Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 1-25-19

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January 25, 2019 | 19 Shevat 5779

NOTEWORTHY LOCAL Entrepreneurs aim to create a new Jewish-Arab reality

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Candlelighting 5:12 p.m. | Havdalah 6:14 p.m. | Vol. 62, No. 4 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

CDS celebrates King legacy with Afro-Semitic Experience

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and spoke of it from public platforms. In a May 14, 1958, speech delivered to the national convention of the American Jewish Congress, King said: “My people were brought to America in chains. Your people were driven here to escape the chains fashioned for them in Europe. Our unity is born of our common struggle for centuries, not only to rid ourselves of bondage, but to make oppression of any people by others an impossibility.”

A few months later, Atlanta’s oldest synagogue was bombed. The suspected perpetrators were white supremacists enraged by the congregation’s and its rabbi’s support for the civil rights movement.

Cognizant of the deep ties between the Jewish community and the civil rights movement, the Afro-Semitic Experience was formed 21 years ago, first as a duo co-founded by African-American jazz pianist Warren Byrd and Jewish-American jazz bassist David Chevan. Now a sevenpiece ensemble that has performed across the United States, the band combines an

s the federal government shutdown persists, local Jewish non-profits are stepping up to aid those affected by furloughed employment and missing paychecks.

The Hebrew Free Loan Association announced last week that it is making interest-free loans of up to $2,500 available to furloughed federal employees who are residents of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Washington or Westmoreland Counties.

The availability of these loans is a departure from HFL protocol, which typically requires borrowers to have an income in order to be eligible, according to Aviva Lubowsky, HFL’s director of marketing.

Because of immediate needs created by the government shutdown, however, the board of HFL voted to make an exception.

Although repayment of HFL loans is usually required to begin within 30 days, that time will be extended until furloughed employees are reinstated.

In another departure from usual procedures, the loans will be made directly to the borrowers, rather than to the entities providing goods or services the money is intended to cover, said Lubowsky.

The HFL loans are available to applicants regardless of religious affiliation. Federal employees who are Jewish can also contact the Jewish Assistance Fund for help, she said.

The JAF provides grants for certain necessities and requires no repayment.

HFL is “expecting to make a lot more loans,” Lubowsky noted, and because the HFL has “a limited amount of funds,” the agency is “asking for donations from the public.”

The JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, which serves more than 1,200 people living in the 15217 ZIP code and kosher clients from

Please see CDS, page 15

Please see Shutdown, page 15

Page 2 LOCAL NPR reporter talks media

 From left: CDS eighth-graders Gabriella Naveh, Lilah Sahud, Gabriela Berger, Nealey Barak and Jonah Rosenberg help lead morning prayer with their music teacher Eileen Freedman and The Afro-Semitic Experience band on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Photo courtesy of Community Day School

Page 3 THEATER A complicated character

Jewish actor takes on role of Willy Wonka.

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Jewish agencies feeling the sting from government shutdown

By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

Co-CEOs of Tsofen nonprofit bring pro-business, pro-peace message to North America.

David Folkenflik was in town to discuss journalism, ethics.

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By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

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oinciding with the annual observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the kinship between African Americans and Jews was celebrated at Community Day School on Monday, Jan. 21, with a morning concert by The Afro-Semitic Experience, a jazz ensemble based in New Haven, Conn., that blends Afro-diasporic and Jewish music.

The concert was attended by the student body, and was open to the public.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s voice rang out as one of the most emphatic and effective influences against racism of the 20th century. His 12 years at the helm of domestic civil rights advocacy, with its emphasis on nonviolent resistance, led to more progress toward equality for African Americans than occurred in the previous 350 years, according to The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

He was also a staunch ally to Jews, a steadfast supporter of the State of Israel who vehemently condemned anti-Semitism.

King saw a deep connection between African Americans and Jewish Americans,

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LOCAL Playwright tackles gender issues

NATIONAL Women’s March endorses BDS

EDITORIAL Our view: Time to open the gov’t

Headlines High-tech is model for shared living, say co-CEOs — LOCAL —

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

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az Hirschmann used to work in hightech. During a 15-year span in Israel, he was vice president of the startup MEDISYS and held managerial positions at Ness Technologies and Clalit Health Services.

In 2011, Hirschmann needed a change.

“I thought for me the most important thing for the future of my kids and Israel is to take what I know about high-tech and see how it can contribute to a shared society in Israel,” he said.

Hirschmann contacted Sami Saadi. In 2008, he had co-founded Tsofen, a self-described “joint, Arab and Jewish organization that promotes high-tech in Arab society as a lever for economic development and the creation of shared society in Israel.”

Saadi, who holds degrees in accounting and economics from Hebrew University, welcomed Hirschmann to the organization.

In the years following, the two men implemented a plan that they believe is a model of shared living.

Last week, Saadi and Hirschmann, Tsofen’s co-CEOs, brought their vision to Pittsburgh as part of a national fundraising mission that had also taken them to Chicago, Boston and New York.

“This is my second time here. I really love this city,” said Hirschmann, seated in the Wyndham Grand on Commonwealth Place.

“Everyone is very enthusiastic about what we are doing. Traveling for business is not great fun, but meeting people who are so encouraging is giving us a lot of energy.”

“It’s my first time in Pittsburgh, and we’re only here for a few hours, but I met really wonderful people here,” echoed Saadi.

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EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Email: newsdesk@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org BOARD OF TRUSTEES Evan Indianer, Chairman Andrew Schaer, Vice Chairman Gayle R. Kraut, Secretary Jonathan Bernstein, Treasurer David Ainsman, Immediate Past Chairman Gail Childs, Elizabeth F. Collura, Milton Eisner, Malke Steinfeld Frank, Tracy Gross, Richard J. Kitay, Cátia Kossovsky, Andi Perelman, David Rush, Charles Saul

p Sami Saadi (left) and Paz Hirschmann, co-CEOs of Tsofen, visited Pittsburgh to describe the NGO's work in creating a shared society for Arabs and Jews.

Photo by Adam Reinherz

During their brief stay, the executives spoke with representatives from the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and area foundations, and explained how Tsofen, through its operations in northern Israel and in the center of the Jewish state, creates a shared society between Israel’s Arab and Jewish communities.

“We built Tsofen to have full integration of the Arab community into the high-tech in Israel because high-tech is the main engine of the growth of the economy in Israel,” said Saadi.

What many Americans may not realize is “in Israel, Arabs and Jews almost live in 100-percent

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separate cities, and we study in separate educational systems,” said Hirschmann.

“There is a big gap between the Jewish community and the Arab community,” added Saadi. “We have thousands of Arabs who didn’t receive an education in high-tech.”

Recognizing the need, Tsofen sought to level the playing field. Early on, the NGO worked solely with Arab college graduates and developed a training course whereby participants could fit the needs of hiring companies. Seventy percent of the course was dedicated to amplifying high-tech education, while the other 30 percent focused on “soft skills,” such as “how to write a CV, how

to have a high-tech interview, how to work with a team,” said Saadi, “and after this we provided them with a mentoring program where high-tech engineers mentored fresh graduates for six months.”

In 2012, Tsofen broadened its reach by working with enrolled college students across Israel, “and not waiting until they graduate,” he added.

Four years later the organization expanded again by beginning a pilot project with high school students.

Please see Tsofen, page 18

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Headlines NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik speaks in Pittsburgh — LOCAL —

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

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n a world where anyone with a Twitter account has the possibility of possessing the loudest voice, David Folkenflik critiques chroniclers. An award-winning media correspondent for NPR News, Folkenflik regularly reports on journalists and the trade. In recent months his work has covered a coziness between Fox News and the Trump administration, allegations against former CBS head Les Moonves and controversies surrounding Michael Ferro, former chairman of Tribune Publishing Co. Folkenflik was in Pittsburgh last week to open the 2019 Media Innovators Speaker Series at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. The Jan. 15 event, which was sponsored by the Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University and Pittsburgh’s NPR station WESA-FM, welcomed more than 300 attendees, according to campus police, and afforded Folkenflik the chance to discuss challenges facing journalists today.

In answering questions posed by WESA’s Liz Reid and attendees, Folkenflik offered responses to accusations of bias or fake news.

Marshall the evidence, rely on different sources, triangulate information and make sure your sources hold up over time,

he said. “Keep faith with the truth. The best way to fight fake news is muscular reporting in earnest.”

Bad actors do exist, he said, but accountability is intrinsic to journalism. Apart from the people who score a baseball game, “what other profession publicly lists its mistakes?”

In an interview last week before his appearance at Point Park, he explored similar things. As a journalist there are always questions of “fairness and transparency,” he said, but the way “I try to think about it is ‘What am I doing helping people understand the world around them?’”

During the hour-long conversation with the Chronicle, in which he moved between professional and personal topics, Folkenflik recounted growing up Jewish in Orange County, Calif., his beginnings in print media and the role of contemporary journalists.

Regarding the latter, “the need has never been more pressing,” he said. “Even though we can acquire information from all over the world seemingly instantaneously and get access to firsthand documents — and we can evaluate claims and evidence for ourselves if we want to take the time — the number of people paid to help us do that and help us sort through that in conventional news organizations is by and large going significantly down.”

A paucity of journalists leaves those in power with less accountability, he said. “If you don’t have people who are employed

p NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik Photo by Liz Linder/NPR

to devote time and energy and passion and intelligence to sorting through what the more influential players are doing in the community or how life is lived by your neighbors and relatives there, then it’s awfully hard to have a grasp on how well your community is serving you and what issues most need attention and what kind of remedies might work.”

Folkenflik is cognizant of his perch atop the professional landscape. He joined NPR in 2004 after having worked at the Baltimore Sun, the Herald-Sun in Durham, N.C., and interning at the News and Courier in Charleston, S.C., but despite his place on the media ladder, the self-described veteran of

“some very small papers” hasn’t forgotten the role of community journalism.

“Outfits like yours, public media pointof-view organizations, intensive blogs, there are roles for a lot of folks to step up and figure out niches to own, or communities to explore, so people have some sense of the texture of life in their communities beyond what they experience,” he said.

That truth could be seen after the Oct. 27 murders at the Tree of Life synagogue building.

“This terrible thing was visited upon essentially neighbors and friends and relatives of those in the congregation and community who happened to be journalists, as opposed to journalists who happen to have some tie,” he explained. “So in that moment your identity is very much attached to what occurred there even as you’re trying to learn the truth and the facts and be fair to what’s happened.”

National outlets may have covered the story exceptionally well, but “I’d be really interested to see what guys like your publication had to say about it or folks in the PostGazette or maybe public media in town to see what voices they captured,” he said.

“Local community journalists are the ones best placed to tell the story,” he added. “They don’t have the fame, they don’t have the Please see NPR, page 20

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Headlines Struggles of Orthodox women tackled by Israeli playwright — LOCAL —

By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

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sraeli playwright and screenwriter Hadar Galron has devoted much of her oeuvre to gender and sexuality in Orthodox and haredi Orthodox communities, “balancing out women’s status and asking many, many questions,” she said.

“I don’t always have the answers,” she admitted. “But sometimes I feel it’s just important to ask the questions.”

Galron was in Pittsburgh earlier this month as a guest lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh, discussing “Women of Valor? The Challenge of Sexuality to Orthodox Judaism in Contemporary Film and Theater.” Invited to speak at Pitt by her friend, Haya Feig, a lecturer for the Jewish studies program, Galron addressed about 50 students in the Frick Fine Arts Auditorium.

Galron, who was raised Orthodox first in London and then in Israel, examines what she sees as inequities among the sexes in the religious community she grew up in. She has performed stand-up routines satirizing Orthodox life and its strictures on women, and has written and performed in plays about the struggles she finds inherent in a patriarchal religious structure. She bases much of her work on her own personal stories, or

4 JANUARY 25, 2019

those of her friends and acquaintances.

Through her work, she said in an interview, she has “broken many taboos.”

“The basic status of women in Jewish law is we are owned by the men, and all the things that are written for women are actually written for the men as kind of a ‘how to use’ kind of thing,” she explained. “Even today the chuppah is a ceremony in which we are being sold to our husbands, which p Hadar Galron is why there are so many problems with getting divorced, and with women who are agunot,” women whose husbands refuse to grant them Jewish divorces, preventing them from re-marrying.

That proprietary relationship is the launch pad for much of Galron’s work.

“My plays and my films are normally contemporary themes, based on true stories always,” she said. Her play “Mikveh,” which has been performed internationally, for example, is set in a mikvah and “is about

womanhood and the way we look at our bodies and the way our husbands look at our bodies. … The women all come to the mikvah in order to purify themselves for their husbands.”

At the center of the drama is a battered wife who is married to a prestigious politician in the haredi community. Even though the mikvah attendants see her bruised body, no one is willing to admit the truth — Photo by Eric Sultan even the victim.

“She herself, in this community, doesn’t have much choice,” said Galron. “If she says something, then she is going to be the outcast, to be split up from her children and never see them again.”

Another character in “Mikveh” is a woman who comes to the ritual bath for the first time the night before her wedding, and asks the attendant to report that she is “unclean” so that she will not have to sleep with her husband the next night. The bath attendant refuses, and tells her, “You’ll go through it like everyone

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else, and you’ll get through it and thank me in the end that you were not an unclean bride.”

The character of the new bride is an amalgam of several women Galron knows who “feel like they are being raped, and who actually faint on the first night,” after having had no physical contact with a man before their wedding.

“Think of your whole life you are being told you’ve got to be modest, and you’re not allowed to touch, and you’re not allowed to look, and in one day, you’ve got to go from one extreme to the next,” she said. “And the guy is also sometimes very embarrassed, but he knows he must do it tonight. In Hebrew, the word ‘husband’ means owner, and it is really a problematic word.”

Galron’s “The Secret,” which is both a play and a screenplay, is based on the true story of her haredi friend who postponed marriage to study in a girls’ yeshiva. While there, she gets matched with a female study partner with whom she falls in love.

As one might expect, Galron’s work has been controversial in some circles. When she first began her stand-up routines, “I was chucked out of some places I worked in, and banned,” she said. People in Jerusalem were urged to avoid her performances, “but it was good publicity.” PJC Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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Life & Culture Playing Wonka is just the ticket for Jewish actor — THEATER —

By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

I

t could be daunting to step into a role as iconic as Willy Wonka, etched into the memories of American audiences through the film portrayals by Gene Wilder, then Johnny Depp.

Wonka is a complicated character. He is sinister — unapologetic in putting four out of five children on the tour of his candy factory in serious danger — while somehow remaining likeable. His world is one of pure imagination wrapped around a resolute morality play.

Noah Weisberg, the Chicago native who takes on the role of the legendary confectioner in the touring production of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” has worked to add even more depth to the character, aiming to tell a story that moves both children and adults.

The show opens at the Benedum Center on Tuesday, Jan. 29, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 3.

Speaking from Boston — the sixth stop on the 24-city tour — Broadway veteran Weisberg tipped his hat to Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien, who, at the helm of “Charlie,” has created a show that maintains the familiar and most-loved elements of the films while adding new songs and insight.

and ‘Candy Man’ and the ‘Oompa Loompa Song,’ so it’s not going to disappoint anybody. But because it’s our own version, we get to take the plot to twists and turns that even people who have seen the movie aren’t going to expect.”

The new score, written by duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (“Hairspray,” “Mary Poppins Returns”) “deepens each character,” said Weisberg. “I always think and hope that if you’re going to take any sort of iconic movie, something that everyone knows, you better deepen it or do something a little different.”

Audience reaction shows their efforts have paid off, he said.

“In all these towns, when the adults bring their kids to the stage door to get our autographs after the show, the adults are just as giddy, and even more emotionally moved by this than I would have expected,” he said. “It’s a show that kids love, but like a great Disney movie, it plays on multiple levels. And it is infused with such truth, even though it is stylp Chicago native Noah Weisberg plays Willy Wonka.

Photo by Joan Marcus ized and over the top because of what the source material is.”

The truths the show celebrates are ones “The great thing is, so many of us have watched especially that Gene Wilder movie with which Weisberg was raised as a Jewish so many times, and this show gives us basi- kid growing up in Chicago.

“The beauty of this story that we are going cally everything you want from the movie,” Weisberg said. “It’s got the songs like ‘Pure across America with, is that the moral is that Imagination’ and ‘I’ve got a Golden Ticket,’ kindness and truthfulness and selflessness is

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

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what wins the day,” he said. “What a perfect time to be able to share that message of little Charlie Bucket in our show. And I think those lessons that I learned from my family, from Hebrew school, those lessons are in me, and I hope are a part of everything I play.”

While Willy Wonka could easily be played in a “mean-spirited way,” Weisberg said, he and director O’Brien went in another direction, examining each line “to find the positive response in all these moments. I feel like my family raised me that way — to look on the positive side of things — and I think that is connected to Judaism in a sense, too.”

Just three months after the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue building, Weisberg is pleased to be bringing the show to Pittsburgh.

“There are times when I think what we do is frivolous and unimportant, because we are singers and dancers,” he said. “But I realize in times of struggle and pain for an individual family or community, when appropriate, getting a chance to escape or actually relate to something on stage, and see a part of yourself on stage, is probably more important than ever. I think that in tough times, sometimes having a place to go to laugh and to just feel connected to community is one of the most important things.” PJC

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JANUARY 25, 2019 5

Calendar >> Submit calendar items on the Chronicle’s website, pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Submissions will also be included in print.

Events will run in the print edition beginning one month prior to the date as space allows.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, noon. q SATURDAY, JAN. 26 Community Day School presents Jammin’ In The Jungle: A Safari Adventure at 7:30 p.m. at Nova Place, 100 S. Commons on the North Side, in support and celebration of the school and to honor Community Leadership Award winners Lester and Barbara Parker and Volunteer of the Year Derek Smith at the 2019 CDS gala fundraiser. The event will feature a silent auction, raffle prizes, food and dancing to the jungle beats of DJ Sosa. RSVP at comday.org/gala or contact Jenny Jones at jjones@comday.org for questions or ticket information. Safari festive attire is welcome, with dietary laws observed. q SUNDAY, JAN. 27 Temple Sinai’s Brotherhood Brunch & Lecture Series program will feature Pirates manager Clint Hurdle from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The cost is $10 per person by Wednesday, Jan. 23 and $18 per person after. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. RSVP to Todd Miller at toddprmktg@gmail.com or 412848-1082; or send a check payable to Temple Sinai Brotherhood to: Temple Sinai Brotherhood, 5505 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, 15217. Visit templesinaipgh.org/brotherhood-brunch-guestspeaker-clint-hurdle for more information.

Temple Emanuel of South Hills’ Bereavement Support group will meet at 1250 Bower Hill Road at 10 a.m., led by

Jamie Del, MS, NCC, LPC and Naomi Pittle, LCSW. The group is open to previously and newly bereaved adults. Contact Temple’s office at 412-279-7600 or templeemanuel@ templeemanuelpgh.org for more information.

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh will celebrate the 20th “birthday” of the JCC in the South Hills beginning at 10 a.m.

Everyone is welcome to the JCC, 345 Kane Blvd., Scott Township. JCC facilities will be free and open to everyone. Contact Bonnie Livingston at blivingston@jccpgh.org for more information.

National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh Section will hold Eat, Drink, Create! Vision Boards with NCJW NextGen from 1 to 3 p.m. A Vision Board can be a guide to help navigate through the year. Find clarity as you focus on the words and images that best represent who you are becoming and what you want to bring into your life. RSVP by Jan. 20. Emily Harris, who received her BFA in textile design from Rhode Island School of Design, will run the Vision Board session. There is no charge. Visit facebook.com/ events/804-428-169901783 for more information.

Temple Sinai’s WoTS and Brotherhood will hold a lunch and puppet show from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Temple Sinai member Kellee Van Aken and visual artist and puppet maker Cheryl Capezzuti will present short puppet pieces with stories of discovery, loss and how to put things together — plus a giant puppet dance party. There is no charge but RSVPs are required. Donations will be accepted at the door. RSVP to Debbie Haber at DHaber@TempleSinaiPGH.org or 412-421-7039.

Visit templesinaipgh.org/wots-brotherhoodlunch-puppet-show for more information.

The Holocaust Center will mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a screening of the French film “Korkoro” at 2 p.m. at the Regent Square Theater, 1035 S. Braddock Ave. The award-winning drama is a tribute to Romani victims of the Holocaust, and the event will include a discussion with an expert on the Roma experience. Tickets are $10, free for Holocaust survivors and students with valid ID. Visit hcofpgh.org/korkoro for more information.

The community is invited for a movie, conversation and Zeke’s Coffee Bar at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Levinson Hall, at 4 p.m. for the screening of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” a documentary about the life and legacy of Fred Rogers. This is the first in a series of Movies We Have to Talk About, an initiative of the JCC’s Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement. Parents are welcome to bring children who will be engaged in the movie.

RSVP requested at tinyurl.com/wontyoubemy.

Call 412-339-5416 for more information. q MONDAY, JAN. 28 Beth El Congregation’s adult education committee will host its first weekly Winter Speaker Series starting with George Savarese discussing Saudi Arabia and Israel from 7 to 9 p.m. This is a free six-evening series that starts with a wine and cheese reception and includes thought-provoking Pittsburgh scholars presenting a variety of topics. Visit bethelcong. org for more information and to RSVP. Chabad of Pittsburgh will host Soup for the Inspired Soul, an evening featuring three local

authors and their inspiring stories at 7:30 p.m. at 1700 Beechwood Blvd. There is no charge. Visit chabadpgh.com/soup for more information. q TUESDAY, JAN. 29 Shalom Pittsburgh will hold a Ladies Night at the Candle Lab from 6 to 8 p.m. Sip some wine and enjoy a relaxing evening pouring your own custom candle using any of their 120+ scents.

Registration at jfedpgh.org/ladies-night includes wine and candle making. The charge is $12.

Contact Meryl Franzos at mfranzos@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5204 for more information.

The FBI will lead a discussion on Extremism and Hate Crime Indicators from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Ave. The discussion will cover hate speech, bias crimes and extremism that have been reported in the Greater Pittsburgh area. The FBI will discuss the groups that have targeted the area and the relationship to regional and national trends. Learn how to identify symbols affiliated with these hate groups and mechanisms for reporting the activity. Visit jewishpgh.org/ event/hate-crime-indicator to register.

Game Night: Family Feud at Moishe House from 7 to 9 p.m. Contact moishehousepgh@ gmail.com for more information.

“Mindfulness: A Positive Spirit & Present Mind for a Happy New Year” will be presented by Bonnie Livingston, Fitness & Wellness director at the Jewish Community Center South Hills at 7 p.m.

There is no charge. Come casually dressed.

Please see Calendar, page 7

HOW WILL I KNOW MY CHILD IS READY FOR OVERNIGHT CAMP? There is an awful lot that goes through the minds of parents as they consider overnight camp for their children. While we can say with certainty that it’s different for every child, the first question we like to ask parents is if they are ready for their child to go to overnight camp.

Next, we want to know who brought up the idea? How did the idea of camp enter the realm of possibilities? Did your child ask about it because they have friends or older siblings who go to camp?

We also encourage parents not to place too much emphasis on whether or not their child has been able to sleep over at a friend’s house. Being a visitor in someone else’s home is very different from camp, where everyone is in the same position, away from home in a new space.

Children are incredibly adaptable, and we may underestimate what they are capable of since we’ve been taking care of them their entire lives.

When you’re ready, we would love to talk so we can explore together the overnight camp experience for your child.

Call us at 412-339-5412.

—Aaron Cantor, EKC Director

6 JANUARY 25, 2019

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

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Calendar q TUESDAY, FEB. 5

Calendar: Continued from page 6 q WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30 NA and “Heal, Grow and Live with Hope” Nar-Anon Family groups meet every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the South Hills at Beth El Congregation located at 1900 Cochran Road. All are welcome. Contact Karen at 412-563-3395 for more information. q THURSDAY, JAN. 31 South Hills Jewish Pittsburgh welcomes JFunds to the South Hills from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center South Hills.

Visit southhillsjewishpittsburgh.org/funds for more information. q FRIDAY, FEB. 1 The Holocaust Center, in partnership with Prime Stage Theater, will hold teacher training on Teaching the Holocaust Through Theatrical Arts four times during the year in different locations across the county. The program will culminate in a student matinee of the acclaimed play “The Soap Myth,” starring Ed Asner, in May. Act 48 credit is available. The training will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Monroeville Library, 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd. q SATURDAY, FEB. 2 In recognition of Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month, Temple Sinai invites the community to a comedy event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. featuring David Granirer, founder of Stand Up for Mental Health and a comedian and the emcee. Temple Sinai congregants will highlight the humor of their lives with mental health issues. The evening will begin with Havdalah and presentation of the ShoreWhitehill Award to Lisa Lederer. Women of Temple Sinai and Jewish Residential Services are co-sponsors. Donations will be accepted at the door. Reserve tickets with Judy Rulin Mahan at Judy@TempleSinaiPGH.org or 412-421-9715, ext. 110 by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29. q SUNDAY, FEB. 3 Temple Emanuel of South Hills invites the community to Bagel Bites: Sunday Brunch Series. Nathan Firestone, professor of history at Point Park University, will speak at 10:30 a.m.

The event is free, but RSVPs are requested at templeemanuelpgh.org/event/brunch2. Call 412-279-7600 for more information. q MONDAY, FEB. 4 Beth El Congregation of the South Hills will host its First Mondays monthly lunch program with Rabbi Alex Greenbaum from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring guest Hadar Bechor discussing “What the Gaza Strip means in Israeli history and current events.” Visit bethelcong.org for more information. Call 412-561-1168 to make a reservation. There is a $6 charge. q MONDAY, FEB. 4 Beth El Congregation will host its second evening of the Speaker Series with Rabbi Danny Schiff at 7 p.m. discussing Prager and Steinsaltz, The New Torah Commentators. This Speaker Series is free and starts with a wine and cheese reception. Visit bethelcong.org to make a reservation.

and TUESDAY, FEB. 12

Congregation Beth Shalom will hold a lunch and learn on the topic “Are All Wines Kosher?” on Feb. 5 at noon downtown and Feb. 12 at noon at Beth Shalom. Visit bethshalompgh.org/lunchand-learn for more information and to register. q TUESDAY, FEB. 5 The New York Times bestselling author Georgia Hunter will be in Pittsburgh to discuss the decade-long journey of discovering her family’s story of Holocaust survival to write her award-winning debut novel, “We Were the Lucky Ones,” at 7 p.m. in the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave. A book signing will follow the talk. Tickets are $18 ahead of time and $20 at the door; free for Holocaust survivors and students with valid ID. The program is sponsored by the Jewish Women’s Foundation. Visit hcofpgh.org/georgia-hunter for more information and to register. q WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6 Hillel Academy’s annual fundraising dinner will honor Pittsburgh’s first responders for their sacrifices and contributions on Oct. 27 at the Tree of Life synagogue building shooting and for their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community at 6:30 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, 112 Washington Place. Mayor William Peduto will be speaking and presenting plaques to honorees. Hillel Academy faculty member Rabbi Elisar Admon will be awarded the Chantze and Donald Butler Teacher Recognition Award, not only for the example he sets for his students and the community, but also for his role in the aftermath of the shooting as a member of the local burial society Chevra Kadisha and of Zaka International, an organization that recovers the bodies of victims of terrorist attacks. Contact mmyers@hillelpgh.org for more information.

Jewish National Fund will hold a Special in Uniform dessert reception at 6:30 p.m. recognizing Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month, with Lt. Col. (Res.) Tiran Attia, director of Special in Uniform. There’s no charge to attend; dietary laws will be observed. Visit jnf.org/pittsburgh for more information and to RSVP. The reception will be at a private home. q THURSDAY, FEB. 7 Temple Emanuel’s LGBTQ+ Task Force will bring Evan Wolfson to speak at 7 p.m. Wolfson will speak on “Making More Progress for Gay & Transgender People in our Community, Pennsylvania, the U.S., and the World: What Can We Do?” Wolfson is an internationally recognized civil rights lawyer who founded Freedom to Marry, the campaign that won marriage equality in the U.S. He is the author of “Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People’s Right to Marry” (Simon & Schuster, July 2004). He is also a Squirrel Hill native.

The format will be a conversation followed by audience Q&A. This event is free and open to the community, and is being sponsored by the Rabbi William Sajowitz Endowment Fund.

There is no charge. Contact 412-279-7600, templeemanuel@templeemanuelpgh.org or visit templeemanuelpgh.org/event/wolfson for more information. q SATURDAY, FEB. 9 Shalom Pittsburgh invites young adults to an evening with Mayim Bialik from 8:30 to 10 p.m.

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as she talks about her life in Hollywood, her career as a neuroscientist and her commitment to the Jewish community. Submit your questions when you register; if your question is chosen you will be invited to meet Bialik at the BGS VIP pre-reception at 7:30 p.m. The program begins at 8:30 p.m. This event is for young adults 22-45 years old who have made a minimum commitment of $36 to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s 2019 Community Campaign.

The BGS VIP pre-reception is by invitation for donors giving $1,000 or more to the 2019 Community Campaign. Contact Meryl Franzos at mfranzos@jfedpgh.org for more information or visit shalompittsburgh.org/event/mayim-bialik. q SUNDAY, FEB. 10 The Derekh Speaker Series will host Samantha Baskind at 10 a.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom.

Baskind is an art history professor, and her book “The Warsaw Ghetto in American Art and Culture” is a study of how life in the ghetto and the uprising of its inhabitants have captured the American cultural imagination. There will be a book sale and author signing at the end.

Beth Shalom Men’s Club will hold its sports luncheon at noon with local sports celebrities, dedicated this year to honor the memories of David and Cecil Rosenthal. The hamburger and hot dog lunch will be held in the ballroom. The community is invited; there is no charge. Visit bethshalompgh.org/ events-upcoming for more information. q DEADLINE TUESDAY, FEB. 12 Jewish Scholarship Service of Greater Pittsburgh (JSS), formerly known as Central Scholarship & Loan Referral Service (CSLRS), is reviewing scholarship applications for Jewish students attending college, secondary technical school or graduate school in the fall of 2019. The deadline for all applications is February 12. Apply at jfcspgh. org/scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and live in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington or Westmoreland counties. For more information visit the JSS website or contact Alayne Lowenberger, JSS program director, at alowenberger@jfcspgh.org, or 412-422-7200. q SUNDAY, FEB. 17 Congregation Dor Hadash will present a lecture on “Anti-Semitic and Other Hate Violence: The Current Context, Perpetrators and the Role of Social Media” presented by Kathleen Blee, distinguished professor of sociology at the University of Pittsburgh, at 3 p.m. at Rodef Shalom Congregation, Levy Hall. Blee has researched and published widely about the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazi and other white supremacist groups. In the aftermath of the Pittsburgh massacre, she will discuss how such groups have fomented racist and anti-Semitic violence in the U.S. over the past century. Registration is required by contacting admin@dorhadash.net. q MONDAY, FEB. 18 Beth El Congregation will host the third evening of the Speaker Series with professor Jules Lobel and Rabbi Alex Greenbaum at 7 p.m. for a discussion on the Second Amendment and the Jewish view of bearing arms. The series is free and starts with a wine and cheese reception.

Visit bethelcong.org to make a reservation. q TUESDAY, FEB. 19 Chabad of the South Hills will hold a lunch for seniors and a presentation on fall prevention at noon. There is a suggested donation of $5. RSVP to 412-278-2658 or visit

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

southhillsjewishpittsburgh.org/healthy for more information. q WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20 All seniors are invited to come and sing-a-long with the Jewish Community Center Chorus, at the regular monthly meeting of the Squirrel Hill AARP at 1 p.m. at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Ave., Falk Library. The meeting will include information on legislative matters concerning seniors, current health report and business meeting. Crochet chemotherapy hat patterns will be available; if you have a knitted pattern, please bring to share. The chapter would appreciate donations of used eyeglasses, cell phones with chargers and new travel size toiletries to provide to nonprofit organizations.

If the Pittsburgh Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the AARP meeting is cancelled. Contact Marcia Kramer at 412-7313338 for more information. q THURSDAY, FEB. 21 Steve Manns, fitness coordinator at the Jewish Community Center South Hills, will present Fitness Foundations at 7 p.m. There is no charge. Visit southhillsjewishpittsburgh. org/healthy for more information.

Mahj and Martini with NA’AMAT Pittsburgh at Rodef Shalom Congregation will be held every third Thursday of the month from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. All ages, genders and levels are welcome. If you don’t know how to play and want to learn, this is perfect for you. RSVP to provided enough tables and martinis.

Donations accepted to cover the costs. Contact Jackie Braslawsce at naamatpgh@gmail.com or 412-303-5769 for more information. q SATURDAY, FEB. 23 Beth Shalom Congregation will hold Clues & Schmooze (with some booze), a fundraising and fun trivia event, including a raffle, open bar and snacks. Trivia will be in teams of 3-6 players. Bring your own team or be matched up at the door. Registration and drinks start at 7:45 p.m. and trivia games start at 8:15 p.m.

The charge is $25 per person in advance, $40 per person at the door. Visit tinyurl.com/ clues2019 for more information. q MONDAY, FEB. 25 Beth El Congregation will host the fourth evening of the Speaker Series with Rabbi Danny Schiff at 7 p.m. speaking on “The Countercultural Power of Humility.” This series is free and starts with a wine and cheese reception. Enjoy one evening or all.

Visit bethelcong.org to make a reservation. q DEADLINE THURSDAY, FEB. 28 Zionist Organization of America: Pittsburgh is accepting applications for its Israel Scholarship Program to assist local students traveling to and studying in Israel. The program is committed to the future of the children of the region and is designed to encourage and assist student participation on approved educational trips to Israel. Up to three ZOA Scholarships, $1,000 each, are available to students who will be visiting Israel on a structured study program this summer and entering their junior or senior year of high school in the fall of 2019. Applicants must be Jewish and permanent residents of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington or Westmoreland counties. Contact ZOA Executive Director Stuart Pavilack at 412-665-4630 or pittsburgh@zoa.org for more information. PJC

JANUARY 25, 2019 7

Join with your Pittsburgh neighbors

For a Movie, Conversation & Zeke’s Coffee Bar Won’t You Be My Neighbor Documentary about the Life and Legacy of Fred Rogers Sunday, January 27 JCC of Greater Pittsburgh Levinson Hall 5738 Forbes Avenue Free and Open to All 4 PM =HNHoV &RƪHH %DU &DQG\ %XƪHW 4:30 PM Movie and Conversation RSVP requested tinyurl.com/wontyoubemy For more information, call 412-339-5416

First in a series* Movies We Have To Talk About

Parents welcome to bring children who will be engaged in the movie.

We Have About isofanthe initiative of the Center for Loving *Movies We*Movies Have to Talk AbouttoisTalk an initiative Center for Loving Kindness and Kindness and Civic Engagement at the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh and Civic Engagement at the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh and other community partners. community partners. Look for upcoming movies in the months to come.

8 JANUARY 25, 2019

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

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Headlines Allegations of anti-Semitism persist, turnout low at Women’s March — NATIONAL —

By Toby Tabachnick and JTA

L

inda Sarsour defended the legality of the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel during her speech on stage in Washington at the third annual Women’s March last weekend.

Her critique of anti-BDS laws came hours after saying that she rejected the anti-Semitic statements of Louis Farrakhan.

Sarsour, a founding leader of the Women’s March movement, called herself “a proud Palestinian-American woman” and said that “there are no perfect leaders” in her remarks Saturday. She said that “the media can talk about any controversy they want” — a reference to claims of anti-Semitism among the movement’s leadership — “but the real controversy is in the White House.”

“We will protect our constitutional right to boycott, divest and sanctions in this country,” Sarsour also said, a reference to pending legislation in the Senate to allow state and local governments to refuse to use the services of companies that boycott Israel.

Prior to attending the march, on Saturday morning Sarsour told CNN’s “New Day

p Women’s March Organizers Linda Sarsour and Tamika Mallory on stage during the third Women’s March on Jan. 19 in Washington, D.C.

Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

Weekend with Victor Blackwell and Christi Paul” that the Women’s March rejects anti-Semitic and homophobic statements by Nation of Islam leader Farrakhan.

“We unequivocally have rejected the comments made by Minister Farrakhan

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Sponsored by the Pamela K. Wiles Fund for Interfaith Understanding

Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Rabbi Lisa Grushcow

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Rabbi Lisa Grushcow is the author of Writing the Wayward Wife: Rabbinic Interpretations of Sotah, and the editor of The Sacred Encounter: Jewish Perspectives on Sexuality.

Friday, Feb. 15 7 PM Shabbat Evening Service

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on LGBTQ communities and on Jewish communities. We have said multiple times on our statements at womensmarch.com, we unequivocally denounce transphobia and ask people to ask us directly and to read our statements and understand we have been

doing this work before there was a Women’s March,” she said. “And our track records are very clear: That we have stood up for all communities. We are the first people on the front lines when there is a fight for justice in this country.”

Yet, just hours before the Women’s March began, Sarsour posted on Facebook a link to an article that accused Jews of waging a “profound war on black people,” leading the former head of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Women’s March, Mercy Morganfield (daughter of blues singer Muddy Waters), to accuse Sarsour of being an anti-Semite.

“Linda Sarsour is an anti-Semite and even when she is apologizing to the Jewish community on the one hand, she is condemning it on the other,” Morganfield wrote in a Facebook post that is now deleted.

“She can’t help it. This is who she is, and as long as the five board members are in power you will continue to see these sharp divisions they themselves foster.”

Tamika Mallory, another leader of the Women’s March who has come under fire for her association with Farrakhan and her refusal to specifically denounce his anti-Semitic hate speech, was criticized again after an interview on

8:30 PM Special After Oneg Presentation: The Sacred Encounter: Jewish Perspectives on Sexuality Saturday, Feb. 16 8:30 AM Torah Study: The Strange Case of the Suspected Wife: Text Study of Numbers 5:11–31 11:30 AM Potluck Lunch with Presentation: Inclusion in the Book of Exodus: Two Models for Community 5 PM An LGBTQA+ Conversation: Join us for an engaging evening focusing on Jewish LGBTQA+ experiences.

Sunday, Feb. 17 9 AM Brunch with Presentation: Coming Out of Comfort: Hard Questions & the Search for Connection

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Temple Sinai is an inclusive community that embraces, supports, and values all people, regardless of ability or needs, to participate in every aspect of our Reform Jewish synagogue life. For more information or to request an accommodation, contact Judy Rulin Mahan at (412) 421-9715 ext. 110 or judy@templesinaipgh.org.

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JANUARY 25, 2019 9

Impacted by the government shutdown?

Providing the Pittsburgh Jewish Community with immediate financial assistance for food, clothing, housing, medical, dental, transportation & utilities expenses Contact the Jewish Assistance Fund 412.521.3237 JewishAssistanceFund.org

JC Opn RadarFIN 2018_Eartique 3/5/18 3:46 PM Page 1

Headlines — WORLD — From JTA reports

Texas congressman trying to stop West Bank trip A Republican lawmaker from Texas is trying to prevent freshman Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) from leading a delegation of freshman lawmakers to the West Bank.

The trip led by Tlaib, who is PalestinianAmerican, would be held at the same time as the traditional Israel mission for first-term lawmakers sponsored by the education arm of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, which includes touring and meetings with leading Israeli figures in business, government and the military.

Rep. Brian Babin said in a letter dated Jan. 17 to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that the taxpayer-funded trip led by “an outspoken supporter of the ‘BDS’ Israeli boycott movement and whose personal vitriol led her to publicly brag about calling our President a ‘mother****er’ to her young son, is both ill-conceived and inconsistent with our national values.”

He said that Israel is “of vital importance to U.S. interests in the Middle East,” and that a trip of lawmakers exclusively to the West Bank “threatens that relationship. To signal to our most threatened ally in the region that the United States Congress sanctions an official trip to visit Israel’s nemesis would be an exceedingly dangerous path forward.”

“Please consider the damage that a yet

Ramon International Airport inaugurated in southern Israel The Ramon International Airport, named for Ilan and Asaf Ramon, was officially inaugurated Monday in southern Israel. The first flights, domestic and charter only, will begin arriving at the airport early next month.

International flights will begin in the fall.

The airport, in the Timna Valley about 10 miles north of Eilat, will replace the old Eilat City Airport. A rail line is planned to carry travelers from the resort town to the airport.

Shuttle connections also are planned for tourists heading to the Jordanian resort of Aqaba, and areas of Wadi Rum and Petra in Jordan, as well as the Taba area of Sinai in Egypt.

The Ramon Airport is set to handle up to 2 million passengers a year upon opening, with expansion allowing a capacity of up to 4.2 million passengers by the year 2030, according to the airport’s website.

Ilan Ramon, Israel’s first astronaut, died in the 2003 Columbia Space Shuttle disaster.

His son, Asaf, died six years later in an F-16 fighter jet during training exercises for Israel’s Air Force. His widow, Rona, died in December of cancer. PJC

This week in Israeli history

We’re taking hearing aid technology in a whole new direction.

Jan. 28, 1790 — France grants Jews citizenship

— WORLD —

The National Assembly grants citizenship to Sephardi Jews after a debate on emancipation the previous month. The majority Ashkenazim are not emancipated until September 1791.

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

Jan. 25, 1904 — Herzl meets with pope

Theodor Herzl takes time during a two-week trip to Italy to meet with Pope Pius X in an effort to win his support for the Zionist cause. Despite getting a warm reception from King Victor Emanuel III two days earlier, Herzl fails to sway the pope. The pope says he cannot recognize the Jews because they have not recognized Jesus.

Jan. 26, 1919 — Weizmann warns of disaster

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unexperienced and overly caustic Member of Congress may cause to Israeli relations, or the perceptions of our own Jewish-American citizens,” he also wrote.

Tlaib has called the AIPAC-sponsored trip “one-sided.” She said she would take lawmakers to the northern West Bank village of Beit Ur al-Foqa, where her grandmother lives.

Chaim Weizmann writes a letter to anti-Zionist Gen. Arthur Money, head of the British military administration in Palestine, warning that “unless [Jews] secure a place which they may call their home in a real sense of the word, they will be faced with a terrible catastrophe” that “would shatter not only the whole fabric of Jewish existence, but would endanger the peace and society as a whole.”

Jan. 27, 2001 — Taba Summit ends

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in Taba conclude after a week of progress toward an agreement based on the Clinton Parameters. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak loses a landslide election 10 days later to Ariel Sharon, and the peace initiative dies amid the Second Intifada.

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Jan. 29, 2005 — Ephraim Kishon dies

Israeli writer, playwright and filmmaker Ephraim Kishon dies at age 80. Known for satire, his works often focus on the daily struggles of regular Israelis and the state bureaucracy. His films include “Sallah Shabati” (1964) and “The Policeman” (1971).

Jan. 30, 1933 — Youth Aliyah established

German Zionist Recha Freier founds the Committee for the Assistance of Jewish Youth on the day Adolf Hitler is appointed the chancellor of Germany. Later renamed Youth Aliyah, the program rescues more than 11,000 Jewish children during World War II.

Jan. 31, 1961 — Ben-Gurion resigns

Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion resigns to protest a Cabinet decision to exonerate Pinchas Lavon for his role in a botched Israeli spy operation in Egypt in 1954. Lavon had been blamed and had resigned as defense minister at the time, although an investigative committee was inconclusive about what went wrong. PJC

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Israel and Overseas

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Headlines CDS: Continued from page 1

eclectic array of styles “bringing people together, talking about unity and community, sharing the music and the stories of our different faiths and cultures, and our places where we intersect,” said Chevan.

The Afro-Semitic Experience emphasizes the commonalities between the two cultures.

“We celebrate our similarities,” Chevan said. “We recognize our differences, but what we share in common is a love of community, respect for elders and traditions, respect for stories and heritage, and understanding how our stories and heritage make our lives deeper. I think we have a lot more in common than what might appear on the surface.”

The band performs its own arrangements of traditional pieces, as well as original material.

When celebrating King, Chevan said, “we often play pieces that were by his favorite gospel singers, or his favorite gospel songs, or songs that have very strong messages that he was particularly fond of. Those are ways that we integrate Dr. King’s message into everything that we do.”

The band was in Pittsburgh in September 2018, performing at the community Selichot service. While here, the band met members of the Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha community, Chevan said, making the impact of the Oct. 27 massacre one month later even more personal.

p From left: Guest panelists Mayor Bill Peduto, Arts Education Collaborative Executive Director Yael Silk, Islamic Center of Pittsburgh Executive Director Wasi Mohamed and Center of Life CEO Tim Smith field questions on Martin Luther King Jr. Day about leadership, courage and community from CDS students.

Photo courtesy of Community Day School

“It really touched us very deeply,” he said.

“And some of the pieces we chose today from our repertoire, we chose because we wanted to share songs of healing and deeper understanding. So, there’s a song that we wrote called ‘The Road that Heals The Splintered Soul’ that we shared with the kids and the parents. For us, it was very powerful to be coming back.”

The students at CDS, Chevan was told, are “learning about intersectionality and they are beginning to recognize this is a powerful thing for the Jewish community,” he said. “We see the shooting at the church

in Charleston and the shooting at Tree of Life are connected, because it was an AfricanAmerican sacred space, and Jewish sacred space, desecrated by haters. There is so much intersectionality between our people. It goes beyond we once were all slaves. We both live with one eye over our shoulder at all times.”

The aftermath of the Tree of Life shooting left band co-founder Byrd wrestling with “how we can get human beings to treat each other that much better,” he said. “How can we get to the point where we can make room for each other’s differences and make room

Shutdown: Continued from page 1

the Pittsburgh area, is facing increased demand as well.

“Many federal workers furloughed or working without pay live paycheck to paycheck and may not be able to cover the grocery bill,” said Matthew Bolton, director of the Food Pantry.

Additionally, recipients of federal program benefits like SNAP (food stamps), may be affected by cuts or suspended benefits if the shutdown continues.

SNAP benefits for the month of February will be fully funded, according to the USDA, but the February payment was issued on Jan. 18 rather than the first of the month. This could cause some confusion with recipients who will need to understand that the payment is not a bonus, but must last until the end of February, according to Bolton.

Inventory at the Food Pantry is being affected by the shutdown as well. The Food Pantry relies partially on federal distributions of food commodities that are being delayed due to the government closure, Bolton said.

The Food Pantry is therefore seeking an increase in donations from the community.

At least 15 different local nonprofits, including schools and congregations, have started to collect food. The Food Pantry is also encouraging monetary donations and grocery gift cards.

“We distributed a quarter million pounds

“ We rely on a stable environment, and this is unknown territory.”

— MATTHEW BOLTON

of food last year,” Bolton said. “We rely on a stable environment, and this is unknown territory. We are being proactive in reaching out to the community, and we are asking congregations to spread the word.

“We want to assure our community that we will be there in this time of crisis,” he stressed.

JFCS also is being proactive in explaining the change in timing of SNAP benefits to many refugee families with whom the organization works, according to Leslie Aizenman, director of Refugee & Immigrant Services at JFCS. The organization is informing staffers, interpreters and community leaders that the early payment of February benefits must last until the end of that month.

“A big chunk of their food bill is covered

by SNAP,” Aizenman noted.

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For immigrants receiving legal assistance from JFCS, closure of some federal courts is delaying their cases, according to Jamie Englert, director of immigration and legal services for JFCS. Free or discounted legal services are provided to immigrants for citizenship proceedings, green card applications, deportation representation and other matters.

The JFCS program represents about 1,500 people a year.

While detention hearings are proceeding in the Third Circuit, which covers Pennsylvania, immigration courts are closed, Englert said.

“Problems arise because we can’t get information regarding cases, and there are no judges to rule on our motions,” she said. For the asylum seekers being represented, “we can’t

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to respect each other’s points of view, even if they don’t align with ours?

“We all have our respective heritages which we bring to each other,” Byrd continued. “We can learn to make those things work together rather than falling victim to fear and hatred.”

This was the fourth consecutive year that CDS has remained in session on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for a social justicethemed curriculum.

“I am inspired by the passion and commitment that our teachers have devoted to making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a rich and meaningful experience,” Head of School Avi Baran Munro said in a statement. “In a time when the Pittsburgh Jewish community and CDS have received an outpouring of love, kindness and inclusion from across the world, it is urgent that we rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of social justice for all marginalized communities guided by our Jewish values.”

In addition to the concert, CDS students participated in music workshops, a service project coordinated by Repair the World fellows and the creation of schoolwide mosaic art installation. A panel discussion on community and leadership was held with Mayor Bill Peduto, Rev. Tim Smith from Center of Life in Hazelwood, Yael Silk of the Arts Education Collaborative, and Wasi Mohamed, executive director of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh.

All students and faculty wore T-shirts with a portrait of King and the phrase: “His dream is my dream.” PJC Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

get decisions, and it is all stalled at this point.”

Immigration cases are generally “stressful in the best of times,” Englert added. “This is creating more stress.”

At Jewish Residential Services, which supports adults with psychiatric, developmental or intellectual disabilities, leaders are bracing themselves for a possible impact if the shutdown continues, according to Nancy Gale, executive director of JRS. A few residents of JRS facility Krause Commons receive government vouchers that are applied to rent, she said. If those payments are delayed, the residents would need to come up with an additional $300 or $400 per month, which could be a challenge.

At the Jewish senior living facility Riverview Towers, delivery of services to residents is not affected by the shutdown, according to Hanna Steiner, Riverview’s executive director.

Riverview provides apartments to low income seniors, receiving compensation from HUD to subsidize below market rents.

While HUD subsidies have been frozen due to the shutdown, Riverview has sufficient monetary reserves to “continue business as usual,” for approximately two months, Steiner said.

A planned renovation to the facility financed in part by government tax credits could be delayed due to the shutdown, Steiner said, but will not be otherwise affected. PJC Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

JANUARY 25, 2019 15

Opinion Open the government now — EDITORIAL —

I

s there anything positive that has come about or is even projected to occur as a result of the current government shutdown? Other than helping to frame more clearly how operationally dysfunctional our national leadership has become, is there any benefit to anyone from the increasingly dangerous weakening of the operations of our federal government?

Some press reports have focused on the serious economic impact of no paychecks for some 800,000 government employees.

That’s certainly important. And others have focused on the ripple effects of the shutdown, such as an increasing number of TSA employees calling in “sick,” rather than being forced to work for no pay in their $17-per-hour jobs. That’s worrisome, too.

But now, we are starting to get reports of an even wider range of consequences that threaten the heartland. For example, American farmers, faced with lack of support and coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, lack crucial information for their spring planting, which could adversely affect their businesses and the nation’s food supply.

We also hear about states that are rushing to

p Protesters in Philadelphia gather to urge an end to the government shutdown in January.

Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images

pay February federal supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits before money for that program runs out. And then there is the mounting strain on private food banks, local free loan societies, social service agencies and other communal services that many unpaid government workers are relying

upon to help address their basic needs.

Last week, the White House doubled its estimate of damage to the economy from the shutdown, saying that it will subtract 0.1 percent from the GDP. But that number may be wrong, since those charged with developing it are another casualty of the shutdown.

Americans are starting to lose patience, as the rest of the world laughs at us. And for this we have no one to blame but our leaders. Our president’s temper tantrum over his precious wall is embarrassing, but the Democratic leadership’s own intransigence is no less cringeworthy. We could do without the entertainment of the threatened cancellation of the president’s State of the Union address, and the amusing but wholly juvenile nixing of a congressional junket. Instead, both sides should spend their time figuring out how to get our federal government back to work, even if it means massaging some egos.

The shutdown is a gratuitous act of cruelty against Americans by their own elected officials. As both sides jockey for position and insult each other, the country suffers. We deserve better from our elected officials, and it is simply immoral for them to force the consequences of their own incompetence on federal employees who need their jobs, and on the rest of the country that is forced to grapple with unintended consequences.

The president and Congress should open the government immediately, and let America go back to work. (As of press time, they hadn’t.) Our esteemed leaders can then go off and insult each other on their own time. PJC

College admissions and ‘measuring’ students: a different approach for day schools Guest Columnist Alanna Kotler

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e are having the wrong conversation about education. Year after year, it is reported how poorly students perform on standardized tests. And year after year, the conversations focus on classroom curricula (which should be more rigorous), the teachers (who need better and more training), and the professional development (which millions are spent every year). However, these conversations ignore the real change needed — the standardized tests themselves. Instead testing data is mined, discussed, collated, color-coded and then spit out to show what is wrong with curriculum, teachers, professional development and even our students.

What the data actually shows is that standardized tests do not measure what our students know or what they can do. The tests are outdated, for an outdated purpose, and many students continue to feel like failures as we use the tests to measure who they are and their trajectory of success beyond high school. This, along with the changing landscape of education, has brought about much research in the area of student disengagement in school, including the manifestation of behavioral challenges, absenteeism, depression and anxiety and a look at how 16 JANUARY 25, 2019

tests inform the types of teaching and classroom environments that are being created in schools.

Samuel Betances, an inspirational speaker who talks about Trauma Informed Education (TIE), discusses how to reframe the way we look at students who act out or struggle in school. Well-intentioned educators and counselors have spent so much time asking students “What’s wrong with you?” when the question should be “What’s happened to you?” His words shine a light on the need to challenge conventional practice about how we look at students in this world of AP tests, SATs, ACTs and so on. There is nothing wrong with our students; instead they are part of a system that has “happened to them” where standardized tests play, I would argue, too big of a role in their learning. That is not an education system. That is a system built on a foundation of misleading results and flawed measures.

So, what do we do?

The challenges are vast, and it seems we stop short of trying small incremental changes because we (schools and educators) are lost in a sea of expectations. College admission seems to be the top reason why these test scores are so revered. However, as argued in his recent book “What School Could Be,” Ted Dintersmith suggests that college has become a pit stop rather than a road to success. Having a college degree no longer guarantees a job, and colleges are not preparing students for the economy they will enter. One vignette about MIT students gets to the heart of what our school system

is “doing” to our students. These college engineers who received “stellar” test scores were unable to reason through lighting up a bulb when presented with the materials. This reinforces the point that grades and scores are not good indicators of future job prospects or success.

In thinking about these challenges, what are the implications for Jewish day schools?

As independent institutions, day schools have (more) freedom and ability to be nimble in their pedagogical and assessment choices. The argument to stay the traditional course often times is that we need to position our students competitively for the college admissions process. As the pressures of college admission weigh on teachers and students alike, the way we teach at the upper levels becomes more about students’ transcripts than the real-world, relevant work students could be doing, or perhaps already are. As I have written before about innovation in schools, what could possibly be more innovative than changing how we define success and actual learning for our students? Admittedly, college admission has not quite caught up to the changing and improving trends in education, but day schools can join a movement that has.

The Mastery Transcript Consortium (MTC) is working to answer the (right) question: How can high schools show a student’s “unique skills, strengths and interests?” Its goal is to provide colleges with a holistic understanding of a student, while also allowing schools to provide “a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum that will best

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prepare our students for a complex and interconnected world.” To-date, out of the approximate 200 independent schools that are part of the Consortium, there is only one Jewish day school participating — Gann Academy in Boston. What would it take for more Jewish day schools to join the movement?

There is no doubt that this type of change would be extremely hard and time-intensive, but this would offer a radical improvement for our students: interdisciplinary, realworld learning environments and curricula.

With their distinct curriculum, including Jewish history, text and language, Jewish day schools could highlight the incredible skills, knowledge and analytical abilities that students obtain in a dual curriculum using a mastery transcript as a template.

Exploring the Mastery Transcript Consortium could move Jewish day schools in a new direction and provide our students with the type of learning that should be happening — student-driven, deep, meaningful and real-world-ready instead of testready. It’s time to change the conversation so that our schools move student learning in the right direction and ultimately bring the college process along with them. PJC Alanna Kotler is a Lead Consultant with Educannon Consulting. She works with Jewish day schools and leaders across the country focusing on curriculum auditing, development and implementation as well as leadership coaching. This article first appeared on ejewishphilanthropy.org.

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Opinion On countering anti-Semitism, fight or join critics? Yes Guest Columnist David Bernstein

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he lead up to the Women’s March held last Saturday exposed yet another rift in the American Jewish body politic.

In the face of the controversy over March founders Tamika Mallory’s and Linda Sarsour’s associations with Louis Farrakhan and their various pronouncements on Jews and Jewish issues, Jews differed on how best to respond and whether to join or boycott the March. At root was a spirited disagreement over the best way to counter growing anti-Semitism.

Noted Holocaust historian Deborah Lipstadt strongly opposed participation in the March. “How can self-respecting Jewish women support you when you stand by someone who called us ‘termites’ and then only offer tepid critiques after a wave of criticism swept over you?” she asks rhetorically of the two March founders.

Jewish feminist activist Shifra Bronznick strongly supported participation in the March. “Many of us know that this is a critical time to stay at the table,” she argues. “To stay and talk and build an agenda based on the Women’s March Unity Principles that reflect so many of our core commitments, including the need to fight anti-Semitism.”

The Lipstadt camp embraces the more traditional approach to opposing anti-Semitism: Condemn it whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head. It holds that by fighting hatred we consign it to the margins of society. And by sitting with people tainted by anti-Semitism we enable and empower it.

The Bronznick camp, by contrast, believes that Jews cannot influence these progressive movements if they refrain from being at the table. Condemning these leaders, they argue, simply cuts Jews out of the conversation and prevents us from swaying the internal discourse of these movements and how they ultimately perceive Jews and Jewish issues. It marginalizes us, not them.

These two camps are often seen as working against each other. The Jews who sit with the March organizers are seen by the condemn/ marginalize camp as providing validation to anti-Semitism. The Jews who call out anti-Semitism are seen by the engage/ influence camp as contributing to a perception among progressives that the Jewish community is aloof and uncommitted to the equality agenda.

It would be easy to see this rift as further evidence that ideological disagreements are tearing at the fabric of Jewish unity and weakening our political potency.

Might it be possible, however, that we should welcome these differences even if we personally prefer one approach over the other?

It is a sign of the times that so many Jews assert their singular, inalterable truth,

wishing away anyone who doesn’t agree with them. Wishing away our diversity.

But I would argue the best way to collectively fight anti-Semitism is for some people to take an unwavering principled stance, calling out anti-Semitism at every turn, and for others to engage intersectional circles, join planning efforts, and influence the movements from within.

The mixed messages and differing approaches are better than if either one completely won out. If the condemn/ marginalize camp had its way, Jews would be more isolated.

If the engage/influence camp had its way, no one would send the unmistakable message that associating or espousing anti-Semitism is a blight.

Neither of those outcomes would be better than these two approaches playing out in the public square at the same time.

It is a sign of the times that so many Jews assert their singular, inalterable truth, wishing away anyone who doesn’t agree with them.

Moreover, far from working against each other, the two camps inadvertently enhance each other. The good-cop bad dynamic has long been effective in negotiations and in advocacy. The bad cop — in this case the condemn/marginalize camp — can enhance the status of the good cop — the engage/ influence camp — whose approach can come across as a rational and fair-minded alternative. With the bad cop breathing down her neck, the good cop can make the case against anti-Semitism in a way the target audience — in this case people involved in the Women’s March movement — are more likely to hear.

In this light, perhaps these seemingly contradictory approaches can be more tolerant of each other and not see the other as its mortal enemy, but perhaps even as a reluctant ally. One thing’s for sure: neither of these approaches is going away, no matter how hard the other may wish.

In fighting the world’s oldest hatred, our diversity is our strength. PJC David Bernstein is the president and CEO of the Jewish Council of Public Affairs.

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JANUARY 25, 2019 17

Headlines Tsofen: Continued from page 2

These days, Tsofen’s members of all ages are taught full stack development, automated testing and other necessary high-tech skills.

Potential funders can look to the figures, which speak for themselves, said the executives.

“In 2008 there were 300 high-tech software developers from the Arab communities,” said Hirschmann. “Today there are almost 6,000. In 2012 there were only 2,000 students from the Arab communities studying STEM; today there are 5,000. That’s a quantum leap.”

There is still plenty of room to grow, but the increased number of trained and hired

Torah Lower Galilee, is slowly becoming the Arab Silicon Valley of the north,” reported Knowledge@Wharton, the University of Pennsylvania’s online business analysis journal.

Between the opening of Stef Werthheirmer’s Industrial Park and Tsofen’s activities in the city, approximately 20 high-tech companies, including Amdocs, Galil Software and Microsoft, have created an “entire ecosystem.”

Increasing the number of Arabs in hightech bodes well for Israel’s future, explained the executives.

Israel needs to fill 15,000 high-tech jobs, said Hirschmann. Arabs represent 20 percent of the population but only 3 percent of the high-tech workforce. They should receive “fair representation in tech.”

“ We are working every day and we are changing the reality.”

— SAMI SAADI

Arab engineers has helped lead to greater societal acceptance of Tsofen’s work. Last year, the Knesset committee for Arab affairs earmarked NIS 20 million for two new technology parks in Arab towns in Israel, reported The Times of Israel.

Ripple effects from that decision include municipal and economic gains, said Hirschmann. “The effect there is much more than a few thousand jobs.”

There is also the idea of changing expectations, added Saadi. “In our work with younger students we’ve faced difficulties because the high schools and the teachers and the families in the Arab community don’t have enough knowledge about hightech … so we have put a lot of effort into exposing them and changing the trend of the studies of the Arab communities.”

Similarly, over the past decade “high-tech companies have become more inclusive,” said Hirschmann.

Both men pointed to Nazareth as an example.

“Nazareth, the largest Arab city in Israel’s

We want to see “the whole ecosystem” represented, said Saadi. Whether in high-tech zones, accelerators, in conferences or at meetings, the goal is for 20 percent of the start-up nation represented by Arabs, he added.

Until that point is reached, the executives will continue working, traveling and seeking to fund their cause. Tsofen’s annual budget is $2.5 million dollars; 30 percent comes from government funding, 60 percent from donors and 10 percent from tuition fees and sponsorships from high-tech companies, said Hirschmann.

“We are working every day and we are changing the reality,” said Saadi. “We have come a long way from having to convince Arabs to go out from their villages and towns to work in the high-tech zones in the Jewish areas, and that Jewish communities and Jewish engineers can come to Arab cities and work together with the Arab community in high-tech.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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To receive the Torah, find unity Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld Parshat Yitro Exodus 18:1-20:23

A

fter experiencing the miraculous events surrounding their escape from Egypt, the Jewish people march onward toward Mount Sinai to receive the Torah from G-d. The Torah tells us that in fact, the entire purpose of the liberation from slavery is in order to receive the Torah from G-d on Mount Sinai.

They arrive at the mountain on the first day of the month of Sivan. The Talmud tells us that upon arrival, G-d begins to instruct them on how to prepare for this holy experience. Receiving the Torah is no simple matter, and in order to be worthy of its revelation, refinement is in order.

On the second, third, fourth and fifth day of the month, G-d gives them specific instructions on how to attain this level of self-refinement, but interestingly, on the first day of the month, the day of their arrival, the Talmud says that G-d does not tell them to do anything, because they are weary from traveling.

Commentators ask the seemingly obvious question, why were they so exhausted?

Besides for the fact that the first day of the month was on a Sunday, right after Shabbos, a day of resting, their final encampment before their journey to Mount Sinai was in Refidim. The distance from Refidim to Mount Sinai was very short. In addition, the clouds of glory which protected the Jewish people on their journey would flatten any hill or mountain that stood in their way.

Their walk through the desert was without much difficulty.

Even if their journey did exhaust them, their excitement should have motivated them to begin preparing immediately. If they were looking forward to it, so much so that they were counting down the days, you would think that when they finally arrived they would not want to waste any time!

Why, then, was the first thing they did upon arrival to take a day off?

The Torah tells us something unique about this day that they arrived. The verse says, “And Israel encamped there, opposite the mountain.” Rashi, the foremost commentary on Chumash, points out that the Hebrew word used here is vayichan, which means “and he encamped.” When referring to the Jewish nation, it would have been more appropriate to use the word vayachanu, “and they encamped.” The reason for this anomaly, Rashi explains, is to allude to the state of mind of the Jewish people at the time.

Being a nation of many opinionated individuals, often when they encamped in other locations, there would be argument and debate among the people. This time, however, was different. The Jewish people had arrived at Sinai with one goal in mind: to receive the Torah from G-d and to become His people. This time they were completely united in intention. There was no argument whatsoever, to the extent that they were like one man with one heart. They were completely united as one. This is why the singular phrase vayichan is used.

This message is as relevant today as it ever was.

Jewish unity was a prerequisite to receiving the Torah.

This was a very important part of receiving the Torah. G-d made it very clear to them that unity was a prerequisite to receiving the Torah. He cannot rest His countenance among division and strife.

The day that they arrived at the mountain, “they encamped there, opposite the mountain.” They were not taking a break from their preparations for receiving the Torah; rather, the mood with which they encamped — “like one man with one heart,” in complete unity — was the preparation.

They were united together to the point that there was no space for division.

This message is as relevant today as it ever was. Jewish unity was a prerequisite to receiving the Torah. The Talmud tells us that we should approach the Torah as if we had just received it today. If we want blessings from Hashem, there is no better way to prepare ourselves to be a receptacle for His blessing than by uniting together with each other. For just like with a parent and his children, there is no better cause of joy to G-d than when all of His children get along. PJC Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld is the dean of Yeshiva Schools and Lubavitch Center of Pittsburgh. This column is a service of the Vaad Harabanim of Greater Pittsburgh.

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Obituaries COHEN: Ethel (Effie) Edlis Cohen of Mt. Lebanon, on January 16, 2019, age 86. Beloved wife of Robert Cohen; loving mother of Melinda (Bob) Parsons, Lynn Cohen, Gwen Cohen and Martin (Catherin) Cohen; grandmother of Sam Vogel, Charlotte Vogel, Audrianna Mira Cohen and Charles Mira Cohen. Preceded in death by her parents, Jerome and Estelle Edlis; brother, Adolph Edlis, sisters, Amelia Glassman and Zara Tabor; and survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Ethel was a longstanding partner with her husband in owning and managing Edlis Beauty and Barber Supply Co. Service and interment were held at Homewood Cemetery in Squirrel Hill. The family prefers that donations in her memory be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the ASPCA. Professional Services

by D’Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd., Lawrenceville.

COOPER: Mervyn Cooper, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 80, on January 10, 2019.

He was born and raised in Pittsburgh and received his BA and MSW degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. After completing his Army service he moved to Santa Monica, California, where he raised his family. Late in life he became an avid marathon runner and an active member of the LA Leggers Running Club. He will be remembered as a wonderful and generous friend to people young and old. He is survived by his wife, Natalie, of 58 years, two daughters, Melanie Yevilov and Heather Grandy, four grandchildren and one loving sister, Ruth Reidbord. A memorial was held at Hillside Memorial Park.

HUTTNER: Martin Huttner, on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Beloved husband of Rhonda Huttner. Cherished father of Liana Kaufman, Jonathan (Maria) Huttner and Lee (Erik Benau) Huttner. Loving son of Marian and the late Arnold Huttner. Brother of Janice (Amir) Pilch and Renee (Rabbi Marc) Gruber.

Grandpa of Jesse Kaufman. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Homewood Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Humane Animal Rescue, 6926 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208.

R APHAEL: R ob er t Raphael. Born in 1922 in New York City during his family’s brief foray away from Pittsburgh, Robert Raphael returned to Pittsburgh as a young child and remained a resident of his beloved city for the remainder of his life. Robert graduated from Allderdice High School at the age of 16, and worked at Levinson Steel before enlisting in the United States Army Air Corps on December 6, 1942. He went on to fly 35 missions over Europe as a navigator on a B-17 in the 463d Bomb Group, stationed in Foggia, Italy. Robert graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1948, and from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1950, eventually becoming the president of the Allegheny County Bar Association in 1973, and then the president of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, vice president of the national arm of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers,

and president of the Pennsylvania chapter.

Colloquially, he was known as the “father of divorce law,” leading the reform of divorce law in Pennsylvania. His wife, Phyllis (nee Rubinstein) joined him in practice in 1977.

After Phyllis’ death in 1988, he married Gail Sanger. He never saw the irony of being the most happily married divorce lawyer in America — twice. Robert doted on his daughters, Edith and Lauren Raphael and shared his perpetual optimism and positivity with his grandchildren Parker and Naomi Brotman, Sophie Raphael and Maya Herron and step-grandchildren Seth and Alec Rill, Ethan and Laighton Shamash and Asher Shamash. With his large heart he embraced his three step-children — Lori (Sean Rill), Mark Shamash (Elisa Rhodehamel) and Todd Shamash (Erika) and adored his son-in-law, Russ Herron and former son-in-law, Daniel Brotman. He was the cherished Uncle Bob to Eric (Lois) and the late Nathan Raphael, Jody Gan (Michael), Albert Costilo (Karen) and their children. Services were held at Rodef Shalom Congregation. Interment Temple Sinai Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. schugar.com WEIN: Sybil Wein, 94, of Clarion, died peacefully on Saturday evening, January 12, 2019, in Pittsburgh, surrounded by her family. Sybil Gertrude Schochet was born December 6, 1924, in Brooklyn to Abraham and Leah Schochet.

In 1947, her first cousin and closest friend, Samuel Fredman, set her up on a blind date with his Penn State classmate Morris Wein.

They were married in January of 1949, and through 53 years together, the life they built was a loving and calming influence for all in its orbit. A fierce and accomplished homemaker, Sybil worked as a national millinery buyer for the American Merchandising Corporation. When she moved to Clarion, she brought a love of fashion to her years of work in the family business at Wein’s department store. Together, she and Morris were also active members of Clarion’s community theater scene. Through everything, her family remained her highest priority. Sybil was a lifetime member of Hadassah and Tree of Life Congregation in Oil City, Pa. In her later years, she found delight in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, singing songs from her childhood and following the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sybil is survived by her sons, Thomas (Deborah) of Pittsburgh, Alan of Clarion, and Jay (Annette) of Charleston, South Carolina, former daughter-in-law Pam Wein Levy, grandchildren Matthew, Joshua (Abby), Steven (Erika), Zachary, Charles, Leah, and Ana, and great-grandchildren Clara and Meira. She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris, her sister, Janet Teicher and her brother, Lawrence Schochet.

A private funeral service was held at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Sybil’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson. org) or Adat Shalom Congregation in Pittsburgh (adatshalompgh.org). Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting rvburnsfuneralhome.com. PJC

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THIS WEEK’S YAHRZEITS — Sunday January 27: Rose Avner, Jacob E. Canter, Gerald Lee Goldman, George W. Goodwin, Lena Gutkind, Aaron Hirschman, Samuel Pasekoff, Edward Schultz, Bella M. Sherman, Isaac Wolovitz, Oscar Zeidenstein Monday January 28: Mary Americus, Phillip Caplan, David Cohen, A. L. Davidson, Sara R. Kitay, Miriam F. Kopelson, William M. Lowenstein, Melvin Morgan, Esther Phillips, Abraham RIPP, Sylvia Rosen, Pauline Salkovitz, Milton Sapir, Benjamin Silberman, Abraham Silverberg, Frances Simon, Jacob I. Slotsky, Wilma J. Tumpson, Herman Weisberger, Harry A. Wilkofsky Tuesday January 29: Irwin Alper, Dorothy (neeRebecca) Buckdrucker Lewinter, Harry N. Cohen, Jacob Gerber, Harry Glick, Belle Green, Joseph Hirsh, Benjamin Horvitz, Hyman Koss, Sarah Leibman, Eli London, Abe Markowitz, Esther Rice, Sophie Rosen, Cele Rosman, Jack Weber, Anna Witt Wednesday January 30: Ida Sylvia Shaffer Barron Hochberg, Morris Marvin Berger, Max Coffee, Frieda Feinberg, Reuben Goldstein, Rose Goldstein, George Kalb, Rae G. Labovitz, Bertha Lieber, Meyer Maglin, Anna Myers, Lillian W. Rothman, Benjamin Sachs, Sara Stuart, Jacob D. Titlebaum, Tillie T. Udman, Eli G. Weinthal, Fannie Williams Thursday January 31: Leonard Chasick, Israel Fineman, Harry Frank, Rachel Goodman, Lena Gordon, Louis Kantor, Esther Lehman, Freda Levine, Sarah Lurie, Herman Ryave, Rose Schwartz, Anna E. Shapiro, Tillie Shillit, Samuel Toker, Jack Wagner, Jeffrey S. Weiss, Sylvia Wittlin Friday February 1: Fannie Binstock, Morton Blumenfeld, Alfred Devon, Josephine Feldman, Reva Hankin, Albert F. Klein, Joseph G. Lazear, Moishe Ofshinski, Serrae Roberts, Ben Simon, Louise S. Sobel, Ida J. Wilner, John Wirtzman, Annette Wolk Saturday February 2: Anna Friedman, Louis Friedman, O. Hicks Friedman, Fanny Gitelman, Jack Morris Glantz, Ann R. Hendel, Samuel Horelick, Milton B. Krupp, Joseph Lewinter, Racille Light, Celia Lipsitz, William Mintz, Ruth Brill Moldovan, Celia Rofey, David M. Rosenberg, Samuel Earl Schugar, Rose Sherry, Bennie Silverman, Henry Singer, Tillie Tex

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Headlines NPR: Continued from page 3

stature, they don’t have the name recognitions to the nation at large, but they understand the stakes to a community. They understand the role an institution plays. They understand what kind of disruption this meant visited upon your community, and they don’t have to pretend to be apart from it and they don’t also have to play act at being affected by it as

March: Continued from page 9

the PBS show “Firing Line� last weekend. When journalist Margaret Hoover asked Mallory if she thought Israel should exist, Mallory vacillated. “I have said many times that I feel everyone has a right to exist; I just don’t feel anyone has a right to exist at the disposal of another group,� said Mallory.

She also refused to admit that Jews were indigenous to the land of Israel, although she claimed during the interview that Palestinians were.

CNN’s Jake Tapper posted the clip on Twitter, to which Hoover replied: “If you are vigorously defending allegations of anti-Semitism, seems like affirming Israel’s right to exist would be a no-brainer.

Unfortunately, that’s not what happened.�

you sometimes see at the national level.�

Folkenflik arrived in Pittsburgh eager to tap the city’s pulse. Doing so mirrors aspects of his radio work, he explained. As co-host of NPR and WBUR’s national news program “On Point,� Folkenflik regularly engages with call-in listeners and facilitates a “connected conversation� between lawmakers, journalists, actors, artists and a general audience on “issues of public interest.�

While his work has rendered him one of media’s most recognizable voices, less

familiar may be his Jewish upbringing. “First thing to say is Orange Country has changed a lot over the years. In the ’70s there weren’t a ton of Jews in Laguna Beach and in the immediate environs, so you kind of found community where you could find it,� he said. “And we’re not strictly observant people by a long shot, so that played into it as well, but there was a strong sense in my home of our background and our heritage and our culture and our pride in that and awareness of that.�

Living now in New York, “you have the sense of the different segments of Jewish life and of the variations in the faith, and they are very vivid and present,� Folkenflik added. “My kids are much more aware of certain kinds of rhythms than I probably was in Orange County in the ’70s, and there are ways in which I think that’s great but it’s just a different experience.�  PJC

The taint of anti-Semitism may have contributed to the low attendance at Women’s March rallies across the country this year.

The march in Washington attracted just 100,000 protestors, down from the estimated half million that showed up in January 2017, the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, according to Time.

Many high-profile organizations pulled their support from the national march last week, including the Democratic National Committee.

In an op-ed in USA Today, former DNC chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) explained why she no longer supports the march. “While I still firmly believe in its values and mission, I cannot associate with the national march’s leaders and principles, which refuse to completely repudiate anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry,�

Wasserman wrote. “I cannot walk shoulder

to shoulder with leaders who lock arms with outspoken peddlers of hate.�

In Pittsburgh, attendance was down from an estimated 25,000 in 2017 to several hundred this year, as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Speakers from the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations (CAIR) were prominent at the national march, as well as many local marches, including Pittsburgh’s. CAIR, which has been linked to several terrorist groups, including Hamas, was an official sponsor of the national march.

CAIR was designated as a terrorist organization in 2014 by the United Arab Emirates — along with Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. Many of its leaders have vilified Israel, including Hussam Ayloush, director of CAIR-Southern California. Ayloush has used the term “zionazi� to describe Israeli Jews,

and has called on Israel to be “terminated.�

In 2014, during Operation Protectice Edge, CAIR’s Pittsburgh chapter engaged in a letterwriting campaign urging the U.S. Senate to cease its support of Israel.

At the Los Angeles march on Saturday, a speaker from CAIR used her platform to focus on the “Palestinian agenda,� according to Rabbi Nicole Guzik in a piece in L.A.’s Jewish Journal. Despite being assured by the leaders of that march that Israel would not be attacked, Guzik wrote, Marwa Rifahie of CAIR “called Israel an apartheid state.�

Guzik left the march as a result.

Sarsour was the keynote speaker at CAIR’s Pittsburgh chapter’s annual dinner this past September.  PJC

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

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

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22 COMMUNITY

Community Joyce Fienberg Book Group

Designer creates art in memoriam

p Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Sisterhood and the Women of Kehillah La La join together to have their first meeting of the Joyce Fienberg Book Group.

Fienberg was killed in the Oct. 27 shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue building. Back row, from left: Patty Lemur, Ina Sable, Marlene Haus, Teri Fienberg Steinberg; Front: Sarah Pfeffer, Ellen Livingston, Cindy Harris and Mickie Diamond Photo courtesy of Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha

Sisterhood and Women of Kehillah La La

Yeshiva Girls mother-daughter brunch On a recent Sunday, Yeshiva Girls School Elementary students were treated to a motherdaughter brunch. Organized by the students and their mothers, the ladies enjoyed brunch, meaningful speakers and games. p Eleven Stars, in Memoriam

Micki Cohen, Graphic Designer

Young Judaeans help rebuild Puerto Rico Four Pittsburgh Young Judaean teens joined 58 others as they traded relaxing vacations for a week of hard work and service learning while helping to rebuild communities in Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Maya King, Judah Kass, Eitan Weinkle and Mira Morris hammered, painted, played with local kids and learned a lot about giving back. They also ran a Christmas carnival for the children of Loiza and Morovis. They are pictured with Kareem Rabbat and Ethan Gertzman, two University of Pittsburgh students who were part of the “AWB” (Alternative Winter Break) staff team.

p Ilana Hoen with daughters Devi and Chayala.

p Sashie Levertov enjoys brunch with daughters Mussie and Reeka.

Photos courtesy of Yeshiva Schools

22 JANUARY 25, 2019

p From left: Kareem Rabbat, Maya King, Eitan Weinkle, Judah Kass, Mira Morris and Ethan Gertzman.

Photo courtesy of Karen Morris

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23 color COMMUNITY

Community Yeshiva Schools Early Learning Center Children in the Early Learning Center at Yeshiva are exploring art in a whole new way!

Lead by Morah Elly Feibus, creative director, and Morah Brenda Faivish, mentor teacher, children are exposed to art using an interest-based approach. Starting with a month-long exploration of lines, each class chooses its own direction for the year.

p Three-year old Ziama Teplitsky uses loose parts to create his own interpretation of the Pyramids.

t Kindergarten student Moshe Raskin uses the dip, wipe, paint technique to create his very own masterpiece.

p Pre-K student Tuvia Horvitz participated in a look and paint activity, using paints prepared by the classes of 3-year-olds.

Photos courtesy of Yeshiva Schools

Governor’s inauguration During his inauguration on Jan. 15, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf referred to the mass shooting in the Tree of Life synagogue building on Oct. 27. Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Rabbi Cantor Jeffrey Myers attended the inauguration, delivering the invocation. Even in the overwhelming grief of the shooting, Wolf said, “the people of Pennsylvania lifted us all up.”

p Three-year-old Henya Gurevitz explores loose parts.

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p Rabbi Cantor Jeffrey Myers, right, shaking hands with Gov. Tom Wolf

Photo courtesy governor.pa.gov

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

JANUARY 25, 2019 23

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