Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 1/5/2018

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January 5, 2018 | 18 Tevet 5778

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Candlelighting 4:50 p.m. | Havdalah 5:54p.m. | Vol. 61, No. 1 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

NOTEWORTHY LOCAL Council seat, up for grabs, attracts new candidates

A ‘Rose tattoo,’ local Jewish landlords all part of holiday miracle

$1.50

JAA plans new independent living facility Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

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serious injuries from smoke inhalation and was sent to UPMC Mercy Hospital in critical condition.

While Daniel fought for his life in the ICU at Mercy, Meeks and her two daughters, 9 and 15, and their dog were displaced.

Without another option, they all crammed into the small two-bedroom Castle Shannon apartment where Meeks’ 22-year-old daughter and her two young grandchildren lived. Although Christmas was approaching, Meeks was spending all day at her son’s bedside and at work and had no time or energy to prepare for the holiday, which created even more stress.

That’s when the remarkable chesed of scores of Pittsburghers kicked in, including the principals at Atlas Development Co., who provided the Meeks family with perhaps the greatest gift of all: a place to live, free of charge.

When Daniel Berkowitz, CEO of Atlas, saw a post on Facebook asking for aid for Meeks and her family, including Christmas gifts and a place for the family to live, he

hough there aren’t even drawings, the ink is already on the page for the Jewish Association on Aging’s newest venture, with plans underway for the construction of a multistory independent living tower on the JAA’s campus.

The project, which will cost between $20 million and $30 million, is the second step in a three-part initiative outlined by a strategic planning process administered roughly two years ago under the leadership of current JAA board chair Mitchell Pakler, said Deborah Winn-Horvitz, JAA’s president and CEO. The first priority was to “bring a state-of-the-art memory-care facility to our community, which we have done with AHAVA.” “We want to achieve the same level of excellence in this project,” echoed Andrew Stewart, JAA’s chair of the facilities committee.

As with its AHAVA memory-care center of excellence, JAA is again turning to architect Daniel Rothschild, president of Rothschild Doyno Collaborative, a 27-person firm located in the Strip District, to design the independent living space.

“We have spent the past year and a half doing a lot of due diligence in support of this project, such as undertaking market studies, focus groups and financial analysis,” said Winn-Horvitz.

What that research has revealed is that “baby boomers have a very different opinion on what their aging experience should be like. They typically want to be more in control.”

To satisfy those demands, Winn-Horvitz and Rothschild are seeking to create “an apartment for life” that looks less like “an institutionalized environment” and more similar to “a home environment,” Winn-Horvitz said. Though the nitty-gritties have yet to be spelled out, this “could be everything from the height of the drawers and fixtures to ensuring the appropriate amount of natural sunlight.”

Please see Miracle, page 15

Please see JAA, page 15

Sonja Finn and Erika Strassburger are campaigning for Dan Gilman’s District 8 spot.

Page 2 LOCAL Fort Pitt’s Jewish history

 At left, Rose Meeks’ rented house on fire; at right, Rose’s Hebrew tattoo that says chesed Photos provided by Rose Meeks

For one Lancaster trader, 18thcentury fort offered business.

Page 4 LOCAL BBYO expands to North Hills Gesherim, based in Wexford, joins the Keystone Mountain Region.

Page 5

By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

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ose Meeks, a Christian single mother of four children, has had chesed — spelled out in Hebrew — tattooed on her left wrist since 2011. The word, which translates to “loving kindness,” is not only a personal call to action for Meeks, but also something she has sought most of her life.

Meeks, who moved from Alabama to Mt. Lebanon last summer, has come to the right place.

Thanks to a compassionate and generous extended Pittsburgh community, including local Jewish property developers Daniel Berkowitz and Ben Samson, Meeks and her children were handed a merry Christmas just when they thought a joyful holiday was completely out of reach.

Meeks, 45, and her family were just settling in to their new life as Pittsburghers when their world was turned upside down.

On Dec. 9, the home they were renting on South Meadowcroft Avenue caught fire. While Meeks and her two daughters escaped the house safely, her 17-year-old son Daniel, who has Down syndrome, suffered

keep your eye on PittsburghJewishChronicle LOCAL

She makes Shabbat connections

WORLD

Palestinian reconciliation

MUSIC

Musician gives life to memories

Headlines Field open, but two candidates already eager to fill Gilman’s City Council seat — LOCAL —

By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

A

fter Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s announcement last month that City Councilman Dan Gilman of District 8 would be his new chief of staff, two candidates quickly emerged to vie for Gilman’s seat: local restauranteur and community activist Sonja Finn and Erika Strassburger, who has served as Gilman’s chief of staff since he took office four years ago.

Gilman will replace Kevin Acklin, who is returning to the private sector to practice law.

District 8 includes the neighborhoods of Oakland, Point Breeze, Shadyside and north Squirrel Hill.

Finn, 38, and Strassburger, 35, are both progressive Democrats, yet if elected, their areas of focus may differ. In separate interviews with the Chronicle, Finn said that — although her platform is not yet complete — she is passionate about the strategic development and growth of Pittsburgh, quality public education and employee welfare and workers’ rights. Strassburger, who has been endorsed by Gilman, said she would focus on “issues surrounding clean water and strong infrastructure and healthy environment.”

The Allegheny Democratic Committee has not yet announced how it will select its candidate, or if it will hold a primary. No date has yet been set for the general election, although it is expected to be held in March, 60 days after Gilman assumes his new position with Peduto on Jan. 3.

Finn has owned and served as chef at

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p Sonja Finn

Photo courtesy of Sonja Finn

p Erica Strassburger

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Photo courtesy of Erica Strassburger

Dinette Restaurant in East Liberty since 2008 and is the consulting chef at Cafe Carnegie in the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.

In 2015, Dinette was the first restaurant to be recognized as a “Sustainable Restaurant”

by Sustainable Pittsburgh and is one of only four restaurants in Pittsburgh to achieve top sustainability designation.

Finn has a degree in sociology with a focus on urban planning, and although she has always been civic-minded, running for office was not always on her radar.

“It was one of those things where everyone knew before me,” Finn said. “People would ask, ‘Are you planning on running for office?’”

When Finn launched Dinette, “I was very vocal with putting my money where my mouth was, in terms of having a stand-up business and building one that contributed to the community — not just a community and family restaurant, but one that paid a living wage and was sustainable in all ways,” she said.

She was one of the founding board members of Pittsburgh’s Sustainable Restaurant association and has engaged in “advocating and lobbying in Washington, D.C., with Food Policy Action and the Environmental Working Group,” she said, concerned with issues such as providing quality school lunches and the terms of the proposed Farm Bill, on which the future of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is dependent.

“When this council seat became available, I knew this was an opportunity,” said Finn. “In 10 years with Dinette, I’ve done what I want to do with that restaurant, I Please see Candidates, page 16

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Headlines Steel City native paves new way for millennials to do Shabbat in Pittsburgh — LOCAL —

By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

W

hen Lianne Sufrin heard that the newly launched Pittsburgh hub of OneTable was looking for a hub manager, she thought “this is probably a great time to come back.”

The 2008 Shady Side Academy grad, who grew up in Highland Park and Squirrel Hill, had been working in New York City as an art therapy extern at the Actors Fund, when she realized that shifting gears to facilitate Jewish millennial connections would bring together “all my love for community building and creativity.”

“I always knew I wanted to go into the helping professions,” said Sufrin, who attended Tree of Life Congregation and Rodef Shalom Congregation in her youth and was active in NFTY and BBYO. OneTable had its national launch in 2014, with support from the Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life and The Paul E. Singer Foundation. Over the last three years, the organization has grown to include eight hub cities that support additional locations, according to Al Rosenberg, OneTable’s

Jewish rituals by providing tools — and money — to help young adults create meaningful and fun Shabbat dinners. In 2017, OneTable provided support for 100,000 “seats at the table,” Rosenberg said.

“OneTable is an incredible way to engage Jewish young adults because it empowers them to engage with Jewish rituals and traditions in ways that feel authentic to them,” Rosenberg added. “OneTable is non-prescriptive and recognizes that each guest and host brings something unique to the table. We offer the tools — Shabbat coaches, event organizing platform, ‘nourishment credits,’ resources and more — to help them p Lianne Sufrin Photo provided by Lianne Sufrin build their own communities and practices.”

A “nourishment credit” is funding in the director of communications.

In addition to Pittsburgh, other hubs include amount of $15 per guest — up to $150 — to Chicago, Atlanta, Colorado, Los Angeles, Wash- help pay for the meal.

Other programs supported by OneTable ington, D.C., New York and San Francisco.

OneTable aims to foster engagement with include “nosh:pitality” community events

at which young Jews come together to learn skills such as cooking, cocktail making and Shabbat rituals.

“We encourage young adults to create intention and connection with others on Friday nights by creating community around the Shabbat table the way they choose,” Sufrin said.

OneTable is geared primarily to young adults in their 20s and 30s, she added.

Here’s how it works: Anyone interested in hosting a Shabbat dinner applies on OneTable.org and then speaks to Sufrin or a Shabbat coach to discuss plans. A dinner can have a theme, can be private for a specific group of people, or can be open to anyone who wants to come provided they RSVP. It can be kosher, not kosher or vegetarian.

The hosts have broad creative control over crafting each unique experience.

Locally, OneTable is financially supported by grants from the Jewish Community Foundation and the Jewish Life and Learning Department of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.

Although Pittsburgh just recently has been made a hub city, some OneTable dinners have already happened here, such as last summer’s Shabbat barbecue hosted by Ronna Peacock Pratt, 28.

Please see OneTable, page 16

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JANUARY 5, 2018 3

Headlines Fort Pitt Museum closure invites historical reconsideration — LOCAL — Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

I

t may not be the shofar-blowing season, but several spectacular horns are in arrangement at the Fort Pitt Museum.

Located near Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh, the museum has been showcasing a host of 18th-century creations, called “powder horns,” in its exhibit titled, “From Maps to Mermaids: Carved Powder Horns in Early America.”

While the collection’s most intricately designed keratinized growths were designed for gunpowder storage during the French and Indian War and later the American Revolution, the pliability of a bovid horn enabled its earlier uses to include “cups, combs, boxes and other utilitarian goods,” explained museum materials.

Exhibit observers will notice that unlike the acuminating nature of High Holiday sound pieces, these horns are finely capped.

Similarly, many of the artifacts displayed denote their place of crafting, as some even feature carvings of “Fort Pitt.”

Unfortunately, those wishing to see the exquisitely engraved powder carriers in person will have to wait, as the Fort Pitt Museum is temporarily closed for mainte-

p A museum staffer cleans the Fort Pitt diorama.

Photo courtesy of the Fort Pitt Museum

nance and upgrades through Jan. 26, said museum representatives.

In the interim, one may be reminded of Fort Pitt’s Jewish history.

Built by British colonists between 1759 and 1761, Fort Pitt was constructed near the former Fort Duquesne, a French colonial stronghold fashioned in 1754. An early Jewish connection to Fort Pitt rests with

Joseph Simon, a prominent Jewish merchant who, though a leader of the Lancaster Jewish community, maintained a trading post at the Fort Pitt site during the mid-18th century, explained Samuel Evans in his 19th-century “Sketch of Joseph Simon” for the Lancaster County Historical Society.

The link between people and place continued, wrote Jacob Feldman in his book, “The Jewish Experience in Western Pennsylvania, A History: 1755-1945.” “In 1760, David Franks of Philadelphia and his Christian partner, William Plumstead, became the supply contractors for Fort Pitt and Forts Ligonier and Bedford farther to the east. They wrote in a letter in 1761 that they would visit Pittsburgh but had to cancel their trip. They usually remained in the east to requisition horses, powder, flour, meat and other provisions for the frontier forts.”

Nearly a decade later, in 1772, the fort was decommissioned by the British. The decision was made due to flooding and the fact that the fort was “no longer needed for the purpose for which it was originally built,” explained the Fort Pitt Brick House.

Nonetheless, Fort Pitt maintained a critical role during the American Revolution, as it served as the Continental Army’s western headquarters.

Around that time, “Michael and Bernard

Gratz of Philadelphia signed pledges to cease trading with the British and supplied gunpowder and firearms to George Washington’s troops. Along with Solomon Bush, they underwrote the soldiers’ rations at Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania,” wrote David Bruce Smith in an article for The Chestertown Spy. In 1792, For Pitt officially closed when, after it was “replaced by a newer yet smaller fort named Fort Lafayette,” it was “torn down and sold off piece by piece,” explained the museum.

Although it is unknown whether any Jewish purchasers acquired Fort Pitt’s slabs, “the Jewish history of Pittsburgh is as old as European settlement in the region,” said Eric Lidji, director of the Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives at the Heinz History Center. “The opportunities of the newly conquered Point attracted Jewish businessmen almost immediately. But those traders left when their work was done. It would take [several decades] before Pittsburgh developed to the point where settlement became attractive to Jewish immigrants, launching the Jewish community that we know today.”

The Fort Pitt Museum will reopen to the public on Saturday, Jan. 27. PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz @pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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

REGISTER TODAY at jfedpgh.org/snowbird

or by calling Patti Dziekan at 412.992.5221 These are non-solicitation events.

Minimum $54 commitment to Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Community Campaign.

4 JANUARY 5, 2018

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Headlines Wexford welcomes new BBYO chapter — LOCAL —

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

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ittsburgh BBYO is burgeoning thanks to the efforts of area teens. The pluralistic youth group, whose core values include inclusivity, Jewish identity, active leadership and tradition, recently welcomed a new member to its Keystone Mountain Region, as Gesherim (Hebrew for bridges) received its charter from the international movement last month. Such official recognition makes the Wexford-based group the seventh chapter in a sector spanning Southwest Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Attaining the cemented status demonstrates both the work of Gesherim’s founders as well as the increased number of area teens, explained Andrew Exler, KMR’s regional director. “It’s really exciting.”

“I think it’s amazing,” agreed Maya Klapper, a junior at Pine-Richland High School and Gesherim’s co-founder. “Last year, when we had new members, we were telling people it’s a baby chapter. This year, we don’t have to explain what we’re doing.”

Prior to Gesherim’s existence, teens from Wexford and the North Hills would travel to neighboring communities for BBYO activities. By creating a new chapter, it promotes Jewish programming and connections in a more familiar setting, said Natalie Danin-

hirsch, a junior at North Allegheny Senior High School and Gesherim’s president.

“Before, the teens always would have to come into Squirrel Hill or Fox Chapel, and now they have their own identity out there,” said Exler.

While noticeable excitement surrounds the group’s presence, much of Gesherim’s emergence is due to a regional rise, explained those involved.

“We’ve seen an incredible growth in the North Hills,” said Daninhirsch, whose involvement in BBYO began when she was in eighth grade.

“That area has developed so much over the past 10 years,” agreed Exler, before reflecting that even when he was “growing up” and actively involved in Fox Chapel’s BBYO chapter, there would be “five or six kids from the Wexford, Gibsonia, Butler areas.”

Currently, “[there are] about 20 active members between eighth and 12th grade [in Gesherim],” said Klapper.

“In less than a year they were able to go from temporary to permanent, and from less than a year they became our biggest chapter,” said Exler.

But size is not the only distinction that Gesherim boasts. Unlike the other six groups, it is the only coed chapter in the Keystone Mountain Region.

The decision to refrain from gender bifurcation was shocking at first, said Klapper.

“We didn’t really understand how it would work; we were used to just a girls chapter.”

However, after pondering the idea, those

p The chapter poses for a photo after receiving a permanent charter at the Tournies Regional Convention.

Photo courtesy of Maya Klapper

involved in the chapter’s formation (and subsequent naming) recognized the benefit of retaining a mixed status, specifically as the chapter seeks to be both “bridging” and a bastion of inclusivity.

Exler described a case in which a teen “who doesn’t necessarily identify with either gender” wished to become active in the youth movement “and the parents were excited” that Gesherim did not force its members to self-select a particular gender.

Another benefit of having a mixed chapter is Gesherim’s family-oriented feel, said Klapper.

“I think it’s really a great thing for our region because for a lot of people, especially teens in eighth and ninth grades, it’s kind of hard to get acquainted with it and walk into an environment where you don’t know anybody,” she said. “Unless you had an older sister or a friend to go with, there may have been a reluc-

tance to participate. Now if you have a brother to go with you, it may be easier to be involved.”

The results are already apparent, said Daninhirsch.

“I am someone who is incredibly passionate about having Judaism in my life, and I don’t think it would be that way if I didn’t have BBYO,” she said. “I have become confident and grown as a leader. Now there are people I have known my entire life who are getting these experiences in an area that didn’t use to have these opportunities.”

Although regional and international programs or summer experiences were always available to Wexford area teens, establishing a local presence was critical, said Toby Lazear, KMR’s regional president and Gesherim’s teen adviser.

“The way that you make friendships and meet people in the beginning is in the smaller chapter events,” the Fox Chapel High School senior said. Thus, by having a Wexford-based chapter where area teens can create bonds, it eases entry into larger BBYO involvement.

Because of those connections, “you decide to go to regional or international events.”

Daninhirsch similarly touted the longsighted benefits of Gesherim’s establishment.

“Seeing that there is an interest in Judaism in areas outside of the epicenter that is Squirrel Hill, it gives a huge hope to the future of the Keystone Mountain Region.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz @pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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JANUARY 5, 2018 5

Headlines A ballot, a vote and a change at the Federation — HISTORICAL INSIGHTS —

By Eric S. Lidji

O

fficial documents can seem dull.

But once you get to know them, they often have interesting stories to tell. Each month, this column will dissect one object from the Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives to reveal insights about Jewish history.

Take this ballot. Ask the right questions about its names, dates and terminology, and you’ll find that this strip of paper marks a turning point in local Jewish history.

Every object has a “provenance,” or a history of its creators and owners. This ballot first belonged to Bertha Rauh. Her grandson Richard E. Rauh gave it to us between 1999 and 2001, when he began donating materials to the Sen. John Heinz History Center.

The Richard E. Rauh Collection is one of hundreds of collections stored at the Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives. It’s big,

An explanation can be gleaned from the early minutes of the Federation, stored on reels of microfilm in the Archives & Special Collections of the University of Pittsburgh.

In the two years preceding this election, the Federation lost three long-serving trustees to death, illness or other commitments. It also expanded, adding three seats.

A complex shuffle ensued. Six newcomers joined the 24-member board between January and April 1922. Some finished the “unexpired terms” of vacated seats. Some started terms for new seats. This ballot marks the first election after those appointments.

Bertha Rauh (“Mrs. Enoch”) and Leah Finkelpearl (“Mrs. Henry”) were the first women on the board. Unlike the industrialists, distillers and professionals who served alongside them, they were experienced in social work. Rauh led the National Council of Jewish Women-Pittsburgh Section from 1903 to 1918. She was appointed Director of Charities for the city in late 1921, making her the first woman on a mayoral cabinet in Pittsburgh. Finkelpearl was the newest

The Federation of the Jewish Philanthropies of Pittsburgh was the original name of the organization we now call the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. filling about 28 boxes. It contains information about the Rauh family, as well as its many organizational affiliations.

This ballot comes from one of those organizations. That’s the first noteworthy detail.

The Federation of the Jewish Philanthropies of Pittsburgh was the original name of the organization we now call the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.

The original name had two definite articles. It was the Federation of the Jewish Philanthropies because the organization intended to consolidate all legitimate fundraising activity within the Jewish community. In its constitution, approved in 1912, the Federation announced its mission: “to remove the evil of indiscriminate and unauthorized forms of solicitation, together with ticket selling, bazaars, benefits, fairs, and the annoyances incident to the frequent and constant appeals made for the same.”

Another curious detail is the phrase “For Trustees.” Today, the Federation uses “directors” to describe members of its board. What does the change mean?

A third detail is the list of names. The candidates seem homogenous. They range in age from 44 to 62. All but one were congregants at Rodef Shalom. All but two were American-born, mostly first-generation children of German-born immigrant parents.

But something is up. Only the first eight candidates are listed alphabetically. And the final three have the condition “unexpired term” attached to their names.

6 JANUARY 5, 2018

president of the Hebrew Ladies Hospital Aid Society, which oversaw health care activities at Montefiore Hospital.

Rauh and Finkelpearl preferred social service to charity. They wanted to solve problems rather than simply meet needs. Rauh even changed her title to “Director of Public Welfare” to reflect her desire to address the root causes of persistent social ills.

The two women helped remake the Federation. A clearinghouse of charitable giving soon became a social service agency as well.

It created programs for needy children, juvenile delinquents and the unemployed. It funded community health programs. A new “Auxiliary Council” promoted the emerging field of social work.

The Federation also democratized, somewhat. Elsewhere in the papers of the Rauh family is language for a change to the Federation bylaws instituted in late 1923. The change required members to cycle off the board for at least one year after completing a three-year term. It was a way to keep “fresh blood” circulating through the leadership.

To honor its founders, the board instituted two classifications. Older members remained “trustees.” Newer members became “directors,” as they are still known today. PJC Eric Lidji is director of the Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives at the Sen. John Heinz History Center. He can be reached at eslidji@heinzhistorycenter.org or 412-454-6406.

p This ballot from 1923 reveals many insights into the area’s Jewish history

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Photo courtesy of the Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives at the Sen. John Heinz History Center

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Calendar q THURSDAY AND SATURDAY,

q SUNDAY, JAN. 7 “Big Sonia,” the 2016 documentary, will be shown at Row House Cinema, 4115 Butler St. at 4 p.m. This documentary is about a tenacious woman and her story of trauma, survival and healing. The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh will be hosting this screening and sharing its mission to educate, provide resources and counter intolerance in the world.

The film is a funny portrait of the power of love to triumph over bigotry, and the power of truth telling to heal. There is a $7 per person charge. Visit bit.ly/BigSoniaIntro for more information about the film or rowhousecinema.com/#docs2 for more information. >> Submit calendar items on the Chronicle’s website, pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Submissions will also be included in print.

Events will run in the print edition beginning one month prior to the date. The deadline for submissions is Friday, noon. q FRIDAY, JAN. 5 Mostly Musical Shabbat: A Sensory Friendly Experience at 7 p.m. at Temple Sinai with Rabbi Jamie Gibson, Rabbi Keren Gorban, Cantor Laura Berman and the Temple Sinai Band the first Friday of every month.

Contact Judy Mahan at 412-421-9715, ext.

110, or Judy@templesinaipgh.org for more information or to request an accommodation or visit tinyurl.com/ydx9rh32. q SUNDAY, JAN. 7 End your weekend with a CPR certification at Moishe House from noon to 5 p.m. with a professional instructor. Attendance is free but registration is required at MoHo CPR at tinyurl.com/yc6r78cv to reserve a spot.

Space is limited.

AgeWell at the Jewish Community Center will hold a Senior Singles Group from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in room 202 at 5738 Forbes Ave. Socialize in a friendly and welcoming environment. Light refreshments will be served. There is no fee to participate. Contact Debbie Marcus at 412-339-5405 or dmarcus@ jccpgh.org for more information.

Beth El Congregation of the South Hills will hold a viewing of the film “The Voyage of the Saint Louis,” a dramatic documentary based on the true events of 1939. The evening will begin with a wine and cheese reception at 7 p.m. and will conclude with a short Q&A discussion led by Rabbi Alex Greenbaum. This program is presented by the adult education committee and is open to the community.

There is a $5 charge. Visit bethelcong.org for more information or call 412-561-1168 to RSVP in advance. q MONDAY, JAN. 8 The Women of Temple Sinai will hold a cooking class at 6:30 p.m. for a super dinner for friends to warm up a winter night: easy, delicious and inexpensive, taught by Annie Weidman. Anyone age 16 and older is welcome. The cost is $10 per person. RSVP by Friday, Jan. 5. Visit templesinaipgh.org/wotscooking-class-3 for details and to sign up.

Beth El Congregation of the South Hills will hold its First Mondays lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A lecture on Frauds, Cons and Scams and How to Protect Oneself From Being a Victim, will be presented

by Magisterial District Judge Blaise La Rotonda and Corporal Michael Smakosz, Mt. Lebanon Police Dept./Crime Prevention Unit Supervisor. Call 412-561-1168 to RSVP in advance. There is a $6 charge.

Understanding Jewish Teens: The Selfie Generation Who Will Save the World, a presentation by David Bryfman, a national expert on Jewish adolescent identity development, will be held at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Teens and adults are welcome.

Bryfman is the chief innovation officer at the Jewish Education Project in New York and researcher on 21st-century Jewish teen engagement. He will share research and ideas on how to help Jewish teens grow into engaged, Jewish young adults. Register at jfedpgh.org/understanding-jewish-teens and contact Cheryl Johnson at cjohnson@jfedpgh. org or 412-992-5249 for more information.

JAN. 11 AND 13

Beyond Microtonal Music Festival, sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh’s Music on the Edge series and the Andy Warhol Museum, will include two concerts that feature klezmer clarinet virtuoso David Krakauer. The first, an orchestra concert at Carnegie Music Hall at 8 p.m. will include the premiere of Mathew Rosenblum’s work, “Lament/Witches’ Sabbath,” a clarinet concerto that chronicles the Rosenblum family’s escape from Ukraine in 1919. The second concert, at 8 p.m. at the Andy Warhol Museum, features Krakauer’s powerhouse klezmer group, Ancestral Groove. This will be the closing event of the three-day festival that celebrates cultural roots. Visit music. pitt.edu/mote/beyond for more information about the concerts and festival. q SATURDAY, JAN. 13 Temple Emanuel of South Hills will host Pastor Cheryl Jones Ross of Greater Hope Restoration Ministries who will speak during Shabbat morning services at 10:30 a.m.

Ross will speak on Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and its message to American Jews.

All are welcome to attend at 1250 Bower Hill Road. Visit templeemanuelpgh.org for more information.

Havdalah and Wine at Moishe House from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Channel your inner “wine aunt”/sommelier, and learn about the origins of kosher wine. Bring a brag-worthy bottle to share; cheese will be provided.

Visit tinyurl.com/ycjhjr9x for more information.

q TUESDAY, JAN. 9

q TUESDAY, JAN. 16

Moishe Gets Moving: Stage Combat from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Ave. Ever see a superhero movie and thought “I could do that?” Learn a thing or two in the multipurpose room for Stage Combat 101 with a professional stage combat instructor. RSVP at tinyurl.com/y7wg99cz.

JFCS Career Development Center has launched the Women’s Networking Series 2018. The series will consist of four events, covering topics such as LinkedIn and internet job sites, volunteering one’s way into a job, balancing family and work needs and considering temping to get a foot in the door.

Attendees will have a chance to ask questions and spend some time networking, a critical skill to discover available jobs and make connections.

This series also expands JFCS Career Development Center programs into the South Hills areas of Pittsburgh, a process that began a few years ago. A workforce needs assessment in the South Hills is in progress. The series was created in partnership with the Mt. Lebanon Library, where the sessions will be held at 16 Castle Shannon Blvd. The four sessions take place

The Squirrel Hill Historical Society’s free January program, Squirrel Hill Then and Now II, with speaker Helen Wilson, vice president of the Society, will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Ave.Contact historysqhill@hotmail. com or historysqhill@hotmail.com for more information.

Behind Enemy Lines. Spend an evening with Marthe Cohn as she tells her story of being a spy in Nazi Germany. The Chabad of the South Hills program will be held at 7 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South, 164 Fort Couch Road. Cohn was born in France in 1920.

As the Nazi occupation escalated, her sister was sent to Auschwitz while her family fled to the south of France. At 24, she joined the Intelligence Service of the French 1st Army.

Utilizing her perfect German accent and Aryan looks, Cohn posed as a German nurse desperately trying to attain word of a fictional fiance. She traveled the countryside and approached troops sympathetic to her plight thereby obtaining vital information about troop movements for the Allied commanders.

For her service, at the age of 80, she was awarded the Croix de Guerre, France’s highest military honor. Cohn is now 96 years old and travels internationally sharing her story and has no plans of slowing down. There is a $5 charge. Register at chabadsh.com, 412-3442424 or rabbi@chabadsh.com.

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on the third Tuesday of each month, January through April, beginning Jan. 16. This series is free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. Visit mtlebanonlibrary.org or call 412-531-1912 to register. Visit jfcspgh.org/career or call 412-422-5627 for more information on JFCS Career Development Center services. q WEDNESDAY, JAN. 17 Documentary Night with Moishe House from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Chatham University. Join for viewing and discussion of “Birthright: A War Story,” a film that explores the relationship between the government, religion and reproductive rights in the United States through the stories of women, pregnancies and families. Meet at Moishe House at 6:15 p.m. to walk over together. Visit tinyurl.com/ydxer7uc for more information.

Generations Speaker Series: Moshe Baran and Avi Baran Munro, hosted by the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh will begin at 7 p.m. at Community Day School, 6424 Forward Ave. This series, which will be hosted in-person and live-streamed online, will consist of dialogues between Holocaust survivors and their family members. There will be three events, taking place in the first three months of the year in various locations.

All talks will be free and open to the public.

Baran will share his harrowing story of survival as a member of a Partisan unit, speaking along with his daughter, Munro, the head of school at Community Day School, who will share her experience as a child of two survivors. The Greater Pittsburgh Church of Christ that meets at Community Day School will host this program. Visit jfedpgh. org/generations-moshe-baran for more information and to register. q WEDNESDAYS, JAN. 17-MAY 9 What’s Your Story? A Deep Dive into Foundational Biblical and Rabbinic Stories of Judaism, will be offered by Kulam, the Pittsburgh Community Beit Midrash (house of learning), for a seven lecture series by leading scholars from Pardes on key stories from the Tanach (Bible) and the Talmud, and how these stories have continued to influence our narrative to this day. The sessions will be at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in room 202. Visit Facebook at tinyurl.com/y7lqkwbz for a complete list of speakers, dates and times. The lectures are free and open to the community.

Please see Calendar, page 8

q SUNDAY, JAN. 21 Congregation Dor Hadash, Congregation Beth Shalom’s program Derekh and the University of Pittsburgh’s Jewish Studies Program invite the community to a lecture at 10 a.m. by Justin Cammy titled “When Yiddish Was Young.” Cammy, associate professor of Jewish studies and comparative literature at Smith College, is a literary and cultural historian with research and teaching interests in Yiddish literature, Eastern European Jewish history, and Zionism and contemporary Israel. He holds a doctorate in Near Eastern languages and civilizations from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern studies from McGill University. The lecture will be presented at Congregation Dor Hadash at the corner of Wilkins and Shady avenues in Squirrel Hill. RSVP is required at admin@dorhadash.net or 412-422-5158.

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

JANUARY 5, 2018 7

Calendar Calendar:

q SATURDAY, JAN. 20 Continued from page 7

q THURSDAY, JAN. 18 Rescuing Jews in Need through Clandestine Aliyah Efforts, featuring Arielle Di-Porto, director, Aliyah Division at the Jewish Agency for Israel, will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rodef Shalom Congregation. This is a free event that includes a dessert and wine reception; dietary laws observed. Di-Porto brings her expertise and well-honed skills to effectively manage critical, often clandestine aliyah missions from Iran, Pakistan, Yemen, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. With the increase in aliyah from France, Di-Porto is at the forefront of JAFI’s aliyah and absorption in Israel. Contact Mia Alcorn at malcorn@jfedpgh. org or 412-992-5222 for more information.

Chabad of the South Hills will hold a new monthly course for women, Pause and Effect: A Shabbat Outlook, by the Rosh Chodesh Society. Classes will be held on the third Thursday each month at 10 a.m. There is a $5 charge. Visit chabadsh.com or contact barb@ chabadsh.com for more information. q FRIDAY, JAN. 19 Community potluck dinner at 5:45 p.m. at Temple Sinai with an entrée of baked blueberry chutney chicken prepared by Chef Drew. Bring a nondairy side dish, salad or dessert (enough for 8-10 people). Shabbat service follows at 7 p.m. There is a $5 charge.

Contact Judy Lynn Aiello at 412-421-9715, ext.

124, or judylynn@templesinaipgh.org or visit tinyurl.com/ydh2wuva to register.

Young Adult Shabbat after hours at 8:30 p.m. at Temple Sinai, a wine and cheese mix and mingle with young adults (ages 21-45). There is no charge. Visit tinyurl.com/ycno9zd4 for more information and to RSVP.

Beat the winter blues and party like you’re on an island vacation at Community Day School’s Sun & Schmooze: A Tropical Gala at 7:30 p.m. with dancing with DJ Sosa, and gourmet dinner stations with tropical flavors at the August Wilson Center at 980 Liberty Ave. All money raised will go directly to support educational programs at CDS and to provide tuition assistance for families in need.

During the evening, CDS will honor members of the community. CDS alumni parents State Rep. Dan and Debbie Frankel will receive the Community Leadership Award and alumni parent Dana Himmel will receive the CDS Volunteer of the Year Award. Visit comday. org/gala for tickets.For more information on how to become an event sponsor while supporting Community Day School, contact Jenny Jones at 412-521-1000, ext. 3207, or jjones@comday.org.

Shabbat Searchers: Exploring Sacred Spaces at 5 p.m. in the Rodef Shalom sanctuary. This is a pilot program exploring offsite Shabbat experiences for those who prefer life off the beaten path. Every other month the group will gather for an alternative Shabbat experience focusing on how one can view, use and be in sacred spaces. The program launches from Rodef Shalom’s home sanctuary before setting off to explore around the city. Contact frischer@ rodefshalom.org for more information.

q FRIDAY, JAN. 26 Breakfast for Dinner Shabbat at Moishe House from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with pancakes, eggs and mimosas.

PJs are welcome (extra points for footsies). Visit tinyurl.com/ybuurzsn for more information.

8 JANUARY 5, 2018

q SATURDAY, JAN. 27

Game Day, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., whether your favorite game is Telestrations or Apples to Apples, you can find it at Moishe House.

Play one of its games or introduce players to your own game. Spend your Shabbat afternoon playing and snacking with your favorite Moho crew. Visit tinyurl.com/ ybo2uz3f for more information.

The Holocaust Center, in partnership with the Carnegie Mellon University Department of Modern Languages and Rodef Shalom Congregation, will mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a screening of “Sterne” (“Stars”) at 7 p.m. at Rodef Shalom. The East German film is a drama about a sergeant in the Wehrmacht and how his life is changed by the establishment of a transit camp for Jews arriving from Greece. “Sterne,” which won the 1959 Special Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes International Film Festival, is a linguistic triumph, speaking to the diversity of Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The film features dialogue in Bulgarian, German, Greek, and Ladino. Because English subtitles were not completed until 1999, the film has gained new life in the 21st century. This is the first time Sterne has been screened in Pittsburgh. Visit hcofpgh.org/sterne/ for more information. The event cost is $10 and free for students with valid ID and survivors. q TUESDAY, JAN. 23

life through advocacy or direct service to individuals and families. Organizations that nominate awardees receive a grant of $1,000 to help underwrite the costs of a recognition event and/or inclusion activities. Awardees receive an original sculpture by the late Sylvia Plutchok, who was a Pittsburgh-based artist. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and Jewish Residential Services give the award annually. Visit jrspgh.org/ shore-whitehill for the nomination form and contact Jewish Residential Services at shorewhitehill@jrspgh.org or 412-325-0039 for more information.

AND THURSDAY, JAN. 25

The Pittsburgh OASIS Intergenerational Tutor Program is seeking volunteers (50plus) to tutor in Pittsburgh and Woodland Hills School Districts in grade K-4. An hour a week can change a child’s life. A two-day training class will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 411 Seventh Ave., Suite 525 (Duquesne Light Building). Contact John D. Spehar, Pittsburgh OASIS Tutoring program director at 412-393-7648 or jdspehar@ oasisnet.org for more information or to register. OASIS is an affiliate of Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council.

q DEADLINE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28

q SUNDAY, JAN. 28 I-Volunteer & MoHo: Packing Medical Supplies from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for targeted communities in need throughout the Western Hemisphere. Come to MoHo at 12:15 p.m. or meet at Global Links, 700 Trumbull Drive at 1 p.m. Visit tinyurl.com/ya7mujc3 for more information. q NOMINATIONS DUE BY

FRIDAY, JAN. 31

The Shore-Whitehill Award nominations are open for 2018. The Shore-Whitehill Award, created in 1996, is named for Robert Whitehill and the late Barbara Shore and celebrates volunteers who promote inclusion of people with disabilities in the fabric of Jewish

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

The Zionist Organization of AmericaPittsburgh District announces the 56th year of its Israel Scholarship Program to assist local students traveling to and studying in Israel. The program is designed to encourage and assist student participation on approved educational trips to Israel. Up to three $1,000 scholarships are available to students who will be entering the junior or senior year of high school in the fall of 2018. In addition, the Anouchi Research Scholarship of $750 is available to full-time college students who have completed at least one year and graduate students. Contact ZOA executive director Stuart Pavilack at 412-665-4630 or pittsburgh@zoa.org for more information or to establish a scholarship. PJC

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines Palestinian reconciliation creates opportunity for families of slain soldiers held by Hamas — WORLD —

By Ron Kampeas | JTA

W

ASHINGTON — Israel’s government may be ambivalent about the nascent reconciliation between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, but it outright opposes Palestinian bids for statehood recognition through international bodies, including the United Nations.

However, for one influential Israeli constituency — the families of Israelis held captive in Hamas-controlled Gaza — both developments present an opportunity: to hold someone accountable for those who are still captive, as well as the remains of dead ones.

“Now the Palestinian Authority is responsible,” said Leah Goldin, whose son, Hadar, was captured and killed after a ceasefire went into effect ending the 2014 Gaza War. Unlike Hamas, which is widely considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S. government and others, the Palestinian Authority is recognized as the representative of the Palestinians.

Goldin argued as much Friday at a special session of the U.N. Security Council convened by the United States and Ukraine.

If the Palestinian Authority fails to address Hamas’ refusal to release Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul, and two Israeli civilians, Avera Mengistu and Juba Abu Ganima, who crossed over into Gaza, they would be “violating international law,” she said.

Mengistu and Ganima are presumed alive.

Alongside her at the Security Council meeting was Irwin Cotler, the former Canadian justice minister who is representing Goldin pro bono in her attempts to obtain answers about her son. He noted that the Palestinian Authority had recently joined the International Criminal Court. That action, taken in order to advance criminal prosecutions of Israelis, also made the P.A. more accountable, Cotler said.

The P.A., by not taking action, is in “standing violation” of prohibitions in the statute that created the ICC against “outrages upon personal dignity” and “humiliating and degrading treatment.”

In an interview, Cotler, who now is the chairman of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, said that strategy could extend to other bids by the Palestinians to join international bodies with member nation status.

“You can’t join international agreements unless you are fulfilling obligations under international law,” Cotler said. “You cannot be a violator of international humanitarian law and also be a member in good standing of these organizations.”

To be clear, neither Goldin nor Cotler endorsed reconciliation or Palestinian ascension to statehood status at international organizations; instead, they were arguing that as long as these processes were underway, the Palestinian Authority should assume the concomitant responsibilities.

Reconciliation between Hamas and the

others at the session expressed sympathy, Goldin said, among them nations like Sweden that have an otherwise fraught relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

Also attending are countries not currently on the Security Council, which has five permanent members and 10 members elected to two-year terms. “We welcome today’s session and Canada wishes to stand in solidarity with the families — to quote former Canadian Minister of Justice Irwin Cotler, who testified before us today — we wish to tell you that you are not alone,” Louise Blais, the deputy Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, said in remarks addressed to Goldin.

Goldin credits Nikki Haley, the U.S. envoy to the United Nations who has made bold declarations of the alliance with Israel a centerpiece of the U.S. mission, for initiating the session and also thanked Ukraine for co-sponsoring.

The issue of troops held hostage incognito is a p Leah Goldin, mother of late Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin, makes a point at a meeting in the Israeli parliament.

Photo by Hadas Parush/Flash90 sore point for Ukraine in its ongoing war with rebels backed by Russia.

Palestinian Authority, launched in October, society shall protect one’s body and burial “This is another real opportunity to resolve is still in its nascent stages. It’s not clear to place from desecration.” our case,” Goldin said. “Every country that what degree Hamas has transferred powers For Egypt, the declaration is a signal of has relations with the Palestinian Authority to the P.A., and whether the Palestinian the leadership it aspires to in the Arab and should consider seriously what the P.A. Authority has made an issue of conveying Muslim worlds. The PLO is a signatory. is doing to return Hadar, Oron and the information to Israeli families about the Egypt’s envoy did not comment, but many civilians.” PJC living captives or the remains of the dead. A request for comment from the office of the Palestine Liberation Organization envoy to Washington was not answered.

Israel has expressed concerns about recon1916 MURRAY AVENUE ciliation, and whether it will leave Hamas militias in place. It is adamantly opposed to 412-421-1015 • 412-421-4450 • FAX 412-421-4451 recognition of Palestinian statehood outside PRICES EFFECTIVE SUNDAY, JANUARY 7-FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2018 the context of peace talks, which have yet to Candle Lighting Time Friday, January 5, 2018 • 4:44 p.m. resume, although the Trump administration MEAT SPECIALS TAKE-OUT SPECIALS is endeavoring to restart talks.

MONDAY Palestinians in the past have countered SHABBOS SPECIAL Cholent Meat DINNER SPECIAL that Israel also uses captives and the remains 2 Roasted Chickens $ 49 6 LB 1 Qt. Chicken Soup Beef Stew of the fallen as bargaining chips. Cotler said 4 Matzo Balls with Potatoes & Carrots these were not comparable to the plight of 1 Kugel • 2 Pints Salad • 2 Mini Challahs Salad the Goldins: Israel, he said, abided by laws Serves 4 Serves 4 Boneless requiring that information be conveyed to $ $31.99 43.99 the families of captives and the fallen. MoreChicken Breast over, he said, Goldin was not nabbed during $ 99 TUESDAY 4 LB the conflict but in its immediate aftermath, DINNER SPECIAL STORE HOURS likely for the express purpose of being a Chicken Chow Mein Sun. - Wed. • 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. bargaining chip.

Rice • Salad Thurs. • 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

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“At this point, it is known who is being held, $ 29 5 LB where they are being held,” he said. “There is $28.99 also a process of legal appeal in Israel.”

WEEKLY SPECIALS Goldin said she was heartened by the FERENCZ’S DON PEPINO BENZ’S NATURAL EARTH response to her presentation to the SecuFARFEL PIZZA CHOLENT RICE rity Council, first in that all but one nation SAUCE MIX NOODLES — China — attended, and China’s envoy $ 99 $ 59 $ 49 1. 8 OZ 1. 15 OZ 99¢ 16 OZ 2 8.8 OZ sent apologies, noting a scheduling conflict.

The Security Council was convened under a VEGETABLE BEEF SESAME VEGETABLE semiformal mechanism that does not require SOUP CHILI NOODLES EGG ROLLS attendance by all members. $ 99 $ 49 $ 99 $ 75 7 QT 5 LB 2 LB 2. EA Among those attending was Egypt, one U of a handful of nations that has influence EMPIRE CLASSIC MEAL MART SONNY & JOE’S KRINOS ZESTY with Hamas, through the border Egypt TURKEY BREAST TURKEY ROLL BABAGANOUSH GARLIC OLIVES shares with Gaza. Cotler in his presentation $ 75 $ 75 $ 30 $ 99 9 LB 7 LB 5 LB 5 LB noted that Hamas — and, he argued, the Palestinian Authority, by dint of the reconHOMEMADE SALADS & SOUPS CATERING SPECIALISTS ciliation process — was in violation of the We Prepare Trays for All Occasions DELI PARTY TRAYS DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN 1990 Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF VAAD OF PITTSBURGH Islam, which declares that “the state and the LIMIT QUANTITIES.

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JANUARY 5, 2018 9

Headlines — WORLD — From JTA reports

Pence visit to Israel in January is on, his office says A planned trip to Israel by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is on for January, his office said, despite reports to the contrary.

Pence did not appear on an Israeli Foreign Ministry list of foreign officials scheduled to arrive in the country this month that was released on Monday, the Times of Israel first reported.

The English-language Israeli news website confirmed with the ministry that “due to various scheduling difficulties,” no new date had yet been set for the vice president’s visit that had been delayed from last month to mid-January. The ministry later told the website that it “never said he isn’t coming.”

In response to a query, Pence’s office told JTA the January visit is “on.”

“As we’ve said, Vice President Pence is traveling to Israel later this month,” spokesman Jarrod Agen said in an email. “Reports of a postponement are just plain wrong.”

Pence originally postponed a planned mid-December visit to Israel so he could preside over the vote on a tax overhaul favored by Trump. It was believed that Pence might have been needed to cast the deciding vote in the closely divided Senate.

A White House official at the time said that Pence would visit in mid-January instead.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to leave on a five-day trip to India on Jan. 14.

The trip was originally meant to encompass Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Egypt but was modified because Palestinian leaders refuse to meet with Pence in the wake of President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Pence had been scheduled to address the Knesset and to visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.

Child whose parents were killed in Mumbai terror attack to return to their Chabad House The son of the Chabad emissaries killed in a 2008 terror attack in Mumbai will join Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a trip to India.

Moshe Holtzberg, 11, was three years old when his parents Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg were killed at the Nariman Chabad House in Mumbai when four terrorists entered and began shooting at those inside. Four other Jewish visitors to the Chabad House were killed in the attack.

Moshe was rescued on the day of the attack by the family’s nanny, Sandra Samuel, who ran out of the Chabad House carrying him.

She later accompanied him to Israel, where he lives with his grandparents.

In July, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel to mark 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries; it

LOCAL SERVICE that MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR 76 YEARS AND COUNTING!

was the first visit to Israel by an Indian head of government. During the visit, Modi met with Moshe Holtzberg, who said that he missed India. Modi invited the boy to return whenever he wants to. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered to bring Moshe with him on his next trip to India.

Netanyahu will visit India on Jan. 14 for an official state visit. Moshe Holtzberg is scheduled to accompany him.

Rabbi Nachman Holtzberg, Moshe’s grandfather, told The Hindu newspaper in an interview in July when Modi visited Israel that it is his dream, and he believes Moshe’s dream, that the boy will serve in India in the Chabad House in which his parents were killed.

International Jewish students group elects Israeli as president Avigayil Benstein was elected president of the World Union of Jewish Students at its 44th World Congress of Jewish student leaders held in Jerusalem.

Some 157 Jewish college students from 36 countries served as delegates at the five-day Congress that ended Monday.

The students came from Eastern, Central and Western Europe, North and South America, Australasia, South Africa, India, Turkey and Israel.

Benstein, 24, was elected at the General Assembly held as part of the Congress.

Benstein is the daughter of WUJS alumni from the United States and the United Kingdom.

This week in Israeli history

Jan. 7, 2010 • Ancient Hebrew inscription deciphered

— WORLD —

University of Haifa professor Gershon Galil announces that he has deciphered an inscription from the time of King David’s reign in the 10th century B.C.E.

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

Jan. 5, 1930 Mapai Party is founded in Tel-Aviv David Ben-Gurion of Ahdut Ha’avodah and Joseph Sprinzak of Hapoel Hatzair recognize that their parties have more in common with each other than they have differences and begin moving toward a merger. The Mapai party is the result.

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Jan. 8, 1978 • American Zionist leader Rose Luria Halprin dies

Rose Luria Halprin, who served twice as the national president of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, dies at the age of 83 in New York.

Jan. 9, 1837 • Hayim Nahman Bialik is born

Jan. 6, 1942 • Jacob Toledano is installed as Chief Rabbi

Hayim Nahman Bialik, famed Zionist poet, is born in the village of Radi, near Zhitomir in Volhynia (Northwest Ukraine).

Jan. 10, 2000 • Shepherdstown peace talks conclude

Jacob Toledano returns to the Land of Israel in early 1942 to take up his new post as Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Tel-Aviv and Jaffa.

(412) 681-2700 • www.wagneragency.com 10 JANUARY 5, 2018

Born and raised in Israel, she served as a foreign press liaison in the European desk of the IDF Spokesperson’s Office, and currently is completing her undergraduate degree in International Relations and Middle East Studies at Hebrew University. She succeeds Yosef Tarshish, 26.

The American Union of Jewish Students voted in this election for the first time after being promoted to partial member from observer status.

WUJS also passed a number of binding policy motions during its General Assembly, including a declaration against the normalization of right-wing extremism in light of the formation of the new government in Austria that includes the populist Austrian Freedom Party, or FPO. In the motion, WUJS condemned the FPO and its inclusion in the Austrian government and committed to not work with members or affiliates of the FPO and to boycott its government officials.

WUJS resolved to remember the Armenian Genocide, and to condemn and reject any attempt to deny, distort, or ignore its historical reality. Another resolution called to raise consciousness and encourage public discourse on matters of Jewish pluralism in the State of Israel, and to seek partnership with existing organizations fighting for religious pluralism in Israel.

The group also declared March “Anti-Semitism Awareness Month,” and laid the groundwork to coordinate and launch an international anti-Semitism aware campaign on campuses worldwide. PJC

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Seven days of peace talks between Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara in Shepherdstown, W.Va., close without any resolution.

Jan. 11, 1961 Immigrant ship Egoz sinks

The Egoz, a boat making its 12th mission to bring Moroccan Jews to Israel, sinks, drowning 44 immigrants, half of whom are children. PJC PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines Why Trump’s Middle East negotiator is beating expectations — WORLD —

By Ron Kampeas | JTA

W

ASHINGTON — Jason Greenblatt, President Donald Trump’s chief Israeli-Palestinian negotiator, has an office just around the corner from the White House.

On his computer monitor is a Post-it note, inscribed with a quote from former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo: “At the end of the day, a peace agreement derives its strength from an understanding between peoples, not an accord between governments.”

It’s an appropriate message for Greenblatt, an affable Orthodox Jew who’s been tasked

by Trump with leading Israel and the Palestinians toward peaceful pastures. Given that the lawyer had no prior diplomatic experience, Greenblatt was considered an odd choice for the task, according to observers.

However, according to interlocutors and veteran Israeli-Arab negotiators, Greenblatt, who is about 50, has exceeded expectations.

Many on all sides praise him for his investment in the people affected by the conflict — especially for his intensive, public engagement with populations largely overlooked by previous negotiators, such as settlers, the haredi Orthodox and Palestinian refugees.

In interviews with more than a dozen people who have met the special representative for international negotiations, one compliment comes up again and again: Greenblatt is a good listener. And that’s a skill that may be essential to the job.

“Greenblatt has made a universally positive impression among Israelis and Palestinians as serious, creative, empathetic and dedicated to the cause of peace,” said Daniel Shapiro, who was the Obama administration’s ambassador to Israel. “They see him as possessing goodwill and a sense of realism about what peace looks like. He deserves the praise he has received for building those relationships of trust in a situation when the parties don’t trust each other at all.”

Greenblatt is one member of a team led

by Trump’s top adviser, Jared Kushner, who is married to his daughter, Ivanka. The team also includes David Friedman, the ambassador to Israel, and, until January, Dina Powell, a top National Security Council official who is stepping down. Both Friedman, who also is an Orthodox Jew, and Greenblatt worked for years as lawyers for Trump and the Trump Organization.

Yet despite all the goodwill toward Greenblatt, his seemingly altruistic efforts may wither in absence of an overarching political solution. After Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital earlier this month, the Palestinians have walked away — at least temporarily — from an American-led peace push.

In addition, while Israel applauded the Jerusalem recognition, its officials have expressed trepidation at others aspects of the Trump administration’s emerging approach.

For example, Greenblatt has welcomed Palestinian Authority attempts to assume control of the Gaza Strip — but Israel’s government is concerned that such control will also increase Hamas’ influence.

Shapiro, who is now a fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Israel, said that Greenblatt “can only operate within the constraints of the policy he or she is tasked to carry out.”

But what the policy is — and what constraints it comes with — is not very discernible under the current administration.

“All we know is that the U.S. believes in peace, supports Palestinian economic development, opposes terror and recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital,” Shapiro said. “Each of those positions is correct, but without an overarching framework of a policy goal and p Jason Greenblatt visits the Nahal Oz military initiative focused on achieving base near the Gaza border.

Photo by Anadolu Agency/Getty Images a two-state solution to end the conflict, nothing ties those threads together, and there is little any envoy Greenblatt does focus on emotional and can do to advance toward that goal.” personal elements — but only as a means of A White House official said that Trump’s advancing commonalities. critics were missing the point: Whatever Greenblatt’s Twitter feed is a constant flow peace plan the administration advances of amity. He posts photos of kosher meals should emerge organically from the people he’s received as the guest of the Palestinian whom it would most affect.

Authority or the Saudi kingdom. He ran a “However the peace agreement shakes out series of photos featuring kids from Gaza at the end of the day will be one in which who visited Washington under a youth the two societies are connected economi- exchange program — in one, he thanks the cally and otherwise,” said the official, who Israeli government for facilitating the group’s requested anonymity in order to speak travel. (The Palestine Liberation Organizaexpansively about the Trump administra- tion envoy, Husam Zomlot, thanked Greention’s peace efforts. “We can’t do this from blatt for his intervention.) He wishes Jews, afar, we have to go there to see interactions, Muslims and Christians happy holidays at how the economics can work out, how busi- the appropriate times. ness is conducted on the two sides.”

It’s a friendly approach that has attracted Greenblatt’s office did not agree investment in the peace process from actors to an interview. who were wary of it in the past.

In September, however, speaking at the “Overall, the sense is, we’re being spoken Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, the grouping to,” said Elie Pieprz, the director of external of nations that are invested in the Palestin- affairs for the Yesha Council, the umbrella ian-Israeli peace process, Greenblatt put body for West Bank settlements. “The expecit this way: “Instead of working to impose tation is that for there to be genuine peace, a solution from the outside, we are giving you need to be speaking to people on all the parties space to make their own deci- sides, not just a couple of leaders you gather sions about their future,” he said. “Instead of in a hotel in Europe.” laying blame for the conflict at the feet of one The Palestinian Authority, at least until party or the other, we are focused on imple- the Jerusalem issue arose this month, menting existing agreements and unlocking also enthusiastically embraced Trump’s new areas of cooperation which benefit both approach, as expressed through Greenblatt, Palestinians and Israelis.” their most frequent interlocutor from the Greenblatt already scored one success: Trump administration. a deal, signed in July, in which Israel sells Zomlot, the PLO envoy, turned down a water to the Palestinian Authority at reduced request for an interview, but in previous rates. The water will reach parched areas of briefings for reporters he expressed admirathe West Bank and the Gaza Strip, which is tion for the intensity of Greenblatt’s involveruled by Hamas. ment. “They have traveled to the region, The agreement, forged at a time in which they have met with all parties, especially Mr. Israeli and Palestinian leadership barely Greenblatt,” he said at an August briefing. speak to one another, earned Greenblatt “What I’m hearing is that he is primarily kudos — from the Israelis, at least — for in listening mode, respectful of positions keeping away from hot-button issues that trying to understand where they’re coming scuttled previous talks. from, but also preparing for what appears to “When you focus on the issues — and not be big moves,” said Jonathan Schanzer, the about history or background or personal vice president of the Foundation for Defense emotions or other disturbing elements — of Democracies. the common denominator is much bigger “He understands the power of weakthan what separates us,” Tzachi Hanegbi, the ness of the Palestinian side,” said Nimrod country’s minister for regional development, Novik, a former top Israeli negotiator under said at the time.

Labor governments and now the Israel The evidence shows, though, that Policy Forum’s Israel fellow. “Which means

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once presented with a seemingly impossible position they can easily say no and become domestic heroes.” Greenblatt understands, Novik said, that whatever formula emerges it must not be one that Palestinians reflexively reject.

Oded Revivi, the mayor of the settlement of Efrat, which maintains relations with three neighboring Palestinian villages, said Greenblatt was able to extrapolate from the details of that relationship to possible bigger picture solutions. “He’s very interested in small details while remembering that he is representing the strongest country in the world, and he needs to think of the global matter and not just a small suburb of Jerusalem,” he said.

Still, despite Greenblatt’s efforts, there remains considerable frustration — if not anxiety — at the Trump administration’s reluctance to outline a deal. At the same August briefing with reporters, Zomlot wondered “where the hell they are going.”

Around the same time that Greenblatt was saying that the Hamas-Palestinian Authority reconciliation would work, if Hamas adheres to principles including the laying down of arms and recognizing Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fretted that the reconciliation could come at “the expense of our existence.”

There may be obstacles closer to home as well. Interlocutors who have spent time with the negotiation team say that Friedman’s politics tend to veer to the far right on the Israeli political spectrum. Friedman, speaking this week of Palestinian reaction to Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem, told The Jerusalem Post that the Palestinian reaction to the recognition was “ugly” and “anti-Semitic.”

One figure who met with the team notes that Greenblatt spent time at Yeshivat Har Etzion, a West Bank yeshiva noted for leaders who counseled engagement with the Palestinians. A source close to Greenblatt described his year there as “a very meaningful year of growth with great teachers, role models and friends.”

Friedman, before becoming ambassador, was a backer of the more hardline Bet El yeshiva.

Kushner is facing legal woes as a special prosecutor investigates the Trump campaign’s alleged collusion with Russia. He said in leaked remarks over the summer that he doesn’t know if a deal is even possible.

But Kushner, speaking earlier this month at the Brookings Institution annual Saban Forum, which convenes Israeli and U.S. influencers, described a team that works together smoothly. “As this process has gone through, my team in particular, being three Orthodox Jews and a Coptic Egyptian [Powell], has tried very hard to do a lot of listening,” he said.

A White House official said that the team is focused on reaching a deal — but the official added that there is also value in Greenblatt’s confidence-building measures, in and of themselves.

The official added that Trump, who has had about 10 meetings with the team, was very attentive to progress toward reaching a peace deal.

“He’s extremely engaged and interested and dedicated to making this a top priority,” the official said. PJC JANUARY 5, 2018 11

Opinion Iran’s Jews need our help — EDITORIAL —

I

n our discussions about Iran, whether regarding its nuclear program, its quest for regional hegemony or its funding of anti-Israeli terrorism, we don’t focus that much on the fact that the Islamic republic continues to be home to a small Jewish community. Prior to the 1979 revolution, the country had upward of 100,000 Jews, but today just 8,500 remain, primarily in the capital of Tehran, but also in the southern cities of Isfahan and Shiraz.

Despite their super-minority status, the official line has always been that the Jews who remain in Iran were safe. Indeed, Iran’s ruling clerics were quick to point out that their brand of militant Islamism, despite

being anti-Israel, was not anti-Jewish. So news last week that two synagogues in Shiraz were vandalized left us wondering who didn’t get the memo.

Just a day after leaders in Tehran declared Jerusalem as the “capital of Palestine” — an apparent response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize the holy city as the capital of Israel — vandals entered Shiraz’s Kashi and Hadash synagogues, ripping up several Torah scrolls and defacing hundreds of prayer books, some of which they threw in the toilet.

Sam Kermanian, a senior advisor to the Iranian-American Jewish Federation, was quoted in news reports as saying that the Shiraz community is “scared.” “They’re not comfortable speaking freely,” he said, “but overall, life goes on.”

Life in Iran, though, appears far from normal. Protesters angry about government cuts to food subsidies have spent days disrupting life in the capital, with the ensuing crackdown by authorities turning violent and taking several lives. And though anti-Semitism was reported to be on the decline in Iran, the synagogue attacks seem to prove that while hatred of Israel has always been explicit, hatred of Jews in general continues to exist in the background.

Should another revolution take hold in Iran, there is little to suggest that life will get any easier for the country’s Jewish community. So what is the future of this population?

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations called on Iranian authorities “to take all necessary steps to protect the community and bring the

perpetrators to swift justice,” but we doubt that such officials will prove to be trustworthy protectors. We believe instead that the Trump administration should heed the recommendation of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which called for Iran’s Jews, as well as the country’s other religious minorities, to continue to be granted special refugee status for the purposes of immigrating here. The so-called Lautenberg Amendment had granted such protections to Iran’s would-be religious refugees since 2004, but because Congress failed to reauthorize it, those protections expired last October.

The president and Congress focus regularly on Iran. Now is the time for both to turn some of their attention to the country’s persecuted minorities, especially its Jewish population. PJC

What this liberal rabbi learned at the Trump Chanukah party Guest Columnist David Kaufman

A

Jewish woman walks into the post office to buy Chanukah stamps for her holiday cards.

The person behind the counter asks, “What denominations?”

The Jewish woman responds, “Oy! Are we so polarized? Some Orthodox, some Conservative and some Reform.”

Yes, we are so polarized, both religiously and politically. Most reports about the White House Chanukah party noted that leaders of the Reform movement and congressional Democrats were not invited. Whereas the Obama administration invited 1,700 people to two Chanukah parties last year, the Trump administration invited a mere 300 to one such party.

Among them was one politically independent Reform rabbi from Des Moines, Iowa — me.

How in the world did I get an invitation?

I got on the list because I reached out to someone I knew in the administration while advocating for the State Department to maintain the position of special envoy to combat anti-Semitism. Earlier this year there were discussions that the position would be eliminated, and I and many others were urging the White House to reconsider.

I didn’t scream and yell. I didn’t call anyone names. I made a case for why that position was and is needed, and asked that my note be forwarded to whomever would be able to impact the decision. The position was officially retained, though as of yet no one has been nominated to fill it, and that may not happen for a while longer.

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A few months after I sent the email, out of the blue I received a call from someone at the White House inviting me to the Chanukah party. I knew it would be a simple matter to decline the invitation. I was already going to be away that day at a conference. But it isn’t every day that one is invited to a party at the White House. President Obama held nine Chanukah parties and I wasn’t invited to any of them.

Who else was invited?

This year, a significant percentage of those invited were Jewish friends and relatives of the Trump and Kushner families, with a large percentage of the rest seemingly connected to the Zionist Organization of America or the Republican Jewish Coalition. I’m sure many guests fell into all three categories.

A group of girls from a local yeshiva choir and their chaperones came to sing. Two Republican members of Congress attended, Reps. Lee Zeldin of New York and David Kustoff of Tennessee. The Israelis on hand included the ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and a handful of national Jewish community leaders were there, too. A majority of the guests seemed to be Orthodox Jews, with many affiliated with Chabad.

At the time my wife and I accepted the invitation, I had no idea just how exclusive the guest list was. I reached out to numerous friends who I figured would be far higher up on the priority list than I. No one I contacted was invited. I did not know that I would be the only Reform rabbi in attendance, maybe the only Reform or Conservative rabbi, and certainly one of a very small number of invitees who are not registered Republicans. Of those who are outspoken supporters of social causes usually found on the political left, I may well have been the lone person invited.

What was the party like?

On the whole it was a relatively normal Chanukah party. There were latkes and

sufganiyot. The Marine Band played in the grand entryway and the girls’ choir sang “Mi Yemalel” (Who Can Retell?) at the beginning of the formal program.

The president told a version of the Chanukah story and boasted about his announcement a day earlier to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. A Holocaust survivor spoke of her experiences. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik of New York’s Congregation Shearith Israel offered the Orthodox version of the prayer for the government — with its awkward references to God who grants “dominion to rulers” — and the more fitting Shehecheyanu blessing. President Trump’s Jewish grandchildren kindled a single candle on a silver menorah. Guests joined in singing “Maoz Tsur” (Rock of Ages). We did not say the traditional blessings because it was not yet Chanukah.

Other than a smaller group of VIPs, the vast majority of guests were not allowed to interact with the president, Vice President Mike Pence or the Kushner family, nor was there an opportunity for photographs to be taken with any of them.

Whether you blame Trump or his opponents, the political climate has seldom been so polarized. Last year the Reform, Reconstructionist and Conservative movements debated whether they should help organize a pre-Rosh Hashanah conference call with Trump. When they declined (a decision I disagreed with), Trump held his own call and did not invite the non-Orthodox rabbis. More recently, top African-American leaders stayed away from the opening of a civil rights museum in Mississippi because Trump would be taking part.

If you’re wondering, leaders of the Reform movement, numerous other Reform rabbis and my congregation’s leadership, all of whom I told about the invitation, encouraged us to attend.

Those who know me and the advocacy

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that I do understand well that no politician or political party escapes my criticism. This administration is certainly no exception.

But I engage civilly, even when others do not come close to returning the favor. My goal is always to help advance the causes dear to me, especially when those causes are under threat. I try to be as present as I can and speak to whomever I can, even if my counsel ends up being drowned out or ignored.

While most of the talk at the Chanukah party was on Jewish geography and in support of the Jerusalem recognition, I mentioned to a handful of guests my concerns about the lack of an anti-Semitism envoy, and the potential budget cuts and their impacts on health care and hunger advocacy at the state level.

The best quote about advocacy I know comes from a sports hero, hockey great Wayne Gretzky: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” If you don’t engage in a way that might be successful in changing policy, if you don’t speak to and build relationships with those who might listen to you and influence others, you will never be heard and have a chance to influence policy.

Far too many people take a different path, believing that it’s better to scream in protest, name call, engage in virtue signaling and boycott rather than engage constructively and civilly with decision makers.

To paraphrase Gretzky, “One-hundred percent of the candles you don’t light stay unlit.”

Let us bring light and not darkness into our world. Be present and reach out.

Build relationships. Don’t boycott. Attend.

Share your light. The people whose hearts and minds are kindled might help you to change the world. PJC David Kaufman is rabbi of Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Des Moines, Iowa.

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Opinion I was harassed, but I’m not a #MeToo person Guest Columnist Susan Weintrob

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admit it: I’m in a quandary. My skin crawls every time another sexual harassment case becomes public. This is not a new story — for millennia it’s gone on and without much consequence.

And yet, I cringe when individuals are unjustly accused. There was the case, for instance, of fraternity members being falsely accused of a gang rape at the University of Virginia, ruining students’ reputations and leading to the temporary shutting down of the fraternity.

On the other hand, some are quick to accuse victims who come forward of low and loose morals, as if that would have justified being attacked. Many victims have thus kept quiet for decades. And then there are those who knew, who kept silent and covered up the harassment.

Nonetheless, I’m not a #MeToo person.

Why not? What bothers me is that we seem quick to exchange victims. Those accused do not deserve lynching, but due process. Paying for accusations or encouraging them a few days or weeks before an election is suspect.

Having said that, sexual harassment is a reality. And I know this personally.

At 14, I began high school. The college prep track helped plan for PSATs, SATs and appropriate coursework — pretty exciting stuff for a kid whose parents hadn’t been able to graduate college.

We had a few group meetings. Then I went to the college counselor’s office to register for the PSATs. I bounced down the hall, never a doubt in my mind that I’d go to college, major in English and begin my writing career.

“Mr. Martin’s” office door was open and a chair was pulled up close to his desk.

“Close the door, Susan,” he said smilingly.

“I bet you’re excited to start this process.”

“I sure am.” I smiled back and sat down in the chair.

The forms were on his desk. Mr. Martin reached for some files, brushing my leg.

I thought nothing of it. As he continued talking, his hand rested on my knee. I froze.

His hand traveled all the way up my skirt.

My heart pounded and I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move. It seemed hours until I finally stood up, opened the door, walked down the hall and returned to class. I didn’t say anything to my friends.

“So did you sign up for the PSATs?” my best friend Kathy asked me. I nodded.

Should I tell her? Another friend came by and the moment was gone.

I didn’t remember a word that was said the rest of the long day. When I arrived home, my parents were still at work. My brother was in the Navy, in Guantanamo Bay. During dinner, I was quiet, rarely telling my parents about my school troubles. My dad looked closely at me and asked, “So, how’s my girl?” and I burst into tears.

Shame. That’s what I felt. Why hadn’t I said something? Why not leave sooner? Why not go straight to the principal or dean’s office?

The story came out slowly. My parents’ faces showed their anger and hurt. My dad raised his voice: “I’m going to call the principal right now and give him a piece of my mind!”

My mother, who worked in the school system, ultimately called the principal. My dad opened his arms and held me. I knew he was angry, and if it weren’t for my mom knowing the principal, he would have been yelling on the phone so loud our neighbors would’ve heard.

My mother spoke to the principal the next morning and insisted that he do something.

“I will do the appropriate thing,” he intoned vaguely, no doubt hoping to avoid the teachers union, problems with the counselor’s tenure and other headaches.

“You won’t be going back to that man again,” my mom said that night at the dinner table. I had been re-assigned to the vocational counselor, whom I saw for the rest of my high school years. A nice respectful guy, he knew nothing about preparing for college, and I was on my own.

Kathy asked me later that month, “So how come you’re not seeing Martin?” I shrugged.

Mr. Martin stayed in his job during my high school years and beyond. I didn’t speak to him again. There’s little doubt in my mind that other students had his inappropriate groping foisted on them.

This incident faded to the back of my mind until the recent spate of sexual harassment charges. I thought to myself, “Boy, I was lucky never to have anything happen to me like that.” Then I remembered Mr. Martin.

At first, I was angry with myself for not speaking up, not slapping his hand or not telling other students.

My second reaction was to wonder why students weren’t protected from predators, why this individual was allowed to stay. Why had my school system and teachers’ union shielded this employee?

Those who should have been defending us often have not. Disappointingly, some feminists have protected liberal predators. A congressional slush fund pays off representatives’ accusers. The media shields some and attacks others for political reasons.

No one questioned me at school about the incident. They didn’t want to know.

Legally, silence implies consent. This is not to blame the victim. This is the silence of those who know, who allow perpetrators to continue their molesting and go unpunished or allow others to falsely accuse. Bullies thrive on silence.

In Ecclesiastes, we read that there is “a time to keep silent and a time to speak.”

Many say that now is the time for men and women to speak out when they see sexual bullying, harassment or abuse. That’s true.

But then, it’s always been the time to speak out — when it’s the truth. PJC

— LETTERS — ‘Appalled, sickened’ I am writing in response to the Chronicle’s opinion piece “Don’t gloat over Rubashkin’s release” (Dec. 29). Your response was far too tame. I was appalled and sickened by the cheering Jewish crowds that greeted him in New York after his release from prison.

Clearly, the punishment — 27 years of incarceration — was excessive, although I cannot find any solid evidence to suggest that anti-Semitism was at the heart of the absurd punishment. I fully accept and endorse the Talmudic concept that Ein adam masshem aztmo rasha; a Jew is forbidden to incriminate himself. I completely disregard any statements he made in plea bargaining. I also have a hearty skepticism regarding anything reported in the press (with no reflection on the Chronicle).

Having said that, the record is unambiguous. Based on what I have read and learned, Sholom Rubashkin’s company’s kashrus certification flies in the face of all Yiddishkeit. From the Chabad.Org website: “The position of shochet, as a Gd-fearing person of integrity, is a respected one in the Jewish community.” Rubashkin hardly qualifies.

I have serious doubts about anyone who provided and continued to provide the hashgachah (kosher certification) of his products, all the way up to the Orthodox Union. Hashgachah has to mean more than simply that one inspected the knife before its use in ritual slaughter. Anyone who so callously disregards the laws of man and God is not a Gd-fearing person of integrity.

Rubashkin is a disgrace to all and should be treated as such.

Cheering his release, after what I agree was an excessive punishment, demeans all of us, Jew and non-Jew alike.

Evan Dreyer, M.D. Pittsburgh We invite you to submit letters for publication. Letters must include name, address and daytime phone number; addresses and phone numbers will not be published. Letters may not exceed 500 words and may be edited for length and clarity; they cannot be returned. Mail, fax or email letters to:

Letters to the editor via email: letters@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

Address & Fax: Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle

5915 Beacon St., 5th Flr., Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Fax 412-521-0154

Website address:

pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

Susan Weintrob is a retired educator and writer in Charleston, S.C.

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JANUARY 5, 2018 13

Life & Culture Haunting family history awakens through music — LOCAL —

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

T

he unmarked space within Matthew Rosenblum’s composition is what makes its microtonality most familiar.

Even for those whose lexicon lacks “octave,” “tuning” or “semitone,” the story of a grandmother gathering her kin in the dark of Passover night and recounting a perilous escape is a recognizable tale. That Rosenblum fused narrative, friendship and extemporization in an accessible classical piece is a spiel worth sharing.

“The way that I remember it, this is after the seder, this is the Bronx, in New York, and there’s like 30 people,” said Rosenblum, 63. “My grandfather and uncles are doing the serious thing on one side; the kids are running around, and there’s like nonsense on the other side.”

The seder ended. “People are cleaning up and I remember my grandmother gathering the grandchildren in a little corner of the table and telling this.”

Her family had come from Proskurov, Ukraine, and on Feb. 15, 1919, a pogrom began there. Several hours after its start, 1,500 Jews had been murdered, and another 1,000 were wounded.

“It was a horrible story. She witnessed her family members being massacred.”

Between elegiac bawls and convulsive chants, the grandmother’s report, which family members later termed “the grainitz” (border), continued.

“The priest of the town, in exchange for their furniture, arranged for a hay cart to take them out of town. My grandmother tied the silverware around her legs, and they all ran out and went into the hay cart and traveled to the border where they waited for a sign to say that it was OK to cross,” said Rosenblum to filmmaker David Bernabo.

Once the sign was received, the escapees ventured on, and in the midst of migration, somewhere in the woods, Rosenblum’s mother was born. The group finally made its way either to Italy or Vienna — depending on which version is being recited — where the silverware was sold for passage to Palestine.

Although Rosenblum, at only 6 years old, had previously learned of the unfoldings, their conveyance that Passover night was distinctive.

“I remember this clear as day,” he said.

“She was sobbing, and it was like this chant thing, and it was crying and narrating and telling the story in such a unique way that I had never heard before, and it made a huge impression on me.”

For decades, Rosenblum, now professor of music at the University of Pittsburgh, tucked the incident away, but in the mid-1990s, while listening to an ethnomusicologist lecture on Russian laments, the nightmarish recollection of his grandmother shaking and singing sprung alive.

“That’s when this memory kind of became more vivid to me. I always remembered it, but I hadn’t heard those sounds since then, until I heard those recordings.”

Years passed again, and while reconnecting with a friend who had also attended

14 JANUARY 5, 2018

p Mathew Rosenblum

p David Krakauer

p Poster announcing the Microtonal Music Festival

Photos courtesy of Matthew Rosenblum

the High School of Music & Art on West 135th St. in New York City, Rosenblum strategized on a possible piece.

“We were chatting, and Matthew said, ‘I’m thinking of writing a clarinet concerto for you,’” said David Krakauer, 61.

Rosenblum, a 2013 Guggenheim Fellow, had been working on a commixture of his grandmother’s superstitious sensibilities, Ukrainian laments and aspects from the frenzied fifth movement of 19th-century French composer Hector Berlioz’s “Symphonie fantastique.”

“And then I think he heard my voice, or

the voice of my clarinet, as a unifying factor of all of these elements,” said Krakauer.

But as opposed to relying on the academic’s initial intention, the renowned clarinetist delved into the possibilities of their collaboration.

“David asked me what my grandmother was like so I mentioned this story about the grainitz, about escaping from Ukraine, and I told him about the specific instance when she told us that story,” explained Rosenblum.

“At that moment he said, ‘Well, that has to be the piece right there. It’s that personal connection to a memory and to your grandmother, so the piece should be a lament, you

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know like as she was lamenting to you. The first part of the piece should be a lament, and the second part will go to this ‘Witches’ Sabbath’ Berlioz thing that’s all supernatural, so you get both sides of your grandmother, kind of two different views.’”

Krakauer’s idea was “brilliant,” said Rosenblum.

Between months-long electronic exchanges and conversations, the two continued hammering away. Now days from its premiere and subsequent Boston-based taping, the musicians are more than pleased with their construction.

“I’m tickled pink with the results. I think it’s an incredible piece of music, an epic piece of music. I’m excited to perform it and record it,” said Krakauer, a 2015 Grammy Award nominee.

The frightfully engaging enmeshment, which will kick off the Beyond Microtonal Music Festival (Jan. 11-13 at various venues), features a symphony orchestra led by Gil Rose, founder and conductor of the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, interspersings of recorded Eastern European laments and a “duet” between Krakauer and Rosenblum’s deceased grandmother. At that point in the piece, “it’s just the strings, my grandmother singing this tune and David doing his thing over it,” said Rosenblum.

Given its “highly referential” nature, ‘Lament/Witches’ Sabbath’ is in some ways the most personal piece I’ve ever written,” he added.

But it is that specificity — one family’s survival saga — that broadens the appeal, explained Krakauer.

“These are real stories; it happened to our family and it’s happening to families throughout the world,” said Rosenblum.

“It’s obviously a very hot topic today with so many people fleeing their native countries for their lives,” echoed the clarinetist.

The three-day festival will boast a bevy of opportunities to explore similar themes through performances and panel discussions dedicated to microtonal music — something long considered a “fringe sub field” because of its reliance upon “pitch and tuning systems other than the standard 12-note temperament that has been in use since Bach’s time,” explained Rosenblum.

Krakauer, whose involvement in the Steel City affair includes a closing act alongside his band, Ancestral Groove, on Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. at the Andy Warhol Museum, explained that although Rosenblum’s composition can be analyzed and appreciated by those intrigued by semitones or alternate tunings, its accessibility endears it to all listeners.

“The concerto is a piece that any audience will get right away from beginning to the end. It’s captivating, it carries the listener, it’s incredibly emotional and incredibly intense.

And I think what makes the piece fantastic is that it totally transcends the category of being a microtonal piece.” PJC >>Tickets to the Beyond Microtonal Music Festival are available by calling the University of Pittsburgh Stages Box Office at 412-6247529 or visiting music.pitt.edu/tickets.

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

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Headlines Miracle: Continued from page 1

knew he could help.

“We reached out and said we have vacant houses in Beechview,” Berkowitz said. He was soon put in touch with Meeks, and on Dec. 21, just a few days before Christmas, she came to meet with him at one of his properties.

When Meeks arrived, a Christmas tree had already been set up by Berkowitz’s assistant, and the house had been decorated by neighbors. When Meeks saw the house and met Berkowitz, she was moved to tears.

“She’s living with us rent-free until she has her feet on the ground,” Berkowitz said.

“The moment we saw Rose’s tattoo there was a tingle up the spine for Ben and me.”

Meeks is “overwhelmed,” she said.

“I mean, what do you say? I’m kind of a loner in life, in the sense that I drive my own ship, and I kind of live in my own world and take care of my own kids, and I’m stubborn and strong-willed and hard-headed. So, for people to pour out and help me … Lord, where does that come from?”

Meeks has not had an easy life. Sexually abused and beaten as a child growing up in southern Indiana, she has been on her own since she was 13. With only a fifth-grade education, her grit, resilience and determination has enabled her to earn a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science. She is now working on her master’s in social work.

After living in Alabama for 22 years, she fell in love with Pittsburgh after visiting family here and decided to make the Steel City her home last August.

Meeks is still trying to digest the enormity of the generosity of Pittsburghers. Last year,

JAA: Continued from page 1

not asking for a dime, and saying, ‘Hey, just take a rest for the holidays and get yourself together,’” she said. “They don’t even know me. I’m taken to a whole new level that I haven’t even figured out yet. I don’t even know how to say ‘thank you’ to all these people.”

The plight of the Meeks family was brought to the attention of the community

by Mt. Lebanon resident Niki Kapsambelis, a journalist and author of “The Inheritance,” a nonfiction book about an extended family’s battle against Alzheimer’s disease. Kapsambelis read about the fire and the injuries of the 17-year-old, and reached out to the family to see if they needed any help. Meeks told her they needed a place to stay, and that she had not had a chance to do anything to prepare for Christmas.

“Her 9-year-old was convinced she had hidden presents somep Daniel Meeks is on the road to recovery.

Photo by Rose Meeks where,” Kapsambelis said. “That really got to me, because if you when she was still living in Alabama, she said, ever had kids that age, they do her son was severely hurt by a hit-and-run have that magical thinking. Separately, her driver, and because of his special needs, the daughter said, ‘We’re going to find a place to accident was publicized on the local news. live. There’s going to be a Christmas miracle’ “I didn’t have one neighbor knock on my — which sounds very Hallmark movie. But door to see if he was OK, and I was in that the kid was saying this.” neighborhood for four years,” Meeks recalled.

Kapsambelis knew Pittsburgh would Comparing community reaction then to come through and, after Meeks gave her what she has experienced as a newcomer to permission, posted on Facebook a wish list Pittsburgh is like “night and day,” she said. for the family.

“Putting me and my children in a home, “It got shared 450 times,” Kapsambelis said.

“There’s the power of social media for you.

Once you ask people in this area to respond to a need, I know the capacity for goodness in people here. It really crosses all socioeconomic lines, religious differences, everything. People will gather around to help.”

The donations were collected at the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department, and Kapsambelis met Meeks there on Dec. 23.

“When she walked into the conference room where everything had been secured, she just started crying,” Kapsambelis said.

“People had donated things for her children, her two grandchildren, for the dog.

Not just toys, but gift cards, financial donations to help them get back on their feet. Her youngest daughter plays basketball, so somebody donated Pitt basketball tickets. There were a lot of really welcoming notes. Two people donated beds for the house, because her stuff is in storage.”

While Kapsambelis is not Jewish, the outpouring of kindness for the Meeks family nonetheless reminded her of the message of Chanukah, she said.

“The phrase I kept thinking about all week while donations were pouring in for Rose and her family was ‘a great miracle happened here,’” she said. “A little resource extended into enough, into what was needed, to light the way for this family. And the important factor in my mind is that people made that miracle happen by setting aside their own troubles and putting a stranger first. That is in itself extraordinary to me.”

Meeks’ son, Daniel, is now on the road to recovery and has been moved to Children’s Institute for rehabilitation. PJC

the project — such as a timeline — remain uncertain, a unanimous decision was made by the board to build on the current JAA campus, explained Rothschild. “The project is going to be located on a spectacular site

Part of the project will be funded by money raised through the JAA’s capital campaign — the third step in the strategic planning process, explained Winn-Horvitz. “Our goal is $18 million; we’ve raised approximately $10 million toward that. We’ve had some tremendous community support.”

From that $18 million, $5 million will go toward the independent living project, she added. “We know that we will need to leverage some debt against this project, but we need to have some community support as well.”

The independent living project’s importance is clear, said those involved.

“It is honoring our community by creating a new type of living experience that doesn’t exist, and it will be part of the JAA campus, which is the gold standard in our community,” said Rothschild.

Winn-Horvitz agreed: “This is a project that is critically important for the future of the organization to ensure that there will be a Jewish health care option for our community.” PJC

with outstanding views of nature including a river valley and wooded slope, and it will be a contemporary environmentally inspired design, so the site is really something very special.”

The goal is to “create something that is very forward looking and gives our community a residential resource for our elders to age in place, while availing themselves to the latest in technology, the best practices in management and the access to all of the services that the JAA can provide,” said Stewart.

In achieving that task, the JAA will make use of the “latest in technology,” explained Winn-Horvitz. Examples might include floor sensors to alert staff in the event of a fall or to notify monitors of a change in a resident’s gait “so we can potentially anticipate if that person may fall.”

Similarly, the building will boast a “wellness center” complete with “a care navigator who will help residents navigate the health care system.”

“The goal is to create a new experience that doesn’t exist in this region,” said Rothschild.

“From a technology, design and supportive services standpoint, we are wrapping our arms around the people to support them in their own home,” added Winn-Horvitz. p Schematic map showing the location of the new JAA facility Though certain details regarding PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Photo courtesy of JAA

Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburgh jewishchronicle.org.

JANUARY 5, 2018 15

Headlines Dor Hadash decides to stay at TOL*OLS — LOCAL —

T

ree of Life*Or L’Simcha and Congregation Dor Hadash have entered into a new, three-year lease, agreeing to share the synagogue and grounds located at Wilkins and Shady avenues, according to Michael Eisenberg, president of TOL*OLS, a Conservative congregation.

While Dor Hadash has been located at the TOL*OLS facility since 2010, the Reconstructionist congregation had announced in August that it would be moving to Congregation Beth Shalom. Ellen Surloff, president of Dor Hadash, declined to elaborate on the reason for the change of plans.

Candidates: Continued from page 2

New Light Congregation, which identifies as Conservative, recently moved into the TOL*OLS building as well.

With Dor Hadash remaining in the building, the three congregations will form “a new metropolitan model of fruitful coexistence,” Eisenberg wrote in a letter to his congregation.

“We have negotiated logistical arrangements which allow each congregation to preserve its independent identity and enjoy its own dedicated space, while also providing multiple opportunities to share in one another’s programing. It is an exciting proposition,” Eisenberg wrote. PJC — Toby Tabachnick

p Penn Hillel’s Jewish Renaissance Project was included in a Chronicle story designated as a Top 10 post on the eJewish Philanthropy website.

Photo courtesy of Penn Hillel

Article makes Top 10

O

nline publisher eJewish Philanthropy named Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle’s senior staff writer Toby Tabachnick’s front-page feature “Old models of Jewish legacy institutions no longer working, say experts” (July 21) as one of its Top 10 posts of the year from 2017.

The designation was based on the eJewish Philanthropy site’s analytics.

Tabachnick consulted with national experts to address the viability of Jewish legacy organizations that are “facing a perfect storm of societal shifts as the sheer number of non-Orthodox Jews continues to plummet and millennials trend toward a new paradigm of customization and personalization.”

One expert, Rabbi Danny Schiff, is the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Foundation scholar.

“The really big challenge is: Where is the core focus of human life in this age headed, and therefore, what are the things Judaism needs to say that will be important enough

16 JANUARY 5, 2018

to galvanize people of whatever age to be involved in Jewish life?” Schiff said.

According to Schiff, one question that must be addressed is, “How do we, as human beings obviously coming from a Jewish perspective, incorporate that in a responsible way into our lives that still maintains our humanity? If we don’t have any answer to that question, how relevant are we?”

The eJewish Philanthropy publication highlights news, resources and thought pieces on issues facing the Jewish philanthropic world to create dialogue and advance important conversations. As an independent online publisher, eJewish Philanthropy serves as a global bulletin board showcasing emerging grassroots activists and community builders — new generations of idealists and trend setters — who are embracing the challenges of the future.

To read Tabachnick’s article, visit jewish chronicle.timesofisrael.com/jewish-institutionalmodels-no-longer-working/. PJC

made it a model and made my voice known on workers’ rights and sustainability. And doing the Carnegie, I’ve contributed to the community like that. But I’m a big believer in policy and that you can’t just do grassroots, but policy has to match it.”

Finn moved to Pittsburgh with her family when she was 13 and calls herself “a District 8 native.” She left the Steel City for college in San Francisco when she was 18, but decided to make Pittsburgh home again in 2008.

“I saw what was happening in East Liberty, and I was just really excited to be a part of that, and to try to really move it in a direction that was less corporate development,” Finn said. “I saw it as an opportunity to be an independent restaurant in what I feared had the opportunity to be just a bunch of chain stores and not very welcoming to the community. Useful maybe, but not necessarily welcoming.”

As a business owner and a mother, Finn said, she will bring a lot to the table as a member of City Council.

“I’m somebody who was in Pittsburgh starting in the early ’90s, and I really want to make sure that everyone belongs in Pittsburgh,” she said, adding that development in Pittsburgh must be “strategic” to be inclusive.

While Strassburger was “never totally convinced” she would go into politics, she said she has always known that she “would be civically involved in one way or another, making my community a better place.”

“Civic-mindedness is always who I was,” Strassburger said.

Following college at Bucknell University, Strassburger became interested in “environmental advocacy as a way to serve people in the community.” She worked as an environmental advocate “organizing and empowering communities” for about 10 years, first at Environment New Hampshire, then at PennEnvironment.

“I was working on clean air and clean water and clean energy issues,” Strassburger said. “But I always knew I wanted to be part of an effort to make Pittsburgh a better place, and that could come in any form — working for a nonprofit, or a philanthropy, or in the private sector.

“I went toward politics when I had the opportunity to work for Dan and then it was

OneTable: Continued from page 3

“It was a really great program,” Pratt said. “I had 18 people and it was so easy.

OneTable gives you a whole platform on the website. It’s like Pinterest meets Facebook.

You can put in your guests, the menu, the date and time, send emails. It keeps everything organized.”

While Pratt did not grow up observing Shabbat, she enjoyed hosting the OneTable dinner, she said.

“It was great sharing a Friday night with people who shared a joint understanding that Friday night is kind of special,” she said.

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

really the 2016 election that really politicized my intention to run for office when I did get the opportunity,” she said. “I felt clearly we needed more women in government, more women to run for office, and not just that, but more progressive women like me.”

Strassburger was raised in Northern California and came to Pittsburgh in 2009, following college and four years working in New Hampshire.

“My now-husband is from Pittsburgh, and when we were still dating, I thought I’d give Pittsburgh a chance, and it won me over immediately,” she said.

Her background in environmental issues has made her keenly aware of the challenges Pittsburgh faces in terms of water and sewage and other problems connected to infrastructure.

“It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Sewer and Water Authority faces some pretty critical challenges,” Strassburger said. “Major changes are needed.”

“But infrastructure is not just about water,” she said, citing issues with roads and bridges and a “commitment to powering the city with a 100 percent clean, renewable energy by 2035.”

Like Finn, Strassburger is also concerned with the challenges associated with Pittsburgh’s growth.

“Growth is a good thing; we want to see it,” she said. “Our population is less than half of what it was of 700,000 at its peak in the 1950s, so we need to grow and we need to draw population here. But in the East End in particular, we are starting to see the growing pains — traffic, congestion, parking issues.

And if we can’t find a way to address those responsibly and efficiently, it will hurt our business districts, it will hurt workers.”

Working alongside Gilman for the last four years has given Strassburger an insider’s perspective on the needs and challenges of the district, she said.

“Having the experience both outside of government, as an advocate in Pittsburgh on environmental issues and spending the last four years meeting with and talking with residents, I think I have even unintentionally absorbed some of the concerns they have. I think I really understand the district and what people think about.” PJC Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Sufrin, who just moved back to Pittsburgh last month, hosted her first OneTable dinner in New York, a going-away party for herself before she left the Big Apple.

“It was truly amazing,” she said. “I had a potluck dinner, and it was really fun. It confirmed the reason why I’m doing this, to bring people together.”

She is getting geared up to plan some interesting nosh:pitality events, including sportsthemed get-togethers for hosts, and to get the OneTable ball rolling in her hometown.

“I’m excited about this,” she said.

“I think it’s going to be wonderful for Pittsburgh.” PJC Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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JANUARY 5, 2018 17

Celebrations

Torah

Wedding

Weathering life’s storms with the help of a tevah

Schaffer/Hildebrand: Eric Schaffer and Michele Gray-Schaffer are delighted to announce the wedding of their son, Ethan Hugh Schaffer, to Marie Linda Hildebrand on Sept. 9. The wedding took place in Pebble Beach, Calif., at the home of Marie’s parents, Jeff and Jane Hildebrand. Ethan is an assistant editor for “Animal Planet” and Marie is a designer for Gibson Overseas. Ethan and Marie are at home in Los Angeles with their rescue dog, Burt.

Bar Mitzvah Patrick Hilton, son of Chad and Yvonne Hilton, will become a bar mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Rodef Shalom Congregation. Grandparents are Audrey and Harvey Hilton. PJC

Rabbi Aaron Bisno Parshat Shemot | Exodus 1:1-6:1

I

None of us

f you step into my study, you will immediately notice an oversized ark festooned with stuffed and plastic animals, a kindly old man on the deck of the vessel and any number of books or references to the biblical story of Noah. There are, in addition, throughout my work space, smaller versions of Noah’s Ark in the form of children’s toys, paperweights and decorative art.

You see, my bar mitzvah Torah portion was the story of Noah, and ever since, I have collected Noah’s Arks. The ark, as described in that story, is the conveyance upon which a single family (the remnant of all of humanity, really) in addition to all the animals of earth are saved. To this day, Noah’s ark has become the means of conveying the tale of a great flood that was brought to blot out wickedness in the world.

The Hebrew word used to describe that ark is tevah. And the word tevah is used in only one other story in the entire Torah.

Significantly, the exact same word is used

can avoid the potentially destructive waters that swirl beneath and around the bridges we traverse.

Please see Torah, page 20

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Obituaries GOLDBERG: Cynthia E. Goldberg, suddenly on Tuesday, December 26, 2017. Beloved mother of Michael (Casey) Goldberg, Sara (Regis) Martin-Fuller and Elizabeth Goldberg. Daughter of the late Rebecca and Alfred Malt. Sister of the late Linda Elmaleh.

Cynthia is also survived by five grandchildren, Mia, Xavier and Ari Martin-Fuller and Emma and Arianna Goldberg; niece Melissa Elmaleh and great-nieces Jordan Elmaleh and Makayla Scott. Also survived by her close cousin Andrea Haas and many cousins, family and very close friends. Graveside services and interment were held at Tree of Life Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Animal Rescue League of Pittsburgh, 6926 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.

eight years of marriage before he passed away on September 13, 2013. Sherry spent the first 63 years of her life in Pittsburgh. She resided in Lugoff, SC, for four years prior to fulfilling her lifelong dream of moving to Florida. Per Sherry’s wishes, no calling hours will take place. A graveside service will be held at the Palmyra West Cemetery at a later date.

Sherry will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband. Sherry would like all donations to go to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, in her memory. Sherry will be missed by those who knew and loved her. Arrangements have been entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444.

Family and friends may view Sherry’s obituary online; to send condolences, please visit jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.

JUSTICE: Sherry A. Justice, age 66, of Brooksville, Fla., passed away peacefully into eternal life on Friday, December 22, 2017, at her home after a long courageous battle with cancer. Sherry was born on September 5, 1951, in Pittsburgh. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Sylvia (Lipsitz) Knee and her brother Michael Knee.

Sherry married the love of her life, Raymond P. Justice, on February 7, 2005. They enjoyed

KLEINBART: Arlene (nee Robinson) Kleinbart, on January 2, 2018. Beloved wife of the late Stanley; Loving mother of Sheryl Cohen and Scott (Daniel Gramkee) Kleinbart; Devoted grandmother of Rebecca and Jessica. A woman of many colors — beauty queen, small business owner, card shark, and in her 80s, became a website manager. Well known for her sassy -- not always appropriate — sense of humor. She doted on her

granddaughters and most recently, happiest while holding court in the lobby of her senior living facility. Graveside services at Roosevelt Memorial Park (Sec. AA), Trevose, Pa. Contributions in her memory may be made to American Heart Assoc., P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693. MASON: Sylvia Linder Mason passed away peacefully on Monday, December 25, 2017, in Framingham, Mass.

Her last words were, “I had a good life.” Sylvia was born in Pittsburgh on April 19, 1922, to Morris and Ida (Freedel) Linder. She met Manuel Mason in Schenley Park where they were both camp counselors, and they married in 1943, the same year that she graduated from Carnegie Tech. During World War II Sylvia worked for the Manhattan Project doing mathematical calculations. Following the war, Sylvia and Manny returned to Pittsburgh, where Sylvia taught high school math for many years. Sylvia was predeceased by her beloved husband Manny after almost 75 years of marriage. Sylvia is survived by her brother and sister, Robert Linder and Ruth Edelstein, of Pittsburgh; her son Philip and daughter-in-law Jacqueline Horwitz; daughter Ruth and son-in-law Marty Richman; granddaughters Rachel Mason and partner Sharón Friedner, Michelle Rubenstein and husband Isaac; and her great-grandson Jesse Ruben-

stein, all of Massachusetts. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment at Kether Torah Cemetery.

YAHR: Lawrence (Larry) M. Yahr, age 91, passed away peacefully in his room at Weinberg Village on December 25, 2017. Served honorably in World War II as part of the occupation forces in Japan. Owned and operated Crown Rest Bedding Company making quality mattresses for many years.

Husband of the late Wilma (nee Arnowitz), Larry is survived by their children, Charles Yahr (Jane), David Yahr (Karen), Harold Yahr (Adrienne), Susan Soltis (Joseph) and the late Heidi Yahr Sultanov; grandchildren include Joshua, Benjamin and Jordana Yahr, Emily and Molly Yahr, Daniel and Jordan Yahr, Thomas and Andrew Soltis, and Adam Sultanov. Great-grandchildren include Caleb Soltis. He was a brother to the late William Yahr. Also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Larry was a passionate and devoted handball player. Donations may be made to: Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Attn: Squirrel Hill Health Center, 5738 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. PJC

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James Lange, CPA and Attorney

Many of our heroes turn out too good to be true. Lance Armstrong was one my heroes, but turns out, he was a big cheater, as was Barry Bonds. It is risky to admire athletes—you could be deeply disappointed. Politics offers even less hope, and the stakes are higher; if there is a political figure you like, on either side of the aisle, chances are they are also deeply flawed.

Jack Bogel, at least to our knowledge, doesn’t have skeletons in his closet.

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to add value. Speculation doesn’t create value, it subtracts from it. “Wall Street is a mess,” Bogle asserted, “Can I say it any more boldly? Our financial system is a mess, heavily based on trading and speculation and not nearly heavily enough based on investments.”

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guard and Fidelity and American Funds, and some of the big private money managers usually associated with mutual funds, hold 70% of all the stock in America. These institutions control corporate America. They have the power, they have the responsibility, but they don’t do very much in terms of corporate governance. You know, things like officer’s compensation, totally off the wall…so, that system has to be fixed.”

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tional aspects of investing; buy properly and hold your positions.

A notoriously frugal man, he felt it was appropriate and important to spend money on a trusted fiduciary advisor. That was something of a surprise to me—the founder of Vanguard; the best option for the do-it-yourself investor— endorsing financial advisors. But Bogle comments: “The financial advisor is a very valuable piece of work…helping you with asset allocation, telling you the difference between a Roth IRA and a regular IRA. The system is loaded with nuances. Estate planning is a whole other complexity. In this complex world, I think most people need help.”

John Bogle acts on his principles, and lives by them—that is heroic in my mind. I highly recommend listening to my interviews with him at www.paytaxeslater.com/radio-show. Word of wisdom from an honorable source. It will be time well-spent.

If you are interested in more financial information (we have written 5 best-selling financial books, many peer-reviewed articles, have 185 hours of our radio archives, etc.), we encourage you to visit our website, www.paytaxeslater.com. It has a wealth of valuable free material of special interest to IRA and retirement plan owners, or please call (412) 5212732 for a free copy of The Ultimate Retirement and Estate Plan for Your Million-Dollar IRA or to see if you qualify for a free second opinion consultation.

The foregoing content from Lange Financial Group, LLC is for informational purposes only, subject to change, and should not be construed as investment or tax advice. Those seeking personalized guidance should seek a qualified professional.

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PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

JANUARY 5, 2018 19

Headlines Torah: Continued from page 18

in this week’s Torah portion, Shemot, to describe the basket in which baby Moses is placed, when his mother, in an effort to spare his life, sends him down the Nile.

What, then, might be the connection between the story of Noah and the story of Moses? What can we learn from these two all-but-unique, yet parallel, vessels?

Italian biblical scholar Rabbi Moshe David Umberto Cassuto (1883-1951) posits that both the tevah in the story of Noah and the tevah in the story of Moses are the means by which the heroes of these stories — and, indeed, humanity and the Jewish people both — respectively, are saved. In the case of Noah, flood waters cover the entire earth, all who are not safely within the ark are drowned; and in the case of Moses, the Nile River is the water into which all Jewish baby boys — other than baby Moses — are likewise consigned to be drowned.

From this parallel, we learn that a tevah, in the case of Noah, is the means by which the human race, as well as representatives of all the animal species are saved; and in the story of the infant Moses, the tevah is the vessel by which the Jewish people survives

p A Noah’s ark displayed in Rabbi Aaron Bisno’s study

a decree of death. But for the tevah, in each story, respectively, human and Jewish history would have all but come to an end.

From this we learn a tevah describes more than a simple basket and more than an ark; a tevah is more than a physical craft that safely

Photo provided by author

bobs along the waters’ surface until either one is saved or the waters recede. Rather a tevah is the means by which any one of us is able to safely traverse what Simon and Garfunkel referred to as “troubled waters.”

“Kol ha-o-lam ku-lo gesher tzar me’od: The

whole world is a very narrow bridge,” opines Hasidic master Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav.

And he continues, “V’ha-i-kar lo l’fached klal: And the most important thing is not to succumb to fear.”

The world is a frightening place. So much of existence is uncertain; so many of our experiences bring us face to face with tremendous challenges. The waters of life are swift and deep and there is, indeed, much that threatens us. And so, not to be afraid?

That seems unrealistic.

Better to find a means of weathering life’s storms within a tevah — within the safe embrace of another person, a community, perhaps, within one’s faith. For none of us can avoid the potentially destructive waters that swirl beneath and around the bridges we traverse.

But with the help of a tevah — a support system and a safety net — we can help one another weather life’s storms and severe decrees. And in this way bring one another to safety, security and peace: in other words, shalom.

Rabbi Aaron Bisno is spiritual leader at Rodef Shalom Congregation. This column is a service of the Greater Pittsburgh Rabbinic Council.

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Community Mitzvah Day! For 17 years, Pittsburgh’s Jewish community has turned out in force in late December to help neighbors and others in need by doing good deeds on Mitzvah Day. This year’s Mitzvah Day, organized by the Jewish Federation Volunteer Center, took place Sunday and Monday, Dec. 24 and 25. A record number of volunteers, more than 1,200, participated in a variety of activities at 110 sites in Pittsburgh and around the region. Pictured are a sample of the deeds performed, giving a hint regarding Jewish lessons learned and human connections created.

p Mitzvah Day volunteers worked at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh with Pittsburgh nonprofit Beverly’s Birthdays to prepare birthday bags that will be distributed to children experiencing homelessness or need.

JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry will distribute the bags.

p At Charles Morris Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Squirrel Hill, the activity was bingo, and many connections were intergenerational.

p At Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh, the enthusiasm of Mitzvah Day volunteers was apparent as kids assembled Caitlin’s Smiles craft kits that will be donated to children in local hospitals. Caitlin’s Smiles helps young people who face life-threatening illnesses. p At Brother’s Brother Foundation in the Manchester neighborhood, Mitzvah Day volunteers sorted through donated medical supplies destined for nonprofit clinics in need worldwide.

p At Riverview Towers in Squirrel Hill, a salad served was an opportunity for human connection between a Jewish Federation Volunteer Center volunteer and a Riverview resident.

22 JANUARY 5, 2018

p At the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, adults and kids worked together to create “blessing bags,” bags filled with items useful for individuals in need. PJ Library, which sends free books celebrating Jewish values to families with young children, collected the items for the bags.

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Photos by Josh Franzos

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Community Cards for charity

Love and Knaidels

On Sunday, Dec. 17, Temple David’s Weiger School sang, noshed and crafted handmade cards to sell to support local charities that the school and individual families have adopted.

Teen volunteers for Love and Knaidels get together to cook meals for others. Love and Knaidels, a project of Chabad of Squirrel Hill, is made possible with help from the Dr. Solomon and Sarah Goldberg Memorial Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and its trustees, Janie Yahr and Barbara Goldberg.

p Classmates choose special paper to craft their designs. p From left: Elana Kolko, Gabi Boyiadzis, Stephanie Shugerman, Ally Friedman, Morissa Schuler, Ilana Tseytlin and Kristina Greg

Photo courtesy of Chabad of Squirrel Hill

Celebration

p Gabby Keough and Andrew Bright find just the right Hebrew words to add to their cards. p Squirrel Hill AARP Chapter 3354 recently held its year-end party. Marsha Stern, pictured, is the chapter’s health and wellness chair. Photo by Barry Werber

Um, um good!

The Women of Temple Sinai recently hosted a latke and applesauce cooking class with recipes for sweet potato latkes, carrot ginger latkes and homemade applesauce.

t Carol Rosenthal shows Carolyn Schwarz and Derek Atkinson how to make homemade applesauce.

Photo courtesy of Temple Sinai

p Sara Pechersky, Callie Sloan and Natalie Keough decide which holiday their cards will celebrate.

Photos courtesy of Temple David

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