships annually to 53 Pitt students. The Jewish Studies Program in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences is the central clearinghouse for the study of the Jewish experience at Pitt, offering an undergraduate certificate, a range of classes in Jewish history, religion and culture, internship programs and support for research, study and travel by undergraduates, graduate students and faculty. The JSP has been a partner with the Israel Heritage Room for more than two decades, sponsoring the annual lecture among other activities. This year’s program is supported in part by the Giant Eagle Foundation Endowment for Community Outreach in the Jewish Studies Program. Contact jsp@pitt.edu or visit jewishstudies.pitt.edu for more information.

q REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

q WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29

Mitzvah Day, a long-standing tradition in Pittsburgh in which the Jewish community comes together to provide services to different organizations throughout the entire community, takes place over two days, with projects on Sunday, Dec. 24 and Monday, Dec. 25. This will be the 17th annual Mitzvah Day, named for the Hebrew word for “good deeds” or “acts of loving kindness.” The event is coordinated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Volunteer Center, which provides a network of meaningful opportunities to connect volunteers with organizations and people in need. Visit jfedvolunteer.org/about-mitzvah-day/ for more information and to register.

AgeWell Pittsburgh at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh hosts Health & Wellness Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Palm Court. Discover new ways and programs to live better while aging. The program will include health screenings, safety and health promotion exhibits and adult- and elder-care information. There is no charge. Contact Marsha Mullen at mmullen@jccpgh.org or 412.339.5415 or visit jccpgh.org for more information.

q MONDAY, NOV. 27 Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania acting secretary of health and physician general, is featured at the “Where Love is Illegal” exhibit by photographer Robin Hammond at the public annual meeting of Crisis Center North at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square E. on the North Shore. There is no charge. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The reception during the photo exhibit is 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., when the program begins with a welcome and video from Hammond. At 7 p.m. Levine will speak on violence affecting the LGBTA+ community, followed by a Q&A. RSVP at storiescomingtogether.eventbrite. com or by contacting Michael at mbrayack@ crisiscenternorth.org or 412.364.6728.

q THURSDAY, NOV. 30 Chabad of Pittsburgh hosts its annual Evening of Celebration with guest speaker David Weiss, who is the screenwriter of a number of popular films, including “Shrek 2” and the Rugrats movies. He will be giving a talk entitled, “A Shrek of a Trek: The Wild Spiritual Ride of a Blockbusting Screenwriter.” The evening will begin with a wine and cheese reception at 7 p.m. followed by Weiss’ presentation at 7:30 p.m. Visit chabadpgh. com or call 412.421.3561 for more information and to make reservations. A program on the Real Health, Economic and Climate Crisis Costs of Fossil Fuels to Southwestern PA — and Next Steps is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. The climate crisis is real in SWPA and the air we breathe impacts our physical health and our economic well-being. Hear from experts in Please see Calendar, page 7

The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh presents its annual

SNOWBIRD EVENTS Boca Raton Wednesday, February 7 5:00 pm Boca West Country Club 20583 Boca West Drive

Bonita Springs Thursday, February 8 5:00 pm Navona at the Colony 23540 Via Veneto Boulevard

Sarasota Sunday, February 11 11:00 am Michael’s on East 1212 S East Avenue

Look for more information and a formal invitation coming soon. These are non-solicitation events. Minimum $54 commitment to Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Community Campaign.

Questions? Contact Patti Dziekan at 412.992.5221 6 NOVEMBER 24, 2017

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Calendar Calendar:

q THURSDAY, DEC. 7

the fields of health and economics. Engage with organizations that can give direction on getting involved and improving lives in SWPA. Visit tinyurl.com/ydg9hsd7 for more information, or contact Rabbi Ron Symons at rsymons@jccpgh.org.

appointment at the bottom of the page. Participants also can join the Gift of Life bone marrow registry with a quick, painless cheek swab across from the registration table. Sessions are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; and 3 to 5 p.m. A kosher breakfast, lunch and snacks will be served. Contact Sally Stein at sstein@jfedpgh.org or 412.992.5243 or visit jfedpgh.org/SuperSunday for more information and to register.

q SATURDAY, DEC. 2

q WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh offers a free holiday camp from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Carnegie Science Center Planetarium for families with children ages 5 and up. Learn about light as it relates to the Jewish Festival of Lights: Chanukah. Following the planetarium show, “Stars Over Pittsburgh,” take-home Chanukah projects will be created.

Women’s Improv is the next series offered by Tiferet, a newly formed organization offering creative and meaningful courses for Pittsburgh women. Classes will be held at Bnai Emunoh Chabad, 4315 Murray Ave. Tzohar Seminary for Chassidus and the Arts will guide the five-part series and will be led by its founder and artistic director, Amy Guterson, a seasoned actress and member of Pittsburgh Playback Theatre. Classes are appropriate for beginners. At the outset of the first and last sessions, a 15-minute segment will highlight the concepts of “teamwork” and “acceptance” within Jewish mysticism. Visit tinyurl.com/y7yj9y3v for more information and to register.

Chabad of the South Hills Shabbat around the World with a Mexican-style dinner starts at 6 p.m. at 1701 McFarland Road. Event cost is $18/individual, and $54/family maximum. Contact barb@chabadsh.com or visit chabadsh.com for more information.

Continued from page 6

q SUNDAY, DEC. 3 Super Sunday, the community fundraising event/phone-a-thon for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s annual campaign, takes place at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Volunteers at Super Sunday come out to make calls for donations that will help strengthen the community at home, in Israel and wherever Jews are in need. Giving is a mitzvah, and so is asking others to give. In addition to the Super Sunday phoning, there will be a blood drive. Be sure to sign up on the Central Blood Bank website, tinyurl. com/ycjtojxw, to choose a time slot ahead of time. Use Group Code C616 when making your

q WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6 Israel: the Next 70 Years, is set for 7 p.m. with Avi Weiss, executive director of the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel, who will discuss socioeconomic issues including poverty and demographic trends facing Israel at 70. Visit jfedpgh.org/Israel for more information and to register.

Insuring Our Community

The East End Cooperative Ministry holds a Let Peace Shine event from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. for an interfaith candlelight vigil. The Pittsburgh community of all faiths is invited to meet outside EECM at 6410 Station St. Visit tinyurl.com/y85ruoav for more information. q FRIDAY, DEC. 8

q SATURDAY, DEC. 9 The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh offers a free holiday camp from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Snapology, 1699 Washington Road in Bethel Park for families with children ages 5 and up to make takehome chanukiot with Legos. RSVP to Lewis Sohinki at 412.697.3537 or lsohinki@jccpgh.org. q SUNDAY, DEC. 10 Camp Young Judaea Midwest and Pittsburgh Young Judaea holds its free Chanukah Party and Open House at Congregation Beth Shalom. Kids grades 2 to 12 are invited to experience a day at Camp Young Judaea Midwest, plus Chanukah games and Chanukah treats from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Parents of interested and returning

campers are invited to join in the fun from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. to meet Lauren Sandoval, assistant director CYJ Midwest, and learn about the experiences Camp Young Judaea Midwest has to offer, including a focus on Israeli culture, outdoor activities and being a part of a camp community. Contact pghyj@youngjudaea.org for more information about the event and info@ cyjmid.org for information about the camp. Scholarships are available. Visit cyjmid.org for more information. q MONDAY, DEC. 11 The Ira and Nanette Gordon Professional Achievement Award Reception is set for 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Levinson Hall. The award was established to inspire communal service on behalf of the community by recognizing an outstanding community professional in the early career stages. This year’s recipient is Matthew Bolton, director of JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry and SOS Pittsburgh. Bolton has demonstrated exceptional ability and commitment to providing services to thousands of struggling individuals and families in the community. The program will include Carly Zimmerman, CEO of Challah for Hunger, on “Baking a Difference.” The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh program is being conducted in partnership with the local Pittsburgh JPRO Chapter. RSVP to Tracy Grandelis at tgrandelis@jfedpgh.org. Please see Calendar, page 9

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The Real Health, Economic and Climate Crisis Costs of Fossil Fuels to Southwestern PA –and Next Steps Thursday, November 30 • 7-9 PM Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh • 5738 Forbes Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Tabling Organizations— Get Involved at the event! •Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community (BCMAC ) •League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania •Clean Air Council •Penn Environment •Citizens’ Climate Lobby •Allegheny County Clean Air Now •PennFuture •GASP •And more…

Program • Our Moral Challenge Rabbi Ron Symons, JCC of Greater Pittsburgh

• The Global Climate Crisis Joy Braunstein, PennFuture, Climate Reality Project Leader

• Potential Environmental Hazards Associated with Petrochemical Development in Southwestern PA James Fabisiak, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health

• The Petrochemical Build Out — Corporate Power versus Community Rights Lisa Graves Marcucci, Environmental Integrity Project

• Fossil Fuels versus Green Energy: Competing Narratives for Economic Development in Southwestern PA For more information: Rabbi Ron Symons rsymons@jccpgh.org 412-339-5395.

Matthew Mehalik, Ph.D., Breathe Project

• The Future Is Here: Big Problems, Simple Solutions Edward Ketyer, M.D., Pediatrician

• What's Happening in Pittsburgh? • Concluding Remarks: Getting Involved Rabbi Ron Symons

8 NOVEMBER 24, 2017

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Calendar Calendar: Continued from page 7 q TUESDAY, DEC. 12 Chabad of Western Pennsylvania and Bnai Emunoh Chabad of Squirrel Hill are partnering with The Waterfront Shopping Center to celebrate the Festival of Chanukah from 5 to 9 p.m. under the Homestead Grays Bridge at The Waterfront. The festival will include a heated tent with food vendors, games and activities for the kids and grand menorah lighting. The event will be preceded by the annual Menorah Parade beginning at Rodef Shalom Congregation, featuring nearly 100 vehicles adorned with menorahs. The festival’s headliner from 2016, 8th Day (a popular Jewish-Chassidic rock band), is back again this year to rock the celebration after the lighting, performing some of its greatest hits for festival-goers. This event is free and open to the public. q WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13 Celebrate Chanukah with the South Hills Community at the fifth annual South Hills Lights, the communitywide Chanukah event at 6 p.m. at the Galleria in Mt. Lebanon, on the upper level near the fountain. Grand menorah lighting, live music by Chillent, latkes with all the trimmings, Chanukah woodcraft with the Home Depot, giant chocolate menorah and raffle prizes. Chabad of the South Hills and South Hills Jewish Pittsburgh sponsor the family-fun event. Admission is free. RSVP appreciated but

not required. Those who preregister will receive a free entry into the Grand Chanukah Raffle. Visit chabadsh.com/lights or contact 412-344-2424 or mussie@chabadsh.com for more information. q THURSDAY, DEC. 14 The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh’s American Jewish Museum and the Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement present Phat Man Dee and Liz Berlin, who will perform at the Shine the Light with Social Justice Disco at the JCC’s Katz Theater, 5738 Darlington Ave. at 7 p.m. There will be a cash bar and a private meet and greet with the artists at 6:30 p.m. Event is for ages 13-plus. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/ socialjusticedisco. q SATURDAY, DEC. 16 Shalom Pittsburgh presents the 12th annual Vodka Latke Pajama Party with a Purpose from 8 to 12 p.m. at The Waterfront Town Center. Visit shalompittsburgh.org/events/ vodka-latke for more information and to register. q TUESDAY, DEC. 19 Chabad of the South Hills and the South Hills Jewish Community Center holds their annual Chanukah lunch and program for seniors at noon, which will include a kosher lunch with hot latkes (potato pancakes) and holiday music. Lunch will be held at the South Hills JCC, 345 Kane Blvd. The building is wheelchair accessible. Preregistration is

q FRIDAY, DEC. 15

(APPLICATION DUE DATE)

The Israel Engagement Fellowship is available for select 10th- to 12thgrade high school students to learn about Israel’s geopolitical climate, explore the diversity of Israel’s cultures and religions, and get important facts about trends on college campuses, including some of the most pressing questions that students grapple with: What does anti-Israel activity look like? How is it different than anti-Semitism? What can I do to make my campus and community a safer and more inclusive space? Space is limited. There will be five sessions that will take place at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh in the Robinson Building in the Second Floor Workshop on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dates are Jan. 9, Jan. 16, Jan. 30, Feb. 6 and Feb. 13. The cost is $100 per participant and will include dinner. Scholarships are available. Applications are due Dec. 15; payment is due Dec. 31. Visit tinyurl.com/yb2lxkzv to apply. The Israel Engagement Fellowship is made possible by a grant from Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Jewish Life and Learning Department. strongly suggested. $5 suggested donation. Contact barb@chabadsh.com or visit chabadsh.com for more information. q WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20 AARP Squirrel Hill Chapter 3354, which

now meets at Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha on the corner of Shady and Wilkins avenues, holds its holiday party at 1 p.m. In addition to food, there will be a grab bag; bring a $3 to $5 gift in to participate. Meetings are open to nonmembers. Contact Ilene Portnoy at 412683-7985 for more information. PJC

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

Nov. 24, 1938 British politicians debate on future of Palestine In the midst of the 1936-1939 Arab Revolt, a debate over British policy in Mandatory Palestine is held in the House of Commons.

Nov. 25, 1938 Kfar Ruppin is founded

Kibbutz Kfar (Village) Ruppin is established under the framework of the “Tower and Stockade” movement in Zionism, which takes place primarily between 1936 and 1939.

Nov. 26, 1949 Shlomo Artzi is born

Israeli folk rock singer-songwriter and composer Shlomo Artzi is born on Moshav Alonei Abba, southeast of Haifa.

Nov. 27, 1914 The JDC is founded

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is founded with the merger of the Central Relief Committee and the American Jewish Relief Committee.

Nov. 28, 1945 Land Transfer Report issued

The Land Transfer Committee Report reveals that Arabs in Palestine willingly continued to sell land to Zionists in the early 1940s despite the British legal prohibition on doing so.

Nov. 29, 1947 UN approves partition plan

The United Nations General Assembly passes Resolution 181 by a vote of 33-13 with 10 abstentions. The Resolution recommended the creation of separate Arab and Jewish states in Palestine, linked by an economic union.

Nov. 30, 1947 Violence against Jews in Arab cities

Following the United Nations vote for the Partition of Palestine on the previous day, violence ensues between Jews and Arabs in the British Mandate of Palestine. The first phase of Israel’s War of Independence begins. PJC

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NOVEMBER 24, 2017 9

Headlines — WORLD — From JTA reports

Rabin assassin Yigal Amir to ask for retrial Yigal Amir, who assassinated Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995, is asking for a retrial. Amir, 47, was sentenced to life in solitary confinement in prison for the murder, which occurred after a peace rally in Tel Aviv. Amir confessed to shooting Rabin and reenacted it for police. He opposed Rabin’s territorial concessions, a condition of the Oslo Accords, which Rabin signed with then-Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat. His wife, Larissa Trimbobler, whom he married in a proxy ceremony while in prison, in a Facebook post on Saturday said that Amir would seek a retrial. “I wish to update that, at this time, a legal defense team is being assembled to prepare and submit a request for a retrial for Yigal Amir,” the Facebook post reportedly said. “The move is being taken with permission and authorization after Yigal Amir gave his consent.” Amir and Trimbobler, who were married in 2004, were permitted conjugal visits and have an 11-year-old son. In a second Facebook post Sunday, Trim-

bobler reportedly wrote that Amir’s defense lawyers have evidence that the bullets he fired at Rabin did not cause his death. Earlier this month more than 80,000 people gathered in the same Tel Aviv square where Rabin was killed to commemorate his assassination.

following day, Dami was not allowed to post bond for two of his charges, which are both first-degree felonies. Police said the State Attorney’s Office could increase Dami’s charges because the incident could potentially be treated as a hate crime.

Jewish family’s adopted son accused of scrawling Hitler slur

Sen. Al Franken accused of inappropriate behavior by a second woman

A Florida teenager who was adopted by a Jewish family is accused of trashing a Jewish preschool and scrawling a statement mentioning Hitler. Michael Dami, 19, is accused of breaking into the Naples Preschool of the Arts, part of the Chabad Jewish Center, on Oct. 18, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage and writing with a red lipstick on a wall inside: “! YOU JEWS NEVER! LEARN!! HEIL HITLER!” CNBC-2 reported Nov. 17. Police said he was caught on surveillance video. “Once inside, it appears that he used a fire extinguisher to start smashing televisions and bookshelves and other equipment,” according to Lt. Seth Finman of the Naples Police Department. Dami struggles with drugs and mental health, his adopted father said. Last week, detectives arresting Dami on a separate warrant found several credit cards and checks that were stolen from the preschool, according to CNBC. In court the

A second woman has come forward to accuse Sen. Al Franken of inappropriate behavior. Lindsay Menz, 33, said that Franken, a Minnesota Democrat, grabbed her buttocks while they took a photo together at the Minnesota State Fair in 2010, CNN reported Monday. Menz, now living in Texas, contacted the cable news network on Thursday, hours after the accusation by Leeann Tweeden, a Los Angeles-based news anchor and former model, went public. Menz called it an “uncomfortable” interaction that left her feeling “gross,” according to CNN. She told CNN that as her husband snapped a photo of her and Franken, he pulled her in “awkward close” and “put his hand fullfledged on my rear.” In a statement Monday to CNN, Franken said he did not remember taking the photo with Menz and that he felt “badly that Ms. Menz came away from our interaction

feeling disrespected.” The photo shows the two of them standing close together and both smiling. Menz posted the photo on Facebook at the time and indicated in response to a message from her sister that “Al Franken TOTALLY molested me! Creeper!” according to CNN, which saw the post limited to Facebook friends of Menz. Tweeden wrote in an article that Franken groped her during a 2006 tour to entertain U.S. troops in the Middle East. Franken was a comedian and a writer at the time; he has served as a senator since 2009. Franken has since apologized to Tweeden; she has not called for his resignation. Facing a potential investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee, Franken has said he would cooperate. The accusation is the latest in a flood that has roiled the worlds of entertainment, politics and the media since last month, when dozens of women alleged that Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein harassed and in some cases assaulted them. The allegations against Franken also come as Republicans have called for Roy Moore, the GOP candidate in a special Senate election, to drop out of the race in the wake of multiple allegations that while in his 30s, he pursued and in some cases assaulted teenage girls. Moore adamantly denies the allegations and has said he intends to see through next month’s election. PJC

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10 NOVEMBER 24, 2017

SEND YOUR CELEBRATIONS, MAZEL TOVS, AND PHOTOS TO: announcements@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

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Headlines Almost all Pennsylvania schools now teach about Holocaust Memorial Museum as inspiration, in the hope that the quality of Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations education in By Wendy Plump | Special to the Chronicle Pennsylvania would be as much a focus as increasing the number of students reached. hree years after a bill prioritizing “At its heart, Act 70 wants teachers to teach Holocaust instruction in Pennsylthese subjects in a way that is historically vania schools was signed, the state accurate, age-appropriate, and ultimately Board of Education reported that a resulting in students being inspired commanding 90 percent of schools to ask not what they would have now provide age-appropriate educadone had they lived in those times, tion on the Holocaust, genocide and but rather, ‘What can I do now to human rights violations as a standing challenge the kind of bias and bigotry part of their curricula. that, unchecked, can ultimately lead A survey on the bill, Act 70, to violence?’ ” conducted by an ad hoc committee, She added that the ADL’s Echoes reported that 710 of the state’s 775 and Reflections workshops have been school entities are in compliance. Many taught since 2005. Act 70 helped districts and charter schools offer grow their impact. instruction on multiple levels. While Act 70’s criteria stipulated that the instruction was not mandated, it educators attempt to impart the was “encouraged,” said board officials, breadth of the history of the Holoproviding further evidence of schools’ caust, including the Third Reich dictawillingness to take up the cause. torship, concentration camp system, Through the state Department of persecution of Jews and non-Jews, Education, Act 70 made educational Jewish and non-Jewish resistance, guidelines, free resource materials, and post-World War II trials. School a website and free training available districts were also encouraged to for all schools through Holocaust encompass the definition, history, and human rights organizations response and actions taken in the face and volunteers. of genocide, including the Rwandan Act 70 was signed into law by genocide and other genocides Gov. Tom Corbett in April of 2014. committed in Africa, Asia and Europe. Its intent was to educate students on Resources were developed to accomthe importance of protecting human modate these goals by a committee of rights and the potential consevolunteers brought together by the quences of unchecked ignorance, Department of Education. discrimination, and persecution. “From an oversight perspective, State education officials lauded the the resources were like a Chinese effort to enact Act 70’s provisions at a menu of things, definitions that press conference on Nov. 9 arranged individual educators could choose by the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, to develop,” said Craig Snider, which represents Jewish communities chair of the ad hoc committee. “We throughout the state. Had 90 percent very specifically did not mandate saturation not been reached by the what they teach. Pennsylvania is a end of this year, the state legislature local-control state for education, and would have had to mandate the proviwe leave it to the professionals in the sions, said officials. The statewide field who are empowered to create survey, “Report on Instruction in the and deliver that instruction.” Holocaust, Genocide, and Human At the press conference, offiRights Violations: Findings and cials noted that the work of the Recommendations,” was conducted ad hoc committee will continue, by the Board’s Ad Hoc Committee strengthening Holocaust, genoon Holocaust, Genocide, and Human cide, and human rights education p Act 70 made educational guidelines, free resource materials, a website and free training Rights Violations Instruction. throughout the state. available for all schools through Holocaust and human rights organizations and volunteers. Photos courtesy of Creative Commons “We were delighted to see that “The Board of Education’s recomschool districts have taken Act 70 seriously mendation for the Department of Educaand that they were willing to integrate education and the Act 70 Task Force to continue tion into their courses,” said Karen Molchits efforts shows that this subject needs to Act 70 wants teachers to teach these subjects anow, the board’s executive director. “The be taught to our youth,” said Hank Butler, in a way that is historically accurate, ageone thing we do not have is a baseline, so we executive director of the Pennsylvania don’t have an understanding of the growth Jewish Coalition. appropriate, and ultimately resulting in students that occurred in this area since the act was Joshua Sayles, director of the Jewish Federpassed. But we know that the districts have ation of Greater Philadelphia’s Community being inspired to ask not what they would have really taken it to heart.” Relations Council and vice chair of the Board Chairman Larry Wittig pointed out Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, agreed. done had they lived in those times, but rather, that the real figure is most likely higher than “We must strive to ensure that every 90 percent because some of the surveyed school district has the resources to properly ‘What can I do now to challenge the kind school entities — vocational schools, for educate its students about the Holocaust and of bias and bigotry that, unchecked, example — are not in a position to offer Holoother forms of genocide and human rights caust education in the first place and may have violations,” he said. PJC can ultimately lead to violence?’ been inappropriately counted in the total. Wendy Plump is a freelance writer for the “With any great initiative, it’s the people — RANDI BOYETTE, ASSOCIATE REGIONAL DIRECTOR Jewish Exponent, an affiliated publication of behind the scenes who do all the work,” AND EDUCATION DIRECTOR FOR THE ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle Wittig said. “We want to acknowledge them.”

— NATIONAL —

Among those individuals helping to disseminate materials and training across the state is Randi Boyette, associate regional director and education director for the Anti-Defamation League. Boyette plans and implements professional development workshops for educators so that they can learn to teach the Holocaust “in a way that is relevant

and pedagogically sound.” “As a Holocaust educator, my concern is as much with the quality of Holocaust education in Pennsylvania as the quantity,” Boyette said. “The advisory committee worked carefully and thoughtfully with the Department of Education on the Act 70 guidelines, using the guidelines of the United States Holocaust

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12 NOVEMBER 24, 2017

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Headlines This is what Puerto Rico looks like 50 days after Hurricane Maria — NATIONAL — By Josefin Dolsten | JTA

AN JUAN, Puerto Rico — “Feeling lucky today?” reads a flier for a casino tucked into the seat pocket of Adolfo Vasquez’s car. The car actually belongs to his wife, Vasquez explains. He borrowed hers, which is bigger, to drive a group from the San Juan Airport to the neighborhood where they are delivering humanitarian supplies. Since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, Vasquez only gets about a ride request a day. After work he goes home to a dark house. Power has been out since the hurricane, and he doesn’t have a way to refrigerate food. At night, Vasquez, his wife and three sons sleep on the floor, where it’s cooler than in their beds. Like the Vasquez family, the majority of households are still without power since Hurricane Maria struck the island, which is home to 3.4 million U.S. citizens, causing massive destruction and widespread power outages. Some haven’t had power since Sept. 6, when Hurricane Irma hit. Many stores and businesses are closed, leading to shortages in food, basic toiletries and cleaning supplies. “Puerto Rico is under remodeling,” reads a white flag waving in the wind. The local Jewish community, which numbers about 1,000 and whose members are mostly well off, did better than most. Many left the island prior to the storm, and the majority of those who stayed behind have generators to provide power. The Jewish Community Center in the capital suffered moderate damage and has since been repaired. The community has come together, with the help of the UJA-Federation of New York and its partner organizations, to provide aid to other Puerto Ricans. “We were very concerned about people suffering because we saw it and at the same

time we understood that as a Jewish community we had to lead these efforts. We had to be there,” said Diego Mendelbaum, director of the Puerto Rico JCC. “We call [it] tikkun olam — there was no other way for us to go.” From above, one can see the damage of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Blue tarp is used to temporarily repair houses whose roofs were damaged by the storm. UJA-Federation, in partnership with the Greater New York Hospital Association and the Afya Foundation, a nonprofit that delivers health care supplies, has sent some 65,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies to the island by way of private jets lent to them by donors. On Tuesday, seven UJA-Federation staff members and volunteers and an Afya representative loaded some 2,500 pounds of supplies onto a Gulfstream 400 luxury jet provided by an anonymous donor. The shipment included supplies provided by Afya, such as water bottles, diapers and hygiene products, along with medicines donated by the hospital association, including asthma inhalers, IV fluids and pediatric flu medication. It was the 10th such flight to Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria hit. (UJA has also flown twice to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.) Local communities are depending on aid from nongovernmental organizations to get by, said Carmen Villanueva Castro, a leader of the Hill Brothers neighborhood in San Juan. “The help has not come to assist us and provide us with the things we need, so we’re trying to obtain that help in a private manner instead of from the government,” Castro said. Homes in her neighborhood sustained significant damage from the hurricane, and many lack power. Debris has not been removed in a timely manner. “Community leaders like me feel frustrated because we cannot help our people,” Please see Puerto Rico, page 17

p Carmen Villanueva Castro is a community leader in a neighborhood badly hit by Hurricane Maria.

p Michelle Carlo Newman is a Puerto Rican physician helping to provide relief Photos by Josefin Dolsten to those affected by the hurricane.

After surviving Harvey, woman distributes needed mezuzahs — NATIONAL — By Ben Sales | JTA

s Hurricane Harvey swept over Houston, Chava Gal-Or counted herself lucky. The water rose up to her door and a little bit seeped in, but her home did not flood. However, many in the Reform synagogue where she works had it much worse: Twenty-nine families lost their homes in the August storm — about 15 percent of the congregation’s members. At first, Gal-Or despaired the extent of the damage and how little she could do to help. “I can’t rebuild their houses,” said Gal-Or, the director of congregational learning for the Texas city’s Temple Sinai. “I don’t have the money to do much. There was this

increasing awareness that there was nothing I could do.” But what she could do, Gal-Or realized, was help her neighbors make their temporary homes and (eventually) their rebuilt homes feel Jewish. She began collecting mezuzahs — the small scrolls traditionally affixed to the doorposts of Jewish dwellings — to distribute free to Jewish hurricane victims. Thus the unofficial organization Door L’Door was born. The name is a play on the biblical phrase l’dor v’dor, which means “from generation to generation.” Gal-Or, 51, was hoping to find a couple parchments for close friends. But a public Facebook post quickly led to an outpouring of donations. p Chava Gal-Or distributes free mezuzahs to Two months after launching the Jewish hurricane victims. effort, she has raised nearly $1,000 to Photo courtesy of Chava Gal-Or

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purchase mezuzahs and has received some 120 donated scrolls. The Jewish United Fund, Chicago’s Jewish federation, sent 100 scrolls and cases. She also got donations from synagogues in Texas, Delaware and Arizona, as well as the University of Arizona Hillel. Two artists volunteered to fashion mezuzah cases. “It literally took on a life of its own,” she said. “This is becoming my passion. Every day, something new comes up.” Mezuzahs are traditionally small squares of parchment inscribed with the first two paragraphs of the Shema prayer. The parchment is then rolled up, ensconced in an oblong case and nailed to the doorpost. Prices vary, Please see Harvey, page 17

NOVEMBER 24, 2017 13

Opinion Singling out Israel — again — EDITORIAL —

ust when we were hoping that the Democratic Party’s left flank was moving away from some of its anti-Israel sentiment, along came Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) and 11 of her colleagues to present legislation entitled the Promoting Human Rights by Ending Israeli Military Detention of Palestinian Children Act. In introducing the bill, McCollum has simply added to the pile of worthless bills on Capitol Hill and unfairly targeted Israel in the process. The bill, which would “require the secretary of state to certify that United States funds do not support military detention, interrogation, abuse or ill-treatment of Palestinian children” presupposes that the detention of children is a uniquely Israeli problem. It’s not. McCollum said the bill “highlights Israel’s system of military detention of Palestinian children” and ensures the United States does not support human rights violations. The bill may largely be a distraction, since it has little chance of becoming law. But by tacitly endorsing a report released this year by a group calling itself Military Court Watch — which exists solely to document what it says

p Betty McCollum at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.

Photo by Larry French

is official Israeli abuse of Palestinian children — the bill and its sponsors have taken the side of the same Palestinians who have encouraged children to violently engage Israeli forces and harass Jewish residents of the West Bank. Predictably, the McCollum bill drew support from such organizations as Churches

for Middle East Peace and the far-left Jewish Voice for Peace, which said the legislation “recognizes and acts upon the inherent dignity and worth of Palestinian children.” Not only is JVP wrong in its interpretation, but it also chooses to ignore the fact that children suspected and convicted of criminal activity — such as the stone-throwing

and knife-wielding Palestinians, many of whom are minors — are detained everywhere in the world, including in Minnesota, which had 912 juveniles in custody in 2010, according to Kids Count. It would be nice if not a single Palestinian minor was in the custody of Israel’s military justice system, which governs areas of Judea and Samaria. But that will only happen if Palestinian children stop throwing stones at Israelis or otherwise stop attacking them. That’s something that McCollum apparently doesn’t get. This kind of accusatory legislation begs the question why McCollum and a handful of Democratic representatives insist on targeting Israel, and ignore not only the reality that is Israel’s security predicament in the Middle East but also the myriad human rights abuses to minors and others actively being perpetrated by Arab states throughout the region. The near obsession with Israel to the exclusion of all else by the far-left fringe may prove to be the Democratic Party’s Achilles’ heel. We worry that actions like this will continue to drive moderate Jewish voters from the Democratic Party that has historically represented them. PJC

Common-sense solutions to gun violence are out there Guest Columnist Lori Weinstein

Closing loopholes and keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers isn’t

ore than 30 years ago I was a young staffer in a domestic violence shelter helping women and their children flee their violent abuser. I witnessed firsthand the power of a gun woven into the tragic tapestry of family violence. And even then, when as a movement we were still trying to understand the mindset of one who would harm those he promised to love, I felt the dread of the deadly consequences of guns in the hands of abusers. Today we know all too well what was so troubling to me back then — that domestic violence is inextricably linked to the epidemic of gun violence and mass shootings in our country. It is a tragic connection that has been overlooked for far too long by our elected officials. Recent events dictate a clarion call to change our laws. A couple weeks ago, in Sutherland, Texas, a convicted domestic abuser used an assault weapon to murder 26 people in a church. In a few short minutes, 5 percent of the town was murdered. Law enforcement officials say the shooter was a serial abuser and had served time in a military prison for domestic violence and child abuse. The latest shooting confirms what we already know and can quantify: Family violence is a predictor of acts of larger scale violence. 14 NOVEMBER 24, 2017

a partisan issue — it’s a moral one. Common-sense reforms to address the dangerous intersection of domestic violence and gun violence would save lives. The connection between gun violence and domestic violence is clear. While mass shootings occur with growing frequency, gun-accelerated domestic violence takes place in homes across our country with alarming frequency. Nearly 4.5 million American women report that they have been threatened by an intimate partner with a gun, according to Susan Sorenson and Rebecca Schut of the University of Pennsylvania. Research at Johns Hopkins University shows that the presence of a gun during a domestic violence situation increases the likelihood that the woman will be shot and killed by a factor of five. Just as horrifying is the fact that 54 percent of mass shootings are connected to domestic or family violence. Over the last six years, mass shootings in the United States killed 422 people, including more than 160 children.

Many elected officials and leaders of the NRA would have us believe that that there is nothing that can be done to reduce the number of gun deaths in our country, that mass shootings are simply a necessary consequence of a democratic society. They are unequivocally wrong. We can no longer accept as good enough the “thoughts and prayers” from our political leaders. We must demand they support legislative solutions to tackle this epidemic. Closing loopholes and keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers isn’t a partisan issue — it’s a moral one. Common-sense reforms to address the dangerous intersection of domestic violence and gun violence would save lives, and most Americans already agree on what needs to be done. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) have proposed legislation to close the “boyfriend” loophole

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that allows convicted abusers to buy and own guns as long as they don’t live with or have a child with their partner. Another common-sense fix will close the loophole that allows a domestic violence perpetrator to keep or buy a gun after a temporary restraining order has been issued by a judge. This bill, proposed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), would protect survivors when they finally leave their abusive partner, the most dangerous phase in the cycle of violence. Expanding background checks and improving the federal background check databases will strengthen the current system for firearm registration. A bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives, sponsored by Reps. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and Peter King (R-N.Y.), would require background checks on all commercial sales of firearms, including purchases at gun shows, over the internet and through classified ads. With only 5 percent of all misdemeanor convictions for domestic violence entered into the FBI’s national background check database, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) has announced plans to introduce a bill to address this troubling gap. Passing each of these bills should be common sense — no domestic violence abuser should have access to a firearm. It is up to each of us to demand that our elected officials end the paralysis and enact laws that would protect everyone. PJC Lori Weinstein is CEO of Jewish Women International.

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Opinion Time for a peace process paradigm change Guest Columnist Jonathan S. Tobin

President Donald Trump’s team is likely to embrace an “outside-in” strategy in which Arab states, principally the Saudis,

hat are the details of the Middle East peace plan that President Donald Trump will use to craft what he hopes is the “ultimate deal?” Sometime in the next few months, they will be unveiled as part of an effort to revive the dead-in-the-water peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. Though we’ll have to wait and see what exactly is in the proposal being cooked up by a team led by presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner and chief negotiator Jason Greenblatt, the only two things that seem certain are that it is likely to be acceptable to Saudi Arabia and that it will have zero chance of success. That’s why instead of merely repeating the mistakes of its predecessors, the Trump team should try a paradigm shift that will predicate peace on a simple concept: the Palestinians have to admit they’ve lost their war on Zionism. Avoiding this admission in order to mollify them or their supporters or concentrating, as every U.S. administration has done, on pressuring Israel to make concessions, merely makes it impossible for the Palestinians to accept the sea change in their political culture that is the only thing that will make peace on any terms possible. It was this idea that brought two members of the Knesset — representing a larger group of legislators that come from six different

will use their influence and money to pressure the Palestinians into finally accepting a two-state solution. parties that are in and outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government — to Washington to meet with several likeminded members of Congress to promote the concept of an Israeli victory in the long conflict rather than a self-defeating compromise. The launch of a joint #IsraelVictory caucus at the Capitol Hill gathering is a small step and, as of yet, hasn’t influenced the administration’s thinking. But the gathering, which was sponsored by the Middle East Forum think tank, is a long overdue effort to promote a concept Kushner and company ought to be thinking about. Trump’s team is likely to embrace an “outside-in” strategy in which Arab states, principally the Saudis, will use their influence and money to pressure the Palestinians into finally accepting a two-state solution. In return, the U.S. would get the Netanyahu government to agree to terms that are likely to largely resemble past plans floated by

the Obama, Bush and Clinton administrations. Trump may think the missing ingredient for peace has been the absence of a master dealmaker, but this scheme has no more chance of working than the efforts of his predecessors. The reason is that the essential element for peace is still missing. The Palestinians are still stuck in a mindset that rejects Israel’s legitimacy. The Palestinian Authority won’t accept a deal that ends the conflict for all time no matter where Kushner, Greenblatt and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman draw the borders between the two states, how much of Jerusalem the Palestinians receive, how many descendants of the 1948 refugees are allowed to “return” to Israel or even how much money is thrown at them. That’s because the Palestinians’ national identity as a people is still inextricably bound up in a futile century-old war on Zionism that its people have been taught

to think they will eventually win. At various times, the P.A. has declared a willingness to accept peace. Yet every such gesture has been undermined by its cradleto-grave incitement that promotes a culture of hatred for Israel and Jews, and makes new rounds of bloodshed inevitable. The history of the last 24 years of negotiations since the Oslo Accords shows that peace is impossible so long as the Palestinians still hold onto hope of eventually winning this war. As with every other conflict, this one will only be settled when one side admits defeat and that is something no one, not even a Trump team that appears to be more realistic about Palestinian behavior and intentions than past administrations, seems willing to force them to do. Critics of the #IsraelVictory idea mock its simplicity. But generations of would-be peacemakers have forgotten that it really is that simple. Once the Palestinians concede the war is lost rather than being paused and put aside their dreams of a world without a Jewish state, compromise would be possible. But if the compromises precede acknowledgement of an Israeli victory, then all the Jewish state will be doing is trading land for more terror, not peace. The Trump team may not be listening to the #IsraelVictory caucus as it hatches its plans. But if the White House ignores the basic truths the caucus proclaims, it will be wasting its time and making the next round of violence more, rather than less likely. PJC Jonathan S. Tobin is opinion editor of JNS. org, which distributed this article.

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Headlines Women: Continued from page 1

ipated in “hands-on experiences such as visiting [an Israeli educational program known as a] mechina and volunteering at a facility for children with special needs,” said Altein, who added that plans are underway for a second cohort to participate next October. Traveling together with “other moms and sharing in this once-in-a-lifetime experience was so unique and joyous and magnificent,” said Paris. Indianer agreed: “I’ve been to Israel many times, but to go with a group of all women, all mothers, all people sort of in the same part of their life and to have the classes that we had that were about not being a better wife and mother, but to be a better person, that was just uplifting.” Among the many memorable moments, one that stood out was a visit to Seeach Sod, Israel’s leading center for special education, said Paris. During their tour of Seeach Sod, which was established in 1971, a religious adult with physical and intellectual impairments sat with a microphone in hand and sang “Hatikva” and “Yerushalyim Shel Zahav.” “Listening to him sing, and [seeing] his patriotism and his love of Israel, it was one of the most moving experiences of my life,” said Paris. Also incredible was Shabbat, said Indianer, as prior to sundown Friday evening, “we had

p The trip incuded all the major Israeli tourist spots, which delighted the group of 10. Photo courtesy of Adrienne Indianer

a beautiful concert with dancing and singing” at a spot overlooking the Western Wall. Once Shabbat began, the excitement swelled as the nearly 450 members from multiple Momentum groups converged at the Kotel for a service complete with continued song and dance. “Soldiers joined us, and other people joined us. It was overwhelming,” said Indianer. “No one was watching the men’s side, they

were watching our side because it was so uplifting,” said Paris, who added that upon finishing the service all of the Momentum participants walked together to the Waldorf Hotel for dinner and more singing. “It was the most powerful Shabbat I have ever spent,” said Indianer. Apart from inspiring mothers, Momentum is about keeping people “educated and affiliated,” said Gur.

Lowy: Continued from page 1

“more than fair.” That Lowy, 59, is “friendly” and “talkative” also does not go unnoticed by his reviewers. Within 90 minutes, 43 people have visited Lowy’s shop, which measures 159 square feet, “the size of a large bathroom,” he quips. The patrons are a diverse group, covering the gamut of ethnicities and coming from a range of socioeconomic stations. They enter his shop to exchange scrap jewelry for cash, or have a watch repaired, or sell an old coin collection inherited from a relative. Lowy treats everyone the same, with kindness and patience, taking the time to strike up conversations and make personal connections. A woman who works near Lowy’s Fourth Avenue shop stops in with a watch that needs a new pin. She is in Banner Coin for less than five minutes, but before she goes, Lowy has her chatting about growing up Italian in Bloomfield, and the two are reminiscing about authentic cannoli. “I’ve built up a strong reputation in this business,” said Lowy, who grew up in Point Breeze. “Not all people in this business are equal. Some take it to heart to treat people fairly, and some take advantage of everyone who comes through the door. That’s not the way I was raised.” His physician father, Lowy said, always told him “to treat people really well, and that would come back to you in very positive ways. And it’s true.” Lowy bought Banner Coin in 1979, “two days before Thanksgiving,” from the Santora family, which had been operating the store 16 NOVEMBER 24, 2017

p Eddie Lowy says “treating people fairly” is important to his work ethic.

Photo by Toby Tabachnick

since 1963. He officially began operating the shop on May 1, 1980, right after his graduation from the University of Pittsburgh. The economics major had known from the time he was a child that he was headed to the coin business. Lowy was just 10 years old when he stumbled across his first old coin — an 1898 Indian head penny — at an antique show at South Hills Village mall. He bought the penny for a quarter (the coin is now worth a dollar, he said), but that purchase “planted a seed in me that spawned my livelihood.” From that moment on, Lowy was a coin collector, and at the age of 12, he took a job at a coin shop on Murray Avenue, where he worked until he was 17. When Banner Coin was up for sale just a

few years later, Lowy didn’t hesitate. There is a lot going on in that little shop. Within those walls is a microcosm of Pittsburgh culture and a lesson in civility. And lots and lots of stuff. The walls are covered with autographed photos of celebrities, the collection of a former client. The glass cases are filled with jewelry and watches and what appears to be hundreds, if not thousands, of coins. But while it looks haphazard and disorganized, Lowy knows where, and what, everything is and the value of each piece. “For better or worse, I tell people what they have,” Lowy said. “If it’s junk, I tell them so. If it’s good, they’re happy. I don’t paint any false pictures.”

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Although the “presenters were all observant,” there was no disconnect, said Indianer. “Their message wasn’t that you need to be more like me, but that we can all be better if we do these things.” “What the educators taught us was that each mitzvah that you do is special, it isn’t just all or nothing; anything that you do is wonderful,” said Paris. “The implications are far reaching, and will have a far impact on Jewish life and Jewish continuity.” “But what we also learned was that the trip is not the be all and end all, it’s the beginning of a year of growth,” added Altein. “What we need to focus on is a combination of exploring Jewish values and discussing leadership skills and how to be community leaders and how to be advocates for Israel.” Once a month during the next year, Altein and the Pittsburgh participants will meet in an effort to further their spiritual development and Israel advocacy, said Gur, who added that “especially with the situation with BDS, people need to be educated.” As for what the group will ultimately glean, Altein said, “My hope is that all of us will take the inspiration we got from this trip to be better mothers, better wives, better community members who channel our energies and our talents into making this Jewish community stronger.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz @pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

After almost four decades in the business, Lowy has some great stories. Like the time a woman from a well-heeled historic Pittsburgh family came in the store with a coin wrapped up in cotton that she had found while cleaning out an old desk. She asked Lowy, if it was “worth anything at all.” “I opened it up, and there was an 1852, $50 U.S. gold coin, private mint, made during the California Gold Rush,” he recalled. “I knew right away what it was. It wholesaled for $36,000, and I told her I’d pay her $33,000. She replied, ‘Oh, is that all?’” The woman left with her coin, but Lowy gave her his business card, and told her that if she ever wanted to sell it, he would buy it. About three months later, a limo pulled up in front of the shop, and a man with a briefcase came into the store, ready to sell the coin on behalf of his client. Lowy did purchase the coin and still has it, he said. His work is a mixed bag. While he does his share of dealing with rare and valuable coins, old silverware and tea sets, Lowy also deals in the decidedly unglamorous — like dental bridgework, sometimes still attached to teeth. Although his shop is easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it, it has not gone unnoticed. It was featured last year, along with three other established downtown shops, in a WQED documentary, “Return to Downtown Pittsburgh,” by Rick Sebak. “I’m a fixture downtown,” Lowy said. “I get everyone in here, from judges to lawyers to the mayor to panhandlers. Everyone knows me.” PJC Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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Headlines Puerto Rico: Continued from page 13

she said, describing the Tuesday delivery as “a really big miracle.” On Tuesday, the UJA-Federation delegation visited two nursing homes in the Hill Brothers neighborhood to deliver supplies and meet with residents. Though locals said the nursing homes were usually in bad condition, the storms had only made things worse. One small facility, home to about 10 people, had been without power since Hurricane Irma. They were short on sanitary supplies and residents lay in soiled diapers. Many were weak and unable to communicate. At a nearby home, Irma Acevedo, 80, was one of many residents suffering from untreated medical conditions. Her foot was badly infected and appeared to be suffering from elephantiasis, a disease that affects the lymph nodes. A representative from Gov. Ricardo Rossello’s office who joined the mission gasped in shock when she saw the old woman’s condition. Yet Acevedo cheered up when the delegation came to greet her, telling them that she loved them. Mark Medin, UJA-Federation’s executive vice president of financial resource development, described aiding people affected by the storm “an obligation as Jews, as individuals and as an organization.” “When you see elderly people in a state of utter hopelessness and despair, lying in a bed, unable to leave the bed, with bodies that are literally skin and bones, atrophied away, it rips your heart open and you say, ‘How can I not do something to provide a small amount of relief or support, or help or love

Harvey: Continued from page 13

though they typically start at around $36, according to Gal-Or, and go up. What’s special about mezuzahs, Gal-Or said, is they are a uniting thread across a diverse and often divided Jewish community.

p The UJA-Federation of New York works with the Afya Foundation and the Greater New York Hospital Association delivering supplies to Puerto Rico by private jets.

or care to these people that are left here with no support system and in very, very poor medical conditions?’” he said. Providing hands-on disaster relief is a first for UJA-Federation. The philanthropy usually provides aid by allocating funds to partner organizations, but aid groups were having trouble dispatching supplies to Puerto Rico. UJA-Federation realized it could use private jets provided by donors to deliver resources directly to the island, which is about a 3 1/2-hour flight from New York. “We had an opportunity to act,” Medin said. UJA-Federation and the JCC in Puerto Rico aren’t the only Jewish groups providing aid. Chabad has also been partnering with relief groups to deliver food, water and supplies to villages hit hard by the hurricane. “Your neighbors are in need, they need our

help. It’s our duty to respond,” said Chabad’s executive director, Rabbi Mendel Zarchi. He had just returned from delivering supplies to some 250 families in a nearby community. “The Jewish community has been outstanding,” Zarchi said. Michelle Carlo Newman, a Puerto Rican physician working with UJA-Federation to deliver supplies and evaluate medical needs, said she was proud of the resilience people were displaying. “She’s a great example,” Carlo Newman said, referring to Castro, the neighborhood leader. “She’s a community leader that could be crying in her room about what’s going on. You saw her house, it’s half destroyed, but she’s like, ‘Let’s get people here, let’s get help here.’” But Carlo Newman, a mother of two who

“In almost every Jewish home there’s a mezuzah, regardless of what people believe,” she said. “It was the one thing that brings all of us together in a challenging time. It’s the one thing that marks a home as being Jewish, regardless of what your spiritual inclination is, where you fit in in society.” Gal-Or works on Door L’Door — coordinating donations, spreading the word on social media — only on Mondays, when she’s not working at the synagogue. It’s a tricky balance;

she also is recovering from a respiratory infection, caused by the hurricane, and is busy helping friends put their lives back together. She hopes to register it as a nonprofit soon. So far, Gal-Or has received about 20 requests for mezuzahs — most people affected by the storm are still fixing their homes, she said. But in the meantime, natural disasters have struck elsewhere — for example, Gal-Or has been in touch with Congregation Shomrei Torah, a synagogue in Santa Rosa, Calif., whose members endured the recent wildfires. She also has fielded requests for other ritual objects. Shomrei Torah asked about prayer shawls, and she came up with a couple dozen she plans to send. Thinking ahead to next month, she is asking for donations of spare Chanukah menorahs. “This started because of Harvey, but I knew immediately that I wanted to be able to help any Jewish home that was destroyed,” Gal-Or said. “We had [a hurricane in] Florida right after us. We had earthquakes in Mexico. A lot of stuff is going on.” PJC t A damaged home in Rockport, Texas, after Hurricane Harvey

Photo by Joe Raedle/ Getty Images

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p Adolfo Vasquez is a cab driver whose living has been compromised by Hurricane Maria.

Photos by Josefin Dolsten

has relied on a generator to provide power since Hurricane Irma, also expressed disappointment at the lack of response from the U.S. government. On Tuesday, the head of a federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico’s finances told Congress that the U.S. territory still needs assistance “on an unprecedented scale” to restore housing, water and electric power. “Part of me is sad that we’re American citizens and we have to live like this,” Carlo Newman said. PJC

Lidji named new Rauh director — LOCAL —

istorical scholar Eric Lidji has been appointed as the new director of the Rauh Jewish History Program and Archives at The Heinz History Center. Lidji, who has worked on projects and research associated with the Rauh program for the past six years, succeeds David Schlitt. Lidji, a former associate editor of the Chronicle, has completed special projects on Jewish Pittsburgh such as “A Tradition of Giving” and “They Could Get It for You Wholesale.” He has conducted more than 60 oral histories, created 58 exhibits and created more than 170 family profiles and has written or contributed to five books, including the soon-to-be released “The Seventeenth Generation.” Lidji has conducted conferences and seminars, lectures and readings and has served on panels seeking to inspire native Pittsburghers to better understand the value of their diverse communities, according to a statement from the Heinz History Center. Lidji will be introduced at the next Rauh Advisory Committee meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m. PJC NOVEMBER 24, 2017 17

Celebrations

Torah

Engagement

Your personal gateway to heaven

Schwartz/Frand: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schwartz of Pittsburgh are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Alexis Brooke Schwartz, to Jaron Zachary Frand, son of Dr. and Mrs. Jeffery Frand of Pittsburgh. Alexis and Jaron are both graduates of Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. Jaron is an actor and the founder of Get A-List Fit, an online fitness company, and Alexis works for Blue Flame, a corporate event marketing agency. Alexis and Jaron reside in New York City. An October 2018 wedding is planned.

Birth

Rabbi Paul Tuchman Parshat Vayeitzei | Genesis 28:10-32:3

hat’s on your computer screen, when you turn it on? What is your background, your “wallpaper?” What did you choose for your screen saver? Is it your company logo? A green hill with blue sky? One of the pictures or designs preselected by the manufacturer? Do you just adore those flying toasters? Or have you chosen your own background, something you want to see and enjoy from day to day? Maybe something that you find particularly meaningful or beautiful, something that gives you a sense of inner peace or a sense of mission? Something that can give you a moment of uplift or relief from trouble?

Waking. Breathing. Your wondrous

Runyan: Esti, Sefi, Mendel, Hershey, Gabi, Chani, David and Bracha Runyan announce the birth of their brother, Moshe Mordechai, born on March 12 (Purim), to Tamar (nee Kantor) and Joshua Runyan of Philadelphia. Sharing in their happiness are great-grandfathers Wolff Kantor and Ted Blinder; as well as grandparents Jennifer and Jeffrey Kantor, Beth and Steve Glass, and Barry Runyan. Moishe is named in loving memory of his maternal g re at - g re at - g r and f at he r Morris (Moshe) Mauerberger and his paternal g re at - g re at - g r and f at he r Morrie (Moshe) Wollin, as well as Mordechai from the Book of Esther. PJC

body, no matter how well or ill it is functioning. Being human. Being a Jew. God is in all of these. On my screen, I’ve placed personal encounters with God. At various times, I’ve had a Hubble photo of the “Pillars of Creation,” a late Rembrandt self-portrait (the eyes as the mirror of the soul) and a landscape from my beloved Sonoran desert. This Shabbat, we read about Jacob’s flight from home. We have seen him through the tumultuous story of conniving, jealousy and deceit. Now, with Esau’s threat — in contemporary terms, “Just wait till Abba dies; I’m gonna kill that kid!”— ringing in his ears, Jacob is alone, afraid and in the dark. On his first night out, he dreams of a stairway to heaven and God standing near him, promising land, descendants, protection

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by setting up as a monument the stone he had used as a pillow, and proclaiming it to be Bet El, the House of God. (28:18-19) That stone became a k’li kodesh, a sacred vessel. I’m suggesting that even your computer screen can be a k’li kodesh and a gateway to heaven, a reminder that, no matter how good or bad you feel, you have access to God. “God is in this place!” Jacob came to know this, and now you know it, too. Shabbat shalom! PJC Rabbi Paul Tuchman is spiritual leader at Temple B’nai Israel in White Oak. This column is a service of the Greater Pittsburgh Rabbinic Association.

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and blessing. Jacob awakens and exclaims, “Surely God is present in this place, and I did not know it! … This is none other than … the gateway to heaven.” (Genesis 28:16-17) No matter what happened to Jacob afterward — as he will say to Pharaoh, “Few and hard have been the years of my life” — he could look back to this experience for comfort and security. Where do you encounter God? Where do you go, in reality or in your imagination, to experience a divine moment? Where is your personal gateway to heaven? If you don’t know, try this as a starting point: paying attention to the everyday miracles around you, nissim b’khol yom. Waking. Breathing. Your wondrous body, no matter how well or ill it is functioning. Being human. Being a Jew. God is in all of these. Jacob responded to his divine encounter

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Obituaries BALLON: Frieda J. Ballon (nee Mentz). Loving mother of Anna Ballon and Laura (Steve) Mitnick. Devoted grandmother of Brandy, Carlye and Shane. Dear sister of Mark (Sheila) Mentz and the late Elaine Levine and Benny Mentz. Cherished aunt. She always strived to excel at whatever she did and won many sales awards. She believed in random acts of kindness and helping people. Graveside services were held at Adath Jeshurun Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Frieda’s name to Camp Gan Izzy Fund Chabad, Solon, Ohio. KLINE: Martin “Marty” Kline, passed away on November 14, 2017, at the age of 64 years old. Marty was born in Pittsburgh on June 12, 1953, to Andrew Kline and Florine Kellman Kline Wolk, the youngest of three children. Marty was a very active member of Congregation Beth Shalom, a past Beth Shalom Men’s Club president, and a member of the Jewish Cemetery and Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh. He worked as a building inspector with the city for 14 years before choosing to focus exclusively on rehabbing homes throughout the City of Pittsburgh. A passion of his for many years, he purchased his first property for $2,000 with his bar mitzvah money while a college student at Carnegie Mellon University. He continued to purchase properties throughout his life that other people wouldn’t look at, do all the work himself to make them beautiful and very livable, and keep them as affordable rental units. Marty was dedicated to improving his community and helping those in need, without thought to himself. Marty was a devoted husband to Judith Kline, his “bashert”, for more than 37 years, as well as a loving brother, son, husband and zeide (grandfather). Marty is survived by his wife, Judith Rothbart Kline; his children Andrea (Zachariah) Goldsmith, Amy Kline, Michelle Kline (Joshua Bernstein), and Samuel Kline; his three grandchildren, Noah, Eva and Elise Goldsmith; his siblings Howard Kline and Bonnie Kline Brady; as well nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Marty was also a very beloved son-in-law of Dorothy and the late David Rothbart. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment at Homewood Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or Hebrew Free Loan Association, 4307 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or Jewish Cemetery and Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh, PO Box 81863, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.

MORDOH: Henry A. Mordoh, age 67, of Fox Chapel died peacefully Thursday, November 16, 2017, surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra Mordoh; daughters, Sydney and Madison Mordoh; sisters Betty Chabot and Pauline Mordoh Gould; niece, Ashley Gould; nephew, Jeffrey Gould; and loyal Golden Retriever, Leo. Henry was known for his generous and kind spirit. He loved his family more than anything and cherished every moment spent with them. His passion for cars, pens, doodling, and watches embodied his openhearted and joyful personality. Henry brightened the lives of everyone around him and left a forever lasting impression on the world. Henry retired in 2001 as the President and Chief Executive Officer of UPMC Shadyside and UPMC Presbyterian Hospitals. He successfully brought his vision of changing the health care environment to fruition, impacting the well-being of many for generations to come. Previously, he worked for numerous other health care systems, including Alverado Hospital & Medical Center, Los Alamados General Hospital and National Medical Enterprises. He served on the Shadyside Hospital Foundation and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Board of Directors. Henry received his master’s degree at the University of Southern California. Services were held at Temple Sinai. Interment at Temple Ohav Shalom Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to the Shadyside Hospital Foundation, 532 S. Aiken Avenue # 302, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 or the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium One Wild Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.

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

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Anonymous ..............................................Louis Fishman

Evelyn K. Rebb............................................ Martin Rebb

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Marion Reznik .....................................Eleanor Bergstein

Anonymous ...............................................Abe Kotovsky

Mindy Rosen-Stadler ........... Ben Platt & Charles Saxen

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Sonya Sydney ...........................................Max Shulman

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Sonya Sydney ..........................................Ella Markowitz

Jan & Edward Korenman ............................ Martin Rebb

Goldie Weiss ................................... Raymond Weinberg

Harriette Libenson............................... Louis Rubenstein

Goldie Weiss ....................................... Bernard H. Weiss

Randolph Malt.............................................. Marian Malt

Sanford Zaremberg .......................... Samuel Zaremberg

THIS WEEK’S YAHRZEITS — Sunday November 26: Joseph Bardin, Ida G. Barniker, Emma Eligator, Saul Glass, Nathan Granoff, Abe Herman, David Kaufman, David Klein, Rachel Levy, Rose Rosenberg, Lucy Sachnoff Monday November 27: Benjamin Aberman, Jetti Birnbaum, Cecelia Edith Greenberger, Milton E. Helfer, Sarah Herring, Bertha Brown Horovitz, Samuel Kaufman, Adolph Lefkowitz, Dorothy Margolis, Lester Marshall, Harry Meyers, Eugene M. Rosenthall, Charles Ruttenberg, Israel J. Saul, Yale Schwartz, Louis David Simon, Samuel Westerman Tuesday November 28: Leo L. Americus, Fannie Bowytz, Karen Kaplan Drerup, Irving Gibbons, Clara Helfand, Eva Herron, Jennie W. Mogilowitz, Louis Sadowsky, David Louis Smith, Martha Spokane, Samuel Srulson, Dena Stein, B. William Steinberger, Sylvia E. Swartz, Sari R. Talenfeld, Betsy Mark Volkin, David A. Weiss, Ida C. Wise, Anna Zacks Wednesday November 29: Nettie R. Broudy, Pescha Davidson, Israel Levine, Selma Levy, Max Mallinger, Herbert Rosenbaum, May Schachter, Ben E. Sherman, Louis Thomashefsky, Charles Wedner Thursday November 30: Dr. Solomon Abramson, Max Adler, Saul Cohen, Ethel Simon Cooper, Robert Davidson, Chaya Dobkin, Marcella Dreifuss, Nathan Fireman, Ruth Hirsch, Isador Katz, Lena Riemer, Sara Berkowitz Rozman, Etta M. Sigal Friday December 1: David Ackerman, Bertha Lillian Berliner, Bella Beron, Simon Blatt, Morris Braun, David Breman, Sarah Cramer, Gussie Finkelstein, Jacob Firestone, Sol Z. Heller, Rebecca Hoffman, Hyman Kalovsky, Ithamar Lando, Frances Elling Levine, Morris Levine, Tema Lewinter, Sam Makler, Benjamin Mitchel, Esther Bluestone Morrow, Jacob Offstein, Elly Mars Goldstein Resnik, Sam Sacks, Silas J. Simensky, Sam Simon, Ethel Solomon, Jack Talenfeld, Dr. Louis Weiss, Bessie Zakowitz, Samuel Zaremberg Saturday December 2: Max Blatt, David H. Fischman, Walter Frank, Lawrence L. Lifshey, Marian Malt, Edward C. Meyer, Sam Salkovitz, Harry Soltz, Abe Stolovitz, Max Strauss, Anna Swartz, Samuel Tufshinsky, Jacob Winer

POMERANTZ: Elaine Fox Pomerantz, on Monday, November 13, 2017. Beloved wife of 70 years to David Pomerantz. Beloved mother of Jolene Owens, Shelley (Joe) Tavis and Sanford (Ann) Pomerantz. Elaine was preceded in death by her siblings Allen (Kay) Fox, Fannie Satorio, Esther Schlansky, Ben Fox, Sarah Ezor and Sam Fox. Grandmother of Jessica (Shawn) Bulsak, Stephanie (Daryl) Lucas, Amanda (John) Bonar, Jason (Melissa) Owens, Daniel Pomerantz, Jeremy Pomerantz and the late Joshua Tavis. Great-grandmother of Nicole, Dallas, Jacob, Olivia, C.J., Brooklyn, Atley, Hayden, Greysen and Hudsen. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment at Ohav Zedeck Cemetery, Shaler Twp. Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Please see Obituaries, page 20

SEND OBITUARY NOTICES AND REQUESTS FOR MORE INFORMATION TO obituaries@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org. Proof of death in the form of death certificate, email from funeral home or link to notice in another publication is required. Obituaries are prepaid. The first 200 words are billed at $50, and each word after that is $.25. Unveiling notices are $20 a week. Black and white photos are $12; color photos are $24.

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Obituaries Obituaries: Continued from page 19

ROSENBERG: When Pittsburgh original Ron Rosenberg went anywhere in the city, pictures of his grandchildren were always within reach. The city was filled with proud grandfathers, but you’d be hard pressed to find a more proud “Poppy.” A native and lifelong resident of the Steel City, Ronald M. Rosenberg, known as Ronnie to his family and Ron to his friends, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 17. He was 80 years old. Sadly, he did not have a chance to do his most favorite thing — call one of his grandchildren on his 18th birthday. Rosenberg had never missed a birthday or life event. Rosenberg, a Taylor Allderdice graduate and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, spent his professional life in a myriad of roles and positions, including

ACAT: Continued from page 5

careers and an equally high percentage of the public high school youth arts program graduates in postsecondary education. The 11,000-square-foot ACAT center was funded by Jessica Sarowitz, and earlier from Steve Sarowitz, as well as the Ted Arison Family Foundation, with support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and other individuals and family foundations in Pittsburgh. Akko, a town of 45,000, is home to a diverse population: about 28 percent of its residents are Arab, and about 70 percent are Jewish. In some neighborhoods, Jews and Arabs work together, although their children attend different schools. After one year, it is clear that the MBC model is working in Akko, not only successfully training youth and adults, but also supporting coexistence among Jews and Arabs. “I’m astounded at the mark we’re making here,” Frank said, crediting ACAT CEO

sales, retail and at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. He was a past member of Temple Sinai and a former president of its Men’s Club. His parents, Ed and Irene Rosenberg, were founding members of Temple Sinai. Rosenberg was an active coach in the 14th Ward Little League, a league started by his father. An avid fan of sports, Rosenberg rooted for the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins. He is survived by his two sons, Steven (Lori) Rosenberg of Philadelphia and Evan Rosenberg of Pittsburgh; brother Gary Rosenberg of New York City; grandchildren Jake and Sam Rosenberg and Samantha and Ethan Miller, all of Philadelphia; nephews Erich Bergen of New York City and Jeremy Witt of Pittsburgh; and niece Marcia (Eric) Haberman of Pittsburgh. Rosenberg’s wife Marcia passed away in May 1972. Contributions may be made to Jewish Association on Aging or Sivitz Hospice, 200 JHF Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. RUDOY: Israel J. Rudoy, age 82, of Mt. Naim Obeid for much of its success. ACAT has been thriving, Obeid said, because it has been able to “adopt the model [of MBC] for our Israeli needs.” “Our success is built on their success,” Obeid said. Frank recounted coming to Israel several months ago for the graduation ceremony of ACAT’s first adult class in the hospitality industry. “A middle-aged man spoke [to the graduation class] in Hebrew and then turned to me and broke into English and said, ‘Mr. Frank, you should consider changing the name of ACAT to A Life, because that is what you have given me.’” More than 465 people have so far taken advantage of ACAT’s courses, with almost exactly half of the students Arab and half Jewish, Frank said. About 350 students were youth, and 85 were adults. The second adult hospitality course has already begun, and the “diversity is amazing,” according to Frank. “There are Arabs and Jews. We have a beekeeper in the honey business and two ladies from Nazareth who want to go into event planning. We

have a guy who wants to start a trailer park and a physical therapist who wants to start a health-driven tour business.” The diversity of the program is the key to its success, according to Obeid, who noted that by working together, resources can be

maximized and “we can build better businesses together.” One of the goals of the program, said Frank, was to build a community where ACAT alumni could network with one another. That is, in fact, now happening. “We have Arab and Jewish innkeepers referring business to each other,” Frank said. “It’s really amazing to watch.” While there are no plans in the works to open a second center in another Israeli city, Frank is not ruling out the possibility. “We want to make sure this one thrives, but the idea is not completely in the back of my mind,” he said. “Wouldn’t that be something, if we could create a franchise to help the disenfranchised?” In the meantime, ACAT is enjoying the support of a community witnessing the impact of economic empowerment in a shared society. “So many people came up to me at the event and said, ‘God is smiling,’” Frank said. “It didn’t really matter whose God it was.” PJC Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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p Mayor Shimon Lankri, mayor of Akko, Israel Photo by Eyal Tagar

firm with less than five employees and upon his retirement, H2R CPA was one of the 15 largest firms in Western Pennsylvania. Iz was a past president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) and was also past president of Temple Emanuel of South Hills. He was a founding board member of Jewish Residential Services and numerous other professional and community organizations including as an officer of CPA Associates International, Inc. His three main loves in life were family, the CPA firm and Pittsburgh sports. The Steelers, Penguins and Pirates constantly occupied his interest, but his biggest sports passion was the University of Pittsburgh. The saying, “Hail to Pitt” always brought a smile to his face. Services were held at Temple Emanuel. Interment at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Temple Emanuel of South Hills Caring Community Fund or the Temple Emanuel of South Hills Cemetery Beautification Fund. PJC

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Lebanon, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 14, 2017. Husband of Judith, father of Jodi, Paul (Debbie), Bruce (Holly); Grandfather of Drew (Hristina), Beth, Max (Lauren), Matthew, Madelyn and Zachary; brother of Shelley; and pre-deceased by parents Morris and Doris and sisters Barbara and Betty. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, he began his career as a navigator in the United States Air Force where he concluded his military service as a captain and officer. He then began a nearly 50-year career as a certified public accountant. The last 40 of those years with H2R CPA (formerly known as Horovitz, Rudoy & Roteman). He served as the firm’s managing partner for 19 years. He was a visionary that moved the firm into one of the first in Pittsburgh to prepare computerized income tax returns and develop a business valuation service for the firm. He ran the audit department, then the tax department before moving into business valuations and then becoming managing partner. He joined the

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20 NOVEMBER 24, 2017

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

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DEADLINE The deadline for all NOTICE copy and art –

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NOVEMBER 24, 2017 21

Community At Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha

p Students and madrichim at Torah Lishmah Community, the Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha religious school, join Rabbi Jeffrey Myers for a special story on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Students received a certificate for attending school that day.

p During the Mishpacha & Me program at Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha, Emily Broude plays guitar while Carin Bendas dances.

Remembrance

Through a Jewish Lens

Photos courtesy of Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha

p From left, front row: Shulamit Bastacky, Ruth Drescher and Yolanda Willis

Photo courtesy of Ruth Drescher

Ruth Drescher was the keynote speaker at Seton Hill University’s annual Kristallnacht Remembrance Interfaith Service. Local child Holocaust survivors Shulamit Bastacky and Yolanda Willis joined Drescher for the program sponsored by the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education and the Office of Campus Ministry at Seton Hill. Participants lit six candles for the 6 million Jews killed during the Holocaust. Drescher and her family escaped from Germany on a Dutch passenger ship in 1939.

Smiles all around

t From left: Laughing during the weekly Torah study at Temple David are Rabbi Barbara Symons, Marcia Walsh, Kay Liss and Carol Gottlieb. The participants were discussing Rebecca’s send-off: Was it a parallel to Abraham’s call or more of “Have a safe trip?”

Photo courtesy of Temple David

22 NOVEMBER 24, 2017

Twelve local Jewish early childhood educators attended a study seminar, Exploring Reggio through a Jewish Lens, in Italy in October. According to director of Early Childhood Education at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and seminar leader Carolyn Linder, the Reggio Emilia Approach is an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education, valuing the child as strong, capable and resilient as well as rich with wonder and knowledge. This approach supports collaboration on all levels and nurtures individuality. Pittsburghers joined 51 other Jewish early childhood educators from Boston, Chicago, District of Columbia, Maryland and Israel. The Pittsburgh group included early childhood professionals from the Beth Shalom Early Learning Center, the Rodef Shalom Family Center Preschool, the Jewish Community Center’s Squirrel Hill Early Childhood Development Center, the Temple Ohav Shalom Center for Early Learning, the Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Development Center, the Early Childhood program at Community Day School, the Early Learning Center at Yeshiva and the Isadore Joshowitz Early Childhood Center at Hillel Academy, together with two local Pittsburgh Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative (JECEI)/Bonim Beyachad consultants. Upon returning, each cohort participant was challenged to introduce at least one change in the school or classroom from something that sparked inspiration in the seminar. On a community level, the Pittsburgh cohort will participate in two collaborative outcomes from the seminar that will be facilitated by Linder. The Dr. Solomon and Sarah Goldberg Memorial Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh provided support for local participants. Photo courtesy of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

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Community Honored by NA’AMAT Marcia J. Weiss was honored for her outstanding commitment and leadership in the community, nationally and in Israel at the NA’AMAT Pittsburgh Council 2017 Spiritual Adoption Dinner on Oct. 25.

p NA’AMAT Pittsburgh Council President Lisa Steindel presents Marcia J. Weiss, left, with her Spiritual Adoption Award.

p From left: Co-chair of the Spiritual Adoption event Julian Elbling with Cantor Rob Menes and Lidush Goldschmidt

Photos courtesy of NA’AMAT Pittsburgh Council

At Beth Shalom Congregation Beth Shalom celebrated its centennial gala at the Marriott City Center in downtown Pittsburgh on Saturday, Nov. 11. The elegant evening was 100 years in the making, rejoicing in the rich history of Beth Shalom within the Pittsburgh Jewish community and looking forward to a bright future. t From left: Bernice Meyers, Debby Firestone, president of Congregation Beth Shalom, and Marlene Silverman

u Congregation Beth Shalom Rabbi Seth Adelson and his wife, Judy Adelson Photos courtesy of Congregation Beth Shalom

Machers & Shakers

‘Just Say Shalom’

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Bernstein

Kara Bernstein, Ph.D., center, an associate professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, receives the Faculty Spotlight Award at the University of Pittsburgh football game on Nov. 9 in honor of being the recipient of the 2017 Chancellor’s Distinguished Research Scholar Award. Bernstein aims to understand genetic factors that contribute to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer predisposition. PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

t University of Pittsburgh students prepare stuffing and challah rolls at Chabad House on Campus for Thanksgivingto-go packages for the elderly. The program “Just Say Shalom” is co-sponsored by Giving It Forward Together (GIFT) and Chabad House on Campus.

Photo courtesy of Chabad House on Campus

NOVEMBER 24, 2017 23

24â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOVEMBER 24, 2017

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