Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 11-26-21 by Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle

November 26, 2021 | 22 Kislev 5782

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Candlelighting 4:38 p.m. | Havdalah 5:39 p.m. | Vol. 64, No. 48 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

LOCAL Resiliency tips for teens

National expert visits Pittsburgh’s day schools

HaPPy Chanukah

With Chanukah approaching, these Pittsburghers recall their own miracles

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Project Shifra: An unplanned safety net for Orthodox families arose from a community that cared By David Rullo | Staff Writer

LOCAL

‘A real mitzvah’

car wouldn’t move. At the same time, an opposing vehicle, with its driver seeking to exit the ramp, was descending toward her. “I was panicking and praying,” WinnLederer recalled. “All of a sudden I turned around and there were these three hefty men, and they said, ‘Could we help you?’” As she remained in the driver’s seat, the strangers lifted her car. “I felt it go up, and then felt it plop down on the concrete,” Winn-Lederer said. With the car safely planted on Penn Avenue, Winn-Lederer turned to thank the good Samaritans. But they were gone. And no one else was nearby. “I can give you any rational explanation

abbi Moishe Mayir Vogel, who oversees the Aleph Institute’s Project Shifra, said he did not set out to establish a safety net for Pittsburgh’s Orthodox Jewish community. Rather, “this was something that landed on my porch steps.” The project began by simply “taking care of families who were in trouble,” Vogel said. “They were alone. They needed help.” Project Shifra now offers Jewish families assistance in several areas, including employment, food security, housing stability, mental health and well-being, family dynamics and school supplies. Its volunteers work with various agencies and nonprofits like 412 Food Rescue, Jewish Family and Community Services and UPMC to support more than 70 families, including 300 children. Vogel said Project Shifra’s story began unexpectedly nearly two decades ago when Andi Fischhoff, then development director of Family Resources, a local child abuse prevention and treatment agency, realized there was a particular need to help Jewish families in distress. “I had a friend in the Orthodox community who opened her home to women and children — women that were feeling threatened and unsafe in their home stayed there until they felt like their lives were more stable,” Fischhoff said. A three-year grant from the Jewish Healthcare Foundation allowed Fischhoff to establish a program called Reach Out

Please see Miracles, page 14

Please see Shifra, page 14

Local philanthropist pays off loans for HFLA borrowers Page 3

LOCAL Last minute Chanukah shopping  Sunlight peeks through the clouds

Photo by Ciuvelic Razvan via iStock

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

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Volunteers of the Year • PAGE 16 Art by Axynia via iStock Photo

A procrastinator’s gift guide

n a snowy January morning, Greenfield resident Ilene WinnLederer drove her college-bound son downtown. He was due to catch a bus back to Columbus, Ohio, and conditions were such that Winn-Lederer could barely see beyond her windshield. After approaching the station, Winn-Lederer told her son to hop out of the idling car and purchase a bus ticket. She said she’d park in the covered garage and meet him inside before his departure. Reaching the station was challenging enough, but moments later Winn-Lederer faced a worse predicament. As she headed up the garage’s narrow ramp, her snow-covered tires wedged against a barrier. Her

Headlines Resiliency expert helps day school students navigate trauma — LOCAL — By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

OVID-19 is making life harder for local children who have already faced recent and significant emotional challenges, including the antisemitic attack of Oct. 27, 2018. Recognizing they need more “tools in their toolbox” for coping, Stefanie Small, director of clinical services at Jewish Family and Community Services, looked to an expert for help. Small credited her colleagues, therapists from UpStreet — a teen mental health service opened by JFCS in 2020 — with helping hundreds of kids, but said increasing pressures made it clear that more help was needed. At the suggestion of Rabbi Zalman Abraham of The Wellness Institute, Small reached out to Dr. Andrew Shatte, a resiliency expert, to come to Pittsburgh to talk with Jewish day school students. Shatte, Abraham said, could give teenagers some “perspective and bits of wisdom,” even if he is “way overqualified for this type of session.” Shatte is the founder and president of the consulting and training firm Mindflex, LLC, and an author and research professor at University of Arizona School of Medicine. He’s a fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Center for Executive Education and has delivered more than 1,000 keynote addresses on resiliency. He is also a clinical advisor to The Wellness Institute, a division of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute. A $5,000 grant from The Steel Tree Fund helped support Shatte’s visit, according to Shelly Parver, of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. On Nov. 16, Shatte spoke with middle school and high school students from Hillel

p Dr. Andrew Shatte joins JFCS representatives following his Nov. 16 talk

Academy of Pittsburgh and Yeshiva Boys School. Community Day School and Yeshiva Girls School could not attend in person due to COVID-19 concerns, Small said. “There are seven really powerful competencies that make up resilience,” Shatte told his young listeners. The pyramid of resiliency, he explained, consists of being calm under pressure; solving problems; maintaining focus; staying positive; possessing self-confidence; offering empathy; and being challenge-ready. Different periods call for different competencies, and at this moment “the capacity to stay calm is being tested more than any of the other six,” Shatte said. “It’s the one that has to be in place if we’re going to remain resilient.”

Photos by Adam Reinherz

Over the course of 90 minutes, Shatte peppered students with questions, quotes and photos in an effort to help them explore their emotions. He repeated Mark Twain’s famous saying (“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why”), and — instead of reminding the teens that they represent a demographic experiencing increasing rates of anxiety — he played word games with them and asked how they felt when they were unable to solve the puzzles. The goal of the entire conversation, Shatte said, was to enable the students to understand where their emotions come from. “Do you find a signature emotion? Is there one that’s been getting in the way more than

the others? Over the last 18 months has there been one that’s been coming up again and again and again?” he asked. When teens — or adults — explore those questions and emotions, it often leads to a realization of what’s generating those feelings. Those emotions, he said, are often produced “by our heads and not by the environment.” Consider the case of the word puzzles: None of them were solvable, but, he asked the students, did they allow themselves to be “overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, frustration, embarrassment, shame, sadness, guilt? Your ability to stay calm under pressure, and continue to try to problem-solve, that’s what Please see Expert, page 15

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Headlines Local philanthropist pays off loans for HFLA borrowers Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle about a Los Angeles-based developer donating money to HFLA to pay off Pittsburghers’ loans, the Guttmans were inspired to express their philanthropic zeal and donate themselves. This year, the Guttmans’ donation paid off nine HFLA loans and made a tangible difference in the lives of 14 Pittsburgh Jews, said Aviva Lubowsky, HFLA’s director of marketing and development. “We are so grateful for the generosity of Barney and Susie,” Lubowsky said. “It was such a joy to make calls to borrowers saying ‘You don’t have to make any more loan payments.’ There is this stunned silence on the other end. I mean, how often do you get a gift from a stranger, let alone one valued at hundreds and, in some cases, more than a thousand dollars?” “This is a win-win-win,” she added. “It’s a win for the community members who are borrowers, a win for HFLA, and, I hope, a win for the Guttmans. At a time when life has been so challenging and there are so many struggles, the Guttmans’ gesture is a ray of light and goodness.” Barney Guttman, a Pittsburgh-bred and retired Jewish business owner who lives in Oakland but spends about half of his year at a winter home in Delray Beach, Florida, is modest about the donation.

— LOCAL — By Justin Vellucci | Special to the Chronicle

ix years after Chaim Cowen bought his home on Greenfield’s Bigelow Boulevard in 2014, he was forced, unexpectedly, to repair the roof — and turned to the Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFLA) for a no-interest, $5,000 loan to pay for some of the work. Earlier this month, a $15,000 donation to HFLA from a retired Pittsburgh business owner and his wife helped cover the final $850 of Cowen’s payments. When they got word of the news, Cowen and his wife were stunned. “Obviously, we’re grateful to Hebrew Free Loan to start, that we were able to get such a loan — getting it paid off was incredible,” Cowen said. Cowen plans to use the newfound financial wiggle room to leap from working as a company electrician to funding his own independent business. “It was a huge blessing,” Cowen told the Chronicle. “It was definitely a mitzvah and, God willing, I hope I can pay it forward in the future and do this for someone else.” Pittsburghers Barney and Susie Guttman are the couple behind the HFLA donation. After reading a story last year in the

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 Barney Guttman

Photo courtesy of Barney Guttman

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Please see Loans, page 15

NOVEMBER 26, 2021 3

Headlines

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New Israeli center honors the life and teachings of Rabbi Abraham Twerski Twerski’s grandson Rabbi Chaim Twerski. During his talk, Freedman said that Avraham Twerski inspired him to enter the psychiatric profession. He recounted By David Rullo | Staff Writer an incident when a non-Jewish Alcoholics ort Barr doesn’t take credit for Anonymous attendee advised a Jewish the Rabbi Dr. Avraham J. Twerski participant, “You need Rabbi Twerski.” Learning Center. Chaim Twerksi told those in attendance that A 74-year-old New Jersey native who made his grandfather considered the synagogue his aliyah four years ago, Barr is quick to say that second home once he moved to Israel, and spoke the new center is a collaboration, pointing to the of his grandfather’s belief that there is purpose contributions of the rabbi advisory board, and in everything, even things that are painful. of Rabbi Daniel Myers, Twerski’s son-in-law At a Nov. 7 event, Rabbi Hanoch Teller spoke and rabbi of Kehillat Menorat Hamaor, where to more than 160 in-person attendees and 150 the center is located in Beit Shemesh, Israel. people who attended virtually. The reach of the “Every fire has the first spark,” Barr said, event spoke to the international interest in the “but if you don’t have kindling wood you center, whose subscription base has grown to can’t create the fire. So, maybe I was the 680 registrants from four continents, Barr said. spark, but I wasn’t the kindling.” Teller’s speech, titled “Honorable Barr hopes the center, still in Mentschen—Character its nascent stage, will become the Development Based on Pearls global hub for lectures, classes, from Rabbi Twerski, z”l,” workshops and educational matecentered on practicing and rials about and by Twerski, who spreading respect for others and died in January of this year. being a mensch. Born in Wisconsin, Twerski Barr said Chaim Twerski will spent decades in Pittsburgh. He continue to be involved with the received psychiatric training at center and that it has the support the University of Pittsburgh and of the family. founded Gateway Rehabilitation “We are interacting with the Center here, devoting much Twerski family who knew him of his life to treating drug and best,” Barr said. “We contacted alcohol addiction. He authored the family and asked if it was OK, more than 90 works on a variety if they were interested. We got a p Rabbi Daniel of subjects, and even wrote many Myers stands positive response.” songs which became popular in with Rabbi Chaim Barr said the center is still in Twerski at the Oct. the Lubavitch community. the early stages of collecting as Barr said the center is meant 13 opening of the many of Avraham Twerski’s writto honor the legacy of the late Abraham J. Twerski ings, speeches, notes, videos and Learning Center. rabbi who made aliyah nearly Photo provided by audio tapes as possible. In fact, Mort Barr while on a trip back to the States, two decades before his death and would often attend Shabbat Barr picked up several Twerski services, give lectures and lead Ne’ila services tomes he didn’t have access to in Israel and on Yom Kippur at the synagogue where the will add them to the center’s library. “Our goal,” Barr said, “is to make this the center is based. global center of all his works.” Menorat Hamaor is unique in many ways, Barr said. Its members hail exclusively from One long-term goal the center has yet to the Anglo world, including the United States, accomplish is the integration of Twerski’s time Canada, the United Kingdom and South in Pittsburgh. Barr said that while he wants Africa. English is the primary language very much to speak with those who knew spoken outside of prayer. Because of the him here, he has not been able to do so yet. “I don’t have a staff,” he said. “I don’t have a unique makeup of the membership, the synagogue operates more like a community center. secretary. This is going to happen over time. I “It’s a diaspora shul,” Barr said. “It’s also have to reach out to other communities.” more than a place where people come and Barr’s work at the center, he said, has pray and go home.” helped him learn more about the late rabbi. “I only knew Rabbi Twerski casually,” he The 20-year-old synagogue ceased construction on its building 14 years ago, said. “I attended lectures, I was present at but Barr said it was never completed. The Ne’ila services. I spoke with him on occabuilding is basically a one-room synagogue sion, but I didn’t really know much about him until he passed away. Rabbi Myers gave — and now home of the AJT Center. “We have a building campaign and, God a wonderful introduction to the opening willing, intend to finish the building and the event saying that we knew him as a grandTwerski Center will have a home in the Beit father, as a speaker. We didn’t know he was world famous. I learned a lot that night.” Midrash,” Barr said. To learn more about the center and upcoming Despite not having offices or classrooms, the center has already hosted two events. The programs, visit twerskicenter.org. PJC Oct. 13 opening event featured psychiatrist, David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ business consultant and author of the column “Off the Couch,” Yaakov Freedman, and pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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Headlines Jan Glick prepares to say farewell to Big Brothers Big Sisters — LOCAL — By David Rullo | Staff Writer

pend even a short time talking with Jan Glick and it becomes evident just how deeply she believes in the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. For close to 15 years, Glick has served as the organization’s chief executive officer. In late November she will retire, and Becky Flaherty will succeed her in the role. Contacted by the Chronicle to discuss her time at the helm of the nonprofit, Glick said, only half joking, “I don’t really have a story to tell, but if you want to highlight Big Brothers Big Sisters and our need for volunteers, that would be amazing.” Glick, 70, said she is ready to turn the reins over to a younger person and spend time “finding out what I want to be when I grow up.” Glick grew up in South Bend, Indiana, in what she called a “Conservadox” house before moving to Pittsburgh in 1970. Previous to her time at Big Brothers Big Sisters, she worked at Contact Pittsburgh, a crisis prevention and suicide prevention organization serving teens. During her tenure with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Glick has helped the organization JC Symphony 2021_Eartique 11/19/21 4:49 PM weather several challenges and grow in new

p Jan Glick

Photo courtesy of Jan Glick

ways. The agency was in serious financial straits when she accepted the CEO role, Glick said, but now “we’re very solid.” Big Brothers Big Sisters is a one-to-one youth mentoring program partnering children (or “littles,” as they are known by the organization) age 6-18, from singleparent, low-income households, with adult volunteers. Child safety, Glick said, is paramount to the organization, so each child requires case management to constantly assess security and quality. In addition to the traditional pairings Page that 1have been the agency’s main work, Big

Brothers Big Sisters launched new programs during Glick’s tenure, including “Sports Buddies,” with the intention of getting more men involved, and “Bigs in Blue,” which pairs police officers with children. Mentor 2.0 is a program the agency launched that is focused on education as well as a child’s social well-being. “We started the high school program with the idea of not only helping kids graduate, but graduate with a plan and the ability to execute the plan, because so many of our kids don’t have the resources to get into college,” Glick said. “If you’re first-generation college, it’s one thing to get into college; it’s another thing to be able to navigate the system.” The pandemic presented new challenges for the agency, which is based on personal relationships. “There was no face-to-face contact, and really, that’s what it’s all about — the relationship and spending time together,” Glick said. “It’s certainly not about Disney daddy or mommy. It’s about normal activity. It’s about throwing a football or baking cookies, spending quality time with your little.” Glick said the organization used Zoom when their bigs and littles were unable to meet in person, and developed new activities for the pairs to do together. Reflecting on how her Judaism affected her work, Glick pointed to her father. “He was an amazing man and taught me

some very valuable lessons about people and being judgmental and about spirituality,” she said. “Judaism is a very significant part of my whole life and how I’ve raised my kids. It is partially responsible for the person I am. I have always worked at jobs that were mission-driven.” As she prepares to say farewell to the organization she led for nearly a decade-anda-half, Glick said there is still one challenge she would like to see overcome: the lack of male volunteers. “We’ve always had more difficulty recruiting men,” she said. “If a little boy sits on our waiting list for too long, it’s possible to age out.” Still, when the right match is made, the relationship lasts a lifetime, she said. She recalled a video the organization produced where little boys were jumping into a swimming pool. “A little looked at his big and said, ‘You go first.’ And he said, ‘No, you go first.’ They were joking back and forth, and the big brother said, ‘Don’t you trust me?’ The little took his hand and said, ‘I trust you man, you’re my big brother,’ and they did it together. “I started to cry,” Glick continued. “It was probably the most special conversation I heard.” PJC David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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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 SUNDAY, NOV. 28

In the midst of what has become the most materialist weekend on the American calendar, we Jews begin Chanukah. On the morning before Chanukah begins, Jewish Foundation Scholar Rabbi Danny Schiff will present a special Chanukah seminar to get you in the Chanukah spirit for the eight days to come. $12. 9:30 a.m. jewishpgh.org/ event/a-chanukah-seminar q SUNDAYS, NOV. 28-JAN. 16

In the Briva Project’s weekly writing course, Sh’ma-Hear Your Inner Voice, students will reflect and write, moving through Chanukah to Tu B’Shvat. Each class will begin with a communal ritual and creative prompt. 6 p.m. $200 for all eight sessions. tickettailor.com/ events/briyaproject/604183 q SUNDAYS, NOV. 28-DEC. 12

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, NOV. 29

Join Chabad of the South Hills for its Chanukah Seniors Lunch. The festive holiday program will include a delicious kosher lunch and hot latkes. $5 suggested donation. Wheelchair accessible. 1701 McFarland Road. chabadsh.com q MONDAYS, NOV. 29-DEC. 20

Foundation Scholar Rabbi Danny Schiff will examine the accounts of some of the most interesting righteous gentiles in the Tanakh in his new course Righteous Gentiles in the Hebrew Bible. $55 for all 11 Zoom sessions. 9:30 a.m. foundation.jewishpgh.org/ righteous-gentiles Moishe House kicks off its monthly book club reading “I Saw Ramallah” by Mourid Barghouti. 7 p.m. forms.gle/ xT4vqQsKZqC6E99K9 q MONDAYS, NOV. 29- DEC. 27

Join Congregation Beth Shalom for a weekly Talmud study. 9:15 a.m. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org. q TUESDAY, NOV. 30

Join JNF-USA virtually for its annual Breakfast for Israel, featuring keynote

Klein, and Dr. Michael Berenbaum. 4 p.m. speaker New York Times bestselling author classroomswithoutborders.org/events and award-winning journalist Yossi Klein Halevi. 8 a.m. Free. jnf.org/breakfastforisrael The Annual South Hills Lights presents Chanukah Fire and Ice. Presented by Join Rabbi Daniel Yolkut for “Messiah,” an Chabad of the South Hills, the event will exploration of the history and philosophy include a giant ice menorah and fire show by of one of the most powerful (and destabilizing) ideas in the Jewish experience: Ohio Burn Unit Chanukah, live music, an ice carving, Chanukah swag, gelt drop, latkes Messianism. A fascinating deep dive into and doughnuts. 5 p.m. 1801 Dormont Ave. the personalities and perspectives that Free. chabadsh.com/lights shaped history-changing movements from Christianity to Zionism and continues to be q WEDNESDAYS, DEC. 1, 8 a misunderstood but critical Jewish belief to this day. 11 a.m. foundation.jewishpgh. Bring the parshah alive and make it org/messiah personally relevant and meaningful. Study the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Mark q TUESDAYS, NOV. 30-MAY 24 Asher Goodman. 12:15 p.m. bethshalompgh. org/life-text Sign up now for Melton Core 2, Ethics and Crossroads of Jewish Living. Discover Join Temple Sinai to study the weekly Torah the central ideas and texts that inform our portion in its hybrid class available on Zoom. daily, weekly and annual rituals, as well as Open to everyone. 12 p.m. templesinaipgh. life cycle observances and essential Jewish org/event/parashah/weekly-torah-portiontheological concepts and ideas as they class-via-zoom11.html unfold in the Bible, the Talmud and other sacred texts. $300. 9:30 a.m. foundation. q WEDNESDAYS, DEC. 1-DEC. 15 jewishpgh.org/melton-2 q WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1

Join Classrooms Without Borders for the book launch of “Love with No Tomorrow: Tales of Romance During the Holocaust” with author Mindell Pierce, as well as Rabbi Micah Becker-

The holidays bring a world of feelings and emotions with them every year. They can be especially difficult when you have lost a loved one. Whether the celebration is Thanksgiving or Chanukah, being sensitive to those who are grieving is essential for friends and families Please see Calendar, page 7

This week in Israeli history — WORLD —

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THANK YOU! Elizabeth, Mike, Rachel & Adam

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

Nov. 26, 2013 — Singer Arik Einstein dies

An aortic aneurysm kills singer/songwriter Arik Einstein at 74 in Tel Aviv. Einstein blended folk and rock music across about 50 albums and was a driving force in the development of Israeli rock.

The U.N. partition vote the previous day not only sparks violence between Jews and Arabs in Palestine, but also leads to riots against Jews in such cities as Aleppo, Damascus, Cairo, Beirut and Aden.

Dec. 1, 1973 — David Ben-Gurion dies

Nov. 27, 1914 — JDC is founded

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is founded as the Central Relief Committee and the American Jewish Relief Committee merge in response to the distress of Jewish communities during World War I.

Nov. 28, 1961 — Operation Yachin begins

After a two-year ban on Jewish emigration from Morocco, Israel launches Operation Yachin to help Moroccans make aliyah via France or Italy. By the operation’s end in 1964, more than 97,000 Jews leave Morocco.

Nov. 29, 1928 — Meretz founder Aloni is born

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Nov. 30, 1947 — Jews are attacked in Arab cities

Shulamit Aloni, a civil rights activist and politician who starts the leftwing Meretz party, is born in Tel Aviv (some sources say she is born in December 1927 or 1928). She dies in January 2014.

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Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, dies at the Tel HaShomerSheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv at 87 a few weeks after suffering a stroke. He is buried at Sde Boker beside his wife, Paula.

Dec. 2, 2010 — Carmel fire breaks out

Israel’s deadliest forest fire, which kills 44 people, begins in the Carmel Mountains near Haifa when a teen discards charcoal from a water pipe outside Usfiyye. The fire consumes 5 million trees. PJC

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Calendar q THURSDAYS, DEC. 2-JUNE 30

Calendar: Continued from page 6

getting together. Join JAA Bereavement Counselor Jan Kellough for “Grief at the Holidays,” live support sessions that delve into a different topic, sharing stories, discussing the challenges we face, and looking ahead toward the New Year. Attend as many sessions as you like. 6:30 p.m. jaapgh.org/news/wed-11032021422pm-support-during-holidays-those-whohave-lost-loved-one q WEDNESDAYS, DEC. 1-JAN. 26

Through illuminating source texts and captivating case studies, Outsmarting Antisemitism — A four-part JLI course on the absurdity of antisemitism considers the sources of this ancient scourge, along with the appropriate strategies for overcoming it. 7:30 p.m. Zoom or in person. chabadsh.com In The Jewish Moral Virtues, Foundation Scholar Rabbi Danny Schiff will explore Jewish teaching on critical moral virtues. Based on the qualities listed in the 13th century “Sefer Maalot Hamiddot” (“The Book of the Choicest Virtues”), Rabbi Schiff will explore the contemporary application of these moral virtues to our 21st century lives. $65 for all 13 Zoom sessions. 9:30 a.m. foundation. jewishpgh.org/jewish-moral-virtues

The Alan Papernick Educational Institute Endowment Fund presents Continuing Legal Education, a six-part CLE series taught by Foundation Scholar Rabbi Danny Schiff. Earn up to 12 CLE credits. Each session is a stand-alone unit; you can take one class or all six. 8:30 a.m. With CLE credit: $30/session or $150 all sessions; without CLE credit: $25/session or $125 all sessions. For a complete list of dates and topics, visit foundation.jewishpgh.org/continuinglegal-education. q TUESDAYS, DEC. 7-DEC. 21

Join Classrooms Without Borders for their weekly book discussion of “People Love Dead Jews, Reports from a Haunted Present” with Dr. Josh Andy. This program is geared for educators but open to all. 4 p.m. classroomswithoutborders.org/weekly-bookdiscussions-people-love-dead-jews-reportshaunted-present-dr.-josh-andy q WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8

Classrooms Without Borders, in partnership with Liberation75, is excited to offer the opportunity to engage in our unique series, Confronting the Complexity of Holocaust Scholarship: Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future of Holocaust

Studies. The third session in this series, Auschwitz: Not Long Ago, Not Far Away, will offer a virtual tour of the award-winning exhibition on Auschwitz now in Kansas City, with Dr. Michael Berenbaum. 3 p.m. classroomswithoutborders.org/confronting_ the_complexity_of_holocaust_scholarship q SUNDAY, DEC. 12

Be a superhero and virtually join Super Sunday, the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s annual phone-a-thon to raise money for the community. Three sessions, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Training session Dec. 8. For this event, you will need a computer with internet access and separate mobile device to make calls. For more information and to register, visit jewishpgh.org/event/ super-sunday. Join the Jewish Cemetery and Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh as it dedicates a new monument recognizing the largest section of Jewish children’s graves in Western Pennsylvania. With generous support from New Castle’s Temple Hadar Israel Endowment Fund and from JCBA donors, a headstone in memory of the 71 children, many in unmarked graves, will be dedicated at Beth Abraham Cemetery in Carrick at 11 a.m. All are welcome.

Leann’s Loving Hands • Provides a one-on-one Consultation to discuss your Agency legal structure. • Provides an industry Business Prep Session (go over in-depth details and discuss whether a home care business right for you) • Obtaining your Employer Identification number (EIN) • Filing your LLC • Preparing your State license mandatory employee policies • Preparing your State license mandatory patient policies • Preparing your State mandatory Patient Service Agreement(s) • Filing your completed License Application with the State • You will receive copies of all polices used to obtain your license hard copy and electorally • Receive your New Home Care License within 6-8 weeks

Classrooms Without Borders and the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage are excited to offer the opportunity to watch the film “My Neighbor My Killer” and engage in a post-film discussion with the documentary filmmaker Anne Aghion, Liliane Pari Umhoza in conversation with Dr. Alexis Herr. 3 p.m. classroomswithoutborders.org/ my_neighbor_my_killer Friendship Circle presents Wellness Speaker: Robert Anthony. The event will create a platform where teen participants understand their inherent value and parents and community members understand how teens are feeling and what they are presently dealing with. Robert Anthony is a motivational and public speaker, professional prosthetic educator, founder of Limb Possible, U.S Amputee Soccer Player, American Ninja Warrior from Season 9, and much more. 7 p.m. Free. fcpgh.org q MONDAY, DEC. 13

Join Classrooms Without Borders for a virtual tour of Israel. Monthly tours with guide and scholar Rabbi Jonty Blackman via Zoom. 4 p.m. For more information and to register, visit classroomswithoutborders.org. PJC

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NOVEMBER 26, 2021 7

Headlines Rodef Shalom seeks historic landmark designation — LOCAL — By Justin Vellucci | Special to the Chronicle

atthew Falcone remembers the first time he saw the majestic stained glass-adorned sanctuary of Rodef Shalom Congregation in Shadyside. Falcone moved to Pittsburgh about 12 years ago, and, though he was familiar with the dark and often-cramped synagogues of Europe — many of the more ornate ones were destroyed during World War II — his frame of reference for American synagogues was even less grandiose. “I had experienced the 1960s-style box synagogues in northern Virginia — bland, very non-descript,” said Falcone, who now serves as the board president of Rodef Shalom. “I really had never experienced anything like Rodef Shalom before. When I walked into the sanctuary, I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God! Jews did this!’ It seemed to me totally revolutionary. I remember thinking, ‘This is so American, so modern, so open.’” Falcone is now hoping some paperwork with Pittsburgh officials can ensure future generations will be just as blown away by the Reform congregation’s building on Fifth Avenue as he was. During celebration of its 165th anniversary this month, Rodef Shalom submitted a 70-page application on Nov. 9 to the City of Pittsburgh seeking designation as a historic city landmark. The designation, if approved by Pittsburgh City Council, would enshrine Rodef Shalom’s importance in the growth and fabric of Pittsburgh, and protect the site from ill-intended changes or redevelopment. Rodef Shalom, which frequently is referred to as the oldest and largest synagogue in western Pennsylvania, grew in jumps and starts over many years. In 1847, 12 Jewish immigrants formed a burial society to establish a Jewish cemetery on Troy Hill, according to the congregation’s historic designation paperwork. The next year, the group began meeting in a rented room for religious services as the Shaare Shamayim congregation. In 1855, the membership of Shaare Shamayim split, and Rodef Shalom, or “the pursuer of peace,” arose. The German congregation’s first home was a rented hall on St. Clair Street in Allegheny in 1859. Shaare Shamayim merged back with Rodef Shalom in 1860, when the latter congregation started a day school and purchased property on Eighth Street in downtown Pittsburgh. At the building’s dedication in 1862, it was the only synagogue in western Pennsylvania. Rodef Shalom soon established itself as a leader among some American congregations in the transition from Orthodox Judaism to Reform Judaism. In 1863, a majority of Rodef Shalom’s congregation voted to realign its practices with Reform Judaism: Services were shortened, women were permitted to sit with men in the sanctuary, men were not required to wear yarmulkes or prayer shawls and an organ was introduced to accompany traditional songs. In 1885, the congregation’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Lippman Mayer, hosted a national 8 NOVEMBER 26, 2021

 Rodef Shalom Congregation

convention of like-minded rabbis that led to the Pittsburgh Platform. “It held that Judaism was a religion, not a nation; that the Bible was an ethical guide, not the infallible word of God; and that American Jews need not keep kosher,” according to the application for historic landmark designation. The Pittsburgh Platform guided Reform Judaism until 1937, when the movement adopted a different platform. In 1907, Rodef Shalom opened its third building, which today has four components: a sanctuary designed by Henry Hornbostel in an eclectic style, with Modern French and Beaux Arts influences; a religious education wing to the west; a large social hall wing to the north and the east; and a smaller, two-story “porte-cochere” that stands on the rear façade and was built about 20 years ago by The Design Alliance, according to the temple’s application with the city. The sanctuary, arguably the building’s most breathtaking feature, is centered around “a monumental, square-planned auditorium … topped by a convex mansard roof, or square dome, in green tile with a central skylight.” When originally constructed in 1907, the sanctuary boasted an adjoining rear wing, which was used for Sunday school, social programs, administration and other functions. “Today,” according to the application, “virtually no recognizable trace of this wing remains, it having been subsumed by subsequent additions and multiple renovations.” The religious education wing, including J. Leonard Levy Hall, was constructed in

Photos courtesy of Rodef Shalom Congregation

Photo courtesy of Rodef Shalom Congregation

1938. The social hall wing, which includes Solomon B. Freehof Hall, was built between 1954 and 1956. Since the 1970s, Rodef Shalom’s building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Researchers Jeff Slack and Angelique Bamberg, Cornell University alums who worked together on the historic designation application for several months, said the national designation is almost entirely honorific. “It’s at the local level where there are teeth,” Slack told the Chronicle. Slack worked on researching Rodef Shalom’s architecture and design, looking for “character-defining features that allow us to see and understand the significance of the property,” he said. Bamberg focused more on the congregation’s social and cultural history. The pair had worked together previously on the National Register of Historic Places application for Western State Penitentiary in Pittsburgh. Bamberg also pored over Hornbostel’s architectural work in a study of B’nai Israel, a shuttered East Liberty congregation whose site is being adaptively reused as housing. Hornbostel designed that building’s epic rotunda. “For me, it was a real privilege being able to work on these projects back-to-back,” Bamberg said. “It’s fun when you like your work.” “It’s really exciting for me to stand briefly in someone else’s shoes and see … why these things are important to them,” Slack added. “I just feel really fortunate to be able to study these buildings and share what I find.” The process from here for Slack and

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Bamberg’s application is “fairly straightforward,” according to Sarah Quinn, a historic preservation planner in Pittsburgh’s department of city planning. The city Historic Review Commission will review the application, with a preliminary hearing likely in early December, Quinn said. It then will make a recommendation to Pittsburgh City Council based on two major factors: historical significance, and the building’s “integrity.” “Something as simple as having vinyl siding — all of those sorts of things make up the integrity of the building,” Quinn said. The city’s Planning Commission also will review the application and make a separate recommendation to Pittsburgh City Council. If City Council deems the recommendations appropriate, it will issue a “certificate of appropriateness,” or COA, which will dictate how the exterior of the building can be treated. The whole process could take several months to complete. Why do it? “A lot of times, it’s for protection of the building,” Quinn said. “You cannot demolish a building [such as this] without Historic Review Commission approval first.” “We’re really hopeful and we’re excited to do this,” Falcone, Rodef Shalom’s board president, said. “Apparently, we are the first Jewish house of worship to go through this process in Pittsburgh.” Falcone said Rodef Shalom officials have spent a lot of time talking about how the historic designation application “is tied to our identity, progressive Jewish values and Reform Judaism in particular.” “The sanctuary’s not just pretty — it has a direct connection to Rodef Shalom’s history,” he added. Rabbi Aaron Bisno, Rodef Shalom’s senior rabbi, said the application for historic landmark designation “is a long-overdue recognition of our significance in the city.” “When I came to Pittsburgh 18 years ago, I was familiar with the congregation’s history, the rabbis, the members and the good works of the congregation,” Bisno said. “But one of the things I have come to love most about our building is seeing people see it for the first time — our sanctuary, our holy spaces. “Hopefully,” Bisno added, “this designation ensures Rodef Shalom remains a beacon of Jewish ideals.” PJC Justin Vellucci is a freelance writing living in Pittsburgh. PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines — WORLD — From JTA reports

Backlash mounts against Orthodox children’s book author accused of abusing minors, surprising many

In what some are heralding as a watershed moment in the Orthodox world, reports of sexual abuse by a prolific author of children’s books have now led multiple booksellers to stop making his work available. Meanwhile, advocates and at least one leading rabbi are urging Orthodox parents to remove books by Chaim Walder from their homes. Many are doing so. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz published an investigation last week alleging that Walder, a therapist as well as a writer, psychologically groomed multiple minors before proceeding to abuse them. After the first report, new allegations emerged from additional women who said they had been abused by Walder while under his care. Because Walder is wildly popular among haredi Jews, whose children mailed him letters with their secrets, the news triggered a cascade of reactions. Some worried that taboos against airing allegations of abuse outside of Orthodox circles, alongside other longstanding norms that protect abusers, would mean that Walder could emerge unscathed. That concern seemed to fade after Eichler’s Judaica in Brooklyn announced on Tuesday that it would suspend sales of Walder’s books,

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including his “Kids Speak” series, which can be found in many Orthodox homes in the United States and Israel.

Israeli couple detained in Turkey for 8 days return home

An Israeli couple who were detained by Turkish police for eight days because they were suspected of being spies have been freed. Natali and Mordy Oknin were arrested earlier this month on suspicion of espionage after taking a photo of the presidential palace in Istanbul and sending it to family in Israel. Their family feared the couple could be held for the long term after a Turkish judge ordered the couple held for an additional 20 days, but the couple was released from prison Nov. 18, and flew home on a private jet chartered by the Israeli government. The couple thanked Israeli government officials for working to free them at a press conference outside their home in Modiin Thursday. “We want to thank all the people of Israel who supported our country and family. Thank you to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, President Isaac Herzog,” Natali Oknin said, according to The Times of Israel. “We were jailed for eight days and nights — our own private Chanukah miracle occurred. And today we returned home to our family and to our children.” Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for releasing them in a statement and Israeli

President Isaac Herzog spoke to Erdogan by phone Thursday to thank him. Israel and Turkey currently do not have ambassadors in each other’s capitals and have had strained relations in recent years.

In a big year for his family, Doug Emhoff picks putting mezuzah on VP house as a top memory

When Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, picked a favorite memory from the last year for a reflective Thanksgiving-themed tweet on Thursday, he didn’t turn to the day in January when his wife was sworn in or mention their first diplomatic trip together this week. Instead, he shared pictures from the day his family affixed a mezuzah on the doorframe of the vice president’s mansion. Emhoff is the first Jew to reside in the vice president’s house. One picture shows him in the process of affixing the family’s mezuzah, which is narrow, white and mounted against what appears to be a pink hamsa. Another offers a close-up. “For us, and for everyone, Thanksgiving is a time for reflection on the past year,” Emhoff wrote. “One of my favorite memories was when our family visited and together we hung a mezuzah on the front door of the Vice President’s Residence.” That event took place Oct. 7, nine months after Emhoff and Harris moved into the residence and after it had undergone renovations,

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the Forward reported. Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple, a Reform synagogue in Atlanta, was present at the event.

UK athlete who exposed racism in cricket revealed to have made antisemitic remarks

A Pakistan-born former professional cricket player from the United Kingdom who is known for protesting racism in sport has apologized for antisemitic remarks he had made in 2012. Azeem Rafiq said that he is “deeply ashamed” for using antisemitic language in text messages which only recently surfaced. In the exchange, published Wednesday by The Times of London, Rafiq and a friend called a non-Jewish man a “Jew” because he was reluctant to spend money on takeout meals. “I am incredibly angry at myself and apologize to the Jewish community,” Rafiq said in a statement Thursday. Rafiq, a Muslim, has talked before about being the target of racist rhetoric at the club. In September 2020, Rafiq, who moved to the United Kingdom when he was 10, said in an interview that Yorkshire’s “institutional racism” had left him close to taking his own life. Marie van der Zyl, the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said in a statement: “Azeem Rafiq has suffered terribly at the hands of racists in cricket so he will well understand the hurt this exchange will cause to Jews who have supported him.” She added his apology seems “sincere.” PJC

NOVEMBER 26, 2021 9

Headlines A quarter of European Jewish community leaders say they’ve considered emigrating amid concerns about growing antisemitism — WORLD — By Cnaan Liphshiz | JTA

survey of Jewish community leaders in Europe found that 23% said they were considering emigrating. That figure is unchanged since the last time the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee conducted its regular survey of European Jewish sentiment three years ago. But the JDC survey found that European Jewish leaders, especially in Western Europe, are increasingly concerned about antisemitism, which for the first time since 2008 topped respondents’ rankings of concerns for their communities. It also found that European Jewish leaders say they feel less connected to communities across the continent than they have in the past and that they are more concerned about poverty in their own communities. Only 3% of the leaders surveyed said they had made active preparations to leave Europe and 67% said they had not considered emigrating at all. Another 8% did not answer the question.

Concern was highest in Western Europe, where a spate of jihadist attacks on Jews over the last decade have contributed to increased immigration to Israel, particularly from France. Of the Jewish community leaders who said they had contemplated leaving, roughly two thirds said they would make aliyah, or immigrate to Israel. The survey did not ask respondents their reasons for contemplating emigrating. But it is clear from their responses that European Jewish leaders are increasingly concerned about antisemitism and security. More than two thirds of respondents said they expected antisemitism to increase in Europe over the next decade; only about half of respondents answered that way in 2008,

the first time the survey was conducted. At the same time, 22% of respondents said they feel unsafe in their cities now, compared to 7% in 2008. Concern was highest in Western Europe, where a spate of jihadist attacks on Jews over the last decade have contributed to increased immigration to Israel, particularly from France. In the years 2000 to 2010, fewer than 20,000 French Jews moved to Israel. But in the last decade, more than 40,000 have, a trend that surged after a jihadist murdered four Jews at a Jewish school in Toulouse in 2012, and surged again after another jihadist attack in 2015 left four Jews dead at a Paris kosher supermarket. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have hurt members’ income and communal cash makers such as museums, are also visible in the survey. Poverty in the community, “though not one of the top threats, has grown steadily over the years, from 10% in 2008 to 35% in 2021,” the authors wrote. Some 37% of respondents marked financial hardship among members due to COVID-19 as a major threat to the community. Efforts in several countries to ban the slaughter of animals for meat without stunning

— a key factor in European efforts to curtail kosher slaughter — and non-medical male circumcision emerged for the first time as one of the top three greatest threats facing Jewish communities. Among respondents younger than 40, 26% said this was a very serious threat, as did 66% of older respondents. Support for Israel has grown among respondents over previous polls. For example, 66% agreed this year with the statement “I support Israel fully, regardless of how its government behaves.” The same statement had a support rating of only 48% in 2015 and 57% in 2011. But in keeping with trends detected outside Europe, respondents under 40 were less likely to agree with that statement and ranked support for Israel as the lowest among 18 communal priorities. The survey included 1,054 respondents in 31 countries and was conducted in 10 languages. About a third of respondents said they were Orthodox Jews, while a similar number characterized themselves as culturally Jewish. Nearly 60% were male and over 55 years old, reflecting the fact that the survey is of communal leaders; few Jews under 40 sit on communal organizations’ boards, according to the survey. PJC

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Our Community Partners, The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and The Jewish Healthcare Foundation

for their exceptional support of the JCC’s ongoing life sustaining and life enhancing work.

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Celebrate Chanukah with the JCC Monday-Friday, November 29-December 3: South Hills Celebration 4-6 pm for special holiday arts and crafts

Saturday, December 4: Light Up Night 7 in Squirrel Hill 4:30 pm: Crafts, Games & Sufganiyot 5:25 pm: Havdalah and Chanukah Candle Lighting Bring a new unwrapped toy to be distributed through the Christian Church of Wilkinsburg for our neighbors who celebrate Christmas. Accepting toys for all ages and interests.

Sunday, December 5: PJ Library Presents Home to Home: Celebrations of Jewish Life - The Ninth Night in Our Neighborhood In Person and On Zoom

Masks required Vaccination ages 12+ required

For details and registration, visit: jccpgh.org/event/chanukah-2021

Join us! JCCPGH.org

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NOVEMBER 26, 2021 11

Opinion My teenage son wasn’t surprised when antisemites attacked him on TikTok. That makes me angry. Guest Columnist Jessica Russak-Hoffman

“W

hy does everybody hate us?” My son Izzy asked me this question after a man with a machete attacked Jews at a Hanukkah party in Monsey, New York, in 2019. Izzy was 12 years old when he flopped onto the couch, kicked up his feet and asked the question no Jewish parent wants to hear. I spoke to him about the history of antisemitism, how it’s always irrational, and how when we’re hurt for being Jewish, we need to be even more outspoken in our Judaism. That to really be a “Bear Jew” — like the Nazi-hunting character in the revenge fantasy “Inglourious Basterds” — we stand up and fight back with pride. As Elsa says to Jojo in “Jojo Rabbit,” “There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God.”

So when the antisemitic comments started to pour in after a TikTok video of Izzy laying tefillin went viral earlier this month, he was somewhat prepared and, sadly, unsurprised. A few weeks ago we went to New York for a wedding and stayed with my sister Melinda Strauss, who shares videos about Jewish life and kosher food with over 420,000 followers on her account My Orthodox Jewish Life. Some of her followers had asked to see a video of someone putting on tefillin, the black box and leather straps used by Jews in their weekday morning prayers. When she saw Izzy about to daven, she asked if she could film him as he wrapped the tefillin around his head and arm. Izzy and his aunt joked all the time about her TikTok and how if he ever stayed at her house, he’d want to be featured, so he gladly obliged. At first the comments were a combination of sweet and curious. Some people thanked her for sharing the beauty of her faith, and some wanted to learn more about tefillin. A week or two went by. And then Izzy wandered into the living room with a half-smile on his face. “Mom,

I’m famous,” he quipped. He told me there were over 3 million views and he’d scrolled through over 2,000 comments and found … lots of antisemitism. He sat down next to me. I opened the app and looked through it with him, mocking the really dark comments that included: “That’s it! To the gas chamber.” “Should of died in the gas chamber.” “Gas them allllllll.” “Yo! Hitler is behind you.” “I snitched on u to the Germans.” “Zey are in ze attic.” We also made jokes about the Jesusspecific comments that included: “Does he have to wear that to apologize for killing Jesus?” “Repent and believe in Jesus Christ!” “When do y’all crucify Jesus? Ah. Wait. Y’all already did that.” Izzy’s sense of humor is perfectly suited to this classic Jewish coping mechanism of mocking antisemitic accusations. I recently read Sholom Aleichem’s “The Bloody Hoax,” and laughed with recognition at the description of Jews coping with a blood libel accusation by having faux-Talmudic debates about the halacha, or Jewish law, of slaughtering Christian children to use their blood for matzah. (Halacha does not deal with

this issue because it is not part of Judaism, despite what antisemites throughout history have said.) It is almost a rite of passage to be welcomed into this centuries-old tradition of using humor to respond to the irrational accusations the world throws our way. The comments included plenty of judgmental cracks accusing Izzy of being brainwashed, and those were the ones that bothered him the most. Because while he’s used to hatred against Jews, he can’t understand why anyone would think it’s wrong for a Jewish kid to be brought up keeping Jewish practices. “I’m not indoctrinated. I’m Jewish,” he said with frustration. I’m kvelling with pride. But I’m also angry. Izzy doesn’t feel unsafe or shaken in his Jewish identity. He knows his parents have his back, that we keep him physically safe and protected. And he isn’t surprised that there is antisemitism, not even at 14. And that is why I am angry: As a mother and as a Jew, I am angry that Izzy was not surprised, and I am angry that this is the norm. Please see Russak-Hoffman, page 26

The pandemic disrupted the morning minyan. When will non-Orthodox Jews like me gather again for daily prayer? Guest Columnist Neil Kurshan

live in one of the most concentrated Jewish communities in the United States, the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and I no longer have a daily morning minyan to attend in person. It seems that in my neighborhood, as well as many others, COVID-19 snuffed out the live morning minyan — the daily prayer service that needs a quorum of 10 Jews — in non-Orthodox settings. Pre-pandemic I had a choice of multiple minyans I could attend in a variety of egalitarian Jewish settings — synagogues and schools — but none of them is operating in-person now. I worry that the minyan muscle has atrophied in my community, and the habit has been lost of rising early in the morning, getting out the door with prayer shawl and tefillin, and making it inside the beit midrash in time for prayer. It’s not that non-Orthodox Jews in my neighborhood aren’t praying each morning. Many are, both alone and online, where services moved for non-Orthodox Jews last March. Zoom services were a necessary accommodation to a public health crisis, and it is unquestionably easier to tune in to services from home, but it hasn’t worked for me. Fifty disembodied faces on a screen feel less like a community to me than the 15 bodies draped in prayer shawls who huddle

12 NOVEMBER 26, 2021

around the amud (leader’s table) at a typical in-person minyan. The on-key solo voice of the shaliach tzibur, the leader of the service, inspires me less than the multiple off-key voices of those gathered live for prayers. As Shabbat and holiday services have resumed, with precautions, in person, I thought the morning minyan would, too. But they have remained resolutely online. I am sympathetic to the reasons why, and to the difficulties of reconstituting the in-person morning minyan. It is hard work in many non-Orthodox synagogues to assure that 10 people will be present early in the morning six days a week. It is much easier and more convenient to get out of bed, hit a button on the computer and be transported instantly to the minyan. And without question Zoom has made it possible for those unable because of physical limitations and other reasons to attend an in-person minyan. Yet there is so much that has been lost and that I miss. I miss my fellow “minyannaire” who each year before Rosh Hashanah brings me honey from the beehives on the rooftop of his apartment. I miss the frail elderly Russian gentleman who stands to say Kaddish for himself because he is convinced that none of his children will say Kaddish for him after he dies. I miss the mother and her grown son who start their day together sitting side by side and who kiss one another good-bye as they leave the minyan and go their separate ways. And I miss the easy banter with my fellow minyannaires with whom I share vacation plans, exploits on the pickleball court and the most recent achievements of my

grandchildren. I miss how the in-person morning minyan magically imbued the minute details of the mundane with the significance of the sacred. But above all I miss what Abba Kovner, the late Jewish resistance fighter, called “the tug on the sleeve.” Kovner would tell the story of going to the Western Wall his first week in Israel after the end of World War II. He was about to leave when he felt a tug on his sleeve as he was asked to join a minyan that was forming for prayer. He tells of being inspired not so much by the prayers but more by the sense of belonging. More than anything else I miss knowing that my physical presence is needed to make a minyan. For more than 40 years, I was responsible for making the minyan happen in my suburban Long Island synagogue. There were many nights I did not sleep well worrying that 10 people might not show up the next morning, and I took too personally the days when only nine people attended and a mourner was unable to say Kaddish. Looking back at all the worry and frustration, I nevertheless feel that I was engaged in worthy work. Many people, religious and not, yearn for places where they can gather, connect and socialize with other people outside of the home and workplace. Sociologists call these settings “third places,” and so many of them closed during the pandemic — bars, coffee shops, gyms, libraries — that experts fear the impact on people’s mental health and social well-being. As a psychology professor at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York put it at the height of the

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pandemic, “What’s lost is the sensory sense of being with other people. I don’t think we know yet what the consequences of that will be, except that I think people are going to remain more fearful and anxious.” Many years after Abba Kovner was called to be the 10th for a minyan at the Western Wall, a museum known as Beit Hatefutzot, the Museum of the Diaspora, was built on the campus of Tel Aviv University. (It has now been overhauled and renamed Anu — Museum of the Jewish People.) Kovner designed a corner in the museum known as “The Minyan” represented by a variety of figures preparing to pray together. Just before the museum opened its doors for the first time someone noticed that there were only nine figures in the model. The museum frantically reached out to Kovner, but he calmly responded that nine was the correct number: There was supposed to be a missing person. The missing person was a call to each person who visited the museum to become the 10th. When I do join the Zoom minyan of my synagogue community, I note the faces and names of my fellow participants. When it is a day I am observing a yahrzeit, the anniversary of a loved one’s death, I dutifully tap the “raise hand” button so I can be called upon to mention the name of the person for whom I am saying Kaddish. But I yearn to feel again the tug on my sleeve, and to be told to come inside because there are nine people who need me as the missing tenth. PJC Neil Kurshan is rabbi emeritus of the Huntington Jewish Center in Huntington, New York. This piece first appeared on JTA. PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Opinion College campuses have an antisemitism problem — and no solution community banded together in ways I had not seen before. Jews supported other Jews, and non-Jews came to our aid to lift us up and make sure we felt safe in our hometown. As you walk down the streets of Squirrel Hill, you still see the “Stronger than Hate” signs in windows. But when the replica Torah was desecrated at GW, the support was temporary and rote. The next day, a rally was held outside in a main plaza on campus, and after that, the discussion stopped. People spoke out against antisemitism while it was a hot button topic, and then put the issue on the back burner. The statement from GW’s president seemed like it was taken from the same passionless script delivered when any hate crime occurs — as if he had just filled in a Mad Libs template: “We condemn [action] and we stand with the [affected group] community.” It is a text that becomes less believable and impactful every time its blanks are filled in. Though jarring, what happened at GW is not out of the blue. According to Hillel International and the Anti-Defamation League, 43% of students recently surveyed have witnessed or experienced antisemitism

Guest Columnist Emily Linder

n Saturday, Oct. 30, a replica Torah was vandalized at the Tau Kappa Epsilon house, a fraternity at George Washington University. It is unclear who was responsible for dousing the replica Torah in detergent, but it was a blatant act of antisemitism. “Any act of antisemitism is an attack on the entire GW community and cannot, and will not, be tolerated,” wrote GW’s president, Tomas LeBlanc, in a statement following the incident. Being a Pittsburgh native, antisemitism is not a new concept to me. When the shooting at the Tree of Life building occurred, I was deeply affected. Who would have thought a hate-motivated shooting could occur in what was literally Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood? But in the aftermath of that attack, the Pittsburgh

on campus; 15% of students felt a need to hide their identity on campus; and a disturbing 74% of students who personally experienced antisemitism did not report it. Why? Antisemitism doesn’t always come in the overt form of physical violence and vandalism, hate speech or graffiti swastikas. Antisemitism is also using “Nazi” as slang, jokingly heiling, or joking about money or big noses. But some students may avoid reporting these types of antisemitic acts for fear of being accused of “overreacting.” Unless it is a blatant hate crime, reporting can seem daunting. Colleges have an antisemitism problem. On an Instagram page called “Jewish on Campus” that allows students to anonymously report incidents of antisemitism they see or experience, students from GW placed second in the number of instances reported. What changes were implemented at GW in response? None. According to a 2015 Brandeis University study, nearly one-quarter of college students surveyed reported being blamed for the actions of Israel because they were Jewish. I myself fall into this category. The same study

also found that students who simply openly affiliate with Israel on a college campus are more likely to be victims of antisemitism. And the Brandeis study was conducted prior to last summer’s escalation of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict — which I can attest only made things worse for Jewish students. Colleges must do better for their Jewish students. Half-hearted email statements will not stop the hate and will not make students feel safe. I know I sure don’t. Before I left for school, my mother begged me not to wear my Jewish jewelry in public. Instead, I modeled it for Hillel International. I should not feel less safe for doing so, and neither should anyone else. Yet here we are. Jewish students are exhausted from being held accountable for responding to antisemitism on campus, and are tired of the willful ignorance of their academic institutions. This op-ed is me screaming into the void for change, and maybe this time I’ll hear an echo. I’m listening. PJC

Emily Linder is a sophomore at George Washington University. She is from Pittsburgh.

Chronicle poll results: Chanukah shopping

ast week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “Has the supply chain crisis affected your Chanukah shopping?” Of the 133 people who responded, 42% said that everything they wanted to buy was available and should arrive on time; only 8% said that at least one item they wanted to buy was unavailable or would arrive late. Thirty percent said they didn’t know because they had not finished their shopping yet, and 19% said they do not buy Chanukah presents. Thirty people submitted comments. A few follow.

Has the supply chain crisis affected your Chanukah shopping?

Supply chain shortages are global in nature. Shortages of land, labor, capital and transportation are worldwide. Lack of labor will most likely be the disaster of the future for our nation. Until we open the border and train a new generation shortages will continue.

Yes, at least one item that I wanted to buy was unavailable or will arrive late.

Not sure.

19%

I don’t buy Chanukah presents.

42%

No, everything that I wanted to be buy seems to be available and should arrive on time.

30%

Don’t know – I haven’t shopped yet or haven’t finished shopping yet.

I followed advice and ordered early. My gifts are already wrapped!

It’s not affecting Chanukah — but it’s affecting everything else!

I did most of my Chanukah shopping online, and I always start early.

We have tried to deemphasize Chanukah gifts because it is not a Jewish custom, but rather an adopted part of our surrounding culture. With that in mind, our gifts are very limited, modest and purchased well in advance. I detest going into stores at this time of year. A December spent in Israel was paradise!

Recommend giving gelt rather than presents — more authentically Jewish.

As my grandchildren are getting older, it becomes more difficult to find gifts they will like. Last year I started giving them checks so they can buy what they want. Even checks for my adult children.

People go crazy spending beyond their means. A word to the wise: Spend less than you bring in, and you’ll never be poor. PJC

I prefer to give Israel bonds for Chanukkah.

This week’s Chronicle poll question:

I give Ha nu k k a h to grandchildren.

g e lt

Surprisingly all have arrived earlier than expected. It’s not Christmas, and shopping sprees are a new phenomenon. Purim is when gifts are given. Sch’lach manot!

— Toby Tabachnick

Chanukah starts Sunday night. Do you believe in miracles? Go to pittsburghjewish chronicle.org to respond. PJC

Praise for ChaiFlix

— LETTERS — Sometimes one is embarrassed by family; other times, made proud. A fine article (“You really should have been there,” Nov. 19) by Cousin David (whom I’ve never met). Right is right. It depends not on color or the whims of the moment. It’s hard loving someone who shares only your religion. But our history demonstrates that it’s extraordinarily easy to hate someone who doesn’t. Perhaps, then, the test for who is a Jew is easier than we think: Jewish enough for Hitler? Jewish enough for me. There it is in a nutshell. Let them in.

I really enjoyed the article about ChaiFlix (“ChaiFlix: The Chanukah gift for when you don’t want to give pajamas,” online Nov. 19, this issue, pg. 20). I’ve been looking for more Israeli shows. I have Roku and added ChaiFlix. So far I’ve been able to watch two of the shows for free: “Asylum City” and “Checkout.” Both shows have subtitles so you can follow along and brush up on your Hebrew. To get full access to all episodes /movies you do need to sign up and pay. It looks like it’s worth it, though. I really liked “Checkout.” I’m studying Hebrew again and I’ve been able to pick up a few phrases here and there by watching/listening to “Checkout.” It’s a real confidence booster being able to understand a few phrases automatically.

Jay L. T. Breakstone Port Washington, New York

Rachel Zubrow Pittsburgh

In support of Ethiopian aliyah

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NOVEMBER 26, 2021 13

Headlines Miracles: Continued from page 1

for this but in my heart of hearts I don’t believe that this was anything other than a complete weirdness and a miracle,” she said. Miraculous tales are not uncommon. In fact, a Pew study found that nearly 80% of Americans believe in miracles. What makes many of these stories so intriguing, Rabbi Seth Adelson of Congregation Beth Shalom explained, is they often involve the supernatural or feats of phenomenal strength. In Winn-Lederer’s case, her car, a 1995 Dodge Stratus, weighed about 2,900 pounds. The average human can lift 150 pounds. For Winn-Lederer’s story to mathematically compute, each of her helpers would have needed to hoist nearly seven times more than what an average person can lift. Over the years plenty of congregants have told Adelson they’ve lived through miracles. He said he believes these extraordinary episodes can occur, even if he’s never experienced one himself. But what exactly is a miracle? The Chanukah story is miraculous, according to the sages, because a tiny jug of oil lasted eight nights and a small group of Maccabees defeated a larger army of Greeks. Throughout the Bible, there are tales of seas splitting, the sun stopping and people exiting fiery furnaces unscathed. These stories, like others within the Jewish canon, Adelson said, are inspiring even if they seem beyond the realm of what’s physically possible. “It is an essential part of my theology to accept our traditional story as having incorporated these miracles,” he said, “but the way I understand our relationship with God today is that our lives consist of many

p "Maimonide's Dream"

p "A Word About Words…"

tiny miracles.” Rabbi Mordy Rudolph, of Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh, agreed and said that our understanding of miracles is fueled by perception. At the age of 18, Rudolph and a classmate

were driving to New Jersey. As they made their way along the Pennsylvania Turnpike, their car headed off the road, flipped over and landed beneath a 150-foot embankment. Rudolph was life-flighted to a local hospital. His friend suffered a concussion. “Thank God we survived,” Rudolph said. Looking back on it years later, Rudolph thinks there are several ways to interpret the event: One can say they survived because they were driving a Volvo, or because of the way that the accident unfolded; or, one can say that it was simply a miracle. Whether it’s the story of Chanukah or the Six Day War, Rudolph said, Jewish history is full of miracles, but “I think so much of it is based on our perspective.” Five years ago, Temple Sinai member Steffi Biersdorff didn’t feel right. She started experiencing weight gain, night sweats, headaches and “horrible stabbing pains” in her stomach. Biersdorff was 26, working a full-time job and attending graduate school. Despite presenting symptoms resembling colon cancer, doctors dismissed Biersdorff ’s concerns. Two years passed and she continued feeling ill. Finally, on Feb. 6, 2018, weeks after graduating, Biersdorff went in for an exploratory surgery. Doctors discovered her appendix was distended and it contained a 3-centimeter tumor. Beirsdorff ’s appendix was promptly removed. Had it ruptured, Biersdorff said, the cancer inside of it would have spread throughout her stomach and resulted in a stage 4 diagnosis. Although the tumor was gone, doctors told Biersdorff that she wasn’t cured. She was diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome — a condition that increases one’s risk of colon cancer, endometrial cancer and several other cancers — and is required to return to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center twice a year

Shifra: Continued from page 1

to Families to help Orthodox women in unstable domestic situations. A staff person at Family Resources would take the names of families who were referred — with their permission —by Fischhoff ’s friend. “The staff person would visit the homes of those families to see if they could offer any support,” Fischhoff said. “It was around Passover that year and our staff person would offer to help clean the house alongside the woman she was visiting. While working together, the women would talk about what was happening in their homes. It was a very non-threatening, open program.” After building trust, some women would begin to refer neighbors who also needed help, Fischhoff said. “Referrals were made for therapy, and Women’s Center and Shelter was drawn into the project and began to offer kosher food.” The Family Resources staff person soon realized that food insecurity also was an issue for many of the families, and enlisted the help of a local grocery store to distribute food in the community. “Our staff person would load up her car and drive around to families and give them food,” Fischhoff said. “That’s how the Kosher 14 NOVEMBER 26, 2021

p Anne Davis, Nechami Vogel and Mirel Vogel stand behind pallets of chicken and gefilte fish to be delivered for the holidays. Photo provided by Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel

Food Pantry started.” The pantry, Vogel said, rented a site on Forward Avenue and eventually became the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, run by JFCS. Various avenues of assistance started coming together somewhat organically. There was never one plan, but people learned along the

way what was needed and what could work. At the same time, the Aleph Institute worked with JFCS to assist and mentor families with legal issues. As the two organizations realized there was a need for more social services in the Orthodox Jewish community, Project Shifra was born. The

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

to ensure no new signs of cancer develop. The tests, Biersdorff said, include colonoscopies, mammograms, breast MRIs, brain MRIs, kidney scans and biopsies of her colon and uterus. “It can be overwhelming,” she said. “You’re living between two kingdoms: the kingdom of the sick and the kingdom of the healthy. People think there’s an ending to cancer, but people don’t know that you have to live essentially scan to scan.” As soon as one test finishes and the results come back the clock restarts. “I feel like I’m living on borrowed time because I shouldn’t be here,” she said. “As young adults, we think we will never die, but once you’re diagnosed, there’s before and after.” Biersdorff, now 31, says she’s experienced many miracles — her health, the fact that doctors finally listened to her and that the science was in place for her treatment — but a recent experience took her by surprise. While staring in the mirror, Biersdorff noticed her first gray hair. “That gray hair is a miracle,” she said. “I’m so grateful to be on this side of the ground.” Biersdorff teaches religious school at Temple Sinai, volunteers with the congregation and works at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. She said her daily activities remind her of life’s miraculous nature. “I think we are all living miracles,” she said. “No one’s life is perfect...Being able to overcome the trials that show up in your life, and take those failed dreams and make them into something that you can still be proud of, I think that’s a miracle.” If people altered their perspective even a bit they might realize “how lucky we are to be here,” she continued. “To be here in this moment, we can all be miracles to each other.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org. project aimed to address domestic abuse, socio-economic issues, child abuse and child neglect — “things that people don’t talk about in the Orthodox world,” said Stefanie Small, director of counseling services at JFCS. Beginning in 2017, Small said, JFCS provided a couple of case managers who worked out of both JFCS and the Aleph Institute. After the first year-and-a-half, a permanent case manager was put in place at Aleph with JFCS working in an advisory role. The case manager is paid for through Allegheny County’s Health and Human Services, according to Small. It’s important to view the type of services Project Shifra provides holistically, Small stressed. “Domestic violence often happens when wages are low, and families aren’t making ends meet, or they’re working paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “By helping people resolve the economic issues, the food insecurity issues, by working with the families on those entry level issues, they see you as trustworthy and might share more with you.” Laura Ellman, a therapist who volunteers with the Aleph Institute and Project Shifra, said she doesn’t offer therapy — instead she helps families “resolve issues.” “I act as a short-term, problem-solving, support person and referral source for Please see Shifra, page 30

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Headlines Expert:

eventually,” said Shelby Williams, a psychotherapist at UpStreet. Throughout his conversation with students, Shatte never mentioned Oct. 27, the upcoming trial of the accused murderer, or even the pandemic. “I would rather, in a setting like this, not bring back those memories right now,” Shatte said after the event. “I’d rather put this in a much more positive light moving forward.” Students are facing numerous challenges, he added, and whether a problem is seemingly mundane or highly consequential the “same powerful skills will get us through it all.” Having Shatte share that perspective, Small said, is why he was invited to speak in Pittsburgh. “Sometimes you just need to hear from the expert,” she said. PJC

Continued from page 2

predicts resilience.” Alliyah Kimbrough, an UpStreet psychotherapist, said what was most helpful about Shatte’s talk was reminding students to not only express their emotions, but to understand what’s driving those feelings. “These emotions don’t just come out of nowhere,” agreed Erin Barr, clinical coordinator at UpStreet. “They’re valid and they’re real and you are allowed to feel those things, but then taking a step back and being curious about why you’re feeling that way could give you some perspective and help you get through it.” “I think a big thing for me was remembering that situations and emotions are temporary,” and that “things will move on, and the emotions will subside

Loans: Continued from page 3

“Your heart goes out to these people,” Guttman said. “I’d like to help each and every one of them — maybe what I did will be the impetus for someone else.” Guttman, a father of three, graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and started his financial career with Merrill Lynch in New York City.

p Dr. Andrew Shatte speaks with Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh students following his Nov. 16 talk.

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

In the 1980s, Guttman formed his own firm in Pittsburgh, where he managed client portfolios in investments — specifically, securities and insurance, he said. He retired three years ago. “I expanded every year,” Guttman told the Chronicle. “I started in the Oliver Building downtown with a pen, a Wall Street Journal and a yellow pad.” Guttman, who is Jewish, grew up in Squirrel Hill attending both Conservative and Reform services; he became a bar

see how the money is used.” Things could’ve been different for Guttman, he admits. When he was taking post-graduation tests on career choices, the results did not point to a life in finance. “They told me to go into the clergy,” he laughed. “When you’re in the investment business, that’s what you’re in. You listen to people, help people — it’s lifestyle work.” PJC

mitzvah at Congregation Beth Shalom and married Susie Guttman at Rodef Shalom Congregation. “I live by my Jewish roots,” he said, adding that all eight of his grandchildren attend Jewish day schools, including Community Day School in Squirrel Hill. “Philanthropy’s also been part of me — I’ve always been philanthropic,” Guttman said. “And I believe in Jewish organizations. It was a real mitzvah to give for these people. “It really hits home,” he added, “when you

Justin Vellucci is a freelance writer

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NOVEMBER 26, 2021 15

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle is proud to present the Volunteers of the Year for 2021. Their stories are incredibly inspirational. We hope you enjoy reading about the wonderful work these volunteers perform in our community. Adat Shalom

Friendship Circle

Amy Himmel embodies the essence of volunteerism with kindness, generosity, dedication and thoughtfulness. She has been an integral part of volunteer life at Adat Shalom for many years, beginning from the time Amy Himmel her children were in our preschool. As her children grew, she became the president of the Religious School PTO and served many positions on the board of directors, culminating as president of the board for three years. As president, Amy’s counsel was instrumental in guiding the congregation through difficult times after the attack at the Tree of Life building and then through new protocols with the onset of the pandemic. When not navigating a crisis, you will often find Amy helping at synagogue events: cooking with the Mitzvah team, stuffing bags with hamantaschen, delivering prayer books and care packages to congregants, making calls to members to see how they are doing, and so much more. Amy makes it all look easy. Adat Shalom is proud and honored to recognize Amy Himmel as Volunteer of the Year.

within the congregation, and helps with delivery. Enlisting the help of her daughter, Samantha, Michele sets an example of tikkun olam within the congregation and her community. A “regular” at worship services, Michele also serves on Beth El’s Board of Trustees.

Congregation Ahavath Achim (The Carnegie Shul)

Beth Hamedrash Hagodol-Beth Jacob Congregation

Irwin H. Norvitch is Congregation Ahavath Achim’s Volunteer of the Year for 2021. Irwin has been a regular member of our minyanim since joining our shul some years ago. He is an active participant Irwin H. Norvitch in our services. Since retiring in 2018 from Michaels Arts & Crafts, Irwin has been very active with West Hills Pittsburgh Meals on Wheels, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and 412 Food Rescue and all of their partners, “harvesting” food from local restaurants and grocery stores, delivering the foods to the kitchen, prepping and packaging food, mentoring and delivering daily to clients’ homes.

Beth El Congregation of the South Hills

As part of the National Day of Service in January 2021, Beth El Congregation of the South Hills kicked off an item-of-the-month drive to tackle food insecurity within our community. Michele Michele Rosenberg is leading Rosenberg this effort, dramatically increasing donations. Working with our partner, South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM), Michele identifies what is needed each month, coordinates communication 16 NOVEMBER 26, 2021

David Horvitz

Bill Snider

Elyse E i c h n e r ’s contributions to The Friendship Circle have been invaluable. She has volunteered in numerous ways: as a member of our board of directors; co-chair of our Friends All Around annual Elyse Eichner event; Walk4Friendship committee member; and FC Bakery volunteer. Her efforts have been greatly appreciated, and we thank her for her dedication to our mission and community.

Hebrew Free Loan

p Samantha Rosenberg helps with Beth El’s SHIM drive

Beth Ham e d r a s h Hagodol-Beth Jacob Congregation proudly recognizes Glenn Harlow as our Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 2021 Volunteer of the Year. Glenn is incredibly Glenn Harlow active in our congregation and has spent countless hours maintaining our security at the synagogue building and also at our cemetery grounds. Glenn doesn’t know the word “no” and is always ready to lend a hand.

Beth Samuel Jewish Center

Bill Snider, board president, has been a stalwart leader of Beth Samuel Jewish Center through an extremely challenging time. When the pandemic struck, he immediately put health and safety procedures in Bill Snider place and procured the equipment we needed to seamlessly transition to remote, and then hybrid, operations. He attends services every Saturday, acting as our e-gabbai to operate the cameras, mics and Zoom settings. He has strengthened our financial and administrative processes, so we could thrive and grow over the last two years. He even takes care of our landscaping! He does it all, and BSJC is incredibly thankful.

Photo courtesy of Beth El Congregation

Community Day School

Community Day School parent and former board member Aviva Lubowsky served three years as CDS Parent Association president. During her tenure, she guided the leadership team to strengthen our Aviva Lubowsky community by facilitating opportunities for family engagement and shared Jewish experiences at CDS. We are especially indebted to Aviva for making sure our staff has felt valued and appreciated and our parent community has stayed connected through these challenging pandemic years. Beyond her presidency, Aviva continues to play an active role at CDS, most notably through managing our school uniform resale shop. Aviva is the director of marketing and development at Hebrew Free Loan.

Congregation Beth Shalom

David Horvitz has had a lifetime of involvement with Congregation Beth Shalom. Besides celebrating numerous life cycle events, he has volunteered as chair of the Religious David Horvitz Services Committee, as member of the Board of Trustees, as vice president, as president and most recently as the “longest tenured” immediate past president. David was the visionary for the Centennial celebration and has served on the personnel, fundraising, nominating and rabbi search committees. We are so grateful for David’s amazing dedication and commitment to the Beth Shalom community. Mazel Tov to David for being Congregation Beth Shalom’s Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle Volunteer of the Year.

Tedd Wein has been a board member at Hebrew Free Loan for nearly 12 years, serving regularly on loan committees and contributing to the organization’s operation and growth. Tedd for many Tedd Wein years also has generously donated in-kind support to HFL via his UPS store franchise. He recently was recognized by The UPS Store Corporation with its 2021 Franchise Excellence Award. Tedd is a past board member of Hillel JUC and Adat Shalom. Tedd’s dedication, ideas and generosity have enhanced Hebrew Free Loan, and we are so grateful for the time and insights he has shared.

Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh

A graduate of the Wechsler Program, Jonathan Bernstein joined the Hillel Academy board in 2014 and quickly became the Hillel Academy board treasurer. In 2019, Jonathan became Jonathan the president of Hillel Bernstein Academy. He has served on multiple committees at Hillel Academy including audit, annual campaign, strategic planning, legacy, governance and budget. A director of research at Hefren-Tillotson, Jonathan for the past seven years has welcomed with a smile every opportunity to use his financial skills to help the continued long-term growth of the school.

Hillel JUC

Mike Warshafsky

Mike Warshafsky has given his time and dedication to The Edward and Rose Berman Hillel Jewish University Center of Pittsburgh for over 20 years. Initially involved with Hillel JUC in 2010 as a Carnegie

Please see Volunteers, page 17

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VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

Volunteers:

continue to live independently and in their own homes.

Continued from page 16

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

Mellon University graduate student, he soon volunteered to serve on the board. Most recently Mike has served as chair for the last four years. Mike is immensely passionate about connecting Jewish students to their Jewish student community on Pittsburgh college campuses. We are thankful for his enthusiasm, professionalism, expertise and leadership.

Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh

As the daughter of Holocaust survivors, Debbi e L eu chter Stueber acutely understands the Holocaust Center’s mission to promote education. She’s ever willing to share her parents’ story Debbie Leuchter Stueber with students and adults alike as a member of the Center’s Generations Speakers Bureau — oftentimes with her lovely parents, Kurt and Edith Leuchter, tuning in from their home in Florida to join her in speaking. Debbie is also a leader of the Center’s Life & Legacy and Generations Steering Committees. In the past, she has read and lit a candle at Yom HaShoah, and has been a reliable presence helping at other public events.

p Debbie Leuchter Stueber at the Mt. Lebanon Library

Photo courtesy of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh

Jewish Healthcare Foundation

Jewish Assistance Fund

D u r i ng u npre c e dented times with profound disruptions and increased need for financial assistance, Eleanor R. Siegal stepped in. As soon as the usual was disrupted early in the Eleanor R. Siegal pandemic, Ellie dedicated more time as the Jewish Assistance Fund pivoted and safely continued to provide financial assistance. For many years Ellie has been an engaged, caring and dedicated grantor and board member. We count on her to assure that even with a small staff, we can have a big impact in the lives of members of the local Jewish community and their families by providing financial assistance every week throughout the year.

Jewish Association on Aging

Dina Bear Rabinowitz began volunteering with Mollies Meals as a “fill in” for a friend. Then she was hooked and, as soon as she retired from her position as an RN, she signed up! She is dedisdfadfafsda cated, friendly, and just Dina what the doctor ordered. Bear Rabinowitz She delivers far more than kosher meals, adding a large teaspoon of love, compassion and friendship with every visit she makes. She epitomizes what volunteers at JAA bring to the table. As the need for meals increases, so too the desire to have many more just like Dina to assist with Mollie’s Meals Home Delivery Services at JAA. PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Cindy GoodmanLeib and Scott Leib sustain and uplift the Jewish community locally and worldwide. Both have been Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburg h b o ard members and filled Cindy Goodman- many other positions Leib and as Jewish Federation Scott Leib volunteers. Cindy chaired the Community Relations Council, co-chaired Partnership2Gether, and is the current Israel Program chair. Scott chaired the Planning & Funding Committee and co-chaired the Jewish Life and Learning Commission. Cindy was the vice president of the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle. Scott served on the board of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh in various roles. Cindy and Scott bring their love of Judaism to all their community interests in Pittsburgh and Israel.

p Linda Simon with Lynn Zelenski

Photo courtesy of Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

Jewish Cemetery and Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh

Louis B. Kushner, a longstanding and valued leader within Pittsburgh’s Jewish community and community at large, is ably leading the Jewish Cemetery and Burial Association in its Louis B. Kushner growth and successful re-envisioning. From chairing the transition team to being key to acquisition discussions to being active on the board, Lou’s leadership has resulted in increased attention and support being given to the Association’s mission. The JCBA is strengthened by Louis Kushner’s important involvement and is grateful to him for his leadership.

Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

Linda Simon has a long history of hands-on volunteer service with the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, starting with the initiative that led to building the South Hills JCC and including serving as JCC board chair from 2004-2007. Linda has been very active as a JCC Center for Loving Kindness (CFLK) UPstander volunteer — serving on a CFLK

advisory committee, making phone calls and providing support in COVID vaccination clinics. Most recently, she joined interfaith volunteers to cook for 15 Afghan refugee families coming to Linda Simon Pittsburgh. In receiving this award Linda said, “The UPstanders were so remarkable, I feel like I am representing all of them!”

Jewish Family and Community Services

Beth Erlanger has been volunteering with Dina, an older adult in the AgeWell program, for over two years. Throughout the pandemic, she shopped for her weekly, and now that it’s safer, she takes Beth Erlanger her on regular trips to Aldi and Costco. To date, Beth has had 212 appointments with Dina, 131 hours of volunteering, and 459 miles driven. Beth’s commitment and dependability have helped us achieve our goal of helping older adults like Dina

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Ellen Kessler has served on the board of trustees for the Jewish Healthcare Foundation for the past six years, and over the course of that time she has been a valuable contributor and a member Ellen Kessler of JHF’s distribution committee. Ellen serves on many local boards, including as chair of the board of the Carnegie Museum of Art. Throughout 2021, she has been an active member of JHF’s Senior Residential Living Full Court Press Team, a group working to address the crisis within long-term care. The Foundation is proud to celebrate Ellen’s contributions in 2021.

Jewish Residential Services

Judy Greenwald Cohen was an exemplary role model for the JRS board as president from 20162019 and through her engagement with philanthropic endeavors generally. She has continued to support Judy Greenwald Cohen JRS by sharing her knowledge and contacts on a broad range of issues, and by serving as moderator for educational events. More important, Judy exemplifies the value of tikkun olam in all that she undertakes. She brings passion and commitment to her work supporting individuals with disabilities and their families in the Greater Pittsburgh Jewish community. She is a tireless advocate for inclusion, continually seeking out ways for people living with disabilities to participate in the community more fully, and sharing her vast knowledge of resources with their families. Please see Volunteers, page 18

NOVEMBER 26, 2021 17

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

Volunteers: Continued from page 17

National Council of Jewish Women

Elaine Beck has been a dedicated volunteer at NCJW for over six years. This summer, she led and fulfilled NCJW’s commitment to the community and our donors by successfully implementing Elaine Beck Kids’ C ommunity Closets. This dynamic project involves purchasing and distributing new clothing to young children through partner organizations, agencies and schools. Elaine tackled this role with skill and grace in the midst of a pandemic and staffing transition. Elaine also took initiative to organize and clean our facility’s storage spaces prior to staff returning for in-person work. Her experience, can-do attitude and decisive disposition made the work straightforward and enjoyable.

Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle

Evan H. Stein loves the Chronicle and will do — and has done — almost anything for it. Evan recently stepped up to serve as treasurer and a member of our executive committee. Beyond that, Evan has volunteered to help with so many initiatives at the Chronicle

— helping to maintain and modernize our technology infrastructure, working on our annual survey and our new poll of the week feature, assisting with our website and even helping with Evan H. Stein fundraising. Evan is a technology entrepreneur at FSA Consulting/Green Light Wireless and lives with his wife and two children in Pittsburgh. Thank you, Evan!

Repair the World

Charlie Baron is an herbalist and is so thoughtful in her approach to gardening. She has shared her knowledge with us at Repair the World Pittsburgh, while supporting the Sheridan Charlie Baron Avenue Orchard and Garden. Showing up continuously to volunteer, lead and recruit other volunteers, Charlie has been a joyous community member to work with. Charlie has supported the entire seed cycle: from seed starting in our grow room, watering and maintaining the seedlings throughout winter and early spring, to transplanting them outside, tending the plants, harvesting and distributing produce to East End

Cooperative Ministry. Thank you Charlie!

Rodef Shalom Congregation

Since joining Rodef Shalom in 2017, Carol, Salem, and Rachel Leaman have been instrumental to several of our congregation’s volunteer organizations and initiatives. Within the past year, Salem Carol and Salem Leaman founded, and Leaman Carol and Rachel Leaman have worked with, COSA (Community Outreach and Social Action), which collected cold-weather coats for the Braddock Free Store and sponsored a toy drive at Homewood’s Church of the Holy Cross, Episcopal. In addition, Carol directed “Soup from the Heart,” a program sponsored by Women of Rodef Shalom. The Leaman family was recognized for their invaluable volunteer efforts at Rodef Shalom’s annual meeting in June of 2021.

Temple Emanuel of South Hills

Temple Emanuel of South Hills is excited to honor Debra Madaras as our Volunteer of the Year. Deb devotes countless hours to Temple’s garden — submitting and receiving grants for supplies, constructing raised beds, perfecting the soil and planting, harvesting and delivering hundreds of pounds of produce for the SHIM (South Hills Interfaith

Movement) community food pantry. This year Deb harvested fresh figs from Temple’s trees and made fig jam for our use in caring packages and appreciation gifts. Deb is also an active volunteer with Temple’s Debra Madaras Caring Community and participates in our Sunday morning weekly minyan.

Temple Ohav Shalom

Bob Gibbs is the steadying force at Temple Ohav Shalom. Bob speaks softly but his comments are always well thought out and respectful. When Bob speaks, e ver yone listens. Bob Gibbs Bob has been a longtime board member, including as president from 2014 to 2016, and treasurer from 2011 to 2014 and 2020 to the present. Bob was an easy choice as Volunteer of the Year.

Temple Sinai

The entire Collura family embodies the engagement, support and warmth that represent the best of Temple Sinai. Elizabeth, Please see Volunteers, page 19

HOW WE INNOVATE Throughout Middle School, students venture into the world of coding, programming and robotics, using resources like our 1:1 iPad program, LEGO® robotics kits and Tinkercad® software to better understand the languages and designs that support the latest technology. How will you encourage your child to become an innovator?

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VISIT OPPORTUNITIES

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y r s

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

Volunteers:

summer planning the evening and ensuring it looked beautiful. No matter the ask, Chaya is generous with her time, her creativity and her good cheer. We are proud and grateful to have her in our school community!

Continued from page 18

Young Judaea

t e

, ,

Rose Gerson and Ellen Sikov

Collura family

an officer of our board, currently chairs the Cantor Search Committee and has arranged for this year’s guest cantors. She participates in Cooking for Caring and bakes for onegs. Mike chairs our Neshama Center and has graciously lent his technical expertise to support various synagogue needs. As part of our Torah Project committee, he co-chaired the Penny Project and encouraged us to engage in Random Acts of Torah. Elizabeth, Mike, and their children, Rachel and Adam, greet worshippers almost every Friday night.

Tree of Life

Rose Gerson and Ellen Sikov lead the congregation’s “Gifted Items Review Committee,” which is tasked with documenting the hundreds of pieces of art, shawls, quilts, books, origami paper cranes and other objects received following the Oct. 27, 2018 attack. Rose and Ellen guide the committee through

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a process of determining how the items could be shared, displayed and preserved with sensitivity, acceptance and the understanding that the impact of the attack went far beyond Pittsburgh and that the items are expressions of love and support. Their leadership and commitment provides a warm, welcoming and safe space for individuals to process their trauma and work on healing.

Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh

We’re delighted to n om i n at e C h ay a Cowen as our Volunteer of the Year. An alum of our school, she’s returned as a parent and volunteer, enriching our school community. Chaya is Chaya Cowen extremely active; she served as a class mother and has helped run the teacher appreciation committee for many years. She led one of our dinner committees, spending much of her

Barbara Baumann grew up in Young Judaea, attending Camp Young Judaea Midwest, Tel Yehudah and YJ summer & Year Course in Israel. Barbara began volunteering during graduate school at Pitt by driving Barbara Baumann teens and helping at programs. Once Barbara’s own children got involved, she became a parent volunteer to sustain our local programs. Over the past 15 years Barbara has been instrumental in fundraising and organizing, thus sustaining our local activities and enabling YJ to hire a youth advisor. Barbara actively recruits for our camps and Israel programs. Thanks to Barbara’s dedication, commitment, passion, leadership and friendship, Pittsburgh Young Judaea continues to thrive.

Jeff helped to manage. In addition to his insight and organizational talents, ZOA took advantage of Jeff ’s professional acumen and writing skills. Jeff was the recipient of the 2012’s ZOA Jeffrey L. Pollock Ivan and Natalie Novick Community Service Award, an annual honor that is given to a person who best exemplifies the spirit of the Jewish community and leadership to humanitarian causes. PJC

ZOA

Jeffrey L. Pollock is a longtime ZOA member who has been deeply involved on the board and in committees for many years. Jeff recently completed his third two-year term as president of ZOA: Pittsburgh. During that time ZOA conducted numerous programs which

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

 JAA’s Dina Bear Rabinowitz delivering meals Photo courtesy of JAA

NOVEMBER 26, 2021 19

Life & Culture ChaiFlicks: The Chanukah gift for when you don’t want to give pajamas

 Noa Koler, star of the Israeli comedy “Checkout”

— STREAMING — By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

have a friend who only watches Jewish Broadcasting Service. Doesn’t matter the time. Doesn’t matter the program. He watches the JBS channel incessantly. If it’s midnight, he’s catching Rabbi Mark S. Golub

Photo courtesy of ChaiFlicks

on “L’Chayim.” On Fridays, he welcomes Shabbat with televised services from Central Synagogue in Manhattan. Although he has never admitted to enjoying a cup of coffee, a bagel and “Shalom Kids” in the morning, he probably does. I’ve often wondered how someone could be so fixated on Jewish content. Sure, I’ve used various streaming services to watch “Fauda,” “Hunters,” “When Heroes Fly,”

 “Checkout”

Photo courtesy of ChaiFlicks

“Mossad 101,” “The Spy,” “Srugim,” “Black Space” and even “Hashoter Hatov.” But I’ve also consumed hours of programming that doesn’t appear when searching “Jewish,” “Hebrew” or “Israel” on Netflix, Amazon or other platforms. All of this is to say that when I was offered a free subscription to ChaiFlicks, a streaming curator of Jewish and Israeli content, I said OK, or, as Hebrew speakers might, “lama lo.”

Here’s where I’m at after multiple days in: ChaiFlicks is great. I watched “Asylum City,” an intriguing series about refugees and crime in Tel Aviv; made my way through several shorts, including “Jewish Recipes with Oma & Bella”; and am laughing my kishkes off at “Checkout,” a comedy about an Israeli supermarket. Please see ChaiFlicks, page 24

We, at Rodef Shalom, are so grateful for the dedication of our tireless volunteers: The Leaman Family, Carol, Salem and Rachel Through your exceptional work, we sustain and grow as a congregation of caring, worship and learning.

Congratulations! Congratulations to Evan H. Stein for being named Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle’s Volunteer of the Year. The recognition is well deserved. FSA Consulting’s managed IT services are tailored to your users, hardware, and industry software. We help you put together the pieces, maintain the tools, and are always ready to offer support.

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Life & Culture Gift Guide 2021: Prepare for early Chanukah — GIFTS — By Sasha Rogelberg | Contributing Writer

Courtesy of Masterclass

If you’re worried about what to get the person who has it all, supply chain delays or you’ve just run out of wrapping paper, go with the gift of knowledge this Chanukah. Masterclass members have access to more than 100 classes across 11 categories. Learn

With the growing popularity of DNA kits like 23andMe to trace Jewish ancestry, Embark wants to do the same for your furry family members. By processing a small mouth swab, Embark can identify the breed of your pooch and whether they have relatives who have also used Embark. Whether your canine is a Pekinese, German Shepherd or mutt, rest assured knowing that no matter what, your dog is 100% Jewish. You can buy it for $149 at chewy.com.

The Milk Bar sampler

From two-Michelin star restaurant Momofuku Milk Bar in New York City and two-time James Beard Award winner

Christina Tosi comes the Milk Bar Sampler. The sampler comes with three-packs of birthday and chocolate birthday truffles, a slice of Milk Bar pie and a six-pack of assorted cookies — a break from Chanukah’s fried-food tradition, but delicious nonetheless. The $54 box is available at milkbarstore.com.

Dreidel Roulette

If the Yud-Gimmel-Hey-Shin-schtick has gotten boring after years of dreidel playing, up the ante with Dreidel Roulette. By spinning the dreidel in

Nontraditional dreidels are coming in hot this year, and the top from the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame can check boxes for bobblehead and dreidel collectors alike. To match, buy a bobblehead menorah with nine bobbing flames atop the candles. Both are limited edition, so order them now for $25 a pop at store.bobbleheadhall.com.

Nidra Deep Sleep Eye Mask

I’m a poor sleeper who came from a long line of poor sleepers, but a sleep mask really changed the game for me. Now that the sun is peeking through the blinds a little earlier Please see Gifts, page 25

Volunteers Enhance JCBA Cemeteries

Wishing you and your family a

Happy Thanksgiving We are thankful for our Volunteers and Caring Community

dKe

Mazel Tov to our 2021 Volunteer of the Year

Eleanor R. Siegal Financial Assistance for the Jewish Community for pressing expenses. Confidential and Without Repayment

412.521.3237 | JewishAssistanceFund.org

Before

After

retired almost two years ago. I spent the first year thinking about what I can do that for me was giving back something to the community. I also considered what I like doing and thinking of ways to combine my interests with community needs. I love spending time outdoors and especially gardening. I did some reading and learned that there are cemeteries that no longer have synagogues or communities that no longer exist to provide the upkeep of the cemeteries and learned about the Jewish Cemetery and Burial Association. I contacted them, met with the exec who took me around to a cemetery and shared with me some of their needs such as cleaning grave markers and removing overgrowth. It did not take me long to decide that this was the organization I wanted to volunteer for since it was outdoors and consisted of light maintenance that I could provide once a week for a couple of hours based on my schedule. I have been volunteering now for a number of months and truly enjoy the experience. —Jeff H.

hat motivates me to volunteer with the JCBA is wanting to give back to Pittsburgh and the environment in a way that is meaningful to me. I feel like I’ve been given the opportunity to care for and attend to people in a way that may not be initially obvious but makes a huge difference. —Emily R.

t is important to me for our loved ones who have passed away, that their last physical marker remaining on earth stays whole and is identifiable. That is how we can show our respect for the deceased and perhaps help others find those graves in the future. I grew up in a family with that value—visiting graves, telling stories, pulling weeds, and placing remembrance stones. I hope that future generations will continue to do the same for us. —An Anonymous Volunteer

JCBA thanks it’s valued landscape volunteers, and invites others to join in our efforts to add further dignity to our cemeteries. To volunteer, or to discuss volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups please visit our website at www.jcbapgh.org, email us at jcbapgh@gmail.com, or call the JCBA at 412-553-6469. JCBA’s expanded vision is made possible by a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Jewish Community Foundation

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Courtesy of National Bobblehead Hall of Fame

Bobblehead dreidel and menorah

NOVEMBER 26, 2021 21

Courtesy of Nidra

Masterclass annual membership

Embark DNA test for dogs

Courtesy of Embark

ith Chanukah sneaking up on us early this year, starting Nov. 28, we’re just lucky the holiday is eight days long, giving procrastinators a wide window to order their gifts in time for at least that final night. Dillydallyers, this is your sign to put off Chanukah shopping no more. Here’s a list of last-minute gifts that are sure to please.

the center of the table, the dreidel will knock the game’s wooden balls into numbered and colored cavities. And you could make the argument that chocolate gelt looks an awful lot like chips ... The game can accommodate infinite players (in theory) and is an economical $26 at shopnmajh.com/.

Courtesy of Milk Bar

to act from Natalie Portman, cook from Yotam Ottolenghi or lead a business from Howard Schultz. Buy a membership starting at $15 a month at masterclass.com.

Life & Culture Cassola for Chanukah — FOOD — By Jessica Grann | Special to the Chronicle

C Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh's

Jewish Community Foundation

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION with Rabbi Danny Schiff THURSDAYS, 8:30–10:45 AM ET All sessions held online via Zoom. UNDERWRITTEN BY THE ALAN PAPERNICK EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE ENDOWMENT FUND

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A Better Body: Physical Upgrades and Enhancements in Jewish Law

4/7/22 6/30/22

assola are ricotta cheese pancakes traditionally made by Sephardic Jews. Many consider these wonderful treats to be the original latke. Eating cassola simultaneously fulfills the traditional custom to enjoy both dairy and fried food at Chanukah. This recipe is for very light pancakes, which are wonderful to eat at any time of year. They are pan-fried with just a tiny bit of oil. You can add honey, powdered sugar or even jam to top them off, yet they are mildly sweet on their own. The batter takes a few minutes to mix up and I appreciate that they take little time to cook and don’t lead to the mess of our typical Chanukah goodies that are deep-fried. Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 3 tablespoons sugar 2 eggs 1 ½ cups of whole milk ricotta cheese ¾ cup whole milk Oil for the pan — use a neutral vegetable oil Directions:

In a small bowl, combine and whisk together

the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs before folding in the ricotta cheese. Once blended, slowly stir in the dry ingredients. The mixture will be dry and will stir up into a ball. Pour in the milk and whisk until the liquid is well-combined and free of lumps. Place a griddle or non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. I use an avocado oil spray to just barely oil the pan. You can use a teaspoon of any neutral vegetable oil and wipe off the excess with a paper towel, repeating as needed, usually after every other batch. Even though we often use olive oil in Chanukah foods, I don’t suggest using it with this recipe because the flavor is too strong and because olive oil tends to smoke and affect the taste of the pancake. Using a small sauce ladle, measure out small round pancakes. After about 2 minutes, when the edges start to firm and you see a few bubbles, use a spatula to gently turn over, cooking for about 1 more minute before removing from the pan. You can make larger pancakes, but adjust your cooking times, being careful not to burn the edges. Serve immediately. Children and adults will enjoy this recipe and I hope that you use it for many years to come. Chanukah sameach! Enjoy and bless your hands! PJC Jessica Grann is a home chef living in Pittsburgh.

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22 NOVEMBER 26, 2021

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Photo by Wade Grann

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Life & Culture

— FOOD — By Sasha Rogelberg | Contributing Writer

“G

efüllte krapfen” isn’t exactly a German phrase that whets one’s appetite. In fact, the Hebrew “sufganiyot” rolls off the tongue much more smoothly. But each word conjures the same culinary meaning: enriched dough stuffed generously with filling and fried to golden-brown perfection. Around this time of year, whatever you call these fried confections, consuming them is a mitzvah, their hot oil bath representative of the oil that sustained the lit menorah for eight days, instead of one. With an abundance of names for fried fritters comes an abundance of variations, each with its own history. The ideal sufganiyot, according to Philadelphia-based food writer Aliza Green, is fried in fresh, clean oil, yielding a puffed, yeasted dough that is both light and airy but with a chew. “It’s kind of contradictory, but that’s what makes it really delicious,” she said. U.S. Jews are mostly purists when it comes to sufganiyot, Green said, preferring classic flavors year after year. She enjoys the fried bread’s richness cut with the acidity of strawberry or raspberry jam, as is traditionally found in U.S. bakeries through the month of Kislev. Though a familiar confection in the U.S., jelly doughnuts emigrated — as many Jews did — from Germany and Poland, where a more savory and lean dough (sugar and milk were too expensive to use for an enriched dough), was stuffed with meat, fish, mushrooms or cheese, Gil Marks wrote in “The Encyclopedia of Jewish Food.” In Polish, they were called paczka or paczki; in Yiddish, they were ponchik or pontshke. Though Eastern and Central Europe may be the birthplace of what we recognize today

as a jelly doughnut, fried dough enjoys popularity around the world and has deep roots in Sephardic traditions. Evidence of this is in the popularity of sufganiyot in Israel — 45% of the population is Mizrahi or Sephardi according to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics — where variations of the filled doughnut are much more common than in the U.S. This is also due to the abundance of potatoes in the U.S. that inspire another Chanukah dish, taking the spotlight away from sufganiyot. “We’re really more of a latke country than a sufganiyah country,” Green said. Sufganiyot gained renown in Israel in the 1920s, when trade union Histadrut advocated for the production of the difficultto-make sufganiyot over rudimentary latkes, to provide enough work for their laborers. In Israel, sufganiyot are filled with milk caramel dulce de leche and chocolate or vanilla pastry cream. Halva and coconut flakes decorate the tops of the doughnuts, Green remembered, taking inspiration from across the region. In Northern Africa, Moroccan Jews favor s’finj — a light, spongy ring of dough — on Chanukah; Tunisian Jews eat yo-yos, cakier fried rings soaked in orange blossom syrup and topped with crunchy pistachios bits. Fritters are common in Jewish cuisine in Italy, too, with each pocket of the country having a variation on the doughnut. In the Tuscan town of Pitigliano, known before World War II as “Little Jerusalem” because of its robust Jewish population, frittelle di Hanukkah was a common diamondshaped fritter, dough flecked with raisins, chopped figs or anise seeds, Green said. Green also has a recipe for sebadas, Sardinian pastries stuffed with tangy cheese and drizzled with honey that she makes for Chanukah, shared below. With its versatility and affordability, fried Please see Sufganiyot, page 27

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh applauds and appreciates the energy, expertise and commitment of

Cindy Goodman-Leib Scott Leib

Photo: David Bachman

The many lives of a sufganiyah: Celebrating doughnut diversity for Chanukah

2021 Jewish Federation Volunteers of the Year Recipients of the

Gerald S. Ostrow Volunteer of the Year Award jewishpgh.org • 412-681-8000 2000 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

 S’finj are Moroccan rings of fried dough that are light and spongy.

Photo courtesy of Aliza Green

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NOVEMBER 26, 2021 23

Life & Culture ChaiFlicks: Continued from page 20

As someone who scours online reviews with a deeply cynical eye — are there really more than 4,000 of us who bought, and actually love, phone cases that look like Game Boys? — I’m highly attuned to the questionable nature of online critiques. Yet, as unbiased a review as one can offer when given a free subscription, I will say that I’ve enjoyed watching ChaiFlicks. And I will attempt to answer a few questions you probably have: Does ChaiFlicks have a seemingly endless catalogue like major streaming services? No. Does ChaiFlicks have a ton of stand-up, or sports-related programming? No (though “Heading Home The Tale of Team Israel” is on there if you want to see Pittsburgh’s Jonathan Mayo and a few former Pirates). If you sign up for ChaiFlicks, which costs $5.99 a month or $60 a year, can you save a few shekels by dropping your subscription to Hulu, AppleTV+, Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+ or Peacock Premium? Probably not. Well, maybe Paramount+, but that service does have “MTV Unplugged” and those were some amazing concerts. Will watching ChaiFlicks, and its hours of Jewish and Israeli content, enable you to become a fluent Hebrew speaker? Tough to answer. I think it helped me, but then again, I also believe that hours of watching television while running on a treadmill has made me a polyglot and an expert in pop culture — a

 Shani Furstenberg stars in ChaiFlicks’ “Asylum City.”

belief that was validly refuted after watching “Stuart Little” in German and telling others I just didn’t understand how the director could make a movie like that when the book was simply about Ralph S. Mouse and his adventures riding a mini motorcycle. So here’s the thing: I like watching ChaiFlicks. Is it perfect? No, but as technology has often promised, it does bolster my connection to a distant place — in 1940, The New York Times reported that RCA put televisions in a Bermuda-bound ocean liner

The JCC of Greater Pittsburgh Gives a Big Shout-Out to our UPstanding Volunteer of the Year

Photos courtesy of ChaiFlicks

so traveling passengers from New York could still see the World’s Fair while away at sea. In that sense, does ChaiFlicks give me a better glimpse of life in Israel? In some ways, yes. Could it provide greater understanding by having more content? Yes, but isn’t that what we’re all striving for — improvement? What I know for sure is that with Chanukah around the corner it’s time to give some presents. Perhaps you know someone who, after 20 months indoors, needs another pair of sweats —pajamas are always a nice

 Sean Mongoza in ChaiFlicks’ “Asylum City”

gesture — otherwise, a subscription to ChaiFlicks is also a good gift for the homebound body, culturally curious consumer or someone seeking to spend winter’s cold days beneath a blanket and glued to their phone. I know I’m trying to figure out what gifts to get the people in my life. I just wish I had a friend who was absolutely obsessed with watching Jewish content. PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Mazel Tov Evan Stein Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle Volunteer of the Year Invitations Plus 412.421.7778

1406 S. Negley Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (Between Wilkins and Northumberland St.)

Linda Simon (r) with fellow JCC Center for Loving Kindness UPstander volunteer Lynn Zelenski

Hillel Academy Honors JONATHAN BERNSTEIN

Linda Simon

Many Thanks for Your Invaluable Work!

Brian Schreiber President and CEO

William S. Goodman Chair of the Board

As our Volunteer of the Year Thank you for your incredible dedication in helping Hillel fulfill our mission of educating the future leaders of our community. Hillel Academy Board, Staff, Parents and Students

5685 Beacon Street, Pittsburg, PA 15217 | 412-521-8131 | Fax 412-521-5150 | www.HillelPgh.org

24 NOVEMBER 26, 2021

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Life & Culture

Courtesy of Chronicle Books

“Grist: A Practical Guide to Cooking Grains, Beans, Seeds, and Legumes”

than it was last month, the Nidra Eye Mask could be instrumental in helping you sleep until your alarm goes off — and not a second sooner. With domed eye cups that shut out light and won’t irritate your eyelashes, this eye mask will hopefully help you catch some Zs. It’s $10.99 exclusively on amazon.com.

Nestle Nespresso Milk Frother

To make those early mornings even easier, check out the crème de la crème for cream. The stay-at-home orders of the pandemic have meant that folks have become their own baristas, and the Nespresso Milk

We all know that beans are the magical fruit, so you might as well make yourself a magician by learning to cook them. Written by “Ruffage” author Abra Berens, photographed by Ee Berger and illustrated by Lucy Engelman, “Grist” transforms these humble kitchen staples into more than 125 dishes with 300 variations, just in time for the growing interest in plant-based and sustainable cooking. Snag the hardback copy for

$32.20 at bookshop.com.

“Goodnight Bubbula: A Joyful Parody”

Written by Sheryl Haft and illustrated by Jill Weber, “Goodnight Bubbula” is perhaps a lighter read than the aforementioned cookbook. A parody of the classic “Goodnight Moon,” this children’s book sets out to teach kids a bissel Yiddish that will make all the bubbes and zeydes kvell. Plus, the book includes Ina Garten’s latke recipe, which seems like a worthy purchase all by itself. Find the book at the National Museum of American Jewish History Gift Store for $17.99 at shopnmajh.com.

Courtesy of Paper Source

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

Courtesy of Nestle

Continued from page 21

Frother joins the ranks of countertop espresso makers and coffee bean grinders that help turn one’s home into their favorite cafe. Practice your latte art and learn to make a heart, a swan or a portrait of your spouse. These milk frothers are $99 on amazon.com.

Chanukah Penguin Party Crackers

Vaccinated and boosted, it’s finally the year to celebrate the Festival of Lights together with family and friends. Kickoff the party with these Penguin Party Crackers, each filled with a surprise toy. Get a pack of eight for $26.99 at papersource.com. PJC Sasha Rogelberg writes for the Jewish Exponent, an affiliated publication.

www.pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

DELIVERING MORE THAN A MEAL Dina Bear Rabinowitz volunteers for Mollie's Meals, bringing an extra dollop of love, respect and kindness with every delivery. The world (and Mollie's Meals) could use more like her.

Join Dina and our other wonderful volunteers.

Yasher Koach to

Debra Madaras Temple Emanuel’s Volunteer of the Year!

Who is honored? One who honors mankind.

—Ben Zoma, Pirke Avot

Beth El Congregation of the South Hills proudly honors Michele Rosenberg.

Call Mollie's Meals at 412-421-7616 jaapgh.org

JAA is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

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Courtesy of Penguin Random House

Gifts:

Opinion Russak-Hoffman: Continued from page 12

I am angry that TikTok allows antisemitism to thrive in videos and comments, and rarely takes down reported videos — with notable exceptions being videos

created by Jews that were bombarded with false reporting from antisemites. Melinda’s account has been suspended on multiple occasions for videos about Shabbat and keeping kosher. I am angry that I have to help my children develop their coping mechanisms. I am angry that even though we managed to

report and successfully remove a couple of the most vile comments, more have replaced them. The TikTok of Izzy laying tefillin now has more than 8 million views and over 13,000 comments. And yet I cling to a tiny glimmer of hope, thanks to the non-Jews in the replies defending Jews and defending Izzy. And to

Bear Jews everywhere, laying tefillin every morning and refusing to cower. PJC Jessica Russak-Hoffman is a Seattle-based author represented by Emerald City Literary Agency. For more information, visitjessicarussakhoffman.com. This piece first appeared on JTA.

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Life & Culture Sufganiyot:

2 tablespoons sugar Continued from page 23

food is beloved across the world. “If you think about it, is there any cuisine in the world that you can come up with that doesn’t have fried food?” Green said. However, doughnuts, regardless of the form they take, are no more celebrated than they are on the Festival of Lights. Sardinian sebadas from “Starting with Ingredients: Baking” by Aliza Green For the filling: 8 ounces whole milk ricotta 2 ounces mild goat cheese Grated zest of 1 lemon (1 tablespoon) 2 large eggs

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For the dough and assembly: ¼ pound (1 cup minus 1 tablespoon) unbleached all-purpose flour 2 ounces (½ cup minus ½ tablespoon) bread flour ¼ pound (½ cup plus 2½ tablespoons) fine semolina ½ teaspoon fine sea salt ½ cup warm milk ¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled 3 cups canola oil, for frying Powdered sugar ½ cup honey, warm

Make the filling: Combine the ricotta, goat cheese, lemon zest, eggs and sugar in a

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mixing bowl and blend well. Set aside. Make the dough: In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, semolina and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and butter. Pour the mixture into the flour mixture, change to the paddle attachment and beat until a ball of dough forms. Beat 1 minute longer, or until the dough is smooth, wrap well and chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator or 30 minutes in the freezer. Using a pasta machine dusted with flour or a rolling pin on a flour-dusted work surface, roll the dough out to less than ¼-inch thick. Cut 5-inch diameter circles from the pastry. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto half of the dough rounds, leaving a ½-inch border around the filling. Brush the border

with water and then cover with a second dough round. Press the edges of the dough rounds together firmly to seal. In a wok, a large cast-iron frying pan or an electric deep-fryer, heat the oil to 365 F, or until shimmering hot and the air about 3 inches above the oil feels hot. Place the pastries, one at a time, in the oil without crowding, and work in batches if necessary. Fry until light brown and crispy, about 4 minutes. Scoop from the oil, drain on a wire rack, and keep warm in a 200 F oven while you fry the remaining sebadas. While the sebadas are still warm, sprinkle them with powdered sugar, drizzle them with honey and serve immediately. PJC Sasha Rogelberg writes for the Jewish Exponent, an affiliated publication.

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Torah

Headlines Join the Chronicle Book Club! December selection: ‘People Love Dead Jews’

he Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle invites you to join the Chronicle Book Club’s Dec. 19 meeting, when we will be discussing “People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present” by Dara Horn. From the author’s website: “Reflecting on subjects as far-flung as the international veneration of Anne Frank, the blockbuster traveling exhibition called ‘Auschwitz,’ the Jewish history of the Chinese city of Harbin and the little known ‘righteous Gentile’ Varian Fry, Dara Horn challenges us to confront the reasons why there might be so much fascination with Jewish deaths, as emblematic of the worst of evils the world has to offer, and so little respect for Jewish lives, as they continue to unfold in the present.”

Your Hosts

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

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We will meet on Zoom on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 1 p.m. to discuss the book. As you read it, we invite you to share comments and join discussions in our Facebook group, Chronicle Connects: Jewish PGH. We invite you to join now if you are not already a member of the group.

What To Do

Buy: “People Love Dead Jews.” It is available at Barnes & Noble at the Waterfront, Amazon.com and from other online retailers. Email: Contact us at drullo@pittsburgh jewishchronicle.org, and write “Chronicle Book Club” in the subject line. We will send you a Zoom link for the meeting. See you in December! PJC — Toby Tabachnick

$200,000 awarded to Tree of Life for street, pedestrian improvements

ree of Life Congregation has been awarded state funding for streetscape and pedestrian improvements outside its building, according to an announcement from state Rep. Dan Frankel (District 23). The funding is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program, which makes funds available to municipalities and community organizations across the commonwealth to “help support projects to develop, improve or rehabilitate transportation assets, including streets, sidewalks and bridges,” according to a press release from Frankel’s office. Tree of Life was awarded $200,000 for new street lighting, sidewalk enhancements and improvements for pedestrian safety, disability accessible ramps, trees, planters and benches. The funding will also be used to build a new

garden on the premises to memorialize the victims of the Oct. 27, 2018 attack. “These projects are part of Tree of Life Congregation’s efforts to transform the site of tragedy into one of remembrance and education,” Frankel said in a prepared statement. “The garden will serve to honor the 11 friends and neighbors we lost on that day as they gathered to worship at Tree of Life, New Light and Dor Hadash, as well as marking an inclusive space that bridges divide and eliminates all forms of hate. I’m grateful to the administration for awarding this funding and to Tree of Life, allowing its building to be a catalyst for change.” Tree of Life has committed $121,943 of its own funds toward the total cost of the project, according to the press release. PJC — Toby Tabachnick

Chanukah 5782 Rabbi Elchonon Friedman Parshat Vayeshev Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

his coming week we will be celebrating the holiday of Chanukah, the holiday of lights. We will celebrate many miracles: the victory of the few over the many, the victory of the righteous over the wicked and the victory of the weak over the mighty. These miracles provide great life lessons in how to have faith in oneself and face the greatest obstacles and overcome them. Yet all these miracles really occurred in the days before Chanukah, for when we light the menorah in our homes we will be celebrating a miracle that occurred after the wars were won and the battles had ceased. So yes, we mention these miracles in our prayers, but the eight nights and days of Chanukah, with the lighting of the menorah and the associated blessings, actually celebrate the miracle of the oil. It was after the Greeks were defeated, and the Jewish people returned to restore the Holy Temple and its service — including the lighting of the holy menorah — that the miracle of the oil happened. When the Jewish people arrived, the temple lay in ruins and no untampered oil was to be found. They searched and miraculously found one jug of olive oil still intact and sealed with the seal of the High Priest. This jug only had enough oil to last one day, but the Jewish people lit the menorah and the oil burned for eight days. In celebration of this miracle we light a menorah for the eight nights of Chanukah. The lessons of this miracle are plenty. One lesson is that a pure heart and soul can always burn miraculously beyond one’s wildest dreams. If we just tap into the very pure unadulterated good that is our very essence, warmth, light and miracles will be natural. No darkness can stand in the way of light, and since our hearts and souls are G-dly light, we just need fuel to burn. A mitzvah or a good deed is the fuel of our soul, and with our G-dly essence we can transform our inner darkness as well as the dark outside that threatens our Judaism, traditions and morals. There is one more miracle that we should not overlook: The Jewish people at the time of Chanukah, weary from war, tired from battle, overcome with grief at the ruins of the Beit HaMikdash, and seeing that the Greeks

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deliberately defiled all that was holy, were still certain that a pure flask of oil remained. They saw that every jug was broken, the menorah itself destroyed, pigs were brought onto the altar, and yet they knew there was a pure flask of oil with the seal of the High Priest still intact somewhere. These are the true miracles of Chanukah: First, that each one of us, man, woman and child, always has a pure heart and soul at his or her very essence. Sometimes it may be lost, but it is always there. Second, that we never lose hope or stop searching for this very essential good. As in the days of the Maccabees, we continue our search, and with G-d’s help we will find that perfect good within. Third, it is the very fact that we believe in this essential good that allows the weak to fight the mighty and the righteous the wicked. We fight for this good even when not fully recognized or matured. Fourth, just the belief that one’s essential good exists will cause the miracle that the weak will overcome the mighty. Just the belief in one’s inner good will propel one to a state where they will overcome the greatest obstacles and adversaries. Fifth, the light of one’s inner goodness and G-dliness will start shining a little — first one flame on a dark night, and then becoming two lights, and three and four, and the light will spread through the home, and then to the neighborhood and streets. Our inner lights are eternal miracles, eternal good that has no boundaries and limits, and once one discovers it and fans its flames, darkness will recede, ice will melt and people will change for the better. Discover your inner self, take a look at that beautiful menorah flame shining through your window, and then look in the mirror and see that flame burning within. Let it shine in your actions with another mitzvah: a favor for another person, lighting a Shabbat candle, or putting a mezuzah on your door. Celebrate who you are and your inner light will shine ever brighter. And never lose faith in the fact that G-d and goodness is always within, always perfect, created and sealed by G-d Himself. Look and you will find, taste and you will enjoy, open your eyes and you will see, there is always a miracle within. Have a good Shabbat and a happy Chanukah. PJC Rabbi Elchonon Friedman is the spiritual leader of Bnai Emunoh Chabad. This column is a service of the Vaad Harabanim of Greater Pittsburgh.

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Obituaries FRISS: Merlyn Friss died peacefully in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, at 87 years of age. She was the only child of the late Hyman and Jennie (Sachs) Roth and the beloved wife of the late Leslie Friss. She was born in Pittsburgh and spent most of her adult life there. Merlyn attended a six-month business course at Robert Morris Business School in Pittsburgh following her graduation from Jeannette High School. She held several administrative jobs at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in the outpatient and medical records departments, and the executive office. After a break when her children were born, she returned to part-time work as a clerk at Nu Life Cleaners while her children were in elementary school and then at the administrative offices of the Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged. Her administrative skills were put to good use upon retirement where she, along with her husband, Leslie, served on the board of their condominium association in Delray Beach, Florida, were part of the local community watch group and were election volunteers. Together they also enjoyed many fun times with friends participating in the Senior Olympics, playing cards and mahjong, and traveling. Merlyn especially enjoyed the several cruises that they took to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. She was also an avid reader and could often be found working on a crossword, word search or jigsaw puzzle. Her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. Merlyn is survived by her daughter Beverly Boget, her husband Chris and their daughters, Leah and Kate, of Shelburne, Vermont; and her son Raymond Friss, his wife Deborah and their children, Jason and Jessica of Pittsburgh. She was also a dedicated spouse and caregiver to her husband, Leslie Friss, who predeceased her in 2013. Merlyn spent her final years at Ahava Memory Center where she was known as the “Mayor of Ahava” as she was one of their first residents. We are so grateful for the care and compassion of the staff of both Ahava and Sivitz Hospice who helped Mom to find comfort and peace in her last years. Graveside service and interment were held at Homewood Cemetery. Contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or Ahava Memory Center would be a welcomed way to celebrate her life. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. schugar.com GOLDBERG: Carolyn L. Goldberg, on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Gerald Goldberg. Beloved mother of Rachel Meyers (late Karl Meyers), Jim (Sharon) Goldberg, Susan (Stuart) Smith, and Patti (Tony) Ettinger. Predeceased by her twin brother Ernest Lieberman, and sisters Gertrude Feldman and Nettie Kalmine. Treasured Grandma of Alison (Adam) Chase, Alex (Nanette Yang) Smith, David (Lauren) Goldberg, Zachary (Marisa) Smith, Noah (Kara Wenzel) Meyers, Jared Ettinger and Leah Ettinger. Gigi to her great-grandchildren Lauren, Alexis, Emily, Jacob, Quinn and Logan. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Heartfelt thanks to her devoted PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

companions Janet Butler, Sandra Knight and Sharon Leviege. Services were at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue (at Morewood) on Monday, Nov. 22, at 10 a.m. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Family House, 5245 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 or Rodef Shalom Congregation Sisterhood or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. schugar.com ROSENBLUM: Lee Alan Rosenblum, of Pittsburgh, passed away Nov. 17, 2021, in Burlington, Massachusetts. His life is being celebrated by his kids, Lisa Rosenblum and Saar Banin of Ridgefield, Connecticut, Diane Kalik and Steve Kalik of Arlington, Massachusetts, and Eric Rosenblum and Titi Liu of Palo Alto California; his grandkids, Alexandra and Isabelle Banin, Rebecca and Vivian Kalik, and Max and Ella Rosenblum; and his sister, Carol Bennett of Rochester, New York. Lee was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1929, son of local physician Max Rosenblum and Bessie (née Greenburg, who was a member of a sprawling Steubenville family). He was the big brother to Eleanor (Schmidt), who is recently deceased, and Carol. He followed his father’s path into medicine, graduating from Ohio University and then the University of Cincinnati Medical School. From that point, his life centered on the practice of medicine. He did residencies in pathology and internal medicine and pathology in Cleveland and Boston City Hospital. In between, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army in Korea, after the cessation of hostilities, and as chief of pathology for the 8th Army in Korea. For a very long time, Lee was board certified in both pathology and internal medicine. After returning from his military service, he did one more stint in Cleveland (as chief resident, internal medicine, at Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital), before settling back in Steubenville, where he practiced medicine for most of the next 40 years, much of it alongside his father. He very much loved the practice of medicine, especially in a small community where he could get to know his patients. Lee was also an assistant clinical professor at the University of Pittsburgh, and for many years, taught weekly clinics at its medical school. He was lucky enough to have a cousin, Jonathan (JK) Greenburg, who was in New York, and introduced him to a Colorado transplant — Rosalind Miller — who was an avid skier, pianist and hiker. After two dates, they were engaged to be married. They settled in Steubenville and raised their kids there, before relocating to Pittsburgh in 2000. Rosalind passed away in 2007. Lee loved his life in Squirrel Hill, and the close community and group of friends that surrounded him. Graveside services and interment were held at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Contributions may be made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, 2000 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3259. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. schugar.com

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

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A gift from …

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Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sophie Ruben

Dr. Penn Lupovich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rita Lupovich

Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samuel Levinson

Dr. Penn Lupovich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nathan Lupovich

Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacob Harry Feingold

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Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irvin Grossman

Randy Malt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald Malt

Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arnold Kanselbaum

Leonard & Joyce Mandelblatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abner Crumb

Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hyman Bales

Susan and Melvin Melnick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anna Natterson

Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Howard Jay Dunhoff

Howie & Shelley Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sylvia Cramer

Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlotte Ruthrauff

Robert Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harold B. Cramer

Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samuel Levinson

Rona Mustin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ada Hilsenrath

Reggie Bardin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charles Bardin

Rona Mustin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Sachs

Reggie Bardin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tinnie Lange

Rona Mustin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorothy Sachs Mustin

Joel Broida. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Helen N. Broida

Rona Mustin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Henry Mustin

Paula W. Callis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Meyer Weiss

Joan Privman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maurice Margolis

Tibey Falk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julian Falk

Simma & Lawrence Robbins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara Rosenberg

Elinor & Ivan Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Herbert A. Gold

Barry H. Rodin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belle Mandell Rodin

Edythe Greenberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Max Greenberg

Schlesinger & Seed Families . . . . . . . . . . . . Norman H. Schlesinger

Edythe Greenberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katherine Lincoff

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Barbara Hepner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zelda Sparks Hepner

Herbert Shapiro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anne Deutch Shapiro

Jerrie Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abe Mullen

Karen K. Shapiro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Samuel Levy

Jerrie Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abe Zwang

Karen K. Shapiro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Esther Levy Shapiro

Dr. Herbert Kramer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah E. Kramer

Anchel Siegman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fredric Alvin Green

Jack Levine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Max T. Levine

Edris C. Weis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Tannenbaum

Mildred B. Linzer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sidney Linzer

Nancy Waldman Yuskovitz & Family . . . . . . . William B. Waldman

THIS WEEK’S YAHRZEITS — Sunday November 28: William Aronovitz, Fannie Gertrude Becker, Belle Bennett, Nathan Bennett, Joseph Braunstein, Hannah Cohen, Meyer Fineberg, Benjamin Finkelhor, Louis Fishman, Philip Hoffman, Milton Kuperstock, Samuel Kurfeerst, Benjamin Levin, Abraham Lincoff, Benjamin Jacob Platt, Leon Ryave, Fannie Solow, Philip Stein, Max Zeiden Monday November 29: Essie Finesod*, Hymen Glickman, Ralph Hoffman, Harry Katzen, Sylvan Meth, Max Osgood, Herbert Rosenbaum, Mary R. Sachs, Dorothy Saul, Dorothy Weiss Schachter, Sylvia Snyder Sealfon, Benjamin S. Shapiro, Charles Tillman, Mary Weinerman Tuesday November 30: Rose Blatt, Reuben Bliwas, Raymond Cole, Lena Eisenberg, Jacob Erenrich, Birdie Weiler Greenberg, Celia Liberman, Morris Miller, Ed Newman, Stella G. Pervin, Louis Riemer, John Rothstein, Lawrence E. Schachter, Marcia E. Schmitt, Sarah Schor, Faye Schwartz, Herman Schwartz, Charles Stewart, Fannie White, Dave L. Wyckoff Wednesday December 1: Ella Braemer, Harry B. Cramer, Anne G. Diznoff, Esther H. Friedman, Benjamin Gordon, Alexander Grossman, Joseph Grumer, Sylvia Rudov Klein, Harry Lieberman, P. A. Love, Alfred (Kurlie) Miller, Esther Monheim, Sophie Ruben, Sidney J. Rudolph, Norman H. Schlesinger, Dr. Donald M. Schwartz, Morris Serbin, Bessie Sherman, Violet Slesinger, Morris A. Taylor, Louis Venig Thursday December 2: Rose Cohen, Isaac Dobkin, Stuart Richard Harris, Zelda Sparks Hepner, William L. Kaplan, Morris L. Karp, Frank Levine, Meyer Levy, Ella Farber Lipman, Harry Marshall, Csipa Shapiro, Marc Wells Shapiro, Max Strauss, Anna Swartz Friday December 3: Thelma Chizeck, Julius B. Epstein, Jacob Goldblum, M.D., Lawrence Louis Green, Mollie G. Kartub, David Aaron Liebman, Bella Marians, Dorothy Mustin, Anna Natterson, Rebecca Oppenheim, Annette Reidbord, Edward David Rosenberg, Howard Bernard Schwartz, Selma Schwartz, Milton Shermer, Bertha Tabachnick Saturday December 4: Samuel Avner, Helen N. Broida, Esther F. Busis, Murray D. Goldstein, Herbert Alvin Haase, Samuel Litman, Mary Malyn, Louis Marlin, Alex Pollack, Nathan A. Potosky, Annette Reicher, Sara B. Rosenberg, Norman M. Schwartz, Hattie Shire, Hattie Shire, Hattie Shire, Max Shulman, William Silk, Della Ruth Stearns, Louis F. Stein, Mildred Weiner

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Obituaries Obituaries: Continued from page 29

nephews. Services and interment private. Arrangements entrusted to Samuel J. Jones Funeral Home, Inc.

SCHWARTZ: Eileen Carol Schwartz (Feinburg), age 96, peacefully, on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021. Wife of the late Charles O. Schwartz, loving mother of Davida (Philip) Stevens, Ira (Karen) Schwartz, and Robert (Annette) Schwartz; grandmother of Capri (Raymond) Bonczek, Shea (Aileen) Stevens, Candice (Eric) Bronack, Brooke (Matt) Kolibas, Courtney and Cameron Schwartz; great-grandmother of Haiden Bonczek, Rowan and Colton Stevens, and Holden and Charlie Bronack. Sister of the late Lena Chaitt; also survived by many nieces and

SHURE: Marilyn Grossman Shure, 89, of Washington, Pe n n s y l v a n i a , died Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021. She was born in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 22, 1931, the daughter of the late Harold and Dorothy Grossman. She was a graduate of Mt. Carmel High School and the Pennsylvania State University. She earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. Marilyn and her late husband, Herbert Shure, moved to Washington in 1956 and opened a retail store. The business evolved into a wholesale clothing company, H & M Distributing,

Shifra:

interacting with Rep. Dan Frankel’s office “to remedy something like unemployment benefits. That was a big thing in the beginning — how do you sign up for unemployment? How do you get checks the government was distributing?” Through Project Shifra, Vogel also provides kosher food, which, he said costs “40% more than non-kosher food.” He offers fresh fruit, salad and other food that families can pick up discreetly, and collaborates with 412 Food Rescue, which provides kosher food items that Project Shifra distributes to families. Vogel’s wife, Nechami, also prepares food

Continued from page 14

clients,” Ellman said. If continuing assistance seems necessary, Ellman said she refers her clients elsewhere. Helene Kessler Burke, a resource specialist, also works with families through Project Shifra, helping connect them with services. She began her tenure in September, filling a spot that Sally Rafson held during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rafson said she connected families to agencies that could help, sometimes

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named after their initials. Marilyn’s interests included her grandchildren, gardening, gourmet cooking, entertaining at her pool, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Citizens Library. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Richard Shure of Windermere, Florida, and Robert Shure and his wife Lori of Mt. Lebanon; grandchildren Sara Margaret, Phillip, Abby, Jacob and Molly Shure; and siblings Constance Wilkins and Ronald Grossman. Friends were received on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., the hour of services, in the Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, with Rabbi Aaron Meyer officiating. Interment followed in Beth Israel Cemetery, Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Citizens Library, 55 S. College St. Washington, PA 15301 citlib.org/ or Temple several times a week for families who are part of Project Shifra, regularly announcing what’s available in a WhatsApp group. “It started off with me saying, ‘I have three extra portions of kugle, who wants it?’” Nechami Vogel said. “It’s evolved into something beautiful.” She’s now preparing chicken, potatoes, salmon, eggplant dip, roasted vegetables, meat and potatoes, which families pick up from the Vogels’ porch — with staggered pick-up times to preserve privacy. “This is community helping community,” Nechami Vogel said. “This is something I get to do and it’s one of my favorite parts of the week.” Before the pandemic, Rabbi Vogel was ready to add another service to Project Shifra — an after-school food program for children, for which he secured a $100,000 grant from UPMC. When the effects of COVID-19 began to be felt, though, Vogel got permission from UPMC to distribute the funds to

Emanuel of the South Hills, 1250 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243. Condolences may be expressed online piattandbarnhillfh. com Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors, Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor and Andrew C. Piatt, director. SKIRBOLL: Esther Skirboll, May 26, 1936 - Nov. 15, 2021. Beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed peacefully surrounded by her children. She is survived by her daughter, Susan; son, Lee; grandson, Illinois; sister, Maxine; her devoted niece, Kathy Samples; and many loving nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel Inc., family owned and operated. schugar.com PJC community members in need instead. The rabbi said that Project Shifra is now ready to launch the after-school program, which will not only provide food, but also offer help with homework. The first step, though, is to find a location as well as volunteers. Vogel has done a lot to strengthen the local Jewish community, Ellman said, and “people approach him with a whole variety of concerns.” Small agreed. “Rabbi Vogel feels and sees things and then will give a voice to them,” she said. “He gives voice to those who don’t have a voice and he will say things about the community that other people won’t necessarily say. He tries to succeed with everyone he touches, and he feels their happiness when they succeed.” PJC David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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Community Happy Birthday CDS Community Day School celebrated its 50th birthday with speeches, dances and songs. The Nov. 15 event welcomed Rep. Dan Frankel, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh President

p Sixth-graders Cobi Davidson, Nava Kass, and Liam Rosenberg

and CEO Jeff Finkelstein, City Councilman Corey O’Connor, City Councilperson Erika Strassburger and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

p CDS mascot Lev the Lion with kindergarten student Otto Glick

p CDS Middle School language arts teacher and instructional coach Cara Shuckett and Head of Intermediate School and Middle School Mark Minkus

p CDS Head of School Avi Baran Munro

p Shinshin Shahaf Balasiano, CDS first-grade Hebrew and Torah teacher Racheli Holstein, and shinshin Amit Haizler Photos courtesy of Community Day School

Saying thanks on Veterans Day

u Beth El Religious School and Men’s Club teamed up for a Sunday bike ride on Nov. 14. Everyone enjoyed ice cream at the end of the trail.

u Second-graders Tali Beck (left) and Yael Azagury joined Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh students in displaying a sign of “Thank You” to veterans who visited the school on Nov. 11.

Photo courtesy of Beth El Congregation of the South Hills

Photo courtesy of Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh

Machers and Shakers Tedd Wein, owner of The UPS Store on McKnight Road in Ross Township, was recently presented with the Franchise Excellence Award by The UPS Store’s corporate headquarters. Given to one p Tedd Wein Photo courtesy franchisee every of the UPS Store other year, it is the highest award given to a franchise owner within the 5,000 store network. Originally from Clarion, Pennsylvania, Wein resides in Ohara Township with his wife, Ellen, and is a member of Adat Shalom Congregation. He has owned and operated the McKnight Road location since 1987. PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

The Nat iona l Shoe Retailers Association honore d Jo el Sigal as its 2021 Retailer of the Year during its recent leadership conference in Tucson, Arizona. Sigal is a third-generation p Joel Sigal Photo courtesy retailer and owner of Justin Sigal of Littles Shoes. Prior to purchasing Littles Shoes in 1985, Sigal operated a three-store shoe company, J. Sigal Shoes. Sigal’s son Justin is co-owner and works beside him in the Squirrel Hill store.

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NOVEMBER 26, 2021 31

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