Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 4-8-22

April 8, 2022 | 7 Nisan 5782

Candlelighting 7:34 p.m. | Havdalah 8:35 p.m. | Vol. 65, No. 14 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

NOTEWORTHY LOCAL In-person adult education resumes and online programs continue Foundation Scholar Rabbi Danny Schiff returns to Pittsburgh after two years Page 3

LOCAL

After two years of lonely seders, Passover Pittsburghers ready to open 2022 brings their homes the return of communal seders in Pittsburgh

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

These Jewish engineers are helping keep Pittsburgh’s bridges safe

G

Meet Zachary Sussman and Alexander Baikovitz Page 4

LOCAL Staging resistance to the Nazis

Prime Theatre and the Holocaust Center present ‘The White Rose’ Page 22

$1.50

Squirrel Hill resident Dee Selekman also plans to host about 12 people, although that is far fewer than the total she welcomed pre-pandemic.

“We used to host for 30 people,” Selekman said. “We’re not there yet.”

One reason for this year’s smaller number of guests is that the party room in her building limits gatherings to 20 people.

Another reason, Selekman said, is that some friends and family are reluctant to travel due to COVID concerns and are attending seders elsewhere.

Regardless of the number of guests, Passover remains Selekman’s favorite holiday.

She recalled that when she was a child, it was a time when her grandfather — who at the age of 80 moved to Israel — would return to the states.

Passover was always special because if anyone in the family wanted to see him they “had to be in Pittsburgh,” Selekman said.

Now a grandmother herself, Selekman is eager to welcome her brood for an unmasked holiday celebration. Her daughter’s family lives in Pittsburgh, but her son’s family is

rab your favorite Haggadah and a comfortable pair of shoes: The communal seder has returned.

For the first time since 2019, several Pittsburgh congregations and organizations are hosting group seders — in person.

Rabbi Sruly Altein of Chabad of Squirrel Hill said he’s expecting between 100-150 people at Chabad on the first night of Passover.

Although it may be the largest gathering some have attended in recent years, Altein said that Chabad will give participants ample space. In addition to having individual tables, the program is set up in a way that isn’t conducive to a lot of “mingling.”

Two miles west in Oakland, university students have several options for celebrating Passover, explained Dan Marcus, Hillel Jewish University Center’s executive director and CEO. On the first night, while University of Pittsburgh Hillel students join Chabad of Pitt students for an on-campus seder, Carnegie Mellon University Hillel students will host their own get-together. The following night, students will celebrate the seder with kosherfor-Passover to-go kits. Along with a seder plate, a hard-boiled egg, charoset (there is a nut-free option), parsley, bone, horseradish, romaine lettuce and a salt packet, the kit has a Haggadah and a hearty meal of apricot chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, beet salad and brownies.

Before the holiday, interested students also can receive training from Hillel JUC staffers on how to lead a meaningful seder, Marcus said.

Additional educational opportunities

Please see Homes, page 14

Please see Communal, page 14

Photo by Jorge Novominsky for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism via Flickr

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

F

or more than 1,000 years, the Haggadah has proclaimed that all who are hungry should come and eat.

This Passover, Pittsburghers are taking the imperative to heart.

Mt. Lebanon resident Beth Schwartz said that after two years of small seders she’s finally ready to welcome guests.

“COVID is probably not going anywhere, so even though there is some fear that there may be a new surge, at some point we need to get back together with people,” Schwartz said. “This seems to be a good time to do it.”

Schwartz remains mindful of COVID mitigation strategies. She continues masking in certain public settings, but said that with case counts dropping, she and her husband have resumed pre-pandemic activities such as dining at restaurants.

Still, they aren’t ready to “throw caution to the wind,” so as a lead-up to the holiday, they are asking guests to take rapid COVID tests, Schwartz said.

Assuming everyone receives negative results, Schwartz anticipates hosting about 12 people.

keep your eye on PittsburghJewishChronicle

LOCAL A chat with Summer Lee

LOCAL Protecting our children

FOOD French chocolate mousse

Headlines Congressional hopeful Summer Lee meets Jewish voters — LOCAL —

By David Rullo | Staff Writer

P

ennsylvania State Rep. Summer Lee made her case at an April 4 town hall meeting sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Community Relations Council why the Pittsburgh Jewish community should help send her to Washington, D.C. Lee hopes to win the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania’s newly created 12th Congressional District. Much of the district is now represented by Mike Doyle, a congressman since 1995, in the 18th District. The new 12th district was redrawn after the 2020 U.S. Census and is comprised of the city of Pittsburgh as well as some eastern and southern suburbs, including parts of Westmoreland County.

Jerry Dickinson, Steve Irwin, William Parker and Jeff Woodard also seek the Democratic nomination to fill the new seat.

Lee talked about her background, fielded questions about infrastructure, gas prices, the war in Ukraine and spoke at length about Israel, antisemitism, race and other issues of concern to Jewish voters at the meeting, moderated by Laura Cherner, director of the CRC, and held at Lee’s campaign headquarters in Swissvale.

Lee spoke of growing up in the Mon Valley and of the historic roots of racism and poverty in the region, including redlining, predatory lending, underfunded schools and food, and medical and transportation deserts.

The congressional hopeful said she decided to go to law school to be a champion for people like her.

“When I looked toward leadership, I never saw leaders that looked like me,” she said.

“There were no Black women represented at any level of government beyond school boards.”

In 2018, Lee won the seat in the Pennsylvania

House of Representatives 34th district.

Cherner questioned Lee about her views on Israel, including whether she thought that Israel had a right to exist as a Jewish Democratic state. Lee said she did.

“I also understand and truly believe the need that we have for Jewish folks globally to have a safe haven, to have refuge and a place to be safe,” Lee said. “I think our role has to be in how we are ensuring the safety of all folks over there right now.”

But Lee said she didn’t know if Israel was an apartheid state.

“I don’t necessarily know the answer to that,” she said. “I don’t know that I am as well-versed in the intricacies of this.”

Cherner questioned Lee about two tweets she posted on May 14, 2021, in the midst of fighting in Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Lee tweeted: “When I hear American pols use the refrain ‘Israel has the right to defend itself ’ in response to undeniable atrocities on a marginalized pop, I can’t help but think of how the west has always justified indiscriminate & disproportionate force & power on weakened & marginalized ppl.”

She also tweeted: “The US has nvr shown leadership in safeguarding human rights of folks its othered But as we fight against injustice here in the mvmnt for Blk lives, we must stand against injustice everywhere.

Inhumanities against the Palestinian ppl cannot be tolerated or justified.”

Lee said that, “placed in context,” her tweets were her response as a Black woman to an event that took place in Israel.

“That was, I believe, a year ago, also during Ramadan where we saw a mosque being raided,” Lee said. “Those were folks who are in their most vulnerable point, in their holy month, praying and breaking fast. That was an internationally recognized event that happened; that was an escalation of what we had seen.”

p Summer Lee and Laura Cherner

Lee said she believed American politicians should have spoken out on behalf of the Palestinians.

“That would have cost us nothing,” she said. “Instead, I saw American politicians rushing to use the phrase, ‘Israel has a right to defend itself,’” she said. “The question was, what were they defending themselves against at that moment? What that tweet was talking about is, when we are saying that a powerful entity has a right to defend itself when no one has done anything needing defense?”

She said she saw a parallel between the killing of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman and Israel’s actions against the Palestinians last year.

On May 7, 2021, according to the Associated Press, after evening prayers on the Temple Mount, some Palestinian worshippers began throwing stockpiled rocks and other objects at Israeli police officers. Police fired stun grenades into the mosque and into a field clinic in response. By the time Lee tweeted on May 14, Hamas had fired more

Photo by Jim Busis

than 850 rockets at Israel and had inflicted multiple casualties, including a 5-year-old.

Asked if she supported the continued funding of the Iron Dome, Lee said it was important to fund our allies and legitimate defense mechanisms, but she added that aid to Israel should be conditioned on progress for peace with the Palestinians.

“I do believe that aid should be conditioned for all of our allies,” she said. “I think it’s important that we are centering human rights and, as we are party to this movement, to ensure we have a peaceful resolution.”

U.S. aid should be tied to ensuring Israel doesn’t annex Palestinian land, Lee said, “or the demolition of Palestinian homes, expansion and settlements. We have to ensure against the tension of children. I think those are reasonable things.”

While Lee said she is not involved with the BDS movement against Israel, she is concerned by efforts to “criminalize a tactic Please see Lee, page 21

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

Main phone number: 412-687-1000

Subscriptions: 410-902-2300, ext. 1 SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org 410-902-2300, ext. 1 TO ADVERTISE Display: advertising@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org 412-721-5931 EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Email: newsdesk@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org BOARD OF TRUSTEES Evan Indianer, Board Chair Gayle R. Kraut, Secretary Evan H. Stein, Treasurer Gail Childs, Dan Droz, Malke Steinfeld Frank, Seth Glick, Tammy Hepps, Richard J. Kitay, Cátia Kossovsky, David Rush, Charles Saul GENERAL COUNSEL Stuart R. Kaplan, Esq.

EDITORIAL Toby Tabachnick, Editor 412-228-4577 ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org Andy Gotlieb, Contributing Editor Selah Maya Zighelboim, Contributing Editor Adam Reinherz, Staff Writer 412-687-1000 areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org David Rullo, Staff Writer 412-687-1047 drullo@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org ADVERTISING Kelly Schwimer, Sales Director 412-721-5931 kschwimer@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org Phil Durler, Senior Sales Associate 724-713-8874 pdurler@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

PRODUCTION Jeni Mann Tough Production Manager Rachel S. Levitan Art/Production Coordinator Subscriptions subscriptions@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org 410-902-2300, ext. 1 Published every Friday by the Pittsburgh Jewish Publication and Education Foundation 5915 Beacon St., 5th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Phone: 412-687-1000 POSTMASTER: Send address change to PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE, 5915 BEACON ST., 5TH FLOOR PITTSBURGH, PA 15217 (PERIODICAL RATE POSTAGE PAID AT PITTSBURGH, PA AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES) USPS 582-740

Manuscripts, letters, documents and photographs sent to the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle become the property of this publication, which is not responsible for the return or loss of such items.

The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle does not endorse the goods or services advertised or covered in its pages and makes no representation to the kashrut of food products and services in said advertising or articles. The publisher is not liable for damages if, for any reason whatsoever, he fails to publish an advertisement or for any error in an advertisement.

Acceptance of advertisers and of ad copy is subject to the publisher’s approval. The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle is not responsible if ads violate applicable laws and the advertiser will indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle from all claims made by governmental agencies and consumers for any reason based on ads appearing in the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle.

Jim Busis, CEO and Publisher 412-228-4690 jbusis@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

2 APRIL 8, 2022

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines Ready to teach in person and online, Rabbi Danny Schiff returns to Pittsburgh

P R E S E N T S

PITTSBURGH

SPEAKERS SERIES

— LOCAL —

®

By David Rullo | Staff Writer

R

abbi Danny Schiff, Foundation scholar of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, is back in town after a two-year COVID absence.

The Australian-born educator and rabbi typically spends half of each year in Pittsburgh and half in his adopted homeland of Israel, having made Aliyah in 2009.

Schiff has served as Pittsburgh’s Foundation scholar since 2015 and has built a loyal audience anxious to attend his classes and other speaking engagements. Until the pandemic pause made travel all but impossible, the rabbi taught the Pittsburgh Jewish community in person. That changed two years ago.

“I had never taught on Zoom before March of 2020,” Schiff said. “We moved the entire program online rapidly and learned how to make it work.”

Schiff pointed to the popularity of two virtual courses as proof that the shift was successful. He said that the continuing legal education courses he teaches six times a year have attracted up to 100 people online. He also taught a course in memory of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, who died in November 2020.

“We created a 20-session course that was fully subscribed with 40 participants within 24 hours,” Schiff said, noting that a second 20-session course was offered, and its virtual seats were filled within 72 hours.

The pandemic, Schiff noted, created a thirst for quality virtual learning, and by offering courses online the Foundation was able to reach more people than ever. Ninetyfive percent of those students, he said, were in Pittsburgh, but some were snowbirds tuning in from somewhere warm, or had heard about the classes some other way.

“I think the online environment actually improved what we were able to do,” Schiff said.

COVID travel restrictions have largely loosened, and Schiff said he expects to return to his usual routine of spending six months in Pittsburgh and six months in Israel. For the time being, though, more than 75% of the Foundation’s educational offerings will remain online.

“We want to respond to what the community wants to do with learning because I believe that every modality has its pluses and minuses,” Schiff said. “From an educational perspective, it’s stronger to learn together because of all that yields. But if we get a lot more people engaged in adult learning because of the convenience of the online experience, then the net gain for Jewish learning is considerable.”

While Schiff is happy to meet the community’s needs for education no matter where they are — in either the physical or virtual space — he also believes the future of Jewish life must also include gathering in person.

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Seven Thought-Provoking Evenings of Diverse Opinions and World Perspectives

2022–2023 Season at Heinz Hall LORETTA LYNCH

SCOTT KELLY

September 21, 2022

February 22, 2023

Former U.S. Attorney General

 Rabbi Danny Schiff

File Photo

“I think it’s important that in the area of synagogue and community, especially when it comes to praying, that we stress the physical and come together for those opportunities,” he said. “On the other hand, education and organization lends itself rather well to the online experience, and I think we’re going to see the predominant slice of education happen more online than ever before.”

Andrea Chester has attended Schiff ’s courses both in person and virtually.

She first started taking classes as a way to keep in touch with a friend who had taken some of the rabbi’s courses and told Chester how much she enjoyed them.

After the first class, Chester, who attends Shabbat services at different Chabad Centers in Pittsburgh, said she was hooked.

“He’s very engaging,” she said of Schiff.

“He’s respectful of different opinions. He asks questions. We study primary sources. I think the best testament to how much people love his classes is that he draws a crowd from diverse Jewish backgrounds.”

For Chester, Schiff proved his merit as a teacher following the massacre at the Tree of Life building.

She was taking a class set to meet Monday, Oct. 29, just two days after the shooting. She said that she and her classmates were unsure what would take place.

“Rabbi Schiff said, ‘This situation is so extraordinarily unusual we’re not going to talk about the lesson today. We’ll talk about what you experienced and how you felt,’” she remembered. “He’s not a touchy-feely person — he’s usually very scholarly and serious — but this was massive, and he knew we needed that space to talk.”

Chester said Schiff set the tone by telling the class that learning is what Jews do in response to everything — the good in life and the tragedy.

South Hills resident Paul Barkowitz began

NASA Astronaut

JOHN BRENNAN

TOM FRIEDMAN

October 26, 2022

March 29, 2023

New York Times Columnist

CIA Director 2013–2017

MARIA RESSA

ANTHONY RAY HINTON

November 9, 2022

April 12, 2023

2021 Nobel Peace Prize Winner

ERIK LARSON

Death Row Exoneree

SPONSORED BY

Award-winning Author

February 1, 2023

“It never gets old listening to brilliance and simultaneously being entertained.”

Seating is limited — Order now!

Series sold by subscription only.

Subscriptions available starting at $365

Call (412) 392-4900 www.PittsburghSpeakers.org

Scan code to order tickets online!

2022–2023 SEASON

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Please see Schiff, page 15

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

IN PERSON OR LIVESTREAM

APRIL 8, 2022 3

Headlines Jewish engineers help map future of Pittsburgh’s infrastructure — LOCAL —

By David Rullo | Staff Writer

A

lexander Baikovitz is working to make the smart city a reality.

Baikovitz is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Mach9 Robotics, a software and integrated sensor hardware company that’s helping Pittsburgh, and other cities and companies, keep their infrastructure safe.

He likens Mach9 to diagnostic tools that help patients monitor their health, enabling cities and companies to better monitor infrastructure using data and sensors to make decisions and understand where capital could be deployed most efficiently.

Of particular interest to locals is the company’s Pittsburgh Bridge Initiative, a project creating 3D maps of all the city’s bridges. The initiative was launched in early February, shortly after the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge.

“The Pittsburgh Bridge Initiative,” Baikovitz explained, “is less about scanning all of the bridges, which is one component.

The real component is building technology that will help push forward the bridge inspection space and help incentivize new technology that understands where problems exist today. How are bridges evolving,

p Mach9 co-founders Zachary Sussman and Alexander Baikovitz

Photo provided by Alexander Baikovitz

and how do we need to invest in our communities to ensure that accidents like Fern Hollow don’t happen again?”

Originally from Miami Beach, Baikovitz attended Carnegie Mellon University, where he met robotics professor and future mentor William “Red” Whittaker.

Whittaker’s research interest, noted on his CMU biography, includes how mobile robots work in unpredictable environments, such as natural terrain and outdoor worksites.

He helped create technology to aid in the inspection of nuclear facilities from the Manhattan Project.

Baikovitz credits his mentor’s experience with informing his decision to start Mach9 as a way to bring robotic systems into the world to do jobs humans should not do because of the danger and risk.

“Looking at underground utilities to bridge infrastructure, trying to connect some of these dots to understand and monitor degrading infrastructure and preventing failures from happening in the first place by predictive analytics,” Baikovitz said.

The roots of Mach9 were planted during the time Baikovitz spent with Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Rather than helping to explore outer space, though, the engineer worked on Musk’s The Boring Company.

“I became fascinated with these giant tunnels that people bore underground,” he said.

After working at SpaceX, Baikovitz secured funding through NASA’s Space Technology Research Fellowship, allowing him to study underground mapping and perception and to think about commercial applications, laying the groundwork for Mach9.

Mach9, he said, is focused on building software and technology that scans both the surface and underground, allowing people to understand the structures around them as well as things like pipe voids and rebar.

The technology, he said, is like looking Please see Engineers, page 15

Perpetuate the Legacy of Passover WITH GIFTS OF ISRAEL BONDS Development Corporation for Israel Ari Sirner, Executive Director Adrienne Indianer, Registered Representative 6507 Wilkins Avenue, #101 • Pittsburgh, PA 15217 pittsburgh@israelbonds.com • 412-362-5154

4

APRIL 8, 2022

This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus.

Read the prospectus carefully before investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with investing in Israel bonds. Issues subject to availability. Member FINRA. Photos: iStock

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

YOUR BOND WITH A NATION OF LIMITLESS POTENTIAL

israelbonds.com

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines JFCS webinar offers Pittsburghers tools to safeguard children from abuse — LOCAL —

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

E

ducation, intervention and communication are essential in the effort to safeguard children from abuse, according to area professionals who shared their expertise during a March 27 webinar for Pittsburgh clinicians, educators and parents hosted by JFCS. Panelists leading the hour-long discussion included Jordan Golin, president and CEO of JFCS; Shira Berkovits, president and CEO of Sacred Spaces, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that partners with Jewish institutions to prevent and respond to sexual abuse and other abuses of power; Rabbi Yossi Rosenblum, head of schools at Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh; and Angelica Joy Miskanin, a JFCS psychotherapist.

“We all have a role to play in preventing and responding to abuse,” Golin said.

For community members, that means taking three steps, according to Berkovits The first step is “to educate yourself,” she said. “Learn to recognize early indicators of abuse because you might be the only one who notices.”

The second step, she said, “is to understand

p Panelists discuss child safeguarding strategies during a March 27 JFCS-hosted webinar.

Screenshot by Adam Reinherz

and practice speaking up and intervening.”

Finally, the third step is “to support our youth-serving organizations in the community by putting in place really robust systems to prevent and respond well to abuse if it occurs.”

As important as it is to establish communal safeguards, prevention and response also must include speaking with children, Golin said.

When communicating with youth, it’s vital to steer the conversation away from

“good touch and bad touch,” Berkovits said.

Instead, provide clear rules, such as “the private parts of your body that are covered by a bathing suit should not be touched or shown to others, except for health reasons or if you need help getting clean.”

Additionally, when speaking with children, use “anatomically correct terms in referring to body parts,” Berkovits said. It’s also critical to let children know that they are “in charge of the physical affection that they receive.”

Teaching affirmative consent from an early age will help children understand that they have autonomy over their bodies throughout their lives, she added.

Something else to keep in mind, Berkovits said, is that secrets between adults and children should never be allowed.

“This should be a really important message at school, at camps, in shuls as well — nobody should be saying to the child, ‘I have a secret to tell you,’” Berkovits noted.

There is a difference between secrecy and privacy, and that’s something to be addressed when a child ages, but nobody should be trying to isolate a child from their family, she said.

If a child discloses that abuse has occurred, parents should remember to “first and foremost” remain calm, Miskanin said.

“It’s very common and valid for parents to experience a range of emotions that can include feeling shocked, angry, betrayed … even doubtfulness,” she said. “But please, I would really urge parents to try to remember it’s important to stay calm and to listen to what the child is telling you. Believe the child, reassure the child that they will not be in trouble for telling.”

Adults should make sure the child Please see JFCS, page 15

ONSITE & ONLINE OPTIONS•TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

TempleSinaiPGH.org/programs-events

Nefesh Mountain Concert Temple Sinai•5505 Forbes Ave Saturday, April 9, 2022, 7:30 PM

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

APRIL 8, 2022 5

Calendar Submit calendar items on the Chronicle’s website, pittsburghjewishchronicle.org. Submissions also will be included in print. Events will run in the print edition beginning one month prior to the date as space allows. The deadline for submissions is Friday, noon. q FRIDAY, APRIL 8

Join the National Council of Jewish Women as it recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month with an online conversation featuring Pittsburgh Action Against Rape Executive Director Lisa Perry and Supervisor of Victim Response Megan Schroeder discussing how awareness and the definition of sexual assault has changed since #MeToo. Noon. ncjwpghevents.org/events. q SATURDAY, APRIL 9

Join Rodef Shalom Brotherhood for “On with the Show,” a benefit concert by the East Winds Symphonic Band featuring music from movies, Broadway and dance. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to donate to the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. Face coverings required 7 p.m. 4905 Fifth Ave. rodefshalom.org.

Join Temple Sinai as it welcomes Nefesh Mountain. On-site and online. Tickets start at $18. The concert will be followed by a VIP reception. 7:30 p.m. templesinaipgh.org/event/ nefeshmtn2022.html. q SUNDAYS, APRIL 10-MAY 8

Join a lay-led Online Parashah Study Group to discuss the week’s Torah portion. No Hebrew knowledge is needed. The goal is to build

community while deepening understanding of the text. 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org. q MONDAY, APRIL 11

Temple Sinai presents Meet n’ Eat Cooking Class. Carol James will teach about gluten-free cooking. If you ever wanted to learn how to make a delicious flourless dessert for your Passover seder, this is your opportunity. $15. 7 p.m. templesinaipgh.org. q MONDAYS, APRIL 11-MAY 9

Join Congregation Beth Shalom for a weekly Talmud study. 9:15 a.m. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org. q

TUESDAY, APRIL 12

Join Classrooms Without Borders for its weekly book discussion of “The Last Ghetto: An Everyday History of Theresienstadt” with Josh Andy. Andy is a full-time teacher at Winchester Thurston School and an educational programs leader and Holocaust scholar with Classrooms Without Borders. 4 p.m. classroomswithoutborders.org/weekly-bookdiscussions-the-last-ghetto-an-everyday-historyof-theresienstadts-dr.-josh-andy.

Join Temple Sinai on Zoom for “Cooking Like an Ashkenazi Grandmother” with a different instructor each week. Free. 6:30 p.m. templesinaipgh.org/event/cooking-like-ashkenazigrandmother.html.

ENROLL NOW !

Limited Spaces Available in our Older Twos, Threes and PreK Classrooms for the 2022-2023 Program Year.

q TUESDAY, APRIL 12-MAY 10

q FRIDAY, APRIL 15

Join the 10.27 Healing Partnership for Seeds of Resilience: Growing through Grief, a holistic support group, as they journey to address grief through the healing power of gardening. This five-week program involves self-expression through gardening and writing. The group is open to all adults who have experienced grief, no matter where they are on their healing journey, and offers an opportunity to connect and grow with others. 10.27 Healing Partnership, third floor, Squirrel Hill JCC, 5738 Forbes Ave. Noon. To register, visit 1027healingpartnership.org.

Join Chabad of the South Hills for a Passover seder. The meal will include gourmet cuisine and an international kosher wine selection. Discover the meaning of the seder rituals. Hebrew and English readings, no prior knowledge. Adult $45; Children $18. 7:30 p.m. 1701 McFarland Road. southhills.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/event/ register?reset=1&id=17.

q TUESDAYS, APRIL 12-MAY 24

Sign up now for Melton Core 2, Ethics and Crossroads of Jewish Living. Discover the central ideas and texts that inform our daily, weekly and annual rituals, as well as life cycle observances and essential Jewish theological concepts and ideas as they unfold in the Bible, the Talmud and other sacred texts. $300.

9:30 a.m. foundation.jewishpgh.org/melton-2.

For Information please call us at Beth Shalom Early Learning Center, 412-421-8857

6

APRIL 8, 2022

Join the Squirrel Hill AARP for its monthly meeting at Rodef Shalom Congregation’s Falk Library. Cyndie Carioli, senior justice advocate for the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office, will speak about elder abuse, focusing on financial abuse. Proof of COVID vaccinations and face mask required. 1 p.m. For more information call 412-656-5803.

Meet the Temple Sinai Book Group for their discussion of April’s book “The Vixen” by Francine Prose. 1:15 p.m. templesinaipgh.org.

q WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13

q SUNDAY, APRIL 24

The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and the Jewish Community Foundation present the eight-part online course Answering Holocaust Questions. In the course, Rabbi Danny Schiff will examine the questions asked of the rabbis about the darkest times, and their responses. How did the rabbis advise people to conduct themselves during those years of ultimate horror? How did they provide guidance when all normalcy had been lost? And what can their insights teach us about who we are as Jews in 2022? 9:30 a.m. $75. foundation.jewishpgh.org/answeringholocaust-questions.

Join the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and Prime Stage Theatre for “The White Rose.” This remarkable play by James DeVita remembers Sophie Scholl, her brother Hans and their friends who created the anti-Nazi resistance group, The White Rose. 1 p.m. Prime Stage Theatre. $10. primestage.com/education/engage-program.

Classrooms Without Borders, in partnership with Liberation75, is excited to offer the unique series: Confronting the Complexity of Holocaust Scholarship: Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future of Holocaust Studies. The seventh session features Jonathan Petropoulos, Ph.D., the world’s leading scholar on Nazi stone art. 3 p.m. classroomswithoutborders.org/confronting_the_ complexity_of_holocaust_scholarship.

The National Council of Jewish Women and Chatham University’s Women’s Institute presents the Just Films series, focusing on films and discussions on gender and intersectional social justice issues. Free and open to the public. This month’s film is “Belly of the Beast.” 6:30 p.m. justfilmspgh.org. q WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 13, 20, 27

A Loving Environment for Play-Based Learning

q WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

q TUESDAY, APRIL 26

The Arab-Israeli conflict plays a large (some would claim outsized) role in current events. This course aims to unpack the causes and core issues that relate to the Conflict. The goal is to make the subject accessible to educators and to give them the tools with which to grapple in the classroom with the subject at large and with breaking news. 2 p.m. classroomswithoutborders.org/arab_israeli_conflict. q THURSDAY, APRIL 28-MAY 8

Celebrate 29 years of JFilms with the first inperson JFilm Festival screening since 2019.

For more information visit filmpittsburgh.org/ pages/jfilm. q FRIDAY, APRIL 29

Join the National Council of Jewish Women for Child Care Advocacy 101. Hear from childcare advocates about developments in childcare in the region and state. Learn successful strategies to advocate for your needs as a working parent to your legislators, employers, or anybody who will listen! Discuss the importance of storytelling in advocacy and leave with action points.

Noon. ncjwpghevents.org/events/child-careadvocacy-101.

Co-hosted with Jewish Family and Community Services, Help with LinkedIn is a three-workshop series that will get you up and running on LinkedIn. Starting with the basics of creating a profile and moving into networking, learning to navigate this powerful job search and networking tool can assist you in your career. Sign up for any number of the learning sessions. ncjwpghevents. org/upcoming-events.

q SATURDAY, APRIL 30

q WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 13 -MAY 11

q TUESDAY, MAY 3

Bring the parshah alive and make it personally relevant and meaningful. Study the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Mark Asher Goodman.

12:15 p.m. bethshalompgh.org/life-text.

Antisemitism is on the rise in the United States and around the world. Recent events caused many of us to feel anxious and upset. We often do not know what to do with these overwhelming feelings. Join JFCS for Facing Antisemitism: Conversation and Support, as its professionals listen and offer support and coping resources.

Noon. jfcspgh.org/antisemitism. PJC

Join Temple Sinai to study the weekly Torah portion in its hybrid class available on Zoom. Open to everyone. Noon. templesinaipgh.org/event/parashah/ weekly-torah-portion-class-via-zoom11.html.

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Join Temple Sinai to watch “An American Pickle.” Stay afterward to talk about it. 7 p.m. templesinaipgh.org.

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines Local Orthodox rabbis bemoan possibility of permanent daylight saving time — LOCAL —

By Justin Vellucci | Special to the Chronicle

T

he U.S. Senate recently passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent across the nation beginning in 2023, which has sparked concerns from Orthodox advocacy groups — and rabbis in Pittsburgh.

The measure, called the Sunshine Protection Act, was unanimously passed by voice vote in the Senate. The bill must still be passed by the House of Representatives before it goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.

The national Orthodox Union warned, in a letter obtained by the Jewish media, that the bill will “interfere with the ability of members of our community to engage in congregational prayers and get to their places of work on time.”

Rabbi Yisroel Altein, co-director of Chabad of Squirrel Hill, agreed.

“The real concern is about moving services and, of course, waking up when it’s dark outside,” Altein said. “That’s the debate.”

The Orthodox community interprets Jewish law to require daily morning prayers to take place after sunrise. If daylight saving time is made permanent throughout the

Photo by Patrick Daxenbichler via iStockphto

U.S., both sunrises and sunsets would come later, meaning some winter sunrises could occur after 9 a.m. — after the workday begins for many people.

Altein stressed there’s a concern beyond morning services; he noted that Jewish law also mandates that the earliest tallitot and tefillin can be put on is between dawn and sunrise.

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

April 8, 1929 — Palestine exhibition opens

The fourth Palestine and Near East Exhibition opens in Tel Aviv, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, to showcase the commercial and industrial activity of the Jewish area of settlement.

April 9, 1921 — President Navon is born

Yitzhak Navon, Israel’s fifth president, is born in Jerusalem to a family that has lived there for three centuries.

He fights with the Irgun and Haganah and serves in the Knesset. He dies in 2015.

April 10, 1974 — Meir resigns as Prime Minister

Prime Minister Golda Meir resigns a month after forming Israel’s 16th government.

She is reacting to the release of a critical report on why Israel was surprised in the Yom Kippur War.

April 11, 1909 — Tel Aviv is founded

Sixty-six families gather on the dunes outside Jaffa to claim lots in the neighborhood of PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Ahuzat Bayit (“Homestead”), marking the founding of Tel Aviv. White and gray seashells connect families to lots.

“If they keep the daylight saving time in the winter, that’s going to be late,” he said.

Rabbi Daniel Wasserman, spiritual leader at the Orthodox Share Torah Congregation, echoed Altein’s concerns.

“The issue is very simple,” Wasserman said. “There are many elements of family life that are governed by sunrise and sunset.

“If they make a full-time daylight saving

time, a considerable part of the year it would come with extreme difficulty in the mornings,” he said.

Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer, a member of the national Rabbinical Council of America, told the Forward that another concern is that even if observant Jews choose to pray on their own at their workplaces, they could face penalties or it could complicate their ability to perform their job.

Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida and one of the authors of the Sunshine Protection Act, maintained that permanent daylight saving time will help prevent pedestrian accidents, reduce crime and decrease seasonal depression and childhood obesity.

Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., a Democrat from New Jersey who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee that oversees such time change policies, told reporters that it could take weeks or even months before the House brings the Senate bill to the floor for approval.

To Wasserman, that sounds pretty good.

“I want 12 months a year with standard time,” he said. “I can’t stand daylight saving time.” PJC

Justin Vellucci is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh.

Murray Avenue Kosher 1916 MURRAY AVENUE 412-421-1015 • 412-421-4450 • FAX 412-421-4451

PRICES EFFECTIVE SUNDAY, APRIL 10 - FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022 Candle Lighting Time Friday, April 8, 2022 • 7:34 p.m.

April 12, 1971 — Singing soccer star Eyal Golan is born

PASSOVER SPECIALS

Eyal Golan, a 17-year pro soccer player who becomes one of Israel’s most successful Mizrahi singers, is born in Rehovot. He releases his first album in the middle of his playing career in 1995.

April 13, 1971 — Black Panthers meet with Meir

Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir meets with leaders of the Black Panthers, a Mizrahi activist group protesting social injustice and discrimination. The group is inspired by the U.S. Black Panthers.

April 14, 1961 — All-Time Miss Israel Lorn

Illana Shoshan, who wins the 1980 Miss Israel title and in 2010 is voted the Miss Israel of All Time, is born in Kfar Saba. She becomes a fashion model, actress, film producer and activist on women’s issues. PJC

Streit’s Matzo $

1499 5 LB

HAPPY PASSOVER PASSOVER BEGINS FRIDAY NIGHT APRIL 15

Yehudah Matzo $

1299 5 LB $ 89 2 1 LB

COME SEE THE LARGEST SELECTION OF PASSOVER FOODS IN PITTSBURGH WE HAVE A FULL SELECTION FOR ALL YOUR PASSOVER NEEDS! WINE ✡ MEATS ✡ GROCERY ✡ FROZEN ✡ DAIRY ✡ PAPER PRODUCTS

STORE HOURS

Sun.-Tues. • 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wed.-Thurs. • 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Fri. • 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WEEKLY SPECIALS

DR BROWNS 6 PK CANS $ 99

UNGERS SL MUSHROOMS $ 49

KEDEM MATUK KAL $ 49

ADLERS GEFILTE FISH $ 99

STREITS FRUIT SLICES $ 59

FARBRENGEN MELODY CONCORD $ 49

CALIFORNIA GOURMET CHOC CHIPS $ 99

BARTONS BARTONETTES DARK CHOCOLATE $ 99

4

4

3

6 PK

EA

8 OZ

LIEBERS SAUCES ALL VARIETIES $ 79

3

24 OZ

HOMEMADE SALADS & SOUPS DELI PARTY TRAYS

1

4

12

8 OZ

EA

EA

HERZOG LINEAGE ALL VARIETIES $ 99

17

750 ML

We Prepare Trays for All Occasions UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF VAAD OF PITTSBURGH

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

5

750 ML

5

750 ML

HAYOTZER GENESIS 3 VARIETIES $ 99

17

750 ML

MEAL MART BOLOGNA $ 79

10

LB

CATERING SPECIALISTS DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES.

APRIL 8, 2022 7

Headlines War in Ukraine could put a crunch on ‘shmura’ matzah supplies — WORLD —

By David I. Klein | JTA

O

n Feb. 24, two shipping containers laden with 20,000 pounds of shmura matzah were slated to head out of port in Odessa, Ukraine, on their way to Orthodox Jews in the United States.

Two hours before they were to be loaded onto a ship, Russia invaded.

The shipment was the last of 200,000 pounds of unleavened bread that Ukrainian matzah bakeries shipped to the United States this year, in addition to what they ship to Europe and Israel.

Now, technically outside of Ukraine’s customs zone, it could neither be returned to the country nor travel on to the United States.

Rabbi Meyer Stambler, head of the Chabadaffiliated Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, estimates that his factories in Ukraine account for about 15-20% of the U.S. market share for shmura matzah, the carefully “guarded” variety that many observant Jews prefer to use during the seder.

Shmura matzah is handmade in small batches with a higher level of supervision than most other types of matzah. That already makes it significantly more expensive than the factory stuff. A single pound box of shmura matzah could go from anywhere

p A factory worker makes shmura matzah under supervision in Ukraine.

between $20 and $60, the Forward reported in 2018. In contrast, Instacart offers at least three different brands of regular matzah that come in under $10 for a 5-lb. box.

Photo courtesy of Meyer Stambler

“I think the U.S. market will feel it,” Stambler told JTA. “I think we are probably going to have a deficit of shmura matzah this year.”

The vast majority of shmura matzah produced abroad had already made it to the Please see Matzah, page 15

SPONSORED CONTENT

GUARDIANSHIP REFORM IN PENNSYLVANIA This is one in a series of articles about Elder Law by Michael H. Marks., Esq. Michael H. Marks is an elder law attorney with offices in Squirrel Hill and Monroeville.

Send questions to michael@marks-law.com or visit www.marks-law.com.

Harry was elderly and showing symptoms of dementia. He had periods of confusion and significant memory loss. He was no longer paying the bills or keeping up with his medical care.

His daughter, Anna, was frantic. She didn’t have a Power of Attorney from her dad so the bank wouldn’t even talk to her, let alone allow her access to her dad’s accounts to pay his bills. Someone told her that she should become her dad’s Guardian.

Guardianship in Pennsylvania is when someone is officially appointed by a court after a hearing to be legally in charge to control someone else’s decisions. A Guardian of the Person is in charge of someone’s care, placement and well-being, while a Guardian of the Estate is in charge of someone’s finances.

To become appointed by the court as a guardian you need to convince the Judge to decide and to order three things: • • •

That someone is “incapacitated” and therefore needs help; That there is no sufficient less restrictive alternative form of assistance available so that a guardian is therefore needed; and To decide who should be the Guardian, either an individual (s) or an agency.

Power of Attorney is almost always preferable when it can be accomplished, because

8

APRIL 8, 2022

guardianship litigation in court is a big deal. A guardianship court case takes longer, costs more, and once appointed, it’s a lot less flexible and convenient for a guardian to act under court supervised requirements and restrictions, than under private Power of Attorney. Guardianships are burdensome, restrictive, intrusive and expensive for parties and for the court system as well. Guardianship is always a last resort.

To make a Power of Attorney – either Financial Power of Attorney, or Healthcare Power of Attorney Attorney,, often combined with a Living Will about end-of-life treatment instructions – is much easier. You need to be able to understand it, and sign your name (or make a mark, or instruct someone to sign your name for you) in the presence of witnesses and a notary.

Sometimes, though, guardianship is needed, such as when a Power of Attorney can’t be obtained.

Until recent years, the guardianship system in Pennsylvania did not function well. Most often there was no follow-up by the authorities after someone was appointed. Guardianship reform has seen increasing momentum in recent years in Pennsylvania and nationwide.

In the early 2000’s, the Hon. Frank J. Lucchino capped a distinguished career of public service when he became the Administrative Judge of the Orphans Court Division in Allegheny County.

The quaintly named Ophans’ Court deals with estates, powers of attorney and guardianships. He could be very strict and demanding in dealing with attorneys. Sometimes it felt like the rules changed almost daily. He began a broad campaign of local court reforms which coincided with statewide

efforts for guardianship reform. He ordered many beneficial changes, starting with more careful and close attention in ordering guardianships initially, and, for virtually the first time, in regularly following up and monitoring guardians and their activities after they were appointed.

Statewide, courts and judges are now much more careful to protect the rights of those subject to guardianship requests. The substantial, even extreme loss of fundamental personal freedoms when a guardian is appointed has driven the trend toward much more careful safeguards of those freedoms. In any guardianship case, every adult is presumed to have capacity to make their own decisions, and clear and convincing proof of incapacity through proper medical evidence is required.

Another very strong trend is for every “alleged incapacitated person” to be represented by their own independent counsel, appointed and paid by the court when necessary. Guardianship counsel is now treated the same as in other kinds of cases where fundamental rights and freedoms may be abridged, such as criminal cases.

Perhaps the biggest change is that courts are much more adamant in requiring proof that there is no less restrictive alternative available.

The court must make specific findings of fact concerning the need for guardianship in light of other factors and supports that could assist the individual in making decisions.

At Marks Elder Law, we help people every day with issues like these. I invite your questions and feedback. Please let me know how I can help you and your family.

helping you plan for what matters the most

With the increasing costs of long-term care, having the help of a legal professional when planning for your family’s future can help you make better decisions that can result in keeping more of your money.

We help families understand the strategies, the benefits, and risks involved with elder law, disability and estate planning.

www.marks-law.com

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

412-421-8944

Michael H. Marks, Esq. michael@marks-law.com member, national academy of elder law attorneys

4231 Murray Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15217

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, was to be the exhibit’s centerpiece.

— WORLD — Jewish art exhibit at Princeton canceled over ties to confederacy

Princeton University spent months planning an exhibit of 19th-century American Jewish art but canceled the show because two featured artists had supported the Confederacy, JTA reported.

The cancellation drew criticism from the exhibit’s Jewish donors and consulting historians, who say the decision “rewrites art history.”

“I was really stunned by the university taking this position,” said Leonard Milberg, the Jewish financial manager and art collector who funded the collection and whose name adorns the gallery where the exhibit was to be shown.

The exhibit was slated to feature Moses Jacob Ezekiel, a renowned sculptor who crafted the Confederate Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery and hung the Confederate battle flag in his Rome studio for his entire career, and painter Theodore Moise, a major in the Confederate Army, among other artists.

A famous Ezekiel sculpture known as “Faith,” an adaptation of an earlier work “Religious Liberty” commissioned by B’nai B’rith that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and is displayed outside the National Museum

First baby born at Israeli field hospital in Ukraine

Doctors at the Israeli field hospital in Ukraine delivered the first baby born at the medical site set up amid Russia’s invasion of the country, Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced on April 1, The Times of Israel reported.

“After a very difficult week, finally some good news,” the ministry said. Both the baby, born the day earlier, and the mother were doing well.

The baby was delivered via cesarean section, according to an official at Sheba Medical Center. The center is helping to operate the hospital in Mostyska, near Lviv.

The hospital is named “Kohav Meir” (“Shining Star”) to honor former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, who was born in Ukraine.

Israel ranks as world’s tenth-largest arms exporter

Israel is the world’s 10th-largest weapons exporter, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in Sweden’s latest rankings, Globes reported.

Israel accounted for 2.4 % of all sales.

SIPRI reported that weapons systems worth $118 billion were exported in 2021, with the 10 largest exporters responsible for 90% of that amount.

Tiphereth Israel Cemetery – Shaler Township

Tiphereth Israel Congregation was organized about 1890 by a small group of Orthodox Jews living on the Hill. The congregation was chartered in 1912.

Rabbi Eliyahu W. Kochin served as rabbi to the congregation for almost forty years and established the Pittsburgh Jewish Seminary, later called the Hebrew Religious Academy. He and his wife’s graves are pictured here.

The first burials were in 1912. Located at the top of Oakwood Street in Shaler, and adjacent to Anshe Lubovitz and New Chesed Shel Emeth, the cemetery has been extremely well cared for by a dedicated group of volunteers long connected to the earliest of the shul’s families. The cemetery has kept these families close. With pride, the congregation donated a Torah in 1950 to Israel’s Hapolem Hamizrachi for use in the religious kibbutzim.

The United States is the world’s biggest weapons exporter selling 38.6%, followed

by Russia (18.6%), France (10.7%), China (4.6%) and Germany (4.5%). The next five are Italy (3.1%), the UK (2.9%), South Korea (2.8%), Spain (2.5%) and Israel.

Vandals put pig’s head and write antisemitic slogan outside Russian-Jewish journalist’s home

Earlier this month, Russian-Jewish journalist Alexey Venediktov was fined for speaking in Ukrainian on a radio show — a move many saw as an expression of solidarity with Ukraine during Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Last week, he found a pig’s head on his doorstep and an antisemitic slogan posted on his door, JTA reported.

Vandals wrote the German word “Judensau” on top of a gold trident symbol, a state symbol of Ukraine, on a poster put on the door to Venediktov’s Moscow apartment. The Judensau is a Christian folk image dating back to the Middle Ages that depicts Jews sucking on the teats or peering into the anus of a pig.

On Telegram, Venediktov wrote: “The country that defeated fascism. Why not a Star of David on the door of my apartment?”

He added: “They decided to intimidate me and my family.”

Venediktov, whose mother was Jewish and whose father was a Soviet naval officer who

died in action in 1955, is the former editor of The Echo of Moscow, one of Russia’s last independent radio stations. It was shut down

by Russian authorities on March 1.

Prosecutors claimed it disseminated “deliberately false information regarding the actions of Russian military personnel,” prosecutors had said.

Israeli flags again allowed in Bar-Ilan University dorms

Bar-Ilan University administrators overturned a ban of Israeli flags in dormitories imposed by Electra, the company in charge of the facilities, The Jerusalem Post reported.

In a February email sent to students, Electra said it was prohibiting the hanging of all flags in the dorms, specifically highlighting Israeli flags. The decision was believed to be motivated in part by the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan when tensions often flare between Israeli Arabs and Jews.

The decision created a backlash, including a demonstration organized by student activists, prompting the university to step in.

“Bar-Ilan University is proud that Israeli flags accompany all its activities throughout the year,” the university said in a statement on Twitter. “The notice distributed to residents of the dormitories by the management company was not the opinion of the university.” PJC — Compiled by Andy Gotlieb

It’s not manna from heaven, but this Passover, provide It’s not manna fromsomething heaven, just as crucial thenot survival of the Israeli people.

It’s manna from heaven, but thistoPassover, provide something just as but thistoPassover, provide something just as crucial the survival of the Israeli people. crucial to the survival of the Israeli people.

With almost 1000 graves, all on a wooded hillside, the cemetery is one of Jewish Pittsburgh’s most interesting and tranquil. Noted burials include former Boston Celtic Morris “Moe” Becker, Murray Goldstein-Specialist 5 in the US Army-Vietnam, beloved Pittsburgh icon Mary Marks, and family sections for the Guskys, Kochins, and Siffs.

A particularly touching memorial is to Pvt. Jacob Miller, killed in action in WWI. Special recognition is given to longstanding Tiphereth Israel Cemetery Chair Harvey Wolsh and to the Gusky Family for their many decades of service. Records of the congregation are housed at the Rauh Jewish Program and Archives.

Tiphereth Israel Cemetery became a JCBA owned cemetery in 2022.

For more information about JCBA cemeteries, plot purchases, to volunteer, to read our complete histories and/or to make a Whether it’s a missile attack, a new Covid variant, or serious car crash, your gift to Magen David Adom ensures its Whether it’s it’s a missile attack, a new car crash, crash,your yourgift gifttotoMagen Magen David Adom ensures Whether a missile attack, a newCovid Covidvariant, variant,or or serious serious car David Adom ensures its its contribution, please visit our website at www.JCBApgh.org, email us at jcbapgh@gmail.com, or call the JCBA office at 412-553-6469.30,000 emergency medical technicians and paramedics thesupplies supplies and resources they need tolives. save lives.

30,000 emergency medical technicians and paramedics have the the supplies and resources they need save lives.

30,000 emergency medical technicians and paramedics have and resources they need to to save So this Passover, while you recount the story ofofofthe from slavery, your gift will help modern-day So this Passover, while you recount the story the Jews’ redemption from slavery, your gift will help modern-day So this Passover, while you recount the story theJews’ Jews’ redemption redemption from slavery, your gift will help modern-day JCBA’sexpanded vision is made possible by a generous grant from the Israelis survive the threats they face today.

Israelis survive thethe threats they face today.

Israelis survive threats they face today.

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Jewish Community Foundation a gift to Magen David Adom today.

Pesachkasher kasher v’sameach. v’sameach.

Make a gift to Magen David Adom today.

Pesach kasher v’sameach.

Make a Make gift to Magen David Adom today.

Pesach

LEGAL NOTICE Mitchell Sperling, deceased, of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 02157 of 2022, Gerri L. Sperling, Executrix, c/o David J. Slesnick, Esq., 310 Grant Street, Suite #1220, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

afmda.org/passover

afmda.org/passover

afmda.org/passover

APRIL 8, 2022 9

Opinion Progress blooms in the desert

T

— EDITORIAL —

he visuals from last week’s Negev Summit were impressive. They were also historic. Leaders from Israel, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and the United States met at Kibbutz Sde Boker in the Negev desert, where Israel’s founding prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, lived and is buried. Such a meeting would have been inconceivable two short years ago. And yet, following entry into the Abraham Accords and the rapid-paced progress toward normalization of relationships between Israel and her treaty partners, such steps in continued cooperative activities between Accords partners have begun to seem natural — maybe even routine.

But the Negev Summit was much more

than a cooperative photo opportunity or symbolic meeting. For Israel, in particular, the summit had two key objectives. One was the meeting between Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Secretary of State Antony Blinken that focused on the Iran nuclear talks. Reports indicate that the meeting involved some interesting exchanges, including a request from Blinken that Prime Minister Naftali Bennett explain the details of his alternative approach. The other was the foreign ministers meeting of Lapid, Blinken, the UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Bahrain’s Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani, Morocco’s Nasser Bourita and Egypt’s Sameh Shoukry, in which discussions included the threat from Iran, the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the war in Ukraine on the oil and food supply chains, among other issues.

In the words of Bennett, the Negev

Summit moved the Abraham Accords from “ceremony to substance.” And progress was made. Among other things, participants established six working groups designed to deal with issues of security and counterterrorism, food and water, health, energy, education and tourism. Summit participants also agreed to make the gathering a recurring event.

Over the past two years we have seen impressive steps toward the normalization of security and political relations between Israel and Abraham Accords partners and the establishment of a number of very promising economic and technological engagements.

The Negev Summit sought to expand those efforts by fostering cooperation on a number of issues that go beyond Iran and trade. That further engagement by the regional partners is another positive sign for the stability of

Accords relationships going forward.

The fate of the Palestinians was only barely addressed during the summit.

Although several speakers made statements about the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and Palestinian statehood, very little of substance was addressed and the spoken words appeared to be nothing more than lip service. Perhaps new opportunities to address the issue will come up in the context of other cooperative consultations.

Nonetheless, we applaud the Negev Summit. It was refreshing to see Israel and Arab countries addressing issues other than security, and we are optimistic about the multi-tiered possibilities for the planned regional efforts and partnerships. Finally, we hope that the success of the summit will help attract others to join in the growth opportunities offered by the Abraham Accords. PJC

We must reflect on the ‘whys’ of terrorism Guest Columnist Dennis Jett

T

he phrase “no good deed goes unpunished” is usually the observation of a cynic, but it can sometimes explain why what seems like a positive step can have negative consequences. The Abraham Accords and Israel’s recent wave of terrorism may be one such example.

There will be those who reject that idea,

but understanding the motivation of terrorists is important, and often avoided. For instance, nine days after 9/11 President Bush addressed a joint session of Congress and asked rhetorically why the terrorists who had attacked America hated us. His answer was “They hate our freedoms: our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other.”

Osama Bin Laden attacked the United Stated because he hated the fact that American troops were stationed in Saudi Arabia and that they were helping to prop up a corrupt and repressive monarchy.

That may have been the right choice given American dependence on imported oil, but framing Bin Laden’s motivation as hatred for America’s freedoms did nothing to help understand his motivation. And it also excused the United States from considering doing anything in response beyond pursuing and eliminating Bin Laden and his followers.

Something similar seems to be happening in Israel in the wake of three terrorist attacks in recent weeks. Some opinion writers have ascribed the inspiration for the acts to ISIS and have faulted the intelligence services for not having prevented them.

But what if the terrorism was prompted by

people who believe their lives have no hope of improvement.

It is not just the authors of UN reports who think Israel is an apartheid state. The threatened destruction of Arab homes in East Jerusalem says to many that there is one set of laws for Israeli Jews and another set for others. And the national-state law reinforces that belief even if it is erroneous. In the case of the West Bank, Arabs are subjected to the military justice system while Jewish settlers seem constrained by no judicial system due to a lack of enforcement. So, Arabs have no Please see Jett, page 11

The recent wave of terror attacks: A perspective from Israel Guest Columnist Carole Nuriel

T

hese are difficult times for Israeli society. Even though terror attacks have been a part of life in Israel over the years, the intensity of the past week still evokes strong trauma for many Israelis.

I belong to the generation of Israelis that experienced the terror attacks of the mid-1990s and early 2000s, known as the Second Intifada. These were savage, powerful attacks that left their mark on the psyche of all Israelis. The seeds of fear planted in those days sprouted and became a massive, fortified wall of anxiety, distrust and hopelessness.

That was a time when parents, fearing a suicide bomb, would ask their children not to ride the same bus; a time when drivers of private cars avoided driving alongside a bus lest it blow up next to them; and a time when lunch at a cafe or shopping at the mall meant putting your life in danger.

Today, as a mother, I experience these feelings anew, but through my children. I see their fears about terrorism manifesting as a result of

10

APRIL 8, 2022

an overexposure to news and unfiltered information so readily available. The discourse on social media, where many get their news, rarely allows for nuanced positions, instead offering radicalized views and attitudes in the form of short and simplistic narratives. Rather than being a legitimate source of information, it serves as a medium for channeling anger and frustration that the terror situation creates.

All of this compounded with the recent painful events of the May 2021 Operation Guardian of the Walls on the Israel border with Gaza has left us with more unhealed wounds, which also are part of the bigger puzzle.

As a parent, the process we endured as a society in the wake of the Second Intifada is constantly on my mind. And from it I learned that hating back cannot be the solution for hatred. It is simply a black hole that can suck in and emit only evil, and as parents and educators we have a responsibility not to go down that path.

So, what should we do?

Following the terror attacks in the past week, Israeli society was stunned to discover that two were carried out by Israeli Arabs. Like in all countries, self-radicalization is not unique to Israel, though the frequency and intensity of these recent terror attacks are quite rare. And yet, I think there are things from which we

can draw strength and encouragement: First, the historic summit held in the Negev, and the failed attempts to prevent it from taking place, are a major source of hope. Hope, not only because of the mere fact that this gathering took place, but also due to the fact that at a moment of crisis for Israel, all four Arab foreign ministers in attendance condemned the attack in Hadera. Hope, that from now on, this summit will be held annually in order to fight against extremism and terrorism in a strong alliance that will bear fruit in the years to come, in Israel and across the region.

Second, the very fact that many leaders and organizations across Israel’s Arab and Bedouin communities wholeheartedly and unequivocally condemned the Be’er Sheva attack speaks volumes. The scathing condemnation

by Israeli-Arab politicians, led by Raam party Chair MK Mansour Abbas, is an important step that impacts both Arab and Jewish society.

The absolute rejection of terror by the leaders of communities which the attackers came from is a significant — and, in many ways, unprecedented — statement.

Third, with all the challenges posed by the involvement of Arab citizens in terror, it is important to remember the communal affiliations of the officers involved in neutralizing the terrorists. In Hadera, one of the border

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

policemen was a Druze. And in Bnei Brak, one of the policemen was a Christian Arab. This is of course proof of Israeli society’s shared, albeit complicated, destiny and shared hopes for Jews and non-Jews.

Finally, even amid these terrible times, there are also rays of light. Following the attack in Bnei Brak, there was a massive mobilization effort in Haredi society to get as many Haredim as possible to be present at the funeral of the Christian police officer killed in the terror attack, out of gratitude for his enormous sacrifice. Rabbis called upon their followers to attend the funeral, defining it as a “mitzvah.”

And so, when the traumas of the past come back to haunt us, it is healing to find encouragement and strength in the solidarity that we share, as well as in the places where the accepted separations of Jews and Arabs are given less expression. As such, we have a responsibility not only for the present but also for the future, to make sure that, in spite of the tensions and anxieties our children see, that we continue to focus on what is hopeful. This is the constructive role we should play. PJC Carole Nuriel is the director of ADL Israel. This piece first appeared on The Times of Israel.

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Opinion Chronicle poll results: Passover

L

ast week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “How will this year’s Passover be different than Passover the last two years?” Of the 127 people who responded, 57% said, “I will attend or host a seder with only immediate family or close friends,” and 28% said, “I will attend or host a large seder.” Just 8% said they would be attending or hosting a seder with only the people who live at home, and 7% said they don’t usually attend or host a seder. Thirty-six people submitted comments. A few follow.

seders that we shared with our Zoom friends out of state and other locations, although it will be nice having a small seder this year with close friends and relatives.

I have taken part in Zoom seders in each of the last two years. I have not been invited to one this year so I will be home, alone. Prior to the pandemic, I was invited to seders at the homes of friends.

Unfortunately, as a senior citizen, I don’t bother preparing a seder for myself. The No family in the area so by myself. No few relatives I have left live out of town and sense in making I am guessing that a seder for one. friends assume I am How will this year’s Passover be different having or attending a than Passover the last two years?

We will be hosting seder because I have 8% a virtual seder never been invited. My I will attend or host a seder 7% with family outside synagogue does have with only the people who live I don’t usually attend of Pennsylvania. a community seder, at home with me. or host a seder. however, on a fixed People! People! I income, I cannot afford will get to really be to attend. Sadly, it is with people!!!! lonely during holidays.

This year, not in Jerusalem but in Squirrel Hill with 25 close relatives and lots of children.

28%

I will attend or host a large seder.

It was challenging at first to do Pesach solo, but the coronavirus taught us to look deeper into the text when we’re by ourselves.

Finding the blessing amidst a pandemic.

I celebrated Passover prior to the pandemic with a small congregation. The past two years ... and this year ... NONE. Seder the previous two years were via Zoom. We participated in seders with people in other locations that we could not join with otherwise. I will miss having the creative

Jett: Continued from page 10

faith that there is a judicial system that will address their grievances.

To make matters worse, politics provides no hope for a better future either. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas have become dueling kleptocracies only interested in maintaining their grip on power.

And no one seems to care about unresponsive politicians who refuse to allow themselves to be replaced. When Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas postponed elections last year all the State Department spokesman would say, despite repeated questioning from reporters, was that it was up to the Palestinian people to decide. But it was

57%

I will attend or host a small seder with only immediate family or close friends.

Now I can go back to worrying about the menu and the cooking, as opposed to worrying about getting on the Zoom link.

We haven’t been able to do a seder with dad, now 98 and in an assisted living facility, for the past two years.

He and we are looking forward to doing so this year. PJC — Toby Tabachnick

Chronicle poll question

Should the U.S. reenter the Iran nuclear deal if its terms are essentially the same as they were in 2015? Go to pittsburghjewishchronicle.org to respond. PJC

Abbas who made the decision because he feared losing, and not his people who wanted to be able to vote.

For many years Palestinians have taken some comfort from the fact that Arab countries routinely condemned Israel. Those countries often mouthed support for the Palestinian cause but more to distract their own people from their internal problems than in the belief that they were going to be able to have any impact on Israel. Instead, they often had an under-the-table relationship with the Israeli government to enhance their own security. But now that a growing number of those countries have open, diplomatic relations with Israel, the hope that change may come from external Please see Jett, page 20

We invite you to submit letters for publication. Letters must include name, address and daytime phone number; addresses and phone numbers will not be published. Letters may not exceed 500 words and may be edited for length and clarity; they cannot be returned. Mail or email letters to: Letters to the editor via email: letters@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

— LETTERS — Resources are available to help with rising food bills this Passover

Much of our community is feeling the weight of increased food prices, especially as Passover approaches (“Jewish Pittsburgh braces for costliest Passover in decades,” March 18). Normally, with household finances, the most flexible budget in the home is food. You have to pay your mortgage/rent, utility bills, car payments and phone bills in full, so after all those are paid, when you’re looking to make ends meet, it’s your grocery bill that unfortunately gets cut the most.

With around 16% of Americans currently facing food insecurity and the rising costs of food, that decreased budget for groceries means even less ability to put food on the table for many families, even in our own neighborhood. At one point during the pandemic, food insecurity was estimated to impact about one in every four households — likely people you know or maybe even your own family. And we know that those of us who keep kosher already pay more for many of our groceries.

The financial stress faced by households that observe Passover is adding to existing challenges in our community. Inflation, supply shortages and the end of COVID-19 subsidies means that more families may find themselves unable to afford Passover.

At JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, we’ve seen the high food costs firsthand as we work to juggle our budget for purchasing food. We’ve also seen how the decrease in resources available to the community at large, and Jewish families in particular, is causing a perfect storm of events which can lead to less food on the table this Passover.

If this season you’re finding yourself wondering whether your family is going to be able to cover all the costs, there are resources available. JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry may be able to help your family with Passover food needs this April. We also have case workers on staff who can help you connect to other resources to help your family maximize its budget and understand what is available to help through this challenging time.

There is also support available through the JFunds network, which can help with outstanding bills or unexpected expenses you might be facing this season. Though COVID subsidies for housing and utilities are ending, our community still has plenty of financial help available, with discretion and compassion for those who are in need.

One of the things that we love most about our community is the camaraderie and support of our neighbors. When we see a need, we come around each other to help. This Passover may be the perfect opportunity for those who have enough to share to invite others to your family’s seder. I encourage you to invite friends or neighbors, not with the preface of them being in need, but with a desire to see familiar faces and a full table — of food and people — this Passover.

Matthew Bolton Director of JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry

Editorial may ‘mislead’ readers

We are writing to you in relation to the editorial “The enemy of our nemesis,” April 1.

Sadly, the following paragraph may mislead less informed readers, suggesting the Holocaust was a state enterprise of the Polish authorities: “In our community’s consciousness, Poland, the site of Auschwitz and the Warsaw Ghetto, is the graveyard of the Jews. Like so many other places in Eastern Europe, Jewish life flourished in Poland until it was crushed by antisemitism, unfiltered hate and violence. When World War II broke out, there were 3.3 million Jews in Poland, the second-largest Jewish community in the world. Eighty-five percent were murdered in the Holocaust. The pallor of death and the stories of unimaginable evil haunted our post-war communal perception of the Polish people and their government.”

First of all, it must be remembered that the Holocaust was a state enterprise of the German Reich. Its implementation, course, time, as well as the selection of tools and crime scenes were the result of the decisions issued by state organs of the German Reich. The Republic of Poland never undertook capitulation talks with the Germans, having remained a militant side for the entire period of the war. The Republic of Poland remained a declared enemy of the German Reich — its authorities never even considered participating in any form of collaboration with the national-socialist power. Never did it consent to the genocidal practices of the occupiers.

In the light of the above, these words are misinformation and distortion of historical truth.

More facts on Poland under German occupation during WWII can be found here: ipn.gov. pl/en/news/1048,The-criminal-nature-of-the-German-occupation-of-Poland-1939-1945Standpoint-of-t.html.

Jolanta Nowak Division of International Relations Office of International Cooperation Institute of National Remembrance Warsaw

Correction

In “JFilm returns with in-person screenings” (April 1), the opening night film, “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” was misidentified as “Cha Real Smooth.” The Chronicle regrets the error. PJC Address:

Website address:

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 5915 Beacon St., 5th Flr., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 pittsburghjewishchronicle.org/letters-to-the-editor

APRIL 8, 2022 11

Yehuda Matzo 1 lb.

2

99 ea.

gianteagle.com Prices effective March 31 - April 27, 2022.

Items available at participating locations while supplies last.

Charoset

find the recipe at

shop.gianteagle.com

enjoy passover

traditions Golden Delicious or McIntosh Apples 3 lb. bag

sale

3

99 ea.

Thomas Farms Pasture Raised Lamb Shanks Raised without antibiotics or added hormones, Product of Australia

sale

5 Carrots bunch

1

99

99

Fresh Curly or Plain Parsley

ea.

bunch

lb.

sale

1

49 ea.

12 APRIL 8, 2022

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Molly's Bakehouse Cakes or Cookies

selected varieties

Empire Kosher Fresh Whole Frying Chicken

sale

4

49

sale

3

Empire Kosher Frozen Turkeys

lb.

9

99

99

pk.

lb.

Yehuda Gefilte Fish 24 oz. jar

sale

Fresh Horseradish Root

4

79

3

Organic Red Beets Bunch

lb.

Kedem Grape Juice

49 ea.

16 oz., canister

7

3

99 ea.

Save up to $1.50 ea. with your

99 ea.

Save up to $1.30 ea. with your

kosher wine

Manischewitz Passover Matzo Meal

64 oz., selected varieties

79

ea.

Not all items and retails available in all areas.

Please visit our stores for additional selections of fine kosher wines.

Manischewitz Concord Grape or Blackberry 1.5 L

Save up to 50¢ ea. with your

Manischewitz Macaroons

Manischewitz Fruit Slice Tray

10 oz., selected varieties

8 oz.

4

6

sale

5

29 ea.

Save up to 50¢ ea. with your

79

Bartenura Moscato d'Asti 750 mL

ea.

Save up to 50¢ ea. with your

make your

celebration simple Conveniently order your Passover favorites with Curbside Pickup & Delivery.

Download our mobile app or visit gianteagle.com/shop to get started.

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

APRIL 8, 2022 13

Headlines Homes: Continued from page 1

in Maryland. This Passover will be the first time in two years that the Selekman crew will celebrate in person together — and this bubbie can’t wait.

“I love cooking. I love having them around,” Selekman said of her family. “It’s my greatest pleasure.”

Squirrel Hill resident Alan Lesgold is also excited about having a larger group around his table.

The past two years were pretty sparse, he said. “We’re ready to welcome a few additional people.”

Pandemic seders at the Lesgold home included a “large television at the end of the table,” enabling the Lesgolds to celebrate virtually with their two sons and daughters-in-law.

This year, Lesgold — who is participating in a Rodef Shalom Congregation program pairing hosts and guests — anticipates having 8-10 people around his table.

“COVID is probably not going anywhere, so even though there is some fear that there may be a new surge, at some point we need to get back together with people.

”

This seems to be a good time to do it.

— BETH SCHWARTZ He is delighted to welcome the group.

“Passover is a communal experience,” he said. It’s through the company of others that holiday celebrants can mark their freedom, offer thanks and “reflect that not everyone else enjoys that freedom,” he said.

That’s hard to do alone, he said, adding that the best Passover songs require multiple voices. “‘Chad Gadya’ and ‘Dayenu’ are group activities,” Lesgold said. “Those experiences we remember from past seders aren’t about

one person; they’re about a group of people celebrating together. However you think about religion, however you think about who we are and relate to God, it’s a communal experience, and certainly most faiths have figured that out over time — that’s why we gather for these kinds of events.”

Part of what Lesgold enjoys about the seder is that “it isn’t a performance you watch, it’s something you do,” he said.

Lesgold is counting down the days until Passover starts. With April 15 (and the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan) approaching, he noted that everyone will make calculations about welcoming guests or entering someone else’s home.

Lesgold’s family is vaccinated and boosted, he said, and although there’s always risk, he’s ready to celebrate Passover with family and friends nearby.

“To be fair,” Lesgold added, “we have a very long dining room table.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Communal: Continued from page 1

will include lessons on how to clean a dorm room for Passover; what items are kosher for the holiday; and what are the Haggadah’s key ideas, he said.

Marcus anticipates engaging with more than 500 Jewish students through various Passover-related programs.

For many students, this year’s holiday will be their first time celebrating together on campus, he said. “We’re excited for them to experience a sense of community and belonging.”

During Passover at Rodef Shalom Congregation, congregants will have “the chance to both meet people they might not already know and commune … which many of us haven’t done since 2019,” said Anna Gitlitz, the congregation’s marketing and communications manager.

On April 20 at 7 p.m. Women of Rodef Shalom is hosting a seder for all members of the congregation, not just women, Gitlitz said. “In deference to COVID-19 concerns, dinner won’t be served, but attendees are welcome to bring a Passover-friendly dessert to share.”

There is no cost to attend, but the congregation is asking participants to RSVP by April 6 and follow Rodef Shalom’s COVID guidelines, including vaccination for everyone above age 5, barring medical exceptions.

Additionally, Rodef Shalom will follow any updated masking guidelines recommended by the CDC, Gitlitz noted.

Temple Emanuel of South Hills is welcoming the community for a secondnight seder at 5:30 p.m., while continuing to remain cognizant of COVID-safe practices.

Leslie Hoffman, Temple Emanuel’s executive director, said the seder meal will be served “family-style at the tables,” and that if participants wish to sit solely with members of their own family the request can be accommodated.

14

APRIL 8, 2022

p A Passover seder for 1,500 people is held in the decorated sports hall at Kibbutz Na’an in 1971.

Photo by Fritz Cohen courtesy of Government Press Office via Flickr

Registration for the multigenerational musical seder experience is due April 5. The cost is $36 for adults and $18 for children.

The interactive evening will include craft projects, snacks before a catered meal, a fully-transliterated Haggadah and a chance to reconnect in “sacred community,” Hoffman said.

The chance for celebrants to be together isn’t lost on Congregation Beth Shalom’s Rabbi Seth Adelson. As a lead-up to the holiday, Adelson is reminding

congregants that one of Passover’s central themes is gathering.

Adelson is encouraging congregants to join Beth Shalom’s second-night seder at 6 p.m. on April 16.

Registration is available online, along with information about Beth Shalom’s vaccination requirements and COVID-related policies.

Adelson noted how grateful he is to celebrate Passover this year and hopes that sentiment is shared.

“Gathering with others in person is an

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

essential imperative in Jewish life,” he said.

“As we read in Pirkei Avot, ‘Al tifrosh min hatzibbur’ (Do not isolate yourself from your community). After two years of pandemic isolation, of Zooming and staying apart from one another to protect the vulnerable, we have now returned to the point where it is quite safe to gather once again. We should make a special effort to do so this year.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines Schiff: Continued from page 3

taking classes with the rabbi during the pandemic. He said Federation offered some of the courses free.

“I liken it to a drug dealer who offers the first course for free,” Barkowitz said with a hint of humor in his voice. “I was hooked. It was fabulous.”

Eventually, Barkowitz, who had retired shortly before taking his first virtual course

Engineers: Continued from page 4

through a time machine.

“You can look at radar data underneath the street or underneath a bridge to see all these layers of time,” he explained. “You can see, here are the old trolley tracks that used to run under Forbes Avenue, or here are abandoned utility lines that were left from the ‘60s, ‘80s or ‘90s, when documentation or digitization was not necessarily the best practice or didn’t exist.”

Baikovitz said that Mach9 is creating partnerships with civil engineering companies

JFCS: Continued from page 5

knows that the abuse is not their fault, and reassure the child that everything will be done to “protect them from further harm,” Miskanin said.

She encouraged parents to report any abuse to ChildLine, a 24-7 resource from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

When a call is made or an online report is entered into ChildLine, the system tries to differentiate between abuse and neglect, said Rebecca Remson, director of development and communications for JFCS, following the program.

“What we may think is abuse may actually be categorized as neglect,” she said.

Matzah: Continued from page 8

United States before the end of February, suggesting that the war in Ukraine is unlikely to be a major disruption. But an already overextended shipping industry after two years of pandemic, combined with rising gas and labor costs, have fueled rising prices for the matzah.

Barely over a month ago, Stambler would have said business was booming. “This year, we even opened a new matzah bakery, another branch, in Uman,” he said, referring to the Ukrainian city that is a pilgrimage site for Hasidic Jews.

Beginning baking around Hanukkah, the Ukrainian factories supply shmura matzah to Jewish communities in the entire former Soviet world in addition to their customers in the United States, Israel PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

with Schiff, began paying for classes. He said the classes he attended were his gateway into Federation life.

Barkowitz, who is a member of Beth El Congregation of the South Hills, said that Schiff ’s courses are challenging in a positive way.

“He gets people thinking,” he said. “I always feel like I come out smarter than I was before. He asks questions, he probes a lot. He demands interactivity and it’s really high quality.”

Janis Warren has a daughter who works

for Pittsburgh’s Federation. Warren lives in Maryland, so all her experiences with Schiff have been online.

She said Schiff ’s pedagogy makes up for the lack of a common physical space.

“He really makes you feel like it’s a community,” Warren said. “I don’t know anyone else in the group, but he set it up [saying], ‘Even if you don’t know anyone at the start of this, you’ll know everyone by the end,’” she said.

Like Barkowitz and Chester, Warren said she immediately recognized something unique about Schiff.

and municipalities, both in the Pittsburgh region and across the country.

“We’re really interested in identifying companies that can value this type of software that will make bridge inspections more cost-effective, integrate with the existing workforce, as well as be able to improve the accuracy and objectiveness of the results in that process, at the same time,” he said.

Baikovitz hasn’t worked alone in creating Mach9, named after the fastest speed a jet-propelled vehicle has ever traveled. His co-founders include Michael Mong, Haowen Shi and Zachary Sussman. Like Baikovitz, Sussman is Jewish and grew up in Florida.

“Growing up in Boca Raton, you don’t feel

like growing up Jewish is different,” Sussman said. “It’s almost like growing up in Israel where everyone around you is Jewish. Boca is 50% Jewish. I went to a Christian school that was over half Jewish.”

Sussman and Baikovitz met during orientation at CMU on their first Shabbat on campus.

“I said to myself, ‘Alex is going to doing something really big and when he starts a startup, you should join,’” Sussman recalled.

When that day came, Sussman already had what others might consider a dream job — working at Tesla Autopilot. He told Baikovitz he would need to wait a year to join the newly-formed company.

“One day later [after his year with Tesla]

he called me and was like, ‘Hey, are you ready to join Mach9 Robotics?’” Sussman said with a laugh.

Baikovitz is excited about the company he’s created with his co-founders and the technology-driven future of Pittsburgh.

“It’s this region where there is so much growth and so much excitement about new technology and innovation,” he said. “We see that with all the amazing self-driving companies, to Duolingo, to other start-ups, all working on pretty remarkable solutions that are helping to change our city and world.” PJC

“Both are followed up with, but who handles the complaint and the timeline of response depends on the category.”

Abuse complaints are addressed by Child Protective Services, but neglect complaints are addressed by General Protective Services, she said. “All complaints are investigated — abuse cases are given priority over neglect cases because the child’s life is in greater danger.” Ultimately, if someone learns of or suspects abuse, “contact ChildLine immediately at 1-800-932-0313. An investigation will open within 24 hours,” Remson stressed.

Rosenblum praised JFCS for organizing the March 27 webinar and described child safety within the framework of Jewish law.

There is a “mitzvah” to protect and safeguard children from abuse, but unfortunately, some people mistakenly think that reporting abuse may violate the prohibition

against lashon hara (making derogatory statements), he said.

“Lashon hara is when you’re just speaking negatively about someone for no purpose,” Rosenblum said. “When the purpose is to save and to help a vulnerable child from, God forbid, being abused, then all that goes out the window. The mitzvah becomes to publicize it as much as possible and to ensure the safety of the community and the child.”

Rosenblum told panelists and the 70 households participating in the webinar that he remembers attending a lecture almost 40 years ago by the late Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski, a University of Pittsburghtrained psychiatrist, author and founder of Gateway Rehab.

At the time, Twerski was “a lone voice” on topics of abuse, Rosenblum said.

“Fast forward 35-40 years later, we know

so much more.”

Despite the progress made in recent decades, “one of the conclusions of tonight is that we just need to keep at it,” Rosenblum said. “We haven’t solved all the problems just yet.”

Remson thanked community partners, including Bnai Emunoh Chabad, Chabad of Squirrel Hill, Congregation Poale Zedeck, Hillel Academy, Keser Torah, Kollel Jewish Learning Center, Lubavitch Center of Pittsburgh, Shaare Torah Congregation, Yeshiva Schools and Young Israel of Pittsburgh for “endorsing the event,” and encouraged people to contact JFCS Clinical Director Stefanie Small at ssmall@jfcspgh.org with any questions. PJC

and Western Europe. They are sold in America under the brand names Tiferes and Redemption, among others.

In Dnipro, the city where Stambler and his main matzah factory are based, periods of pogroms in the 19th century, which sent Eastern European Jews fleeing to the United States, are no longer top of mind for residents.

The Holocaust and even Soviet repression also seem to be more distant memories.

Today, Dnipro — known until 2016 as Dnepropretrovsk — is the most Jewish city in Ukraine, boasting the massive Menorah Center, a seven-branched building designed to look like the sacred candelabra and filled with kosher restaurants, wedding halls, ritual baths and other amenities for a Jewish community.

Though he has Israeli and American passports that would allow him to leave, Stambler has stayed behind to support the community, even after getting his family to safety.

“It’s very important to know that we’re staying here because we’re a part of the community, a part of the city.” Stambler said. “Just like President Zelensky said, each person has to fight on his own front. Our front is spreading Yiddishkeit.”

As Russian missiles struck the outskirts of Dnipro earlier this month, dozens still gathered for Shabbat, including many refugees who had come from harder-hit regions.

“We’re helping people from the whole Ukraine,” Stambler said. “From Kharkiv, from Zaporizhia, from Mariupol. We had 70 families who came out of Mariupol.”

Matzah production is still going on in town as well, though Stambler said about two thirds of the factory’s staff had fled. Those who remain are making matzah just for Ukraine.

“We’re going to make a very big campaign to bring the seder to every Jewish home,” Stambler said.

Stambler has plans for the 20,000 pounds in port as well.

“The only way I can bring it back to Ukraine is if it’s for the needs of the army,” he said.

Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 are forbidden from leaving the country in case they are needed for the war effort.

Many Jews have already joined volunteer self defense units which are organizing across the country.

If the war stretches until Passover, something that appears increasingly likely as Russia continues to shell areas it had suggested it might Stambler said, there could be many Jewish soldiers looking for matzah in the Ukrainian Army.

Most of it will stay in Ukraine, he said, but a last truck is still scheduled to bring some of the surplus out to the United Kingdom.

It will be the last international shipment of Ukrainian matzah this year. PJC

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

“I called my daughter after the first class and said, ‘I don’t know if I should say this because I’ve only taken a one-hour class with him, but I think he’s one of the finest teachers I’ve ever had.’”

In the end, Schiff said, virtual or in-person, his primary question is the same: “How do we make sure that Jews are engaged with their Judaism in a way that can be described as serious and that sparks commitment?” PJC David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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

APRIL 8, 2022 15

Life & Culture French chocolate mousse: A light and decadent end to the seder meal counter a few hours before you plan to make this recipe. In a pinch, you can put the eggs in a bowl and pour warm (not hot) water

By Jessica Grann | Special to the Chronicle over them, changing the water a few times; they should be at the correct temperature can check off all my boxes with this deca- within an hour. dent chocolate mousse recipe.

Crack the eggs, dividing the yolks It’s pareve, matzah-free, nut-free, does from the whites. not call for special ingredients that may be I’ve never been blessed to know someone hard to find for Passover and can easily be who could create stiff peaks of egg whites prepared a day or two in advance of the seder. by hand-mixing, so I suggest using an elecAnd it’s very rich, so a little goes a long way. tric hand or stand mixer unless you have I typically buy small plastic glasses that some serious talent. Beat the egg whites at hold 2-3 ounces — just enough for you to medium speed until stiff peaks are formed, get your fill but not overwhelm you as would about 4 minutes. a giant dessert after a holiday meal.

Meanwhile, gently mix the egg yolks into If you have a good kosher-for-Passover the warm chocolate. If the chocolate is too pie crust (or regular crust during the year) hot, the eggs will curdle, but if it’s simply this mousse can be poured over the shell warm to the touch you won’t have any issues. and refrigerated Continually stir for a few hours to the mixture with make a beautiful one hand while chocolate tart. pouring the eggs This recipe serves yolks in with your 6-12, depending other hand. During on the size of this mixing process, your serving cups. it is common for It can be the mixture to seize, prepared in about meaning it suddenly 20 minutes, before begins to feel very being placed in the firm. There is an refrigerator to set. easy fix. Take a tablespoon of the hot p French chocolate mousse Ingredients:

Photo by Jessica Grann water from the pan 7 ounces that you melted the bittersweet chocolate chocolate over and stir it into the chocolate 5 eggs, yolks and whites separated and yolk mixture. Usually, 1 tablespoon does 1 tablespoon granulated sugar the trick, but use 2 if needed.

1 teaspoon vanilla Once you can’t see any yolk peeking Pinch of salt — use something fine through and the mixture is shiny and like sea salt smooth, add the vanilla and the salt. If you can’t find kosher-for-Passover vanilla or Optional: imitation vanilla, you can omit it, but the 1 tablespoon Cointreau or another flavor won’t be quite as complex. If you wish kosher-for-Passover liqueur to add liqueur, this is the time to mix it in.

Chocolate shavings for garnish Using a strong spatula, gently fold the Whipped cream of your choice egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Take about 1/4 of the egg whites and fold in until Directions: fully combined. Repeat 2 or 3 times.

Melt chocolate. Use a double boiler, or put Pour the mixture into your preferred a few inches of water in a saucepan and bring cups or glasses. the water to a gentle boil. Next, put the chocCover each cup or glass with plastic wrap olate pieces into a medium or large-sized and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours. glass/Pyrex bowl, and place that bowl over This recipe can be made a day or two in the pan full of water. advance and will keep for about 4 days in the Reduce the heat of the burner to simmer, refrigerator. and constantly stir the chocolate until it is When it is time to serve you can add melted and smooth. fruit, chocolate shavings and pareve or dairy Remove from heat, and set the bowl aside whipped cream of your choice. The result to cool slightly. will be a firm dessert with a bit of a chew, (If it is simpler for you, break up the similar to the texture of a soft marshmallow. chocolate bars and microwave for about a Wishing you a kasher chag v’sameach — minute, watching it the entire time and being a happy and beautiful Passover — and, as careful not to overcook. Then stir to make always, bless your hands. I hope that every sure the chocolate is well mixed and without recipe you put your love and attention into any hard pieces.) turns out beautifully and is appreciated by The eggs must be at room temperature your family and guests. PJC — which is generally the case for cooking and baking. Room-temperature eggs cook Jessica Grann is a home chef living better and are fluffier. Set your eggs on the in Pittsburgh.

— FOOD —

I

16

APRIL 8, 2022

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Life & Culture The experience of charoset goes beyond flavor

By Leah Holzel | Contributing Writer

T

he pungent kick of horseradish on a fresh crisp sheet of matzah. The tender mouthfeel of a feather-light knaidel, moist with savory chicken soup.

Umami-rich brisket, braised low and slow, dotted with molasses-y prunes and plumped, tart dried apricots.

No Jewish holiday table inspires such positive food associations as Passover, and for so many of us, this will be our first taste of a full-on Pesach feast since the pandemic began.

But for the many who had COVID-19 and, with it, experienced sudden-onset smell loss, this could be a particularly emotional and challenging event: How to navigate a beloved holiday meal when you’re unable to perceive the essence of food’s flavor? It can feel like trying to navigate a desert. Alone.

But as someone who’s experienced smell loss first hand (non-COVID respiratory infection, and I eventually recovered), I know that traditions have a particular power, that holiday-food memories and their emotional impact are actually assets that support sensory perception.

A first step in leveraging that asset is to galvanize the senses that are still intact.

Focusing attention on the possibilities of what this sensory stimulation can help bring about is in keeping with Passover as the feast of freedom.

Our sense of taste registers the sensations of sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami, as distinguished by the taste buds on our

tongues. The seder table pops with ingredients that stimulate these tastes. Reach no farther than that bowl of classic charoset, which handily incorporates all five discreet tastes in a single dish: Sweet honey; sweet and tart apples and dried fruit; slightly bitter walnuts, almonds and tannic red wine; savory walnuts; salt as seasoning.

We vividly experience ch aro s e t through our sense of touch and mouth- f e e l , exploring all these ingredients through contrasting textures and shapes. In fact, part of what makes that family recipe you grew up on so familiar and recognizable is how it feels in your mouth when you take a bite.

And then there’s our trigeminal nerve in the nasal cavity that reacts to so many aromatic spices, and is responsible for our perceiving charoset’s cinnamon and clove as warm. But when it comes to trigeminal sensation’s prominent role in our appreciation of the Passover meal, there’s no more dramatic example than our experience of horseradish’s pungent fire.

Matzah, perhaps more than any other seder ingredient, speaks to how traditions and holiday-food memories positively influence our experience of food in the absence of flavor. It explains the anticipation and excitement of pulling a stack of smooth white sheets from the box, at the sound of the snap they make along those clean, perforated lines, and our true affection for that otherwise dry and crunchy, tasteless cracker.

The Hillel Sandwich, or Korech — charoset,

horseradish and matzah — is where all these elements of our flavor system come together.

We’re no doubt drawn to this ritual food because of the confluence of so many sensations all in one bite. This odd and otherwise funny-looking food points to our powerful drive to make meaning of what we’re eating through our senses. For those who are struggling with smell loss, hungry to access an experience of flavor, reach for the trove of food memories and emotions you have to draw from, along with those senses that are still intact. They’re your own custommade keys to connecting to the pleasure of Passover’s table.

The Hillel Sandwich

Makes about 4 cups Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 4 apples (about 1¼ pounds), preferably a multi-colored assortment of Granny Smith, McIntosh, Golden Delicious and Macoun 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ cup honey 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar ½ cup red wine

8 ounces walnut pieces, coarsely ground or finely chopped 4 ounces golden raisins, chopped Salt and freshly ground pepper Matzah Prepared horseradish Directions:

1. Core and finely chop the apples and transfer to a mixing bowl. Toss with the lemon juice, zest and granulated sugar. Toss the mixture occasionally while you complete the next steps. (Tip: The apples can macerate, refrigerated, for up to 36 hours.)

2. Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Add the cinnamon and cloves, and toast, about 1 minute. Add the honey, raise the heat to medium and simmer, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes.

3. Pull the saucepan off the heat and add the vinegar, which will come to a simmer quickly. Return the pan to medium heat and simmer, stirring for about a minute. Add the wine, stirring to incorporate, and let simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture has thickened to the consistency of syrup, 6 to 10 minutes; cool.

4. Stir in the walnuts and raisins to the apple mixture. Add the honey-wine reduction and toss to dress; season with the salt and pepper. Serve on matzah topped with horseradish, open face or sandwiched. PJC Leah Holzel is a smell-training coach, food writer and recipe developer specializing in culinary design for smell-loss. She’s the author of an upcoming cookbook for eaters with smell disorders. This piece first appeared in the Washington Jewish Week.

Real Estate FOR SALE

REALTOR SERVICES

Welcome home to 408 Northview Drive in Harmony!

BUY AND SELL WITH CONFIDENCE

The home offers a beautiful open floor plan with lots of natural light. This singlefamily home offers one-level living in a maintenance-free community. Enter in the foyer with 9” ceilings, beautiful, bright white kitchen, stainless steel appliances, large kitchen island, plus much more to see. HOA Amenities: Community pool, fitness center, and Clubhouse, grass cutting, landscaping, mulching, and snow removal.

BETH NICHOLS | REALTOR® ABR® | PSA® | RSPS® Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist Coldwell Banker Realty | License#: RS-171419L 4960 Route. 8 | Allison Park, PA 15101 C. 412.600.0252 | O. 412.487.0500 beth.nichols@pittsburghmoves.com bethnichols.cbintouch.com

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

412-215-8056 DIRECT 412-231-1000 RUBINOFFREALTY.COM

APRIL 8, 2022 17

Photo by EzumeImages via iStock Photos

— FOOD —

Celebrations

Torah

B’nei Mitzvah

After the contagion Barak Raz is the son of Elana and Ariel Raz, brother of Omri and Keren Raz, grandson of Gila and Micha Raz and Ivor and Vera Altshuler, great-grandson of the late Shirley and Al Zionts and the late Eli and Dorli Rozenblatt. Barak is in seventh grade at Community Day School. He plays soccer, basketball and tennis. He also plays violin in the Community Day School band. Barak will be celebrating becoming a bar mitzvah on April 9, 2022, at Congregation Beth Shalom.

Indie Rose Pascal will become a bat mitzvah at Tree of Life Congregation during Shabbat morning services on April 9, 2022. Matt and Molly Pascal (parents), Otis X (brother), Michael and Rose Pascal (grandparents), and Steve and Marcia Schachner (grandparents) are all very proud. Indie is a seventh-grader at Winchester Thurston School. Above all, Indie is an explorer, whatever the form: mountains, books, rivers and ideas. For her bat mitzvah project, Indie is raising money (by baking and selling challahs) to help support the Afghan refugees arriving in Pittsburgh.

Please consider donating directly to the JFCS Refugee & Immigration Fund in her honor.

Engagement Amy and Jeffrey Scott of Pittsburgh, together with Margaret Ridgeway of Swansea, Wales, joyfully announce the engagement of their children, Jamie Beth Scott and Benjamin Martin Woodger Ridgeway. Jamie and Ben met their very first day of orientation while working on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and have been together ever since. Jamie is the granddaughter of Linda and the late Leonard Bernstein, and the late Maxine and Bill Scott, all of Pittsburgh. Ben is the son of the late Tim Ridgeway, grandson of the late John and Valerie Ridgeway, all of Goodwick, Wales, and the late Edwin and Winnifred Stokes of Chichester, England. Jamie is a graduate of Penn State University and is the department director, children/youth/families at the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh. Ben is finishing his training as a pilot and will graduate this coming May. The couple reside in Pittsburgh with their dog, Jet. A fall 2023 wedding is being planned. PJC

Rabbi Larry Freedman Parshat Metzora Leviticus 14:1 – 15:33

F

irst of all, it’s not leprosy, aka Hansen’s Disease.

Let’s agree that we don’t really know what it was other than “tzara’at” — because whatever it was, it was bad. Very bad. Scary bad. Some sort of contagion, and you did not want to get it. Welcome to Parshat Metzora.

Last week in Tazria, we learned that there are lots of rules concerning what to do with someone who contracted it; how to behave toward them, and how they should behave toward you. Rules and rules that taught us to beware the plague, beware the contagion, this unseen malevolence.

But what about rules for coming back, for welcoming back, for removing this sense of impurity? How does one transition from fear of tzara’at to no fear?

Parshat Metzorah comes to the rescue.

Here’s just one example of how to welcome the person back. Take the person — the metzora — to the cohen (priest). Have the cohen check him out. If he seems OK, take two birds. Kill one and pour its blood into a bowl of water. Take the other live bird, hold it with some cedar, hyssop and “crimson stuff,” dip all of that into the bowl of blood-water mixture and sprinkle that liquid dripping from the live bird onto the person who is to be cleansed.

Got that? Stay with me.

The person being cleansed has to shave off all of his hair, go into quarantine, and offer a korban, where some of the blood from that animal sacrifice is put on his ear, thumb and toe. After that, there is even more to do, and then the person is clean.

Have you stayed with me? Or have you already moved on to the Chronicle’s celebrations on the other side of this page?

Generations of rabbis move quickly through this parsha. Generations of 13-yearolds have bemoaned being assigned this portion. And yet — surprise! Another face of Torah appears.

We are finishing, for now, our own contagion. Omicron is fading. The transmission rate of COVID-19 is low. The majority of us,

in most places, can now take off our masks.

For now. Some of us are thrilled. Some of us are very reluctant. Some of us are still scared of the contagion and just don’t believe that conditions are safe.

Imagine that poor metzora. He goes through a terrible ordeal, completely recovers — and then what? Returns home?

Do you think he will be welcomed back with hugs? He’s totally fine, cleared by a cohen, but who’s giving this guy a kiss hello? He just had tzara’at!

When something so scary happens, we are changed, we are scarred. We are suspicious.

It is very difficult to take “yes” for an answer, to believe in the all-clear announcement.

What if they missed something?

The cohen assures us the metzora is all clear. How do we know he’s right? Answer: Remember the ritual of the two birds and cedar and sprinkling and a korban and blood on the earlobe and all of that? Why is Parshat Metzora so filled with detail? Because that’s what it takes for us to believe things will be OK. It takes that much detail and ritual to give us the courage to feel confident that the contagion is contained.

An epidemiologist tells me that the rate of COVID transmission is so low that we have little to fear, almost nothing, and I’m supposed to just buy that? Scary!

OK, so I have taken my mask off but I feel like I need to do something to mark this moment. I want a ritual, something to mark “before” and “after.”

Maybe it’s not that crazy an idea to take two birds, a hunk of cedar, hyssop, a basin of water and put bird blood on my big toe. Or if not all that, how about a bracha, something between shehechiyanu and benching gomel?

I need something like that because contagion is scary and trust is scary and accepting that an invisible plague is absent, for now, is really, really hard even when it is true.

It’s easy to dismiss Parshat Metzora, but this year its wisdom, newly revealed, may make it the most important parsha of the year. PJC Rabbi Larry Freedman is the director of the Joint Jewish Education Program. This column is a service of the Greater Pittsburgh Rabbinic Association.

Join the Chronicle Book Club!

T

he Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle invites you to join the Chronicle Book Club for its May 1 discussion of the memoir “The Seven Good Years”

by Israeli author Etgar Keret.

From Amazon.com: “Etgar Keret is not your usual memoirist.

For his first foray into the genre — he is the author of several lauded short story collections — Keret chose the titular Seven Good Years between the birth of his son and the death of his father as temporal boundaries for a series of four- to five-page vignettes and ruminations, ranging from humorous to

18

APRIL 8, 2022

anxious (but humorous) to heavy (and humorous). And for the most part, those events don’t even define the content of this collection. Keret — a native of Israel — contemplates moments of his life against a backdrop of constant conflict, casting an absurd light on both the monumental and mundane: a time-wasting game of chicken with a telemarketer becomes an irritating memento mori; the terrorist subtext of Angry Birds comes disturbingly (if somewhat speciously) clear; a whimsical mustache conjures a story of a near-fatal encounter in Lebanon. His

compact style benefits the brevity of the pieces, perfectly matching his skewed and occasionally detached tone; Keret is a sort of bemused and sometimes baffled observer of the world and the people who inhabit it, and simply a wonderful writer.”

Your Hosts

Toby Tabachnick, editor of the Chronicle David Rullo, Chronicle staff writer

How It Works

We will meet on Zoom on Sunday, May 1, at noon. As you read the book, we invite you to share comments and join discussions in our Facebook group, Chronicle Connects:

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Jewish PGH. We invite you to join now if you are not already a member of the group.

What To Do

Buy: “The Seven Good Years.” It is available from online retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Email: Contact us at drullo@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org, and write “Chronicle Book Club” in the subject line. We will send you a Zoom link for the discussion meeting.

Happy reading! PJC — Toby Tabachnick PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Obituaries AUSSENBERG: Earl Aussenberg, 88, of Pittsburgh, passed on March 22, 2022. Son of Eva and Elias Aussenberg. Loving partner of Phyllis Baskin; father of Evan (Riva) Aussenberg, Jon Aussenberg and Hilary Aussenberg; and brother of the late LaVerne Paris. He was a fun-loving and cherished surrogate grandfather to Phyllis’ grandchildren: Molly Gondelman, Sydney and Miles Agus, Jesse and Charley Gorham, and is survived by many devoted nieces and nephews and cousins. Earl graduated from Taylor Allderdice and received his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Pittsburgh. He was proud serving in the Korean War and was a part of the 101st Airborne Division. As an industrial engineer, he earned management positions for Westinghouse and Carborundum. At Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory he helped to support the first nuclear submarine: The USS Nautilus. Additionally, Earl was the general manager of USPS first bulk mailing facility in D.C. Earl was a CPA for over 40 years, launching the firm of Aussenberg, Bernson, Perilman & Tuminello, before merging his practice with Exler & Company, Inc. in 2018. He was a staunch supporter of Israel, a believer and protector of human rights, a caring friend, a golf enthusiast, an animal lover, and a loyal consummate Steelers fan. Earl will be greatly missed.

Services and interment were private.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, 1135 Murray Hill Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. schugar.com KANTROWITZ: Richard “Dick” Benjamin Kantrowitz, of Pittsburgh, on April 1, 2022.

Beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and CPA to many. He is preceded by his beloved wife, Rosalind “Roz” Kantrowitz, of almost 47 years; loving father to Sam (Kimberly) and Howard (Dana) Kantrowitz; adored grandfather “Zaydes” to Beckett, Hudson, Chase and Charleigh; devoted brother to Kenneth (and the late Susan) Kantrowitz; and proud uncle to Marci, Ron and Pam. He was admired by many friends and clients, relationships he cherished always.

Richard was a proud graduate of the 1960 class of Taylor Allderdice High School and then went on to get his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Richard then went on to serve in the Air Force Reserves before beginning his career as a CPA which lasted over 40 years. Richard was an active member of B’nai Brith for many years and also served as president. Richard had a special friendship with Roberto Clemente and his family and he served on many of the family’s foundations. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Homewood Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to robertoclemente foundation.com in his memory. schugar.com LEVINE: Judith Weiner Levine, on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida, at age 79. Born on July 18, 1942, in Pittsburgh to Ruth Grafman Weiner and Sidney Weiner. Judy was the widow of Warren Levine of Pittsburgh, but residing in Vero Beach, Florida, since 2003; mother to David Stanley Ruben (Pittsburgh), B. Harrison Levine (Boulder, Colorado), Carrie Levine Schiff and husband Kevin Schiff (Boulder, Colorado), Marnie Susan Levine (Denver, Colorado) and Jaime Paige Levine (New York, New York); grandmother of Sidney Schiff, Aaron Ruben, Samuel Schiff and Jake Ruben; and beloved companion of Scout. A graduate of Penn Hall School for Girls in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Judy matriculated at Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania, and Chatham College (now Chatham University) in Pittsburgh, before marrying Warren Levine in 1962. After the couple retired to Vero Beach, Florida, Judy made her bat mitzvah, was active in the Temple Beth Shalom Sisterhood, serving for a time as president, and volunteered at Indian River Hospital in the Stork Club, providing support to the Women’s Health Care staff by welcoming new mothers, cuddling, feeding, diapering and providing state-mandated hearing screenings to newborns. A memorial is unplanned at this time, though you

may reach out to the family for more information. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach (1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960; vnatc.org) or Temple Beth Shalom of Vero Beach (365 43rd Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32968; tbsvero.org). Arrangements by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida. A guestbook is available at strunk funeralhome.com.

OBERNAUER: Somer Obernauer, on Thursday, March 31, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Ruth Margolis Obernauer. Loving father of Lynn (Marc) Zelenski, Lorie (David Roecker) Obernauer, and Somer (Carol) Obernauer, Jr. Son of the late Anna and Arthur Obernauer. Brother of the late Marne (Joan) Obernauer. Grandfather of Sean (Melanie) Rodriguez, Seth (Jennifer) Rodriguez, Sarah (Alex) Pfeffer, and Alexis Obernauer. Great-grandfather of Dylan, Ella, Isabella and Samuel Rodriguez, Henry and Theodore Pfeffer. Also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins. Graveside service and interment were held at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Memorial donations can be made to JFCS Refugee and Immigrant Services, 5743 Bartlett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or at jfcspgh.org/donate.

Donations made will support refugee youth programs. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. schugar.com Please see Obituaries, page 20

SPONSORED CONTENT

What Do1,000 Doctors Want to Know?

by James Lange, CPA and Attorney of Lange Financial Group, LLC

I recently spoke at Jim Dahle’s White Coat Investor’s Conference in Phoenix, AZ. There were roughly 500 in person and 500 virtual attendees.

It was the classiest event I have ever attended either as a speaker or an attendee.

Jim is a doctor who loves helping other doctors with their careers and their finances. He has strong following for his podcasts, books, emails, etc. He is the author of The White Coat Investor: A Doctor’s Guide to Personal Finance and Investing which sold 75,000 copies (this is phenomenal for a self-published book). He really delivers excellent content in his email communications, podcasts, books, and workshops. He put together a lot of excellent speakers in an idyllic setting in Phoenix.

Other than Jim Dahle, I was the only speaker to have both a keynote and a breakout session.

My first presentation covered Roth IRA conversions, the best estate plan for doctors, and some specialty estate planning techniques including Who Gets What?—the charitable technique that encourages IRA and retirement plan owners to leave money to charity from their IRAs as opposed to their after-tax dollars.

I expected questions after my presentation, but I was flooded with questions in the hallway.

Since I genuinely love answering questions and wanted to give the attendees as much value as I could, I ended up answering questions for five hours after my talk!

I believe with maybe one exception; all the questions were regarding Roth IRA conversions and backdoor Roth IRA conversions. The doctors, most of them financially sophisticated, knew that going from the taxable environment (IRAs and other traditional retirement plans) to the tax-free environment (like Roth IRAs) was the right longterm strategy. The questions I received demonstrated a better than average understanding of taxes.

Given the level of interest and basic understanding, I revised my second presentation to include a lot more material on Roth IRA conversions

and backdoor Roth IRA conversions. While revising my second slideshow, additional ideas regarding the backdoor Roth IRA conversion came to mind, and I incorporated those ideas into my webinar.

My upcoming May webinars include a twohour session on Roth IRA conversions and backdoor Roth IRA conversions. If you would like to attend my next Roth IRA workshop, please register to attend at https://PayTaxesLater.com/ MayWebinars.

A few other observations about the conference…

It was interesting to get personal insight on how doctors feel about their jobs and careers.

For instance, doctors—at least the ones I met and had dinner with—hate being limited to 20-minute appointments when they know many appointments should be longer. And one survey,

Register to attend 1, 2, 3, or all 4 FREE Webinars at:

https://PayTaxesLater.com/MayWebinars Lange Financial Group, LLC 2200 Murray Avenue

•

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

•

412-521-2732

•

conducted by Jim Dahle, indicated that even upon reaching their financial goals, most doctors would keep working, but would give up being “on call.” Being “on call” was something that practically all the doctors I spoke with disliked.

Furthermore, they are well aware of the mess our health care system is in. In fact, one of the talks was titled How Doctors Can Save the Medical System, not the Government. They predict a massive crisis in health care infrastructure stemming from insufficient resources and a lack medical professionals to treat the burgeoning demand for care.

They also are voracious readers. I was a guest on a Jim Dahle podcast, and 1,700 doctors ordered my last book, Beating the New Death Tax. Many of the doctors I spoke with not only read that book, but also read at least one other book that I wrote.

To learn more about Roth IRA conversions and backdoor Roth IRA conversions, please register to attend my upcoming Roth IRA workshop on Tuesday, May 3rd from 1– 3 p.m. (Eastern) at https://PayTaxesLater.com/MayWebinars.

www.paytaxeslater.com

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

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

APRIL 8, 2022 19

Obituaries Obituaries: Continued from page 19

SHEER: Joan M. Sheer, on Monday, April 4, 2022. Beloved sister of Sibyl Sheer (late Mordecai) Treblow. Aunt to nine nieces and nephews and five great-nieces and -nephews.

Joan was a lifetime member of Hadassah and NA’AMAT. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Ave., Shadyside on Friday, April 8, at 11 a.m. Visitation one hour prior to services (10 - 11 a.m.). Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Young Peoples Synagogue, 6404 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or Weinberg Village, 300 JHF Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. schugar.com SITTIG: Sheila Podolsky Sittig, 1949-2022 (age 72), passed away on April 1, 2022, after years of bravely fighting and surviving longstanding and challenging health issues. Beloved wife

Jett: Continued from page 11

pressure is gone.

When people live without hope, it can prompt some to snap and turn to violence. The problem for Israel’s security forces is that it is impossible to know in advance in every case when this might happen. In other words, it is

of Dr. Michael Sittig, her soulmate and the love of her life, of Pittsburgh. Beloved sister of Dr. Terry (Podolsky) Wolinsky McDonald of Sarasota, Florida, and Pittsburgh. Beloved daughter of the late Harry and Florence (Geller) Podolsky. Granddaughter of the late Simon and Rebecca (Penner) Geller and Jacob and Hinda Podolsky. Many friends, in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was the best daughter, daughter-in-law, wife, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, godmother, relative or friend a person could have. It sounds cliche, but she truly had a heart of gold. She also had a very big and beautiful personality.

After graduating from Pennsylvania State University, she taught elementary school for nearly four decades. While at Manchester Elementary School, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education commemorated Sheila’s “excellence in teaching.” She stayed in contact for years with many of her students, delighting in their successes. Sheila was very special to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She was unique. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Homewood Cemetery. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to Temple Sinai, 5505 Forbes Ave; Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or to Temple Emanu El, 151 McIntosh Rd; Sarasota, FL 34232. schugar.com

not unlike mass shootings in the United States.

This week the process of selecting a jury to determine the punishment of the teenage killer of 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, began. As with each multiple homicide, the only thing that is clear is that there are too many guns and too little attention to mental health problems in this country. Not to mention Tree of Life. Some will criticize

the authorities, and some will say “never again” but no real corrective steps are taken.

And since the police cannot anticipate who the next mass murderer will be, it is only a question of time until the next one.

And unless there is more reflection on why Israeli Arabs and West Bank Palestinians turn to terrorism, it is also just a question of time until the next attack. Just saying ISIS inspired it excuses any action other than an

TANACK: Elliott “ET” Tanack, on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Loving husband of the late Faye Schorr Tanack and the late Geraldine Katz Tanack. Devoted father of Terri L. Weiss (Bob), Ellen H. Jones and Robert Jones. Son of the late Ella and Harry Tanack. Brother of late Gerald Tanack (late Betty) and the late Hannah Katz (late Stanley). Loving grandpa to Geoffrey Jones (Jamie) and Lauren Weirauch (Dan). Proud great-grandfather to Sadie Jones, Meyer Jones and Oscar Weirauch. Elliott graduated from South Philadelphia High School and Business Training College, and served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1946. He passed the CPA

exam in 1949, and was a life member of the PA and American Institutes of Certified Public Accountants. Elliott retired from Account Practices in 2008. He was previously a volunteer at the Veteran’s Hospital in Oakland. His prior organizations were Pittsburgh Promise Education, First Tee, and speaker at various senior citizens groups. Elliott loved golf, tennis, playing every week into 2017 and going to the casino. He was also a great fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Graveside service and interment were held on Friday, March 25, 2022 at Temple Sinai Memorial Park at 2 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Jewish Association on Aging, 200 JHF Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or Breastcancer.org.

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

eye for an eye. But don’t expect the politicians who capitalize on hate and fear to suggest that. It is easier to say they hate us because of our freedom or because of our religion than it is to suggest that national introspection is what is needed. PJC Ambassador Dennis Jett (Ret.), Ph.D., is a professor of international affairs at Penn State University.

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

In memory of...

Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jacob Barniker Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cecelia Finegold Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beatrice P. Smizik Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harry Stevenson Robert Bogdan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice Bogdan Luisa & Howard Cohen & Family . . . .Emanuel Bucaresky Luisa & Howard Cohen & Family . Mollie Wise Bucaresky Luisa & Howard Cohen & Family . . . . . . . . .Dorothy Fisher Sheila Cook Fine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joseph Cook Deborah and James Gannes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zelda Glick Lynne Gottesman and Debra Ritt . . . . . Esther Gottesman Ruth Haber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pearl Friedman Bernard Halpern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bessie Halpern Ms. Marjorie Halpern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Glantz Joan G. Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sophia Israel Susan N. Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bruce M. Herron Denise Kaiser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bertha Kaiser Nancy Kraut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Edith Steiner Wendy Lamfrom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mervin B. Feldman

A gift from ...

In memory of...

Linda Levine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florence Myers Randy Malt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nathan Malt Jack & Bernice Meyers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph M. Epstein Rona Mustin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Azriel Meyer Sachs Larry Myer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trudy Rosenthal Larry Myer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David A. Myer Faye Nickel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Melnick Faye Nickel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harry Melnick Nathaniel S. Pirchesky . . . . . . . . . . . .Belle Caplan Pirchesky Sylvia Pearl Plevin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betty Pearl Mr. & Mrs. Arthur J. Pollock & Family . . Isadore M. Pollock Mr. & Mrs. Arthur J. Pollock & Family . . . Samuel Davidson Joan Privman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regina Margolis Debra Ritt and Lynne Gottesman . . . . . Esther Gottesman Robert Rosenstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Rosenstein Robert Rosenstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eleanor Silverstein Rina Segal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Zanvel Sigal Rhea and Howard Troffkin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frieda Troffkin

The Original Our Only Location At

2145 BRIGHTON ROAD • PITTSBURGH, PA 15212 • 412-321-2235 Serving the Jewish Community Since 1924

THIS WEEK’S YAHRZEITS — Sunday April 10: Harry Balber, Julia Baroff, Louis Cohen, Morris Cohen, Eva Cooper, Harry Fisher, M.D., David Frank, Steven David Harris, Jean Katzman, Larry J. Klein, Anna Leff, David Levy, Pearl Baskind Sadowsky, Rody S. Verk Monday April 11: Milton Alderman, Benjamin Geduldig, Dora Himmel, Dorothy Leah Katz, Anne R. Levy, Betty Pearl, Israel Pick, Adele Prizant, Fannie Serbin, Ida Shrut, Sidney A. Uram Tuesday April 12: Celia Apple, Annette L. Smith Bergsman, Helen Harris Berman, Eva Diamond, Mervin B. Feldman, Florence Glick, Gertrude N. Hoffman, Nathan H. Isaacs, Sophia E. Israel, Dora Jacobson, David Kalson, Louis Meyer, Marlene Pearl Rosen, Morris Schwartz, Nettie Silverberg Wednesday April 13: Steven Beck, Goldie R. Broida, Irving Cowen, Nathan A. Davis, Abraham Glanz, Ruben Heller, George Lurie, Jr., Ruth G. Martin, Hyman Miller, Roberta Morrison, Catherine Neiman, Louis Plesset, Jennie Volkin Thursday April 14: Freda Berkovitz, Dr. Albert B. Berkowitz, Ida Cohen, Freda Gordon, Milton Kelsky, Rosa Klawansky, Esther Kramer, Rosalind Light Kraus, Isadore M. Pollock, Ruth Rosenstein, Julius A. Rudolph, Jacob Segal, Leonard Herbert Shiner, Mel Weinberg, Meyer Young, Helen Zeff

L E G A L N OT I C E The Estate of Marla Joyce Perlman Case #841-2022 Anyone who has a claim against the state please call the attorney for the estate Jeffrey L. Pollock, Esq., 1320 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 412-421-2232 | Jlplaw15217@aol.com

Friday April 15: George Apple, Sam Astrov, Morris A. Berman, Gerda Bloch, Nathan Breakstone, Dorothy L. Fisher, Bennie Ginsburg, David Philip Gold, Morris H. Goldenson, Saul Katz, Louis K. Landau, Sara Gluck Lewinter, Abe Mallinger, Jan Steuer Mandell, Eva Perlow, William Wolf Shamberg, Ida R. Thompson Saturday April 16: Jacob Barniker, Gary Allen Braunstein, Rubin Dafner, Ida Dobkin, Esther Gottesman, Esther Gottesman, Sara R. Levy, Louis Nathan Morris, Rose Myers, Harry Saxen, Rebecca Schulman, Melvin Sherman Shapiro, Libby Sherman, George Simon, Freeda Solomon, Robert Charles Solomon

20 APRIL 8, 2022

www.pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Real Estate REALTOR SERVICES

FOR SALE

KEEPING IT REAL IN REAL ESTATE!

F O R S A LE

Contact me today to find out how Howard Hanna’s exclusive buyer and seller programs can benefit you!

• Buy Before You Sell • Money Back Guarantee • One Stop Shopping • Hanna Gold Advantage • Homes of Distinction • HSA Home Warranty Protection

Contact Denise today for the REAL facts on why NOW is the best time to buy or sell!

Denise Serbin, Realtor HOWARD HANNA REAL ESTATE

Squirrel Hill Office 6310 Forbes Ave. , Pittsburgh, PA 15217 412-480-6554 mobile/preferred 412-421-9120 office deniseserbin@howardhanna.com

Business & Professional Directory BUYING

CNA AVAILABLE

WANTED:

Grandma’s & Pap’s VERY Old-Vintage Clothing, Hats, Costume Jewelry, Leopard Coats, Purses, Shoes, Bellbottoms, Hawaiian Dresses & Shirts, Lingerie.

Quantity Preferred, will pick up.

Toll Free 888-736-7242

CNA seeking personal care position.

I have over 25 years of experience and excellent references.

Also able to assist with ‘to & from’ appointments Don’t delay, call Dorothy today: 412-537-0567!

GET THE news.

THEN GET THE FULL STORY

❀ In the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle For home delivery, call 410.902.2300, ext. 1

SQUIRREL HILL • $550,000 FIRST TIME OFFERED! Unique 5 bedroom, 3 bath home. 2 car garage. Special architectural masterpiece of a kitchen. Charming private front porch. Fabulous location. Onufer Team; Call David Onufer 412-818-3578; and the Portland Team: Call Mark Portland 412-480-3110 OAKLAND • THE WINCHESTER CONDO • $324,900 ING Fabulous with one of the only balconies.

END Updated kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, P 2 integral parking spaces, pool and guest suite. Call Kate White 412-310-0765.

FOX CHAPEL MEWS • $549,000 Bright, spacious most desired 3 br, 3 ba unit in a neutral palate with upscale updates throughout. The open floor plan offers many options for a home office.

A large patio welcomes morning sun. Ideally located near the elevator and storage.

Numerous bldg. amenities. See with Etta Golomb 412-725-6524.

SHADYSIDE • $1,300,000 • CONTEMPORARY CARRIAGE HOUSE A secluded gem in the heart of Shadyside in this architect/owner home.

Efficient in size, light-filled rooms throughout, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, updated features, and set on a private manicured lot, just minutes from shopping, schools, downtown, and public transportation. One of a kind! Shown by appointment with Etta Golomb, 412-725-6524.

SOUTHSIDE • $299,000 • ANGEL ARMS • HISTORIC FIRST TIME OFFERED! Gorgeous 2 bedroom 2 bath open condo with deck and wonderful appointments. Rare Find. Owner sacrificing and says sell. Beautiful!

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

(Please leave a message if I miss you and I will return your call ASAP)

412.496.5600 JILL | 412.480.3110 MARK

FOR SALE

Headlines Lee: Continued from page 2

that is rooted in peaceful protest.”

Noting that there has been a 400% increase in antisemitism in the United States, Cherner asked Lee about the balance between free speech and the need to protect marginalized communities.

Lee linked antisemitism and white nationalism, racism and xenophobia, saying they are ideologies “we have to rise up against.”

Lee said that the Democratic Party must be reflective of the region and the country.

She also stressed that increased federal support for infrastructure was vital and that the government has a role in working to decrease gas prices.

“We found very quickly that oil and gas companies were just raising prices,” she said.

“What is happening right now is that the cost per barrel has dropped, the price of gasoline has not. So, what we’re dealing with is corporate greed at this point.”

In addition to combating rising prices, Lee said, wages, which have remained stagnant since 2007, need to be raised.

Pittsburgh resident Mark Fichman said he attended all three of the CRC’s Coffee and Conversations — the other two were with PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Democratic hopefuls Steve Irwin and Jerry Dickinson — and liked what he heard from Lee. “I thought she did an excellent job,” he said.

Stuart Pavilack said some areas of concern arose during the conversation with Lee. “I didn’t think she knew a lot about the situation,” Pavilack said. “She didn’t have an opinion on whether Israel was an apartheid state and on BDS. She didn’t know the subject adequately.”

Pavilack, who attended and commented as an individual and not in his role as executive director of the Zionist Organization of America: Pittsburgh, said he was concerned about some of Lee’s views on domestic issues, like reasons for the rise in the price of gasoline.

Cherner said that the town hall events were a good opportunity to put the three lead Democratic candidates in front of the Jewish community.

“Each candidate is running for the same party,” she said. “A lot of them espouse the same progressive values, so being able to directly ask them about issues that are of key importance to the Jewish community and hearing each candidate’s unique response, I think, is really helpful to inform voters when making a decision.” PJC

5912 Douglas

David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

$350,000

www.pittsburghjewishchronicle.org APRIL 8, 2022 21

Life & Culture Holocaust Center and Prime Stage partner to tell story of Nazi resistance — THEATER —

By Justin Vellucci | Special to the Chronicle

T

he Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh is again partnering with a local theater company to spread awareness about the dangers of genocide.

Pittsburgh’s Prime Stage Theatre is teaming with the Holocaust Center to stage a virtual production of “The White Rose” for Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month, paired with a “global discussion” of the play’s theme and content via Zoom. The two organizations worked together last year on a production related to the Rwandan genocide. “‘The White Rose’ is based on a true story,” said Wayne Brinda, Prime Stage’s producing artistic director. “This is really giving young people the inspiration to say, ‘When you see something that doesn’t feel right, speak up.’”

The performance dramatizes the life of a 21-year-old German university student, Sophie Scholl, who was murdered during World War II for her anti-Nazi activities with the underground resistance group The White Rose. Scholl, her brother Hans and their friends Christoph Probst, Alexander Schmorell and Willie Graf — college students — and Professor Kurt Huber were the driving forces behind their resistance group speaking out against Adolf Hitler and his regime, according to Prime Stage staff.

The play will be recorded during its first performance and available for streaming from April 24 through May 8 for those who purchase tickets.

Brinda said his company, which is in its 25th season, approached Wisconsin-based playwright James DeVita about doing a one-act version of his play about The White Rose. The six-actor show is being supervised

by Wolfgang Huber, the German son of the university professor who was part of The White Rose group.

“He’s giving us some insights on Sophie; he’s giving us some insights on Hans,” Brinda said. “He’s helping ensure what we’re doing

 Julia Paul as Sophie Scholl and Jared Lewis as Hans Scholl

is correct. I’ll tell you, it’s an amazing story.”

Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered 6 million Jews across Germanoccupied Europe — around two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population. In the summer of 1942, leaflets calling for resistance against the Nazi regime began appearing around Munich. Soon they began appearing in other cities around the country. It was some of the first overt resistance against the Nazi regime, acts which, at a time of war, were considered high treason. “[White Rose members] are definitely known as heroes of the Holocaust,”

Photo by Laura Slovesko

said Lauren Bairnsfather, director of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. “The humanity of all of these experiences shines through.”

The production will include a free online event featuring dialogue between director Art DeConciliis, artist Marcel Walker and writer Wayne Wise, each of whom have told the story of The White Rose through artistic media. These creatives will discuss the process of depicting The White Rose, why it continues to inspire audiences and the importance of sharing the story with future generations. Bairnsfather and Brinda will host the conversation, which will take place

virtually at 1 p.m. on April 24. It is free and open to the public.

Screenings of the play also will reach students in South Africa, Poland and Israel, in part thanks to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Partnership2Together program.

“Unfortunately, it’s timely,” Brinda said.

“We want this to get to as many people as it can get to.”

For tickets, visit primestagecom. anywhereseat.com. PJC Justin Vellucci is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh.

Real Estate REALTOR SERVICES

BUYING OR SELLING?

Are You Buying or Selling a Home?

Let Us Guide You Through the Process!

5125 Fifth Ave.

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

CALL THE SMITH-ROSENTHAL TEAM TODAY.

Contact me today to discuss all of your real estate needs!

Smith-Rosenthal Team

Jason A. Smith & Caryn Rosenthal Jason: 412-969-2930 | Caryn: 412-389-1695 Jasonasmith@howardhanna.com Carynrosenthal@howardhanna.com

”Finest in Shadyside”

412-661-4456

www.kaminrealty.kamin.com

GET THE news.

THEN GET THE FULL STORY

❀ In the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle For home delivery, call 410.902.2300, ext. 1

5501 Baum Blvd.

Pittsburgh PA 15232 Shadyside Office | 412-361-4000

22 APRIL 8, 2022

FOR RENT

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Community Woo-hoo for JewQ

It’s a great day to prepare

Chani Altein, co-director of Chabad of Squirrel Hill, spent a year studying with students, including Yuval and Aviv Dobzinski, for the JewQ International Torah Championship. Held in New York, the competition welcomed more than 2,000 students from 24 countries. The Dobzinskis each received a gold medal.

In preparation for The Friendship Circle’s Friends All Around May 22 event, committee members visited the venue last week — Heinz Field — to visualize the “Here We Grow” theme.

t Yuval received a trophy for scoring the highest of all thirdgrade participants.

Photo by Oren Dobzinski

p Friends All Around is the Friendship Circle’s biggest event and fundraiser of the year, honoring graduating seniors and bringing the community together in fun and friendship.

Photo courtesy of The Friendship Circle

Raising their voices t Sharon Davidson and JCC choir members at The New Riverview sang a collection of Jewish songs, including “Bei mir bist du schon” on March 31.

Bubbe Bingo returns The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh hosted Bubbe Bingo Brunch on March 27. The event raised funds for the Federation’s Community Campaign and Ukraine Relief Fund.

Photo courtesy of Rabbi Mark Asher Goodman

Together for Shabbat College students opened their doors in the spirit of Shabbat. Thanks to SHABBOP (Shabbat Over Pittsburgh), Hillel JUC enabled area students to join with others and celebrate the weekly day of rest.

p (Back row, left) Bubbe Bingo emcees Dixie Shurewood and Amneeja Schnackenmuff, and (front left) Sam Kline, event chair, and Drew Greenwald, Jewish Federation development associate, young adult philanthropy.

p It’s good to be together.

p Emcee Amneeja involved Alexander Goodstein, chair of Jewish Federation Young Adult Division outreach and engagement, in repartee at the Federation’s Bubbe Bingo Brunch.

Photos by Joshua Franzos

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

p Shabbat brings the smiles.

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Photos courtesy of Hillel JUC

APRIL 8, 2022 23

NEW!

Opening April 11

Recover with us!

The Recovery Room is a dedicated space to aid in active and passive recovery pre and post workout.

Recovering properly aids in reducing the inflammation, soreness and lactic acid build-up in your body as well as minimizing your risk of injury.

*JCC MEMBERS ONLY* Sign up on MindBody A welcoming vaccinated environment for members, guests and staff Join us: membership@jccpgh.org | 412-697-3522 JCCPGH.org

JCC STATE OF MIND HAPPY. HEALTHY. WHOLE.

24

APRIL 8, 2022

From the Board and Staff of the P I T TS B U R G H

Get into it.

h

www.pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG