Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 2-22-19

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February 22, 2019 | 17 Adar 5779

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Candlelighting 5:45 p.m. | Havdalah 6:45 p.m. | Vol. 62, No. 8 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

NOTEWORTHY LOCAL Origami symbolizes local support Gift of 1,000 cranes from Japanese community presented to New Light.

$1.50

From marshmallows to social justice, these Muslim and Jewish teens are bonding

Pittsburgh snowbirds flock together for friendship, food and Bari Weiss

Page 2 LOCAL

By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

Just the facts on hate

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Pitt academic offers in-depth analysis of extremist groups.

Page 3 LOCAL Jewish Cub Scouts gush about lessons learned during Pinewood Derby.

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Please see Snowbirds, page 16

Please see Teens, page 16

 Famed journalist Bari Weiss, right, converses with one of several Pittsburgh snowbirds who turned out for her talk in Sarasota, Fla. Photo by Toby Tabachnick

By Toby Tabachnick | Senior Staff Writer

Childhood’s most famous derby

but to give snowbirds a chance to connect with each other.

“It’s wonderful for the Pittsburgh Jewish community to be together,” remarked Bette Balk, who lives in the South Hills in the warmer months, but heads to her home in Longboat Key with her husband Phil when the temperatures begin to drop. “We don’t run into each other spontaneously, and it’s so nice to reconnect.”

Ellen and Michael Roteman have been coming down to Lakewood Ranch in the winter for the past nine years, heading south as soon “as baseball season is over in mid-October” and going back to Pittsburgh for opening day, said Michael Roteman, who happens to be the president of the Pirates/ Bradenton booster club.

In addition to getting a chance to mingle with friends and former colleagues from

niya Akhtar and Simone Rothstein, both juniors at the Ellis School, have known each other since first grade, but it was a marshmallow bonding incident during middle school that really cemented their friendship.

Akhtar, who is Muslim, and Rothstein, who is Jewish, were on a field trip to the McKeever Environmental Learning Center in Sandy Lake, Pa., when, during an evening bonfire, both girls realized they could not participate in the marshmallow roast. The marshmallows contained animal gelatin, rendering them unacceptable according the rules of halal as well as kashrut.

The marshmallow incident got the teens talking about the similarities in their religions, and the more the girls talked, the more they realized they had in common, leading to a deep connection.

Since then, they have been “best friends,” and text and call each other several times a day.

“We wanted space to share that and bring other girls like us together,” said Akhtar, “not only to share similarities but to create change and help out with people in the community.”

This school year, they launched a teen chapter of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, hoping to embrace other Jewish and Muslim teens in similar friendships and shared ideals.

In Pittsburgh, there are three adult chapters of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, a national grassroots organization initiated in 2010 to build understanding and relationships between

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ARASOTA, Fla. — Pittsburgh’s Jewish snowbirds may head to Florida for the winter intending to escape the chilly climate up north, but their intention is not necessarily to escape from each other.

More than 90 Jewish Pittsburghers came together at the Vue Sarasota Bay on Feb. 14 for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, camaraderie and learning at an event sponsored by the Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. The program featured a discussion with The New York Times op-ed staff editor and writer Bari Weiss, moderated by Foundation Scholar Rabbi Danny Schiff.

A similar event took place on Feb. 12 in Boca Raton. That program attracted 140 guests.

The Federation has been hosting events in Florida for two decades, offering not only the opportunity for staff members to reconnect with Pittsburgh supporters,

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Headlines Cranes and pies swoop in after Shabbat services — LOCAL —

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

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embers of New Light Congregation enjoyed a Shabbat of solidarity last week as well-wishers presented cranes and pies in support of the congregation.

Following services on Friday evening, Feb. 8, 1,000 boldly colored and folded paper cranes — all attached together — were given to the congregation by the city’s Japanese community in remembrance of Dan Stein, Rich Gottfried and Melvin Wax, three of the 11 victims of the Oct. 27 attack at the Tree of Life synagogue building.

“The Japanese community presents 1,000 cranes to the New Light Congregation in memory of the victims of the October 2018 tragedy and our wish for hope, healing and peace for you and the Jewish community of Pittsburgh,” read an accompanying note. “In Japanese culture, it is believed that if one folds 1,000 origami cranes, or senbazuru, one’s wish can come true.”

Both the gesture and the gift were overwhelming, said congregants.

“They are beautiful. They are every color of the rainbow,” said Barry Werber, a survivor of the Oct. 27 shooting.

Barbara Caplan, co-president of the congregation, agreed.

While admiring the stringed creation, she pondered how many hours were spent on the endeavor.

Online instructions for creating a single origami crane range in both the number of steps and the moments required, but a simple calculation suggests that if one crane takes one minute to construct, then 1,000 cranes would take 1,000 minutes or 16.67 hours (assuming everything remains constant throughout).

The fact that folders could possibly spend such

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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

 Barbara Caplan, co-president of New Light Congregation, holds the 1,000 paper cranes which were presented to the congregation last Shabbat.

Photo by Adam Reinherz

time on the project is incredible, noted Caplan.

Members of the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania, the Japanese Nationality Room Committee, the Japan Association of Greater Pittsburgh, the Asian Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh, Pitt’s Japanese Student Association, the Japanese class at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the Japanese Community Outreach at Shadyside Family Health Center, the West Virginia Japanese Community, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc., Chaya Japanese Cuisine and “other anonymous folders” jointly prepared the cranes “in solidarity and hope,” read the note.

“There is a lot of love out there, a lot of respect for what we went through, and a lot of prayers that we should recover,” said Werber.

Among those wishing the congregation well last Shabbat were Rose McGee and Wendy

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Goldberg. McGee is founder of Sweet Potato Comfort Pies and a Minnesota resident who is nationally known for bringing pies to those affected by tragedy.

In 2014, after Michael Brown Jr., an 18-year-old unarmed black man was shot by a police officer in Ferguson, Mo., McGee baked 30 sweet potato pies, loaded them into her car and drove to Ferguson, where she dispersed the comfort cuisine.

In 2015, after nine people were killed at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., McGee baked more pies, filled her car and drove again.

The following year, she told the Star Tribune, making the pies “has a whole other purpose for me.”

So too, again, last week, she and representatives of Heilicher Jewish Day School in

Minneapolis partnered on making kosher pies for those in Pittsburgh.

“To do this four months after the big terrible event is to say that grief didn’t finish when the news crews left in November. Grief continues and will continue,” Goldberg, Heilicher’s assistant director of Jewish life, told CCX Media before heading to Pittsburgh with McGee. Throughout Shabbat, the two women dispersed the pies to the congregations who suffered losses on Oct. 27 and to family members of the deceased. On Saturday morning, after services, New Light members enjoyed the fruit of the Minnesotans’ labor.

Though not typically a fan of sweet potatoes, Werber was impressed.

“They tasted like a combination of apple and pancake,” he said.

Amplifying the flavor was a bit of nostalgia, he added. “My dad was a baker for 65 years both in Europe and in this country. My grandfather worked alongside my father at United Baking Company in the South Side.

My grandfather’s sister started Filner’s bakery.

They were up on the Hill, and I would go there almost every weekend to spend time with my cousins.”

As a child, Werber would run around stealing donuts while family members followed in pursuit, he recalled. “Baking has always been in my life. … I have yeast going through my veins.”

Between the pies, cranes and countless other gifts and gestures, individuals from across the world have generously supported Pittsburgh’s Jewish community.

“At New Light, we have had people from outside the congregation come serve as volunteer readers of the Torah and haftarah, or just come and show their love for our congregation,” said Werber. PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

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Headlines Pitt academic presents the facts of right-wing extremism — LOCAL —

By Dave Rullo | Special to the Chronicle

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ight-wing extremism was responsible for all 50 anti-Semitic murders in the United States last year,” according to Kathleen Blee. Blee presented that fact as part of her lecture “Anti-Semitic and Other Hate Violence: The Current Context, Perpetrators, and the Role of Social Media.” The event was presented

by Congregation Dor Hadash’s Adult Education Committee on Sunday, Feb. 17 at Rodef Shalom Congregation.

Blee is a professor of sociology and Bettye J. and Ralph E. Bailey Dean of the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the College of General Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.

She is the author of eight books, including “Women in the Klan: Racism and Gender in the 1920s.” Her lecture focused on right-wing extremism, which includes white supremacist groups such as the Klu Klux Klan, neo-Nazis, white-power skinheads and Christian Identity groups. The latter is “a fake religion based on race as Please see Blee, page 18

 Kathleen Blee addresses an audience at Rodef Shalom Congregation. Her address was sponsored by Congregation Dor Hadash’s Adult Education Committee.

Photo by Dave Rullo

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019 3

Headlines Family time at heart of Pinewood Derby race — LOCAL —

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By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

n the annals of Pinewood Derbies past, winners have attested to polished axles, appropriate weight distribution and the employment of graphite powder as means for certain victory. At Cub Scout Pack 1818, success is marked not only by the speediest or sleekest car, but by the collective outcome.

Bruce Gelman has been the pack’s cub master since 2000. During that time he’s overseen various programs and outings, but nothing is quite as exciting for the scouts and their families as the Pinewood Derby, he explained. The competition is something that Cub Scout packs throughout the nation share every year.

The scene at Shaare Torah Congregation last Sunday attested to Gelman’s assessment, as 30 minutes before the race began, uniformed children eagerly placed their painted and stickered creations on a nearby scale (among various rules is one dictating a car cannot exceed five ounces).

On race day no cars came in overweight.

Instead, when one child realized his creation could afford more heft and stay within regulation, he and his mother taped a quarter to the rear.

In prior runnings, quarter usage has been a

 Jacob Greathouse holds a car he and his mother created for Cub Scout Pack 1818’s Pinewood Derby.

Photo by Adam Reinherz

common tactic, noted Mischa Gelman, a parent.

The Pinewood Derby may be “the highlight of the year,” but victory is an afterthought, said Bruce Gelman. “It fosters good relationship between parent and child. They design it together, paint it together and go through the thrill of winning or agony of defeat together.”

The objective matches the event’s original intention.

More than 50 years ago in Manhattan Beach, Calif., Don Murphy conceived of the race’s idea when his 10-year-old son wished to participate in the soap box derby, but was too young to enter. In 1953, the father, who was Cub master for Pack 280C, decided to host a similar program, but for children under the age of 12 — a miniature soap box derby.

The idea was “to devise a wholesome, constructive activity that would foster a closer father-son relationship and promote

craftsmanship and good sportsmanship through competition,” said Murphy, according to Scouting Magazine.

In Pittsburgh, the pairing of generations is evident, noted Pack 1818’s Cub master.

Standing beside her two sons, den leader Miriam Gelman said she has been involved in scouting for the past six years. Over that time, she has planned meetings and organized pack adventures. On Sunday, Gelman was responsible for operating the scale during weigh-in.

“I decided to step up and get involved,” she said.

Across the room Jacob Greathouse, 7, and his mother awaited the race’s start. Pointing to the various adhesives on his Minecraft themed car, Greathouse said his mother “helped open the stickers.”

Jacob’s mother, Danielle Greathouse, said that in making the car, they spoke about various outcomes. The conversation was, “If we win, great, and if someone else wins, that’s also great,” said the mother.

Applying labels to wood, carving a block or fiddling with metal takes time, but that is the point of the exercise, said Bruce Gelman, so whether it’s the Pinewood Derby or sharing a tent with your child during a camp out, families appreciate that “scouting isn’t a drop off thing.”

Other benefits exist as well, echoed parents.

Being a part of Pack 1818 gives my son “a JC ReSound Family_Eartique 5/23/17 10:03 AM sense of teamwork and responsibility, and

keeps him with Jewish friends and the Jewish community,” said Danielle Greathouse.

“I very much believe in scouting and the scouting program to teach responsibility. It teaches character,” echoed Miriam Gelman.

“There are other ways to learn those skills, but the scouting program has invested a lot in figuring out how to do that.”

When Pack 1818 began decades ago, its members, which included Bruce Gelman’s three sons, initially came from the area’s three Jewish day schools. These days, Pack 1818 includes students from Colfax Elementary School as well, added the Cub master.

The pack is open to anyone interested and is pretty similar to what you might find in other groups, said parents.

“The only thing is we don’t do things on Shabbos and we keep the highest level of kosher. Otherwise, it’s just scouting,” said Bruce Gelman.

Moments before the derby began the tiny scouts assembled in a semicircle. There was a salute to the American flag and a recitation of the Scout Oath.

In a message praising the scouts and their families, Bruce Gelman said, “It’s all about doing it. We have winners, certificates and trophies, which we’ll get to later, but the real thing is doing it.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at arein-

Page 1 herz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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Headlines Solutions to hate start personally say leaders — LOCAL —

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

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ommunal leaders from various faiths and regions shared thoughts and strategies on combating hate during last week’s “Unifying our Communities in Response to Hate Conference” at the August Wilson Center. For three hours, the presenters implored attendees to embrace neighbors, offer forgiveness and find courage to change.

Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers of Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha reiterated a months-old pledge to refrain from uttering the word “hate.” “‘H’ speech leads to ‘h’ crime,” said Myers, whose congregation’s home was the target of the Oct. 27 anti-Semitic attack that killed 11 worshippers. By rejecting the word, we can “tone down the rhetoric.”

Personal transformation will impact society, noted Rev. Eric S.C. Manning of Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., target of a fatal 2015 mass shooting.

“We all breathe, we all have goals, we all have dreams, we all have aspirations,” said Manning. “And I think realistically for a community to change, we have to have the courage to look in to see what really unites us, because when we come together, then we

 Panelists at the Unifying our Communities in Response to Hate Conference

begin to understand that we can change the impact. … We can change the trajectory of where we are and what we’re doing.”

In the aftermath of his congregation losing nine African-American worshippers, the Mother Emanuel community has attempted to heal, said Manning. “Charleston still has a long way to go, and I don’t stand here … saying that Charleston has figured it out, but we are on the path of working together.”

Pardeep Singh Kaleka and Arno Michaelis explored the road ahead by sharing histories and current actions in a discussion with Robert Reed, Pennsylvania’s executive deputy attorney general. Kaleka’s father, Satwant

Singh Kaleka, was one of six people killed by a white supremacist in a 2012 shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin. Michaelis is a former white supremacist, who as a teenager in the late 1980s helped start a gang which eventually produced the 2012 shooter.

Kaleka and Michaelis, Wisconsinites who co-authored “The Gift of Our Wounds: A Sikh and a Former White Supremacist Find Forgiveness After Hate,” created Serve2Unite, an organization “that diverts young people from violent extremist ideologies, gun violence, school shootings, bullying and substance abuse, along with other forms of self-harm” by instilling

Photo by Adam Reinherz

“a healthy sense of identity, purpose and belonging.”

Our work is driven by a sense that “people are just exhausted of not being interconnected,” said Kaleka. “We are more alike than we are different. The problem is the stuff that makes us different is becoming cancerous.”

“I believe that the shooter behind the Tree of Life and [Mother] Emanuel and the [Sikh temple] in all those cases, and more than any other attacks of that nature, the shooter is really looking to destroy your faith in Please see Hate, page 17

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019 5

Calendar and what treatment resources are available.

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services Office of Behavioral Health will present the session. There is no charge.

Contact Lisa Lederer at lisaglederer@ gmail.com for more information or visit templesinaipgh.org/jdaim-how-recognizeaddress-mental-health-youth.

SATURDAY, FEB. 23 “Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin” will be held at Indiana University of Pennsylvania at 7:30 p.m. in the Fisher Auditorium, 403 S. 11th St. in Indiana. “Defiant Requiem” is a concert/drama that commemorates the 16 performances of Verdi’s “Requiem” by prisoners in a Nazi concentration camp. “Defiant Requiem” is a complete live performance of Verdi’s “Requiem” with narration, film clips and video testimony by survivors of the original chorus. This performance features the full “Requiem” with the chorus and soloists accompanied by a single piano, as it was in Terezín. Murry Sidlin, president of the Defiant Requiem Foundation, DefiantRequiem.org, and creator of this concert/drama, will conduct. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 for seniors and $6 for students, anyone with a military ID and those under 18. Tickets are available at iup.edu/news-events/calendar or in person at the The Lively Arts Ticket Office, in the lobby of the IUP Performing Arts Center.

>> 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.

FRIDAY, FEB. 22 Moishe House Murder Mystery Shabbat will be held from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Come on over for an elaborate game of “whodunit,” and try to solve the mystery (in character) before the killer gets you. As Agatha Christie once put it, “let us drink, laugh and make Kiddish. For

tomorrow we die, or who knows - perhaps even tonight!” Contact moishehousepgh@ gmail.com for more information. Moishe House events are intended for young adults, ages 22-32.

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.

Join Moishe House and I-Volunteer to pack medical supplies for targeted communities in need throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Come to MoHo at 12:15 p.m. for rides, or meet us at Global Links, 700 Trumbull Drive, 15205 at 1 p.m. Contact moishehousepgh@ gmail.com for more information. Moishe House events are intended for young adults, ages 22-32.

MONDAY, FEB. 25

The charge is $25 per person in advance, $40 per person at the door. Visit tinyurl.com/ clues2019 for more information.

SUNDAY, FEB. 24 Temple Sinai will hold a program on How to Recognize and Address Mental Health in Youth from 10 a.m. to noon. Each year, one in four youth experiences a mental health or substance use disorder. This educational session will focus on recognizing the signs and responding constructively as parents and adult mentors, as well as on understanding the way stigma impacts seeking treatment

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.

The Aleph Institute will hold a workshop presented by Dr. Bruce Rabin on “Coping With Stress for Health & Wellness” from 7 to 9 p.m. at 5804 Beacon St. There is no charge and light refreshments will be served.

No registration is required. Contact 412421-0111 or amyngo@alephne.org for more information.

Please see Calendar, page 7

HOW PARENTS CAN GET THE MOST OUT OF CAMP Most of us start counting down the days until our campers return home from Camp, as soon as they get on the bus. So, from the very first day, until long after they return, how can parents get the most out of their campers time at Camp?

Allow their experience to be unique to them: We encourage parents to allow their child’s experience to be their own and sometimes that means being different than what they experienced at Camp. That’s OK! Camp has this great capacity to let each person carve out their own identity. Celebrate that!

Know how to stay in touch: With modern technology, we have come to expect answers and information quickly. While your child is at Camp, use the tools the Camp provides you to give you an insight into Camp life and learn what your child is up to each day.

At EKC, we post pictures each night of the day’s activities and programs and share highlights of what’s happening at Camp on social media. If you see your child, save that picture or post so you can revisit with them after the summer!

Be smart when writing letters to your camper: Use the letters you write to your child as a way to have conversations about their favorite sports team, a new book that’s about to be published, or highlighting a few fun things that you’ve done while they’ve been at Camp. Yes, asking a few questions about new friends, favorite activities, and the food at Camp is absolutely OK. Just remember, it’s not an interrogation.

When they return, ask the right questions about their time at Camp: Once we finally have face time with our children after Camp, that’s the time to grill them with questions, right? Not exactly. You will be well rested and eager to spend every one moment with them, but your camper will be tired. Let them get their rest.

Give them space to reminiscence and share with you as memories from the summer reemerge. When these opportunities do come up, take the chance to laugh with them and begin preparing for a return to their “happy place” that will continue to provide them the growth and development you hoped it would.

— Aaron Cantor, Camp Director

LEARN MORE: 412-697-3550

6 FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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Calendar Calendar: Continued from page 6

TUESDAY, FEB. 26 Kollel Jewish Learning Center will hold A Taste of Purim, for women only, at 7:30 p.m. at 5808 Beacon St. There is a $15 suggested donation. Contact Tamar at tgans@ kollelpittsburgh.org for more information.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27 The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh will present a program on Israel’s Upcoming Elections: A Reflection on Society and Politics from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with Israeli expert Dr. Meir Elran, a senior research fellow and the head of three research programs on the domestic security challenges in Israel at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) of Tel Aviv University. Elran is also the founder and head of the master’s program for National Security at the department of Public Policy at Sapir Academic College. The former Brigade General is currently a visiting professor with the University of Chicago through a grant of the Israel Institute. Contact Marlene Layton at mlayton@jfedpgh.org or 412-9925247 or visit jewishpgh.org/event/discussion-with-drmeir-elran for more information.

THURSDAY, FEB. 28 Moishe House will hold game night from 7 to 9 p.m. Whether you long for the days of Pinball and Pac Man, or you prefer a quiet round of Go Fish, Victory Pointe is the place for you. Come to the house at 6:15 p.m. for rides or meet at Victory Pointe, 1113 E. Carson St. at 7 p.m. Contact moishehousepgh@ gmail.com for more information. Moishe House events are intended for young adults, ages 22-32.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 JCC Big Night University, the 13th annual Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh’s fundraiser, will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Proceeds benefit the JCC Annual Fund.

Visit jccpgh.org/donate-support-jcc/bignight-2019 for more information.

SUNDAY, MARCH 3 Join the Youth Department and the Beth Shalom Men’s Club to watch the Pitt Women’s Basketball Team vs. Louisville, at 1:45 p.m. at the Petersen Events Center, 3719 Terrace Street. Cost is $5, with tickets to be paid for and picked up in advance at Beth Shalom. RSVP by February 8 to Marissa Tait at youthdirector@bethshalompgh.org.

Chabad of the South Hills will hold its annual Jewish Comedy Night to bring time to laugh, heal and remember, at 7 p.m. at the Music Hall at the Carnegie Free Library, 300 Beechwood Ave. in Carnegie. The evening features Sarge a singer, comedian and piano savant. Enjoy wine, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The charge is $25 for the early bird special, which includes priority reserved seating, and $36 without. For more information and to RSVP visit chabadsh.com or mussie@chabadsh.com or 412-344-2424.

MONDAY, MARCH 4 Beth El will host the fifth evening of the

Speaker Series with Rabbi Danny Schiff discussing Israel’s Nation State Law, A Loving Critique at 7 p.m. The series is free and starts with a wine and cheese reception. Visit bethelcong.org to make a reservation.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 Jewish Family and Community Services will host a program to remember and honor the victims, survivors and first responders of October 27, 2018. San Francisco artist Rabbi Me'irah Iliinsky will present framed prints of her painting, “The Tree of Life is Weeping,” to representatives of Tree of Life*Or L'Simcha, New Light and Dor Hadash congregations and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Prints will also be presented to the victims' families, to the survivors and to the injured police officers. The original framed painting will be presented to JFCS in recognition of its continuing caring support of the Jewish community. Rabbis and representatives of the three congregations and Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert will be participating.

Attendance is by invitation only.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Shalom Pittsburgh Parents will have a night out at Games N’ At, located at 2010 Josephine St., South Side. Play throwback video games like Super Mario Brothers, Donkey Kong and PAC-MAN. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., $10 per person includes one-hour unlimited play plus wine, beer and corkage fees. The facility is open until 1 a.m. Visit jewishpgh.org/event/parents-night-out for more information.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Temple Emanuel of South Hills will hold Bagel Bites: Sunday Brunch at 10:30 a.m. at 1250 Bower Hill Road with Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Foundation Scholar Rabbi Danny Schiff. The program is free and open to the community. Visit templeemanuelpgh.org/ event/bagel-bites-brunch to RSVP. Children ages 3-12 are invited to an afternoon of pre-Purim fun, from 1 to 2:15 p.m. at Chabad of Squirrel Hill, 1700 Beechwood Blvd. Children will bake festive hamantashen to take home and to donate and will enjoy a special ventriloquist/puppet show following the baking activity. The cost is $10 per child; reservations are required by March 7 at chabadpgh.com/kidscooking.

The New Community Chevra Kadisha of Greater Pittsburgh will hold its 14th annual Adar 7 dinner. The kosher dinner will be held at Temple Sinai. San Francisco artist Rabbi Me'irah Iliinsky will present her illustrated book, “Mapping the Journey: The Mourner and the Soul.” A commemoration to honor the memory of Jerry Rabinowitz, z"l, a longtime member of NCCK, will be observed.

To conclude the program, Iliinsky will honor NCCK by presenting its members with her painting, “The Tree of Life is Weeping.” The painting will be housed on a rotation basis in the homes of members.

MONDAY, MARCH 11 Beth El Congregation’s monthly lunch program with Rabbi Alex Greenbaum will include guest Edd Hale discussing “The Great Castle Shannon Bank Robbery,” based on research of court documents, period newspapers and an eyewitness interview.

Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. and the lecture starts at

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TUESDAY, MARCH 19 Ashton Applewhite, a voice in an emerging movement dedicated to dismantling ageism and making age a criterion for diversity, will be the Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures speaker at 7 p.m. at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave. There is a $10 charge. Applewhite is the author of “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism.” Visit pittsburghlectures.org/lectures/ashton-applewhite for more information.

noon. There is a $6 charge. Call 412-561-1168 to make a reservation.

Beth El Congregation will host the final evening of the Winter Speaker Series with Dr. Karen Wolk Feinstein at 7 p.m. She will discuss “What is Jewish Healthcare and how do you build a foundation around it?” This evening is free and starts with a wine and cheese reception. Visit bethelcong.org to make a reservation.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 Women are invited to an afternoon of food for body, mind and soul at Chabad of Squirrel Hill’s ladies’ lunch and learn from noon to 1:15 p.m. with lunch and a lesson on the Kabbalah of time presented by Leah Herman at 1700 Beechwood Blvd. The cost is $18; reservations must be made by March 12 at chabadpgh.com/lunch.

“Ten Matchboxes” will be performed from 7 to 8 p.m. at Rodef Shalom Congregation.

A poor teacher, 10 empty matchboxes and the ability we all have to use our imagination is the setting for Janusz Korczak’s story of decency, honor and the acceptance of each other’s differences. Israeli actor and teaching artist Amichai Pardo of the Orna Porat Theater will star in this performance, which is suitable for ages 8 and up. The performance is sponsored by Classrooms Without Borders. There is no charge. Visit classroomswithoutborders.org/events/show. php?216 for more information.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14 Chabad of Squirrel Hill will host a Loaves of Love event for women from 7 to 9 p.m. at 1700 Beechwood Blvd. Amy Weiss will lead participants in challah-making, and Sue Berman will demonstrate Purim challah shapes. The cost is $10; reservations are

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

required by March 12 at chabadpgh.com/lol.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 Beth El Congregation will hold a Casino Night from 7:30 to 11 p.m., starting with dinner and live music followed by games. The cost is $40 per person. Enjoy a 50/50 raffle, prizes and silent auction. Visit bethelcong.org or call 412-561-1168 by March 10 to RSVP and for more information.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19 Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Security Director Brad Orsini will provide hands-on training from UPMC trauma surgeons from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign and callto-action intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. There is no charge. Visit jewishpgh.org/event/stop-the-bleed-training for more information and to register.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 Chabad of Pittsburgh will hold Purim Fest at Dave & Buster’s at the Waterfront from 5 to 8 p.m. and will include the Megillah reading, arcade and dinner. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children. Visit chabadpgh.com/ purimfest for more information and to RSVP.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Shalom Pittsburgh of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh will hold its Young Adult Purim Party at 8 p.m. Visit shalompittsburgh.org/event/jfed-youngadult-purim-party for more information and to RSVP. PJC

FEBRUARY 22, 2019 7

Headlines Ilhan Omar — and her opponents — are raising money off her AIPAC tweet scandal — NATIONAL —

By Ben Sales | JTA

W

hat do Ilhan Omar, AIPAC, the Forward and the ZOA have in common?

They’re all using the same controversy to ask for your money.

For those who haven’t been on the internet recently, here’s a recap: Omar, a Minnesota Democratic congresswoman, tweeted that politicians were being paid to be pro-Israel.

Batya Ungar-Sargon, the opinion editor at the Forward, wondered who, exactly, Omar thought was paying the politicians.

Omar’s response: “AIPAC!” That would be the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a major pro-Israel lobby.

Politicians on both sides of the aisle denounced the freshman lawmaker’s tweets as an echo of anti-Semitic stereotypes involving Jewish money and power. She apologized. Then President Donald Trump called on Omar to resign.

And now the controversy has led to fundraising on all sides.

The Zionist Organization of America sent out a pitch saying it “does not accept her recent

phony apologies since she has continued her ugly anti-Semitic statements.” Omar appealed to people who considered Trump’s intervention hypocritical after his and other racially charged comments by Republicans.

The Forward, whose opinion editor’s challenge helped spark the controversy, called on donors to help a legacy Jewish newspaper hold politicians to account. AIPAC said Omar’s actions were examples of how Israel is under attack and urged supporters to “renew your commitment to this important work today by clicking here,” offering suggested dollar amounts.

The AIPAC appeal appeared in an email.

“On Sunday, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar invoked old anti-Semitic stereotypes with tweets suggesting that the U.S. government supports Israel only because of Jewish money,” the lobby’s email said, according to media reports. “She has also said that AIPAC pays politicians to be pro-Israel. Aside from being offensive, divisive and ill-informed, the congresswoman’s assertions are plain wrong.”

Some who shared the email said the request for money served as an ironic confirmation of Omar’s point, expressed in her apology for the AIPAC tweet, about the “problematic role of lobbyists in our politics.”

But AIPAC has noted that it does “not rate,

endorse or direct funds to candidates,” and said in a statement on Omar’s tweet, “Our work is the best manifestation of American democracy: the ability to petition our government and advocate directly for the policies, principles and values important to us.”

Omar also urged her followers to help her pursue the policies, principles and values they share in a fundraising message titled “Trump wants me to resign.”

“After their failed midterm strategy of tying Democrats to Nancy Pelosi, their desperation has given birth to a new plan: smearing women of color as radical, anti-Semitic, or crazy,” the email read, referring to Republican groups. “Running on racism may have worked for Trump in 2016, but it’s not going to work in 2020, as long as we all stick together and support one another.”

The email went on to reference times when Trump was accused of supporting bigotry, including in 2017, when he said there were “very fine people” on both sides of a standoff in Charlottesville, Va., between white supremacists and their protesters.

“Donate now to send a message to those who want to smear our movement and silence our voices,” the Omar email said.

In her apology, Omar had written that “AntiSemitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish

 Ilhan Omar sent a fundraising email titled “Trump wants me to resign.”

Art courtesy of Getty Images

allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes.”

The Forward wouldn’t be the first publication to capitalize on a scoop or story it generated, and in a fundraising letter Wednesday titled “Battling the new anti-Semitism,” it said that Ungar-Sargon “sparked a major conversation early this week when she called out a congresswoman for her blatant anti-Semitism.”

The fundraising letter offered a blunter reading of the controversy than the opinion pages that Ungar-Sargon edits, which included a range of views on whether or Please see Tweet, page 17

IS JUDEOPHOBIA THE NEW FREE SPEECH? On March 18, 2019, experts in their fields will sit down and discuss hate speech, BDS, and censorship within the context of the Free Speech Clause. It will be followed by an audience Q&A and reception.

This Symposium on Anti-Semitism and the First Amendment will take place in Duquesne University’s Union Ballroom. It is free and open to the public. Registration through the eventbrite website is appreciated, but tickets are not necessary.

March 18th@6:30pm

8 FEBRUARY 22, 2019

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

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Headlines British Jewish leader’s talk with Hungarian official on anti-Semitism deteriorates into an email clash — WORLD —

By Cnaan Liphshiz | JTA

T

he top political representative of British Jewry, Marie van der Zyl, had a tough talk this month with a senior Hungarian official about anti-Semitism in his country.

It’s been a recurring theme in recent years: Many see anti-Semitic tropes in Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s public vilification of the left-leaning billionaire George Soros, and some claim that his government is encouraging Holocaust revisionism. That’s all in addition to the broadly troubling harassment of anti-Orban dissidents in Budapest and the government’s efforts to curb independent discourse throughout the country.

Van der Zyl thought the chat with Secretary of State Vince Szalay-Bobrovniczky went well, calling it a “respectful and honest dialogue.� “We were clear that while it might be legitimate to have a range of opinions about the causes supported by George Soros, some of the language used against Mr. Soros by Prime Minister Orban and others, whether intentionally or not, represent the oldest

ď °â€‚ Marie van der Zyl, the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, attends a 2018 interfaith event in London.

Photo courtesy of the Board of Deputies of British Jews

antisemitic tropes and this has to stop,� van der Zyl’s group, the British Board of Deputies — by far the most internationally engaged national Jewish group in Europe — posted

in the statement. “We said that a clear test on the Hungarian Government’s good-will on the subject of the history of the Holocaust will be whether the new museum, the House

of Fates, can command the support of the mainstream Hungarian Jewish community.�

Please see Clash, page 17

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Where would you turn?

Heating bill is unusually high …

Roof is leaking and MUST be replaced …

Wondering how to pay for unexpected expenses, repairs, utility bills?

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

“Once the unifying factor in the Arab world was the hatred towards Israel. Today they are concerned about the citizens.”

— WORLD — From JTA reports

Kushner: Middle East peace plan will be revealed after Israel’s April elections Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner said the Trump administration’s Middle East peace plan will be presented after Israel’s national elections in April.

Kushner, who is President Donald Trump’s Jewish son-in-law, announced the timing for the rollout of the peace plan during a closed-door session in Warsaw, Poland, as part of an international conference co-sponsored by the Polish and U.S. governments called the “Ministerial to Promote a Future of Peace and Security in the Middle East.”

Kushner is leading a U.S. peace process team that also includes Jason Greenblatt and David Friedman, the U.S. ambassador to Israel.

He reportedly also said that both Israel and the Palestinians will have to compromise under the plan, which has been in process since early in the Trump administration. Kushner said the parties involved in the peace plan must “keep an open mind.”

Kushner did not reveal any details of the plan during his briefing, The Associated Press reported, citing an unnamed diplomat who was in the room for the presentation.

“We hear Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Israel and we understand that there is a chance,” Kushner said, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Trump picks anti-Semitism envoy after 2 years with post empty President Donald Trump named a Los Angeles prosecutor to be the State Department’s envoy for anti-Semitism, filling a post that sat empty for two years despite protests from lawmakers and Jewish groups.

Elan Carr, 50, is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq and was national president of the Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi. “We eagerly look forward to working with Carr, as his office combats rising anti-Semitism, generated from the far right, the far left, and Islamist extremists, and abetted by the ubiquitous nature of social media,” David Harris, the American Jewish Committee CEO, said in a statement.

Carr immediately plunged into his work, heading to a conference on anti-Semitism in Bratislava organized by Slovakia, which currently holds the chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and then a European Union conference on anti-Semitism in Brussels. He has met or planned meetings with predecessors from both Republican and Democratic administrations.

Carr was president of the fraternity from 2012 to 2014. He was a member while attending the University of California, Berkeley, and Northwestern University. PJC

This week in Israeli history

Empty Bowls Dinner

Feb. 25, 1994 — Muslims massacred in Hebron

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

Feb. 22, 1914 — Technion chooses Hebrew After protests, the board of directors of the under-construction Technikum in Haifa decides that the language of instruction at the technical college will be Hebrew, reversing an October decision to teach in German. The reversal leads to the new name, Technion.

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Two seating times: 1-3:30 P.M. Q 4-6:00 P.M. Rodef Shalom Q 4905 Fifth Avenue Q Oakland $20 in advance Q $25 at the door The annual Empty Bowls dinner serves up a simple meal of soup and bread as a reminder that too many people throughout our region are facing hunger with “empty bowls”. The event features artisan pottery for guests to take home, soups from local restaurants, children’s activities and an auction featuring artwork.

Purchase tickets at pittsburghfoodbank.org – click on Get Involved, Featured Events.

10 FEBRUARY 22, 2019

Headlines

Feb. 23, 1965 — ‘Sallah Shabbati’ nominated The Israeli movie industry has its first Oscar nominee when “Sallah Shabbati” receives an Academy Award nomination for best foreign language film. Although the movie does not win — the Oscar goes to Italy’s “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” — it does bring home a pair of Golden Globes, including one for star Topol.

Feb. 24, 1942 — Struma sunk by Soviets A Soviet submarine sinks the refugee transport SS Struma in the Black Sea in the mistaken belief that it is an enemy ship. Only one of the 769 Jewish refugees survives. A converted cattle transport, the ship originated in Constanta, Romania, and stopped at Istanbul, where the refugees were denied visas to Palestine or entry to Turkey.

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Kach member Baruch Goldstein fatally shoots 30 Muslims worshipping at the Mosque of Abraham on the site of the Cave of Machpelah and wounds 125 others before being beaten to death at the holy site in Hebron.

Feb. 26, 1973 — Kissinger, Ismail secretly meet In the second day of secret meetings in Armonk, N.Y., Egyptian National Security Adviser Hafez Ismail tells his U.S. counterpart, Henry Kissinger, that Egypt is willing to negotiate directly with Israel through a U.S.-mediated, step-by-step process that trades territory for normalized relations.

Feb. 27, 1928 — Ariel Sharon born Ariel Sharon, Israel’s 11th prime minister, is born Ariel Scheinerman in K’far Malal, near Hod Hasharon, to parents who made aliyah before World War I. Feb. 28, 1955 — Raid conducted in Gaza Approximately 50 Israeli paratroopers carry out a raid against an Egyptian military camp in Gaza as a reprisal for repeated attacks by Palestinian militants against Israeli civilians. Eight Israeli soldiers and 39 Egyptians are killed in the raid, called Operation Black Arrow. PJC

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Headlines A national Jewish group says community relations are in crisis — NATIONAL —

By Ron Kampeas | JTA

W

ASHINGTON — An increase in anti-Semitism, an intensification of anti-Israel activity and decades of neglect have created a crisis in the Jewish community relations field, according to the umbrella group for Jewish public policy organizations, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

In reports published last week at its annual Washington meeting, the group urged a radical shift among its constituent Jewish community relations councils, which advocate for Jewish issues on behalf of the Jewish community at the local level.

The shift would mean engaging with other ethnic and civic groups and more assertively including Jewish voices in broader conversations about bias, Israel and a range of other issues where Jewish communities have led in the past.

The JCPA wants constituents to contribute toward nearly doubling its existing budget with hopes of training a new cadre of Jewish outreach officials across the country.

“The Jewish community does not have the network of relationships it did with other communities and leaders it did 30 or 40 years ago,” David Brown, the co-chairman

 David Brown speaks at the annual conference of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs in Washington, D.C., in February. Brown co-chaired a committee examining the Jewish community relations field.

Photo by Risdon Photo

of a JCPA task force that spent a year presenting the report, said Sunday. “We absolutely need them.”

Brown also referred to reports of a rise in anti-Semitic attacks and an increase in anti-Israel activity on campuses.

“It’s become politically OK to say things that were certainly amped down for a

generation or two,” he said.

The four-day annual conference, which ran from Saturday to Tuesday, drew some 250 professionals and volunteers. The sessions reflected the range of policy issues being dealt with at the local level by CRCs, often in coalitions, including criminal justice reform, immigration, #MeToo, the social

safety net and the boycott Israel movement.

The report undergirding Brown’s remarks, and a panel after he delivered them, painted a dire picture of the decline of the prominence of the Jewish voice in such issues. It blamed a number of factors, including the widening divide between Israel and the Diaspora, the disenchantment of millennials with the norms of their elders, and the difficulties inherent in an essentially liberal U.S. Jewish community grappling with the emergence of anti-Semitism on the left as well as the right.

The reports identified the decline of the Jewish community relations council. Such councils flourished in the years following World War II when the devastation an ocean away spurred American Jewish leaders to create a system that sought to include Jews at the forefront of framing public policy.

Its success can be seen in the preeminence of Jews in the civil rights movement, the proliferation of Jewish lawmakers and the fact that Americans remain overwhelmingly pro-Israel.

That success ate its own, one of the several reports released at the conference posits: “Following the Oslo Process,” the peace talks Israel and the Palestinians launched in 1993, “and the resolution of the plight of Soviet Jewry, areas of the community relations field experienced a decline.”

Please see JCPA, page 17

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019 11

Life & Culture Jeff Tweedy on his Jewish conversion, the next Wilco album and why he loves his synagogue

By Stephen Silver | JTA

S

ince the dawn of rock ‘n’ roll, there have been quite a few rock stars with Jewish heritage. To name a few: Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Gene Simmons, Lenny Kravitz, Geddy Lee and — depending on the decade — Bob Dylan.

But how many have openly gushed about their synagogue, their sons’ bar mitzvahs and their favorite rabbis?

In 2013, Jeff Tweedy — the longtime frontman of the acclaimed Grammywinning band Wilco, as well as its folk rock predecessor Uncle Tupelo and a couple of other side projects — converted to Judaism, following a promise to his son made around the time of his bar mitzvah.

Late last year, the 51-year-old Tweedy released both his first solo album, titled “WARM,” and a memoir, “Let’s Go (So We Can Get Back).” The book is funny at times, and heavy at others, covering the author’s musical triumphs, his battles with prescription drug addiction, his professional divorces from Uncle Tupelo’s Jay Farrar and Wilco’s Jay Bennett, along with the deaths of his mother and father.

Near its end, the book briefly touches on Tweedy’s conversion, and he has opened up about his newfound Jewish identity in recent interviews promoting the book and the very Wilco-ish new album (which he calls complementary to each other). Tweedy, who grew up in Belleville, Ill. (Wilco is based in Chicago), was not raised Jewish, but his wife and sons were.

“Sammy, our younger son, was struggling quite a bit with the [bar mitzvah] process, and kind of begging to not to be forced to go to Hebrew school,” Tweedy told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “But it was important to us, and important to his mother.”

So Tweedy presented a heartwarming idea to the head rabbi of the family’s synagogue, the Reform Congregation Emanuel on Chicago’s North Side, to “alleviate some of [Sammy’s] kvetching”: Tweedy would go to temple each week with Sammy, and study to convert to Judaism while Sammy was working on his Torah portion.

“It seemed to work. He ended up getting bar mitzvahed and I ended up converting,” Tweedy said.

Rabbi Michael Zedek performed the conversion, but during the process, Tweedy got to know Rabbi Herman Schaalman, who was his synagogue’s rabbi emeritus and continued to assist with ceremonies into his 90s.

“He spoke at Spencer’s bar mitzvah, and we had had lots of contact with him at our temple, before he retired and even after he retired he spent a lot of time there,” Tweedy said. “So he played a role in the kids’

interest in Judaism and I’m a deep admirer of his theology.”

Schaalman, who passed away at the age of 100 in 2017, was a legendary figure in the Reform movement. A native of Munich, Germany, he was one of five rabbis Leo Baeck brought to the U.S. in 1935 to study at Hebrew Union College. A leader in the movement for much of the 20th century, Schaalman went public toward the end of his life about having changed the ways he felt

world that’s trying to integrate religious beliefs and secular beliefs.”

The conversion process also required Tweedy to partake in a certain painful traditional ritual. He didn’t go over his circumcision story again in detail, but as he told NPR’s “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me” show last year, it involved a storage closet at his temple, a black operating bag and a mohel who afterward told him that his sons were big fans.

Tweedy described the synagogue as a

collaborating at the time, to sing at his younger son’s ceremony. He said the “pretty liberal” Reform environment leaves plenty of room for music (especially folk music) to be integrated into prayer. The synagogue also boasts a “semiprofessional” klezmer group called the Ham-It-Up Band.

“There’s a lot of free-wheeling and spontaneous music that happens there, that I imagine isn’t typical of a more regimented congregation,” he noted.

In his book, Tweedy talks about how one of the first songs he ever loved as a kid was The Byrds’ “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” a 1960s folk/ pop song whose lyrics were adapted almost entirely from The Book of Ecclesiastes by Pete Seeger. Some synagogues even use the song as part of their Rosh Hashanah services.

On his new album, a song called “Let’s Go Rain” references “Noah’s flood” and includes the lyric “Now once upon a time I was a Christian.” Later it states: “Oh I should build a wooden ark/wouldn’t you rather live on an ocean of guitars?”

“ There’s a lot of freewheeling [in

”

synagogue].

— JEFF TWEEDY

 Jeff Tweedy performing in Byron Bay, Australia, March 24, 2016.

Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

about his faith, which included questioning his belief in God. “I was really moved by that. A lot of people’s views … on religion and things like that tend to calcify as people get older,” Tweedy said of Schaalman. “And his thinking was so nimble right up until the end that it allowed him to basically come up with a theology where it wasn’t pessimistic, it was more like ‘we don’t need a lot of [God] to be good,’ and I thought that was kind of an inspiring message for a

place where he’s simply known as “the father of Spencer and Sammy,” not a celebrity.

“You eventually blend in as a parent, and a citizen,” Tweedy said of the synagogue. “My experience with the temple, I think, has been pretty typical of most people’s. It’s just another wonderful group of supportive people.”

Tweedy sang at both of his sons’ bar mitzvahs, and he even brought along Mavis Staples, with whom he had been

The book and album, Tweedy explained, are the product of Wilco taking time off for various reasons.

“The book was mostly because I’d been presented with an opportunity to do it and I wasn’t confident that I would get that opportunity again, so it felt like a challenge to see if I could put together something that was interesting, to share with everybody,” he said.

But the songwriter is getting back to his main band very soon. The group announced some tour dates through the summer (including at an annual festival the band created in 2010, Solid Sound, held in North Adams, Mass.) and fall, which will likely continue into next year.

Tweedy also said that the band has started planning their 11th studio album, something he hasn’t confirmed elsewhere yet.

In the meantime, Tweedy’s solo tour starts up again Feb. 27 in Iowa City, Iowa, and continues through April 18. He makes an appearance in Pittsburgh on April 4. PJC

w w w. p i t t s b u r g h j e w i s h c h r o n i c l e . o r g 12 FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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Life & Culture Internist joins fellow physicians to play in Israel

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

T

here is more than one way to reach the heart, as evidenced by nearly 100 physician-musicians who traveled to Israel last week to perform, fundraise and fraternize. Members of the delegation, which included Deborah Tabas — an internist and violinist who has practiced medicine at UPMC for 20 years — belong to World Doctors Orchestra, an organization founded in 2008.

“This was my fourth time playing with World Doctors Orchestra. The other three times I went, I did events that were in the United States,” said Tabas, now back in Pittsburgh.

Part of the appeal in venturing to the Jewish state is “I’ve never traveled overseas to play my music before. I’ve traveled within the United States — playing in Cleveland, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco — but to go to Israel I knew would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to play my music and I was very excited to do that,” she said.

Between Feb. 3 and 7, the orchestra performed benefit concerts in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Proceeds from donations and ticket sales supported Save a Child’s Heart, an organization that provides pediatric cardiac care and training for medical professionals.

Since its founding in 1995, the organization has saved the lives of nearly 5,000 children diagnosed with heart disease.

For more than two decades, the organization, which operates out of the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel, has welcomed children from across the globe.

Similarly, in that span, nearly 150 medical professionals have received training through the organization.

In 2018, Save a Child’s Heart was awarded the United Nations Population Award.

According to Haaretz, of the nearly 5,000 children who have received surgical care

Along with aiding a good cause, participating in World Doctors Orchestra enables physicians to meet like-minded adults.

“I sat next to a man who’s an internal medicine doctor from South Africa. He was on my left. On my right was a psychologist from Australia. Our concertmaster is a violinist from Vancouver who is a cosmetic dermatologist, and I could go down the list and tell you all the accomplished people who are both musicians and physicians who have become members of the orchestra,” said Tabas.

“So to take our breaks together and spend time chatting and learning about each other, and about where they’re from, and what their medical practice is and what their musical practice is, how many kids they have, it was just a wonderful experience.”

Tabas began playing violin in the fourth grade. As she got older, her school years and summers revolved around music. In high school and college, she continued playing and eventually served as concertmaster in Hofstra University’s orchestra before attending medical school at the University of Pittsburgh.

“I had a lot of experience playing music growing up,” she said. “Then, when you become an adult and have a different career other than music, it takes you away from those opportunities.”

In Pittsburgh, through programs and private lessons, Tabas has continued playing. Performing in Israel was something else entirely.

“Playing in Israel was very, very special,” explained Tabas. “You know, Israel is somewhere that you hear about since you’re a young kid being Jewish and growing up in a Conservative synagogue. You always say the prayers ‘next year in Jerusalem’ and you always smile. You never know if you’re going to get there.”

For Tabas, this was her third time visiting the Jewish state.

 Dr. Deborah Tabas says her trip to Israel was the pinnacle of her revived musical career.

Photo provided by Deborah Tabas

Like those who volunteer for Save a Child’s Heart, members of the World Doctors Orchestra paid their own way.

from the organization, “more than 2,000 [were] from the West Bank and Gaza Strip and 300 from Iraq and Syria.”

Like those who volunteer for Save a Child’s Heart, members of the World Doctors Orchestra paid their own way.

“All the doctors, we pay our own way and we give a donation so none of the money that is raised for the charity, none of it goes to pay for the doctors’ detail,” said Tabas.

“I went there after college and again 10 years ago when my second son had his bar mitzvah,” she said. Going there as a family “was a wonderful experience but now this time was new because I was able to play my music there and was able to meet more people through my music, and that really made it very special.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019 13

Opinion There’s good news, too — EDITORIAL —

I

f you have been reading this newspaper — or any other Jewish media — the last several months, you have no doubt seen dozens of stories reporting an alarming uptick in anti-Semitism in Europe, across the United States and, as we all know too well, in Squirrel Hill.

The news is depressing, scary and confusing.

Take a look at recent headlines. As has been the cycle throughout Jewish history, there still are those who hate us and those who want to see us harmed, or even eliminated. The anti-Jewish rhetoric and violence can come from the political far left or the far right or from Islamic militants. It comes from white supremacists as well as those calling for the end of the Jewish state

— and even from some of our politicians — spouting age-old conspiracy theories.

But despite what easily could be viewed as an ominous trend, it would be a mistake to allow anti-Semitism to define us, or to allow the battle against it shape our present and future identity. To do so would be counter to the very essence of Judaism, ignoring the richness and vibrancy of our culture, our religion and our people.

Here’s some good news: In Pittsburgh, our day schools are flourishing and our next generation is absorbing the lifeblood of Judaism. Earlier this month, more than 600 guests turned out to Zimriah, Community Day School’s biennial Hebrew song and dance festival, where students learned the music and choreography to Hebrew songs.

Our local college students are more engaged than ever, infusing Jewish values and education into their programming at

our Hillel Jewish University Center. The impact on these young adults is so significant that our Hillel was recognized recently at the Hillel International Global Assembly.

Inclusion Shabbat was observed by many local congregations on Feb. 9, with guest speakers and programming focusing on ways to ensure our communal tent is equipped to accommodate all of us, including those with physical and psychological disabilities. As a community, we are becoming more sensitive and generous.

Chabad is hosting lunches for our senior citizens, providing them with camaraderie as well as nourishment. Moishe House is organizing Jewish programming for post-college age adults on a weekly basis.

Adult learning is flourishing at congregations around the city, including Beth El Congregation of the South Hills, which has been attracting large crowds for its Monday

night speaker series.

We hope you didn’t miss these stories and photos and calendar entries that also have filled our pages in recent weeks. The commitment to continuity, the celebrations and the spirit of Jewish Pittsburgh is thriving.

In her new book “Antisemitism Here and Now,” after describing anti-Semitism in its many current incarnations, Holocaust scholar Deborah Lipstadt concludes with a chapter called “Oy vs. Joy: Rejecting Victimhood.” It is critical to Jewish survival, she writes, to “celebrate the good in the face of the bad.”

The Chronicle pledges to continue to do just that. While we are committed to reporting the news even when it is bad, look to us as well for the joy.

The joy may be more important now than ever. PJC

Pro-Israel money is influential, but are we Jews the only ones allowed to say it?

Guest Columnist Joel Rubin

R

ep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) recently made comments about American support for Israel widely regarded as anti-Semitic. She appropriately apologized within 24 hours for those comments under an avalanche of broad condemnation, including from her own party’s leadership.

This is because when Omar, who is Muslim, argued on Twitter that U.S. policy towards Israel was “all about the Benjamins,” and followed up by saying that “AIPAC” was behind it, she struck a nerve. We Jews are uncomfortable with saying that we use our money for power and influence. There’s deep historic anti-Semitism tied up in that idea.

After her apology, Omar continued on with her work on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The House of

Representatives then voted to condemn anti-Semitism. And Republicans, who overplayed their hand by calling for Omar to leave Congress, forgot that many of their leaders also traffic in white nationalist tropes against Jews, leading to partisan blowback.

So, it was a typical week in Washington in the era of President Donald Trump: an outrageous tweet followed by widespread bipartisan condemnation, a media frenzy, then partisan finger pointing, and finally, mercifully, moving on. But what did we learn?

For participants in the Omar controversy, condemnation was the easy part.

Criticizing her proclamation that Jewish money and lobbying controls the pro-Israel agenda on Capitol Hill is the low hanging fruit of condemnations — easy to rebuke with minimal cost to the critic.

But pro-Israel money and lobbying is real. We Jews often say it to ourselves. The pro-Israel community uses its lobbying and financial muscle to convince lawmakers to support Israel. The numbers bear this out, and the data isn’t hard to find.

So, it was a typical week in Washington in the era of President Donald Trump: an outrageous tweet followed by widespread bipartisan condemnation, a media frenzy, then partisan finger pointing, and finally, mercifully, moving on. But what did we learn?

14 FEBRUARY 22, 2019

So is the problem with Omar the fact that this was said in public by someone who’s not Jewish?

As an American Jew who loves Israel, including having lived there for more than a year of my life, it’s easy for me to care about Israel. But what about members of Congress who have zero personal connection to Israel? What makes their connection so deep?

It’s a time-tested truism that politicians care most about what their supporters — both voters and donors — care most about. For pro-Israel Americans, dominated by Jews and the Christian right, the number of voters impacting elections is limited; it’s high in a small number of districts (New York, Florida, Ohio) and dispersed throughout the country. But when it comes to donors — and lobbyists — financial influence knows no hard geographic boundaries.

According to Open Secrets, the preeminent public website tracking money in politics, “pro-Israel” lobbying was the sixth largest single-issue lobbying industry in 2018, with just more than $5 million spent — an all-time high. Among its two largest organizations spanning the ideological spectrum, AIPAC spent $3.5 million while J Street spent $300,000 on lobbying.

In terms of campaign finance, pro-Israel political action committees donated just less than $15 million directly to candidates in 2018, making it their largest non-presidential cycle ever and their third biggest overall. JStreetPAC gave the most money — more than $4 million — with the remaining $10 million plus in donations doled out by a variety of groups often associated with but not formally linked to AIPAC. Interestingly, 63 percent of the donations went to Democrats and 37 percent to Republicans, demonstrating that pro-Israel supporters are staunchly Democratic.

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In short, there is a lot of money and lobbying muscle supporting Israel. This is not something to apologize for, and apparently, neither AIPAC nor J Street do, as they both vocally boast of their political power to their supporters in order to demonstrate their value as organizations.

For example, on its website, AIPAC brags about attracting “more than two-thirds of Congress” and “more than 18,000 pro-Israel Americans” to its annual DC Policy Conference. Meanwhile, J Street boasts of attracting “thousands of pro-Israel, pro-peace leaders and advocates” to its national conference in order to “send a strong message to Congress.” It also highlights how “hundreds of activists” go to Capitol Hill during the conference to “directly lobby your members of Congress on vital legislative issues.”

The pro-Israel lobby isn’t shy about its power, reach and influence. It crows about it. As an American Jew who cares about Israel, I’m thrilled to see my fellow citizens taking such an active, politically valuable role in shaping U.S. policy toward Israel and the Middle East.

Therefore, to deny the impact that these organizations have on Congress and the policymaking process would be to deny AIPAC, J Street and other pro-Israel organizations’ own public words. Bluntly, if pro-Israel organizations didn’t have an impact, they would disappear. But they don’t. Instead, they thrive.

So perhaps the redline that Ilhan Omar crossed wasn’t that she thought that pro-Israel money and lobbying influences American policy towards Israel. Perhaps her real sin was that she, as a Muslim, had the chutzpah to say it. PJC Native Pittsburgher Joel Rubin is a former deputy assistant secretary of state in the Obama administration and a council member in the Town of Chevy Chase, Md.

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Opinion The era of ‘never again’ is ending Guest Columnist Eric Rozenman

F

ilmmaker Steven Spielberg told NBC News he thinks society must take the possibility of genocide more seriously now that it has in the past generation. In an interview marking the 25th anniversary of “Schindler’s List,” Spielberg referred to the massacre at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue and warned than “hate leading to genocide is as possible today as it was during the Holocaust.”

He was behind the curve. The era of “never again” is ending in Western Europe, fading in North America and never penetrated the Middle East. Relentless demonization of the Jewish state renormalizes demonization of Jewish people.

Examples of post-Nazi genocide and attempted genocide abound, including Muslim Indonesia’s seizure of largely Christian East Timor, the auto-genocide perpetrated by Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge, suppression of southern Sudan’s Christian and animist Darfur region by the government of the Muslim north, the murder of much of Rwanda’s Tutsi minority by the Hutu majority and today’s oppression by Myanmar’s Buddhist majority of its Rohingya Muslim minority.

Two post-Holocaust mass murders of Jews already have been attempted.

In 1948, five invading Arab countries committed to the destruction of the fledgling Jewish state. The United States no sooner became the first nation to recognize Israel than it slapped an arms embargo on the region.

Though intended to diminish general tensions, in practice the move undercut Israel, since the other side continued to receive British arms and advice.

In 1967, Israel preempted a potentially overwhelming attack by Egyptian, Syrian and Jordanian forces mobilized on its border.

Afterward, the philosopher Eric Hoffer noted that “had [Egyptian President Gamal Abdel] Nasser triumphed … he would have wiped Israel off the map and no one would have lifted a finger to save the Jews.”

Today, Iran builds ballistic missiles and seeks to develop nuclear warheads for them, functionally asserting that “the Holocaust never happened and we intend to finish it.” The European Union, smarting at American insistence that it re-impose economic sanctions on Tehran at the expense of trade, has sought a way around potential penalties.

Nazism obsessed over racially inferior Jews destroying the German people. The accused Pittsburgh murderer fantasized that pro-immigration Jews threatened “his people.” The

man charged with mailing letter bombs to prominent Americans reportedly wanted “to go back to Hitler times.” The U.S. “alt-right” — also described as the “alt-reich” — imagines the Israeli tail wags the American dog.

Not entirely dissimilar, leaders of the Women’s March movement demand that Jewish activists check their white privilege and apologize for the Jews’ racist suppression of black and brown people.

From medieval allegations of “Christ killers” to contemporary indictments of Jews as killers of Palestinian Arabs, those who portray Jews and the Jewish state as demonic — as Louis Farrakhan did yet again shortly after Pittsburgh — serve to reopen “the Jewish question.” As in, what shall be done with this never quite assimilated, always stubborn people?

Infinitely adaptable, ever-enduring Jew hatred — today regressing to its pre-Auschwitz mean through the gateway drug of anti-Zionism — retains its eternal answer: the elimination of Judaism and those who proclaim it. Among polite circles, like those who insist they are never anti-Semitic, “only anti-Zionist,” marginalization and social-cultural re-ghettoization will be sufficient.

The original ethical monotheism, with its damned “thou shalls” and “thou shall nots,” contradicts the West’s increasing secular fundamentalism just as it called into question Christianity and then Islam’s claims to supersession. Including this small chosen people with their tiny promised land in that now-you-see-it, now-you-don’t multicultural rainbow remains one diversity too many.

The Holocaust must be understood not only as an event halted by the Allies’ defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 but also as a process interrupted. As the survivor and author Primo Levi put it, “It happened, and therefore, it can happen again. This is the core of what we have to say.” The words are inscribed at the entrance to Berlin’s Holocaust memorial.

Twenty percent of French respondents between 18 and 34 tell CNN they’ve never heard of the Holocaust. So does a similar proportion in the United States. A Labor Party unit in northern Britain rejected a proposed resolution condemning the Pittsburgh murders because there’s too much talk of “anti-Semitism this, anti-Semitism that.”

Today the spread of neo-Nazism anti-Zionist anti-Semitism makes continued war against, and potential genocide of the majority of the world’s Jews — that is, those living in Israel — a renewed possibility. PJC

— LETTERS — Seminary seeks to clarify its position “The Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has long been accused of facilitating anti-Israel sentiment,” read the caption in a recent article regarding an event held on our campus (“Racial Justice Summit provides platform for anti-Jewish rhetoric,” Feb. 8). We are saddened that this perception persists and write to clarify our position.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary intentionally welcomes onto our campus organizations with many diverging viewpoints. Indeed, we aspire to be a location at which difficult — even painful — conversations can take place.

Working with our brothers and sisters of other faith traditions, we uphold the values that bind us together — respect for and welcoming of all God’s children.

The Seminary community recognizes that if we are going to be one Pittsburgh, everyone must listen and everyone must be heard. We aspire to model the kind of dialogue we want our students to have when divergent political and theological viewpoints arise. In this time in our country, respectful disagreement is especially urgent. Love of neighbor does not always mean agreeing; but it does require honoring others’ humanity.

“Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is our partner in providing honest conversation — at times conflicting conversation. Together we seek to build bridges to create understanding,” said Tim Stevens, founder of the Black and White Reunion and member of the Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit Coordinating Committee. “We want truth from all perspectives to be heard, listened to, and appreciated. The Summit provides the opportunity for the full airing of all voices on what have been difficult conversations for decades and beyond.”

Pittsburgh Seminary unequivocally rejects all forms of hate speech, racism and egregious activities that will harm others in any way.

Following the abhorrent violence at the Tree of Life synagogue, we made this statement in support of all Jewish people: “We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. This act of violent anti-Semitism is horrific and inexcusable. In the days ahead, we will seek opportunities to join in public expressions of grief and unity. In the meantime, we offer our prayers that God’s peace will overcome division, love overcome fear, and that the better angels of our nature will prevail — here in Pittsburgh, across

America, and around the world.”

We continue to affirm that statement of solidarity, and continue to commit to support, dialogue with, and learn alongside our Jewish neighbors for the sake of God’s shalom in our community.

David Esterline President, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Corporate money is the problem

I am glad that Rep. Ilhan Omar has apologized for suggesting that America’s pro-Israel policies are the product of campaign contributions (“Freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar says AIPAC pays politicians to be pro-Israel,” Feb. 15).

After Tree of Life, I feel even more of an obligation to speak out against the stereotypes of anti-Semitism and to help with a public discussion that is productive, civil and serious.

Along with many of my colleagues who support pro-Israel legislation to combat the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, I run my political campaigns largely dependent on small donors. The average individual donation to my campaign last year was around $30.

I don’t take corporate PAC money and I strongly support campaign finance reform to counter the effects of the Citizens United decision.

What I have learned since I got to Congress is that what supports the Citizens United decision — which permits unlimited corporate campaign contributions — is the same false doctrine that would permit corporations to discriminate against Israel. That is the doctrine that corporations are people and that money is speech; and, therefore, that the government is just as powerless to prevent corporate discrimination against Israel as it is to prevent corporations from flooding our airwaves with political commercials.

But doctrines can change, and if we work together, we will show why so many of us support both Israel and campaign finance reform. We will protect free debate in our democracy, we will ensure that our markets remain free and fair, and we will prevent corporations from unfairly discriminating against our Israeli allies. We must get this done because we care about American democracy for all Americans. Money has nothing do to with it.

Conor Lamb U.S. representative, 17th District

Eric Rozenman is the author of “Jews Make the Best Demons: ‘Palestine’ and the Jewish Question.” He is a former Washington director of the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America.

We invite you to submit letters for publication. Letters must include name, address and daytime phone number; addresses and phone numbers will not be published. Letters may not exceed 500 words and may be edited for length and clarity; they cannot be returned.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019 15

Headlines Snowbirds: Continued from page 1

Pittsburgh (Ellen worked as the Federation’s marketing director for several years), the Rotemans come to the annual snowbird event to support the Federation.

“We come because of the great work the Federation does, particularly this year,” said Michael Roteman, referencing the Federation’s efforts in the aftermath of the Tree of Life massacre. The Rotemans were in Florida on Oct. 27, and “felt separated from our community.”

The Feb. 14 gathering was the first opportunity to reconnect with Jewish Pittsburgh and to thank Federation staffers for “the tremendous work they did during those trying times. We feel we are home with these people,” Roteman said.

For many, the annual event is all about friendship.

Ralph Liebstein and his wife, Arlene Levy, who have a home in Sarasota, have made it a point to come to the Foundation event for the last three years.

“My wife likes to meet old friends and stay in touch with the Pittsburgh Jewish community,” Liebstein said.

This year saw a “record-breaking” attendance at both Florida programs, according to Sharon Perelman, the Foundation’s associate director and director of planned giving.

She attributed the larger numbers to the inclusion of Weiss as a featured speaker.

Weiss, 34, is the daughter of Pittsburghers Amy and Lou Weiss. She grew up in Squirrel Hill and attended Community Day School. After graduating from Columbia University, she was the news and politics editor at Tablet magazine, then

Teens: Continued from page 1

the two faith groups. Women who take part enjoy social interaction, engaging together in social justice projects and providing support for one another in times of need. Recently, the SOSS has expanded the program to high school girls with the creation of several teen chapters around the country, including the one here led by Akhtar and Rothstein.

“The Pittsburgh girls are great leaders,” said Annette Rotter, board chair of teen engagement at the national level of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom and co-leader of the chapter in Westchester, N.Y. Each chapter is led by a Muslim girl and a Jewish girl, with up to 20 teens in eighth to 12th grade in each group, equally divided among Muslims and Jews, said Rotter. The chapter is encouraged to recruit girls in lower grades as well as upper grades so that the chapter can be sustained once its current leaders graduate and move on to other endeavors.

While there typically are other opportunities for a wider breadth of interfaith engagement available to teens in many cities, the SOSS is specifically for Muslims and Jews, Rotter explained.

“The theme of this particular model is to take these two groups that have been 16 FEBRUARY 22, 2019

 Journalist Bari Weiss listens to a question being posed by Federation Scholar Danny Schiff.

Photo by Toby Tabachnick

immediately lethal” than anti-Semitism coming from the far right, it could be “more of an existential threat.”

Far-right anti-Semitism, she said, is often perpetrated by outcast loners, while leftwing anti-Semitism is typically “focused on Israel” and espoused by people with otherwise progressive values.

A recurring position on the far-left suggests that “Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, deserves to be wiped off the map,” Weiss said, adding that “anti-Zionism needs to be confronted for what it is: an elimination strategy for the Jewish people.”

Since the founding of the State of Israel, she said, “I don’t think anti-Zionism is a moral position.”

That Weiss is a free-thinker, colorful, untethered and refuses to toe the line on either the Republican or Democratic platform became evident when she moved onto other issues. She proffered her thoughts on gun control (she is in favor of repealing the Second Amendment) as well as what she topically referred to as “Jeff Bezos’ penis,” calling for a day of amnesty, where everyone is free to sext without concern of being publicly shamed.

Speaking to a hometown crowd which included her parents and her grandmother was particularly meaningful to Weiss.

“I have been traveling the country doing lots of lectures about anti-Semitism and Israel,” she said prior to the event, “but nothing is as special as speaking to a group of Pittsburghers, especially when one of those Pittsburghers is my grandmother, [Andy Weiss].” PJC

worked at The Wall Street Journal before moving to the Times. Her politics cannot easily be pigeonholed, as she criticizes the left and the right alike, and her opinions are often controversial. She has been a recurrent guest on the HBO talk show “Real Time with Bill Maher.” She describes herself as a Zionist and frequently speaks out against anti-Semitism.

Some in attendance came to the event specifically to hear Weiss speak, with the social aspect of the program taking a back seat.

“I’m here because of Bari speaking,” said David Glosser, a Johnstown native who has lived in Sarasota for 24 years. “Bari has a very realistic perspective on being able to cut through the chaff on some of the politicized

issues with Israel.”

The crowd listened raptly as Schiff and Weiss discussed several aspects of 21st century anti-Semitism, gun control and even sexting — all prefaced by the explicit caveat that “nothing we say is endorsed by the Federation or the Foundation,” Schiff said.

Weiss criticized President Donald Trump for trafficking in conspiracy-minded thinking that enables anti-Semitism — “opening the gates to the barbarians on the right,” she said — but stressed that she was also concerned with the “systemic anti-Semitism smuggled into the mainstream in the guise of progressive values.”

While the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel is “less

historically pitted against each other, but have lots of similarities,” she said. “We are showcasing the bridge building.”

The chapters meet monthly, generally in members’ homes. Activities are usually social to start, allowing the girls to share meals and get to know each other. They then focus on social action, with each chapter deciding what types of projects to pursue.

“Their mission is working together, fighting against hatred and bigotry, growing out of friendships and the close connections that develop,” Rotter said.

In Pittsburgh, following the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue building, Akhtar and Rothstein spoke together at the Bend the Arc protest against President Donald Trump’s visit.

“The two of us spoke to show that was what Pittsburgh stood for, bonds between different communities and different people,” Akhtar said.

Launched in September, the group Akhtar and Rothstein formed already has 14 members from a variety of schools, including Ellis, Winchester Thurston, Gateway High School and CAPA. After spending their first few meetings getting to know each other, they are now focusing on “community outreach,” including to a Syrian Muslim refugee teen girl who was attacked in the restroom at

Chartiers Valley High School. A video of the attack was posted on social media and went viral. The girls are hoping to find “a better high school situation for her,” said Rothstein, and “a sisterhood, so she knows she has community here.”

Both articulate and bright, Rothstein and Akhtar are effusive about their fondness and respect for one another, which feeds their passion for their shared goals.

“Aniya is really, really  Aniya Akhtar and Simone Rothstein funny, and so smart,” Photo by Toby Tabachnick Rothstein said. “She challenges me to think critically, and she is a really loving person. She is their new teen chapter of the SOSS a success.

“When you are around these girls, you always there for me, and we help each other can’t believe the intensity of their relationbecome better people.”

“We balance each other out,” said Akhtar. ship to one another,” she said. “This is not “Simone is the only person I can tell literally an intellectual exercise, but a relationship. everything to. Sometimes I just call her and These girls are capable of making an impact leave voicemails telling her I love her. She in society.” PJC is a good soul.”

Rotter is convinced Akhtar’s and Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachRothstein’s energy and sincerity will make nick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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

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Headlines Hate: Continued from page 5

humanity. And I refuse to give up my faith in humanity,” echoed Michaelis.

Myers, Manning, Kaleka, the Rev. Paul Abernathy and Wasi Mohamed, former executive director of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, shared a panel with Esther Bush, the Urban League of Pittsburgh’s president and CEO. Also there was Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who invoked

not reward the politicians and the so called leaders who appeal to tribal instincts and to the lowest common denominator.”

Mohammed encouraged people to look to historical fissures as a way to heal the past. More effort must be made to understand how slavery, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II truly shifted communal narratives, he said.

Abernathy, who directs FOCUS Pittsburgh and pastors St. Moses Orthodox Christian Mission, agreed.

“ It is not your responsibility to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist

”

from it.

— JOSH SHAPIRO, QUOTING RABBI TARFON the Mishnaic teaching of Rabbi Tarfon: “It is not your responsibility to finish the work,” he said, “but neither are you free to desist from it.”

“I believe that is my calling to public service, to do my part to get off the sidelines, get in the game and make a difference,” said Shapiro. “And so I would say to you, no matter what faith you are, no matter what your background is, you come here tonight, those words I think, apply to all of us. We each have a responsibility to do our part, and so yes, if you see something, say something, and let us collectively encourage others to turn down the temperature of our rhetoric,

“We can perhaps imagine, or perhaps not, what it was to labor in those cotton fields of the South, to be beaten, to be torn apart from your family, to be ridiculed, to be deprived of every good thing,” said Abernathy. “We can imagine perhaps not what it must have been like, but I will tell you that if we read the slave narratives and we familiarize ourselves with that spirituality, we can see that even though they were persecuted in that particular time they were free.” PJC

Clash:

interfere with yours,” Szalay-Bobrovniczky wrote. “You do not have the slightest respect for Hungary.”

In a reply, van der Zyl called the Labour assertion “bizarre” and encouraged SzalayBobrovniczky to have his team factcheck the issue.

Van der Zyl’s original statement about the meeting with Szalay-Bobrovniczky did reference some of the positive steps that Hungary has taken in regard to the fight against anti-Semitism, such as advancing the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of that form of racism.

But the statement did not note recent changes in the Hungarian penal code that introduced new tools to punish anti-Semites, or the fact that violent attacks on Jews are much rarer in Hungary than they are in Britain. Hungary’s Jewish community of 100,000, relatively large for Europe, is one of the continent’s safest thanks in part to the government’s efforts to keep it that way.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also has cultivated close ties with Orban in recent years, and taken some hits for it.

In her closing statement, van der Zyl tried to patch things up.

“Again, I urge the Hungarian Government to take heed of our clear but constructive comments,” she wrote, “to ensure that the international reputation of Hungary can once again be of a country that treats Hungarian Jews and other minorities with the equal dignity and respect that we must all want for everyone.” PJC

Continued from page 9

(The development and rollout of the museum has been hampered by infighting between Hungary’s two main Jewish federations — one that has the blessing of Orban’s government and one that has criticized the involvement of right-wing historian Maria Schmidt, who has been accused of distorting Holocaust history. The museum was planned to cover the period of 1938 to 1948, but anti-Jewish laws were passed as early as 1920 in Hungary.)

But within days of publishing the release, the dialogue between van der Zyl and Szalay-Bobrovniczky deteriorated over email. Van der Zyl then took an unprecedented step for the Board of Deputies and publicly published an exchange of emails without the Hungarian official’s permission.

In one letter to van der Zyl, SzalayBobrovniczky said “it is misleading from you to say that we had a respectful and honest conversation. You were everything but respectful and honest.” In response to talks about the threatened demise of the Aurora alternative Jewish community center, he said that the building was not actually a Jewish community center and “has not been closed.”

He also accused van der Zyl, an outspoken critic of the U.K. Labour Party over its own anti-Semitism problem, of “whitewashing” the party’s issues.

“With due respect, please mind your own business and we will equally not

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

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Tweet: Continued from page 8

not Omar was trafficking in anti-Semitism.

They included op-eds with headlines like “Ilhan Omar Is Not Anti-Semitic. She’s An Anti-Imperialist”; “Ilhan Omar Shouldn’t Apologize. Her Critics Should”; “The Democrats Have A Jewish Problem”; and from Ungar-Sargon herself, “Ilhan Omar Tweeted Something Anti-Semitic. Again.”

The email also incorrectly identified Omar as a congresswoman from Michigan instead of Minnesota. In addition to being another Midwestern state beginning with the letters “Mi,” Michigan is home to the other freshman Muslim congresswoman, Rashida Tlaib. The Forward corrected the email an hour later, but it was too late for some denizens of Jewish Twitter — and progressive Jews in particular, who castigated the leftleaning paper for the email and perhaps confusing Omar and Tlaib.

Like most nonprofits, Jewish organizations regularly fundraise off events that touch on their business, some taking more credit than others.

Although the current Omar controversy was sparked by a round of tweets among Omar, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) (the House minority leader and former majority leader, who threatened “action” against Omar), Ungar-Sargon and Glenn Greenwald of The Intercept news site, the Zionist Organization of America took credit for “exposing” Omar.

“By now you may have heard how the ZOA and its President Mort Klein exposed

JCPA: Continued from page 11

“The U.S. Jewish community shifted its focus to internal challenges of Jewish education and identity with the belief that peace could be achieved, anti-Semitism was declining, and oppressed Jewish communities were now free,” it continues. “Although some community relations organizations and initiatives in larger communities flourished, much of the field lost resources and attention from the U.S. Jewish community.”

Josh Sayles, director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Community Relations Council, illustrated the importance of robust funding by referencing his organization’s quick organizing of a response showing solidarity from other religious and cultural groups in the wake of the Oct. 27 attack on the Tree of Life synagogue building.

“The strength of our CRC made the ability to respond 10 tiems easier,” he said. “The relationships that we’d built through a strong CRC really shined at that difficult time, and I think it showed our Jewish Federation just how important it is to invest in community relations.”

Community relations councils in major cities remain robust, JCPA officials said, but among the 125 affiliated with the umbrella, many are staffed by one person or manned by volunteers.

That creates a vacuum, said Gidi Grinstein, the founder of Reut, the Israelbased strategy think tank that issued one the

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Rep. Ilhan Omar for the vile, anti-Semitic and Israel hatred that she has spewed,” a Feb. 13 fundraising email from ZOA said.

The email said that ZOA leaders “were there first” on Jan. 16 when they called on Omar to be removed from the House Foreign Affairs Committee in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (while also misspelling her name as “Ihlan”). That same day, Omar appeared on CNN and defended her 2012 tweet in which she accused Israel of “evil doings” and said that nation had “hypnotized the world.”

The American Jewish Committee, another major Jewish group that advocates for Israel, didn’t take credit for being part of the controversy. But AJC did note, in a fundraising email Thursday, that it brought a delegation of highschool students to lobby on Capitol Hill as the scandal was unfolding — and that the students called on officials to condemn Omar’s statement.

“And shortly after meeting with the group, several members issued condemnations of Omar’s remarks,” the email said. “They didn’t do it because of Jewish money; they did it because our young leaders made the compelling case that silence in the face of anti-Semitism was not an option.”

The Omar controversy was a fundraising opportunity for anti-Zionist groups as well.

In a fundraising email Thursday, Jewish Voice for Peace said the attack on Omar reflected anti-Semitism “being cheapened as it is weaponized to suppress and deny important political realities.” JVP said Omar was “attacked for speaking the truth,” along with other people of color who have criticized Israel.

Its email included a “Donate Now” button. PJC reports. When crises demand responses, like the controversy over the Woman’s March, or a movement to counter perceived police discrimination, Jewish voices are lacking.

At the annual meeting, and at a board meeting last month, the JCPA lay and professional leadership launched a pitch based on the Reut report to donors and constituent community relations councils to raise $1.6 million — almost doubling its existing $1.8 million budget — to hire officials to make up for the gap. Part of the plan would be to make the larger and more robust councils hubs that would assist the smaller ones in their regions.

In the reports, and at the conference, JCPA officials acknowledged two additional obstacles to reviving a robust Jewish presence in community affairs: an Israeli government that has trended rightward, and with its actions has alienated liberals, and the disruptive politics of the moment.

There was much talk at the conference of the need to broaden the capacity for criticism of Israel while continuing to delegitimize calls to bring an end to Israel as a Jewish state.

Melanie Gorelick, JCPA’s senior vice president, said the JCPA would have to make the case to the disaffected that the best arena to advance favored policies, in a Jewish setting, was the local JCRC. “We are the only organizations that come together and tackle day-to-day issues” with the right and the left at the table, she said. PJC Jared Foretek, a staff writer for Washington Jewish Week, contributed to this article.

FEBRUARY 22, 2019 17

Headlines Blee: Continued from page 3

its central idea,” she explained. The final component of this catch-all classification is a series of intertwined groups under the “alt-right” umbrella operating primarily in cyberspace.

“Since the 1940s, anti-Semitism is at the core of these groups,” Blee stated. Their members believe racial tensions exist because of manipulative Jews who operate above whites and non-whites.

Blee explained that right-wing extremists share a belief that whites are superior to other races; deny the Holocaust in public while privately taking glory in its history; see Jews as conspiratorial and elitist; have a deep fear of race suicide caused by declining birth rate and demographic shifts; view immigrants as an invasionary force; and believe in and promote the idea of race wars. These groups can be nationalistic as well, but “while they can be in favor of America first, they hate the federal government and see it as being controlled

by Jewish elites.”

The members of these groups operate in a world “a lot more complicated than we often think and what the media tells us,” said Blee.

People joining these groups aren’t particularly anti-Semitic or racist before becoming members, but they discover these ideas after getting pulled in by acquaintances, friends or recruiters. Fear is the motivating force, she said.

While right-wing extremist groups operate in a culture of violence, members aren’t violent before joining. Blee explained that “in this world you learn that there are people to be feared and that violence is possible. That combination with a sense of urgency in stopping those groups can move people to catastrophic ends.”

Members often come from middle class backgrounds, dispelling the belief that all right-wing extremists are marginalized members of society. Rather, members’ lives are “changed dramatically,” getting tattoos, losing friends and family and becoming the stereotype portrayed in the media.

Blee said that these groups are more fragile and porous than previously believed. People leave for a variety of reasons but often it is because a member’s personal life no longer

Torah makes sense in the context of the group or because they have made friends with people targeted by these groups.

While members leave, they often maintain their racist beliefs before deradicalizing, remaining vulnerable to relapse.

Interestingly, many people change their minds and deradicalize but stay in the groups, stuck for a variety of reasons.

Understanding these groups can help detect and stop violent white supremacists, according to Blee. She highlighted several strategies used to combat the recruitment of new members, including developments in the world of technology.

Moonshot CVE (Countering Violent Extremism), a Google startup, is one such tool. It works to disrupt and ultimately end violent extremism through Google ads, digital redirection of search engine results and counter messaging campaigns.

Blee concluded her talk by discussing what can be done to combat right-wing extremist groups. She said it was important to be aware of how hate groups recruit new members, such as the use of flyers, music and parties.

She stressed the importance of not circulating propaganda on social media left by these groups and recommended supporting the work done by organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Congregation Dor Hadash Presidentelect Donna Coufal framed Blee’s lecture in the wake of the Oct. 27 terrorist attack at the Tree of Life synagogue building: “There is a certain irony to having Kathy speak to us today,” she said. “Only a year-and-a-half ago she gave a talk to Dor Hadash members on white supremacists and racist hate groups. We were all fascinated and asked many questions.

“The links to anti-Semitism were disturbing and thought-provoking, but I for one never thought that such a short time later, Dr. Blee would be standing here talking to a much larger group, all of us touched by an act of hatred.”

Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha member Austin Shifrin was pleased to hear Blee’s lecture, saying she was an “excellent speaker and very well versed. I’m glad Dor Hadash was able to present this program.” He concluded by saying that it was “reassuring to have an academic come in with facts.” PJC

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Tick tock, goes the clock

By Rabbi Daniel Wasserman Parshat Ki Tissa Exodus 30:11-34:35

P

arshat Ki Tissa is one of the many places in the Torah that discusses marking time. The Torah tells us again of the six days of weekly activity, followed by the seventh day, Shabbat, a day of holiness when those actions cease. That is immediately followed by an event that is all too familiar.

There always has been, and always will be, a guy in the back of the shul, complaining about davening starting late or the rabbi being late, because his watch is the only one that has the correct time. Because at the base of Mount Sinai he, or they, did not mark time correctly (they did not realize

A proper treatment of this phenomenon is beyond the space allotted for these few sentences, but suffice it to say that this system, the extended year which happens seven times in every 19 years, is what keeps our lunar calendar attuned to the natural solar calendar and its season. It allows the Jewish holidays to always be in the proper seasons and at the right time.

In general, Adar observances are observed in the second Adar, the month prior to Nissan (the month of Pesach). There is an interesting exception with respect to a yahrtzeit, which many observe in the first Adar or in both months of Adar. Another interesting quirk of the extended year is this: If a boy is born this week — let’s say his name is Sam and he is born on Thursday, the 16th of Adar I (Feb. 21, 2019) — and another boy is born three weeks later — let’s say his name is Joe and he is born on Thursday, the seventh of Adar II (March 14, 2019) — in 2032 the boys

Shouldn’t we be dressing up and reading the Megillah, and starting to clean for Pesach? that the 40 days that Moshe Rabbeinu was to be on top of the mountain started from the day after he ascended), they got everyone worked up, and the next thing you know, it all falls apart and we have a golden calf being worshiped.

This week provided us with another interesting issue regarding how we mark time with the Jewish calendar: Did you feel that tug and hear that voice in the back of your head? It is just over two months since Chanukah ended. It is one month since Tu B’Shvat. Isn’t there something we should be doing? Shouldn’t we be dressing up and reading the Megillah, and starting to clean for Pesach?

The calendar says it is Adar. There is even a notation in the calendar box for Tuesday, right after the notation for President’s Day. Something about Purim Katan — “Little Purim.” And that is when we realize that the Jewish way of marking time recognizes this year as a shanah m’uberet, an extended year that has not 12 months, but rather 13 months, with two months of Adar.

will become Bar Mitzvah in a regular year, with one month of Adar. The two months (Adar I and Adar II) will be superimposed one upon the other. Therefore, Joe will be a Bar Mitzvah on the seventh of Adar (Feb. 19, 2032), and Sam will be a Bar Mitzvah on the 16th of Adar (Feb. 28, 2032). That is, Sam will be a Bar Mitzvah nine days later than Joe even though Sam was actually born three weeks before Joe. You may want to use this extra month to learn more about the Jewish calendar. At the same time, it is not a bad idea to use the extra month and to start cleaning for Pesach this week anyway. I started shopping for Pesach a number of weeks ago, I put in an initial matzah order this morning, and I plan to start the basement rooms very soon.

Shabbat Shalom. PJC Rabbi Daniel Wasserman is rabbi of Shaare Torah Congregation and president of Gesher HaChaim Jewish Burial Society. This column is a service of the Vaad HaRabbanim of Greater Pittsburgh.

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

ANGERMAN: Nancy Hertz Angerman, of Shadyside, passed away on February 10, 2019. Beloved husband Ronald of 60 years; cherished mother of Michael Angerman (Michele Godwin) of Corvallis, Oregon, and Iris (Dr. Laurence) Friedman; grandmother of Elizabeth and David Friedman; sister of Harriet Hirshberg (late Robert) of Phoenix, Arizona. Born in Squirrel Hill to Harry and Ida Hertz, Nancy graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in education and taught in the McKeesport School District before working as the unofficial strategy director of R & J Furniture in McKeesport, assisting Ronald lead his business for 47 years. Nancy raised her family and was involved in numerous charitable endeavors: the American Cancer Society, Ladies Hospital Aid Society and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. Nancy and Ronald traveled around the world and saw life’s wonders. Nancy enjoyed playing tennis, golf and bridge, attending Pittsburgh Symphony concerts, Osher classes and World Affairs Council lectures.

She loved visiting museums, especially the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Nancy spent winters in Florida with Ronald. Her family will especially miss her funny stories from her everyday adventures. Most of all, however, Nancy loved spending time with her family who will miss her dearly.

Memorial contributions may be made to Howard Levin Clubhouse or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com BERNFELD: Martin Bernfeld passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 9, 2019.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Tovah Bernfeld. Martin is survived by his siblings, Lawrence and Bunny Bernfeld, and his children, Tamar and Jonathan Bernfeld.

He has five grandchildren, Angela, Adam, Alexis, Amaya and Simone, who called him “Grandpa Eggy.” His youngest grandchildren will cherish the memories of pancake breakfasts with Grandpa Eggy at Eat’n Park in Squirrel Hill, sugar rushes at Dunkin Donuts and his spoiling them with presents from Kidz and Company.

Martin was a lifelong Squirrel Hill resident, a fixture upstreet with his headphones and Giant Eagle bag, stopping for a lottery ticket at the newsstand and a coffee from Coffee Tree. In his earlier years he was well known in town as Martin Solomon, the R&B singer whose voice could lift you from your seat and transcend your spirit. He was a member of numerous bands over the years including Gypsy, King Solomon, and Martin Solomon and the Hurricanes. The word “fan” does not capture Martin’s love and obsession with the Pittsburgh Steelers; he was a walking encyclopedia of Steelers’ facts and stats. Martin will be remembered for an incredible sense of humor. He lived for the perfectly timed and delivered punch line. Soul music, Steelers football, good jokes and most of all updates about his grandchildren brought Martin true joy. A few years back, attending a Maceo Parker concert with his eldest daughter, he commented that when he passed he wanted Parker’s famous line on his gravestone. So here is to Martin: “2% Jazz,

In memory of...

A gift from ...

In memory of...

98% funky stuff.” A memorial service was held at Riverview Towers. Arrangements entrusted to the Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com

Anonymous ............................................... Edna Foster

Howard M. Louik ................................Matthew Marcus

Marc Bilder ........................................... Sophia Meyers

Janice E. Mankin ...................................Marci L. Sulkin

Bernard & Marilyn Caplan .................... Arlene S. Apter

Beverly Marks ........................................ Sam Schwartz

Patricia Cohen ......................................... Jennie Fisher

Susan Melnick ................................ Julius Jakob Maas

Lois S. Crone .................................. Benjamin B. Crone

Linda Rattner Nunn ..............................Samuel Rattner

BLUM: Eleanor Blum on Sunday, February 17, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Max Blum; beloved mother of Jeffrey S. Blum and Richard D. (Lynne Berry) Blum; sister of Francis Levin and Beatrice Parnes; grandmother of Adi J. (Shireen) Blum, Mehera S. Blum and Hannah Blum; great grandmother of Darien Blum and Cyrus Blum. Services and interment were private.

Contributions may be made to Temple Sinai, 5505 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Arrangements entrusted to the Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. www.schugar.com

Joseph A. Finkelpearl .................... Maurice Finkelpearl

Marlene Taylor O’Connor........................ William Taylor

Sharon Light Greenfield........................... Eugene Light

Jack & Phyllis Ochs ........................ Steven Levin Ochs

Sara D. Harris ......................................... Joseph Harris

Evelyn Rebb .................................... Isadore Winerman

Audrey Hatfield ........................................Bertha Lieber

Norman S. Rosenfeld ...............................Henry Dentel

Robert L. Katz ..............................................Yolan Katz

Florence & Caryn Rosenthal ........... Louis S. Rosenthal

Jan & Edward Korenman ................. Isadore Winerman

Neil I. Smolar ....................................Joseph Rosenthal

Sarah Glick ................................................... Max Glick

Bernice Spokane ...................................... Louis Cohen

Aaron M. Kress .....................................Gary Lee Kress

Mitchell Toig ................................................ Harry Levy

COHEN: Isabel “Pat” Cohen on Sunday, February 17, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Nathan B. Cohen.

Beloved mother of Kevin (Lisa) Cohen, Shawn Cohen, Erin Cohen (James) Loughner and Robert (Jodi) Cohen. Sister of Betty Smyth and the late James (late Doris) Paterson. Grandma of Benjamin Ely, Caitlin Loughner, Adam Cohen, Autumn Cohen and Daphne Cohen and Richard Paterson. Aunt of Elizabeth Smyth, Patty Smyth-McEnroe, James Paterson, Mikelle Terson and Richard Paterson. Also survived by many other family members and adoring cast of a thousand.

Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Workman Circle Branch #45 Cemetery. Contributions may be made to The Alzheimers Association, 1100 Liberty Avenue, Suite E 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. schugar.com

THIS WEEK’S YAHRZEITS — Sunday February 24: Frieda Alper, Yetta Browarsky, Mollie Chaimovitz, Nathan H. Gross, Ethel Miller, Hattie H. Rapoport, Jacob M. Rose, Rose Roth, Harry Scott, Ruth Stern, Joseph Zinner Monday February 25: Morris J. Bialer, Estelle H. Braver, Frank R. Cohen, Anne S. Debroff, Ike Diamond, Pearl M. Feinberg, William Fried, Rebecca Friedberg, Nathan Glosser, Sadie C. Heller, Sophie Hersh, Leonard B. Jacobson, Lena Kaufman, Samuel Linetsky, Payce Lipkind, Joseph M. Orringer, Florence Schorin, Leonard L. Schugar, Leonard Schwartz, Hyman Shalansky, Elvin Teitelbaum, Isaac Weis Tuesday February 26: Samuel L. Alpern, Leo Gitelman, Harry Greenwald, Jacob L. Gropper, Morris Klein, Earl Lebovitz, Sam Lewinter, Carl Lieberman, Harry Margolis, Fannie Melnick, Abe Miller, Sally Miller, Ethel Bodek Rogers, Freda Rosenthall, Clara Saltman, Max Samuels, Manuel Wikes, George Wintner Wednesday February 27: Sidney Bilder, Henry Bloch, Bailie Anna Cohn, Sedalia Ekker, Clara Goldhammer, Frances H. Gordon, Joseph Greenwald, Hyman L. Hausman, Lily June Kanarek, Abe Kirshenbaum, Edward Lewis, Jack Sarbin, Hannah Rae Shapira, Henry Weinberger, Samuel N. Whiteman, Joseph Wilkofsky, Manuel Zapler Thursday February 28: Fay Seiner Cohen, Robert Davis, Edna Foster, Herman Frank, Mollie Gutkind, Carl Katz, Lena Brodie Lebovitz, Dora Leiber, Gershen Liepack, Harold Meyers, T/Sgt. Sherwyn W. Meyers, Paula Ruth Mitchel, Esther Rider, Isaac Rosenberg, A. Max Schmuckler, Lena G. Schwartz, Jack Isadore Slomoff, Paul Tabor Friday March 1: Joanne Brodell Alpern, Marvin Berman, Matilda Helfgott Brand, Benjamin B. Crone, Rabbi Abraham Feinberg, Jennie Fisher, Esther Gottlieb, Joseph Harris, Yolan Katz, Sadie Klein, Kathryn Levenson, Lena Levinson, Dr. Herman Meyers, Mischa Mueller, Oscar Paris, William Rosen, Sarah Rothstein, Jennie Schoen, Frank Shapiro, Eugene Silverman, Isadore Smalley, Sarah Verbin, Esther Wolovitz Saturday March 2: Gertrude Alpern, Grace Bahm, Samuel Barres, Ruth Becker, Fannie Friedman, Mary Gordon, Audrey Brown Green, Edward J. Levine, Matthew Marcus, Herbert Meyers, Emanuel Morris, Herbert Rothman, Bernard Beryl Sirota, Rosalind C. Solomon, Dora Wilson, Samuel Yanks, Harry Ziff

FRIEDMAN: Jacob D. Friedman, on Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Beloved husband of the late Edith K. Friedman; beloved father of Alan Friedman and Robert and Jennifer Friedman; grandfather of Zachary Aaron Friedman and Taryn Ada Friedman. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Graveside service and interment were held at Beth Abraham Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to a charity of donor’s choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. family owned and operated. schugar.com GOLDSTEIN: Ruth (Rosenfield) Goldstein, on Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Wife of the late David Goldstein; Beloved daughter of the late Solomon and Bessie Rosenfield; loving mother of Ronna Goldstein (Paul Ashton); dear grammy to Josh (Kristin) Schindler, Heidi Schindler, Bee Schindler (Caitlin Garrity) and Alia-Betsy (Usman) Khan; great-grandma Ruth to Khaleb Schindler, Isaac, Stella, Jack and Talal. Born in 1924, Ruth was the last surviving of eight siblings. For all of her days, Ruth

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Obituaries Obituaries: Continued from page 19

was a youthful spirit; she loved to laugh and always went at her own pace. As our family matriarch, Ruth was an example of love, grace and style. Graveside service and interment were held at Cneseth Israel Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer Disease Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Montefiore, Four West, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com K A P L A N : Judge Lawrence W. Kaplan of Oakland, age 90, passed away on Monday, February 18, 2019, in the company of his beloved wife of 66 years, Natalie.

He leaves behind a legacy of dedicated public service and community leadership, culminating in 30 years as a judge in the Family Division of the county’s Court of Common Pleas. Judge Lawrence was a man of wisdom, integrity, a keen sense of humor that everyone loved. Son of the late Dr. Edward and Libby Kaplan and brother to the late David Kaplan, Larry was the devoted father of Thomas Ross (Pamela) Kaplan, Ellen Teri Kaplan (Michael) Goldstein and Jon Adler

Kaplan, and he treasured his grandchildren Samantha, Sydney, and Matthew, as well as his granddaughter-in-law-to-be, Samantha.

Larry warmly embraced his wife’s family and will be dearly missed by the Adler clan: brother-in-law extraordinaire Dr. Lawrence Adler, nephews Jason (Mandee) and Aaron (Lauren), and great-nieces Rebecca, Sara Pearl, Langley, and Roxanna. He is also mourned by nephew and great-nephew Paul (Stacey) Kaplan and Drew Kaplan. Born and raised in Uniontown, Larry graduated from Uniontown High School, earned his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, and received his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He was an Army lieutenant, serving as a Judge Advocate General officer in the Pentagon for three years. He began his legal career in Pittsburgh as a bank trust officer and then joined the law firm of Kaufman and Harris, where he remained as partner for 22 years. Judge Kaplan was appointed to the bench through the merit selection process in 1978 by Governor Milton Shapp. He was elected to a 10-year term in 1979, retained for another term in 1989, and became nationally recognized for his judicial expertise in domestic relations law. The judge took particular pride in his work to promote mediation for conflict resolution and his efforts on behalf of children. It was at his urging and with the help of his wife that the local chapter of National Council of Jewish Women established the Children’s Rooms in the Courts, providing children whose parents or guardians were tied up in judicial proceedings with a safe haven removed from the difficulties of the

courtroom. The Allegheny County Bar Association recognized his achievements in the area of mediation by creating an annual lecture series in his honor. After assuming Senior Judge status in 1998, Larry remained on the bench until required to retire in 2008.

He then continued to use his legal skills to help families by joining Rothman Gordon as part of the law firm’s alternative dispute resolution practice group. His leadership positions, professional associations, distinguished awards and community activities were simply too numerous to list here, and they reflected his keen interest in the law, social justice, his neighborhood, the city at large and the Jewish community. He was also quite the song-and-dance man and made many appearances singing onstage with various organizations. Services at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue (at Morewood) on Friday, February 22, 2019, at 11 a.m. Visitation one and one half hour prior to services (9:30 - 11 a.m.).

Interment West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Contributions may be made to Carriage House Children’s Center Scholarship Fund, 5604 Solway Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, 2000 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 or Alph House, 435 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated.

Manuel and Anne Meritzer; cherished brother of Fran (Alton) Jolly; beloved uncle of Tamara and Sarah Jolly. Richard worked for the City of Pittsburgh for over 30 years, most recently as the ADA coordinator. He was a longtime member of Rodef Shalom and Bet Tikvah Congregations. Richard will be deeply missed by his many dear friends, co-workers and those in the disability community. Services were held at Rodef Shalom Congregation. Interment in the Green Section of West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com WOLF: Susan L. “Susie” Wolf, on Monday, February 11, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Robert H. Wolf. Loving mother of Linda (Marty) Sloan and Janet (Christopher) Bowen. Sister of the late Nancy Simon.

Grandmother of Peter (Erin Stiling) Sloan, Hannah Bowen, Gregory (Bianca) Sloan, Molly (Eli Wykell) Bowen and Eric (Laurie) Sloan. Great-grandmother of Isabel, Emmett, Tyler, Theo and Conor Sloan and Evelyn Bowen Wykell. Services were held at Rodef Shalom Congregation. Interment West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation.

Contributions in memory of Susie may be made to the Robert H. and Susan L. Wolf Fund or to the Playground Renovation Fund at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com PJC

MERITZER: Richard Meritzer, on Monday, February 11, 2019; Beloved son of the late

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Real Estate REALTOR SERVICES

FOR SALE

Call Me For All Of Your Real Estate Needs!

SQUIRREL HILL • SUMMERSET AT FRICK PARK • $650,000 OPEN SUNDAY 1-3 FIRST TIME OFFERED! Wonderful single family home! 3 bedrooms 3 1568 OVERTON LANE baths, gourmet Kitchen, open floor plan Lovely level fenced in yard with sprinkler system. Many amenities See with Melissa Reich (Rubinoff Co and Jill).

MURDOCH FARMS • $1,150,000 EXCITING GRAND STONE 7 BEDROOM, 3.5 BATH HOME WITH ALL THE AMENITIES. Formal living spaces with hardwood floors. Leaded and stained glass throughout, gourmet kitchen, glass doors from dining room lead to a fabulous patio and two car garage. Bonus of a great third floor that could be used for teenager or nanny suites. Close to universities, hospitals and Schenley Park. In Colfax and Allderdice School District.

POINT BREEZE • $990,000 NEW LISTING! Walk to the park from this beautiful, spacious 6-bedroom, 5 full bath and 2 half bath home! 1st floor features an open kitchen/family room, a formal dining room and living room with fireplace, plus a den/office. 2nd floor includes a large master suite with two bathrooms, plus three additional bedrooms, a bath with a heated floor and a laundry. The 3rd floor has a bedroom suite with a full bath. Lower level gameroom, bedroom w/full bath, loads of storage, and a 2-car garage. The magnificent corner lot boasts a sprinkler system, custom lighting, fenced-in yard with a great deck for entertaining. Too many amenities to list!

Maureen States Associate Broker/Owner

Cell: 412 377-7775

SHADYSIDE • 5000 FIFTH AVE • $710,000 NEW LISTING! One of the most prestigious buildings in the city. Enjoy 2 bedrooms a den. Large eat-in NG and Iliving kitchen. Fabulous open room and dining area, 2.5 D baths, in-unit laundry PEN and balcony. There is always staff on site, a guest suite and great exercise area.

Office: 412 241-4700 ext. 11 maureenstates@neighborhoodrealtyserservices.net Put nearly 4 decades of proven experience to work for you!

Get the best of customer service and make the process easy.

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FOR SALE

JILL and MARK PORTLAND RE/MAX REALTY BROKERS 412.521.1000 EXT. 200 412.496.5600 JILL | 412.480.3110 MARK

REALTOR SERVICES

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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! 5715 BEACON AT MURRAY GREAT, UPDATED 1 BEDROOM CONDO!

Free Squirrel Hill Shuttle Service!

Located in the quietest part of the building.

Just renovated with wood flooring, carpeting and fresh paint!

Residents are 62 and older or ADA (any age) Also for Sale: 36 Churchill Rd. • $328,000 and 368 Sharon Dr. • $205,000

AFFORDABLE NEW PRICE: $105,000!

Call Ellen for a showing and/or free home valuation! – 412-670-1366 Ellen Livingston REALTOR®, ABR City of Pittsburgh Regional Office

Best contact no.: 412-670-1366 Bus: 412-521-5500 x229 EllenLivingston@ThePreferredRealty.com www.ellenlivingstonrealtor.com Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices 5801 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa. 15217

Real Estate Professional Relocation Certified Specialist Multi-Million Dollar Producer

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LOOKING TO BUY

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FOR RENT

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5125 Fifth Ave.

FOR RENT BEACON PLACE

Professional couple seeking 3+ bdrm / 2+ bath Sq. Hill home with garage, for the next stage of hosting holiday simchas, Shabbos and family visits.

Financing preapproved. If interested in a private sale write us with your contact information and home description.

2 & 3 Bedrooms Corner of Fifth and Wilkins Spacious 1500-2250 square feet

”Finest in Shadyside”

412-661-4456

www.kaminrealty.kamin.com

house15217@gmail.com

2 Bedroom/2 bath condo Age 62+ 24/7 super on site • No pets • No smoking Please call Kate: 412-421-0955

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019 21

Community Children’s good works at Congregation B’nai Abraham

 Congregation B’nai Abraham Religious School students and director Roberta Gallagher are packing the items they collected for the homeless in Butler County.

Photos courtesy of Congregation B’nai Abraham

 Religious School students at B’nai Abraham find the names on the Memorial Boards of that week’s yahrzeits.

Temple Sinai stands up for mental health

Lederer wins Shore-Whitehill Award

In Recognition of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month, Temple Sinai presented Stand Up For Mental Health on Saturday, Feb. 2 featuring founder and comedian David Granirer and a hilarious group of Temple Sinai congregants eager to highlight the humor of their lives with mental health issues.

Lisa Lederer, co-chair of Temple Sinai’s disAbility & Inclusion task force, received the Shore-Whitehill Award, which celebrates volunteers who promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the fabric of Jewish life through advocacy or direct service to individuals and families. The award, created in 1996, is named for Robert Whitehill and the late Barbara Shore, who co-chaired a task force on special needs in the Jewish community. Jewish Residential Services and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh award it annually.

Mimi Botkin, Delilah Picart and Judy Rulin Mahan Photo by Tami Prine

 Comedians Jordan Pearlman, Susan Blackman, Melissanne Myers, Suzi Neft, Anne Alter,

Spencer Edelstein, Steffi Wright and Lisa Lederer with David Granirer

22 FEBRUARY, 2019

Photo by Paul Wossidlo

 Lederer, who is an occupational behavioral research coordinator, started the Temple Sinai task force in 2015. She grew up in Greensboro, N.C., and is married to Josh Lederer. They have a son Jonah.

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Community Mayim Bialik comes to Pittsburgh

Brunch with a star

Mayim Bialik, star of the CBS TV show “The Big Bang Theory,” was the headliner at An Evening With Mayim Bialik, presented by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Young Adult Division. The Young Adult Division connects community members ages 22–45 with Jewish Pittsburgh.

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, in partnership with big Burrito, hosted a brunch featuring actress Mayim Bialik on Feb. 10 at Casbah. In the aftermath of October’s Tree of Life synagogue building shooting, Bialik reached out to the JCC and other Pittsburgh area Jewish organizations to offer her support. She offered to visit Pittsburgh and to spend time in the Jewish community. Bialik spoke about her family, parenting, about being a Jewish woman in Hollywood and about the power of connections and relationships in helping communities navigate through difficult experiences.

 During the evening Young Adult Division Executive Committee members posed with Mayim Bialik. From left: David Knoll, Marcie Solomon, Mayim Bialik, Max Cahn, Elizabeth Collura and Sam Kline.

Photos by Josh Franzos  From left: Hosts Jason Binder, Rachel Firestone, Mayim Bialik, Maggie Goldstein and Mike Goldstein Photo courtesy of Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

Rabbi Myers addresses Urban League Rabbi Chazzan Jeffrey Myers of Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Congregation was the keynote speaker at Urban League Sunday on Feb. 10. The Urban League’s signature event during Black History Month was held at the Hill District’s Ebenezer Baptist Church. Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh President and CEO Esther Bush, who marked her 25th year leading the organization, welcomed Maxine Plotkin of the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, who presented a gift to Myers for the congregations impacted by the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue building. The sculpture is a Star of David surrounding a Tree of Life with the names of the 11 victims engraved on it. Artist George Lampman of Edinboro designed the sculpture.

From left: Esther Bush, Maxine Plotkin, Rabbi Chazzan Jeffrey Myers and Ebenezer Pastor Rev. Dr. Vincent Campbell

 Rabbi Danny Schiff, foundation scholar of the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Foundation, interviewed Mayim Bialik, asking questions submitted by members of the community. At the conclusion of the interview, the pair snapped a selfie.

Photo courtesy of Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh

LGBTQ+ rights Evan Wolfson, founder of Freedom to Marry, the campaign that won marriage equality in the United States, spoke at Temple Emanuel on Feb. 7. Temple Emanuel’s LGBTQ+ Task Force and the Sajowitz Endowment Fund sponsored the event.

Hillel Academy mural

 Pictured are Lisa Steinfeld, task force chair; Rabbi Don Rossoff; Evan Wolfson; and Max Louik, task force co-chair.

Photo courtesy of Temple Emanuel of South Hills

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As part of Mitzvah Day activities on Dec. 25, 2018, students at Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh created a mural that will be placed on the fence outside the construction site at the Tree of Life synagogue building. The mural is scheduled to remain in place during the first phase of building repairs necessitated by the Oct. 27, 2018, shootings. On Friday, Feb. 1, Rabbi Sam Weinberg, principal and education director, addressed Hillel Academy students and community members during a ceremony in which the students presented the mural to the community and explained that the mural represents hope, support, unity and peace.

Mitzvah Day is a multisite volunteer opportunity offered annually by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Volunteer Center.

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Photo courtesy of Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

FEBRUARY 22, 2019 23

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Visit GiantEagle.com for location information.

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24 FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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