Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 4-23-21

April 23, 2021 | 11 Iyar 5781

Candlelighting 7:50 p.m. | Havdalah 8:52 p.m. | Vol. 64, No. 17 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

NOTEWORTHY LOCAL Some good news on COVID front

Non-Orthodox congregations consider return to in-person worship

Jewish Pittsburgher’s 5-minute COVID test

K

area resumed in-person services months ago, adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, including mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing.

Rodef Shalom’s Shadyside building not only serves the congregation’s members, but also provides space to several other organizations, including Congregation Dor Hadash, The Fanny Edel Falk Laboratory School and Tree of Life Congregation.

“We have seen, over the last couple of weeks, a lot of our tenants are feeling increasingly comfortable in the building,” said Matthew Falcone, Rodef Shalom’s senior vice president. “We’re starting to put a lot more thought into b’nai mitzvahs in particular.

We’re seeing that families are increasingly comfortable coming back in — and have a burning desire to do that.”

While Rodef Shalom’s leadership has worked with families to allow the maximum

ari Semel was supposed to get married this weekend. Instead, she and her fiancé will have an intimate dinner with family. It may not be the type of evening they originally planned, but the fully vaccinated group is grateful nonetheless.

“To be able to sit together with my parents and my in-laws for dinner on what was supposed to be our wedding night, that wasn’t something that we thought was even possible six months ago,” said Semel, 27.

As of April 19, more than 42% of eligible Pennsylvanians had received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, marking a new chapter in the coronavirus narrative.

Between the CDC’s guidelines regarding in-person gatherings of those vaccinated and an increasing number of Pennsylvanians receiving jabs, many Jewish Pittsburghers are hopeful about the months ahead.

Semel, a Squirrel Hill resident and Hillel Jewish University Center staffer who oversees Jewish student life at the University of Pittsburgh, is excited to return to a more familiar work routine and to spend more time with family. During the past year, Semel, a former Ohioan, reduced her visits back to Cleveland — and even those daytrips were spent outdoors and distanced.

The inability to visit family on a whim, or to be together following a loss, was devastating, she said: “You don’t realize how challenging it is until you’re experiencing it.”

Weeks ago, Semel, her fiancé and their parents all received a second dose of vaccine.

The vaccine has given her a sense of calm, she said, and her family can now casually get together for a meal, indoors and at home.

“We don’t have to worry about

Please see Shuls, page 14

Please see Post-vaccine, page 14

LOCAL ‘Yerusalem’

Film highlights rich history of Ethiopian Jews Page 3  Temple David’s sanctuary is being prepared for the resumption of services

Photo by Barbara Fisher

‘Political mutants’ on display

By David Rullo | Staff Writer

A Israeli artist exhibits at Mattress Factory Page 9

Postvaccination, Jewish Pittsburghers feel relief and hope

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

Page 2

LOCAL

$1.50

s more of the Pittsburgh Jewish community is vaccinated, local congregational leaders are cautiously optimistic that, after a year of online programming, they will soon be able to open for in-person services and other events.

Still, Temple Ohav Shalom in Allison Park doesn’t “want to rush it,” said Stacy Siegal, chair of that congregation’s COVID response committee.

“We thought we’d be reopened by the summer and then Allegheny County had a surge,” she said. The committee, which includes a doctor who is part of UPMC’s COVID response team, decided it was better to wait.

As vaccination rates increase, local non-Orthodox congregations are wrestling not only with the question of when to reopen, but also how and for whom.

Orthodox congregations in the Pittsburgh

keep your eye on PittsburghJewishChronicle LOCAL

‘Chasing COVID’

LOCAL

Rehabilitation in Israel

RECIPE

Stuffed Turkish eggplant

Headlines Jewish researcher at Pitt develops rapid COVID test

 Professor Alexander Star holds a breathalyzer prototype; at right, Star’s sensor chip in comparison to a penny

The portable device — which could be used for everything from testing passengers before boarding a plane to testing fans prior to their being seated in a ballpark or concert hall — could provide fast, inexpensive and accurate COVID-19 detection, said Star.

When Star began his research, quarantine, positivity and vaccination had yet to be part of daily conversation among the general population.

“We actually were set up to develop a sensor for HIV,” he said. “But when the pandemic started we decided to use that technology for the detection of the COVID-19 antigen.”

The adaptable technology can also be used to detect THC levels, tuberculosis or the presence of an infectious disease. Especially when it comes to the flu, the technology could be extremely beneficial, explained Star.

“Sometimes you’re not sure if you have the virus or if it’s just a bacterial infection,” he said. “Wouldn’t it be nice to have just a simple device that can tell you if it’s a virus or not?”

Star, who served in the IDF during his 10 years in Israel, envisions a day when people can go to the pharmacy and purchase a portable sensor device just as easily as they would a pregnancy test.

That said, the scientist isn’t sure when the test will be readily available.

“It’s very hard to predict,” he said. “I hope it will take a couple of years rather than 10 years.” PJC

Abraham Lincoln’s head on a penny.

Moving forward, the goal is to create

Ad a m Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburgh jewishchronicle.org.

— LOCAL —

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

L

ooking for some good news? The chore of trekking out to a far-flung COVID-19 testing site, swabbing one’s nose or mouth and waiting days to learn the results may soon be a bygone practice. Professor Alexander Star and fellow University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a rapid, COVID-19 antigen test that delivers results faster than a walk around the block.

“Five minutes is what it took us in the lab,” said Star, an Israeli-educated chemistry professor and Squirrel Hill resident.

The test, which builds on Star’s earlier research on a marijuana breathalyzer he created, uses tiny wires stitched with coronavirus antibodies. If the antibodies encounter the virus, the electrical current of the wires change, showing a positive result for COVID-19.

Star, 49, explained that it’s difficult to detect the coronavirus in a biological sample.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests currently are the gold standard — because they amplify the virus’ genetic material so detection occurs reliably — but PCR tests, like those administered at Curative sites in the area, take about 24 hours for results.

The Jewish researcher’s work improves on current rapid COVID testing because it can detect even a few coronavirus molecules in a sample, resulting in fewer false positives and false negatives, he said.

Currently, Star and his team are using sensor chips smaller than the size of

Photos courtesy of the University of Pittsburgh

portable electronic devices that incorporate these tiny sensor chips.

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

Main phone number: 412-687-1000

Subscriptions: 410-902-2308 SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org 410-902-2308 TO ADVERTISE Display: advertising@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org 412-721-5931 EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Email: newsdesk@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org BOARD OF TRUSTEES Evan Indianer, Chairman Gayle R. Kraut, Secretary Jonathan Bernstein, Treasurer Gail Childs, Dan Droz, Malke Steinfeld Frank, Seth Glick, Tammy Hepps, Richard J. Kitay, Cátia Kossovsky, David Rush, Charles Saul, Evan H. Stein GENERAL COUNSEL Stuart R. Kaplan, Esq.

EDITORIAL Toby Tabachnick, Editor 412-228-4577 ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org Gabe Kahn, Contributing Editor 215-832-0747 gkahn@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org Adam Reinherz, Staff Writer 412-687-1000 areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org David Rullo, Staff Writer 412-687-1047 drullo@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org ADVERTISING Kelly Schwimer, Sales Director 412-721-5931 kschwimer@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org Phil Durler, Senior Sales Associate 724-713-8874 pdurler@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

PRODUCTION Jeni Mann Tough Production Manager Rachel S. Levitan Art/Production Coordinator Subscriptions subscriptions@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org 410-902-2308 Published every Friday by the Pittsburgh Jewish Publication and Education Foundation 5915 Beacon St., 5th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Phone: 412-687-1000 POSTMASTER: Send address change to PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE, 5915 BEACON ST., 5TH FLOOR PITTSBURGH, PA 15217 (PERIODICAL RATE POSTAGE PAID AT PITTSBURGH, PA AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES) USPS 582-740

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

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

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

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

2

APRIL 23, 2021

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines Classrooms Without Borders celebrates Yom Ha’atzmaut with premier of ‘Yerusalem’ — LOCAL —

By David Rullo | Staff Writer

W

hen Rabbi Sharon Shalom tasted fruit juice for the first time after arriving in Israel from his native Ethiopia, he thought it was water. He had been told Israel flowed with milk and honey, so he assumed the country’s water must also be sweet, he said in the new documentary, “Yerusalem: The Incredible Story of Ethiopian Jewry.”

Classrooms Without Borders premiered the documentary virtually as part of its Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration. A discussion with Shalom and former Israeli naval commando and ex-Mossad agent Rubi Viterbo followed the screening.

Directed by Levi Zini, “Yerusalem” tells the story of the Ethiopian Beta Israel Jews who lived in the sometimes-hostile Christian country before emigrating to Israel. It recounts the history of the community and examines its roots, including the belief that it was descended from the lost tribe of Dan. The film also covers the Mossad missions, which began in the late 1970s and continued through the mid-1980s, to bring the Beta Israel Jews — known in the African nation by the derogatory term Falasha, or “stranger” — to the Jewish homeland.

The film further explores the racism felt by the Jews who came to Israel as part of Operation Moses, Operation Joshua and other clandestine missions. Secret conversion ceremonies, boarding schools and attempts to create division between younger community members and their parents and grandparents are all recounted in firstperson interviews.

“I remember my grandpa read from the Torah, from the prophets who recorded God’s promise to gather his people in Israel,” Shalom recounted to the nearly 200 people who participated in the postfilm discussion.

Viterbo spoke of his involvement in rescuing the Jews of Ethiopia; he helped to recruit several people for the missions,

including those with diving experience and the ability to speak several foreign languages.

The ex-Mossad agent said that at the start he traveled to Sudan to set up a base, and that he had butterflies in his stomach as the missions began.

“I mean, to smuggle money or even weapons or drugs, it’s relatively not too dangerous,” Viterbo said, “but to smuggle people in a hostile country, there is a penalty for that if they catch you.”

Zini told the Chronicle he made the documentary in response to what he views as the mistreatment of the Ethiopian Jewish community and encouraged viewers to learn more about Ethiopian Jews.

“It’s an amazing community,” he said.

“What fascinated me is how this small tribe succeeded to keep their unique religion for more than 2,000 years. It was very difficult.

What made me furious is the way we treated them here in Israel.”

The film also highlights the bravery of the Mossad, Zini said, who “went to Africa and took those Jews and brought them to our lovely country.”

Zipora Gur, executive director of Classrooms Without Borders, said she wanted to bring something meaningful to the Jewish community to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day. The founding of Israel, she said, is a miracle and the film highlights the bravery of Israeli soldiers, in addition to the Beta Israel community.

“Here is a story of 30 years of Ethiopians that dreamt about coming to Jerusalem,” she said. “It tells of the courageous operation done by the country to bring these Jewish people to Israel.”

Since the pandemic, Classrooms Without Borders has brought 250 free programs to the Jewish community, including 30 documentaries with post-film discussions, Gur said. The organization typically has more than 200 people at each of its programs.

The event was hosted by Avi Ben-Hur, Classrooms Without Borders’ director of education and scholar in residence. PJC

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

MAKE THE CALL. Who do you trust for quality healthcare at home?

AT JAA’S HOME HEALTH SERVICES what matters to you drives everything we do

CALL US Familiar

F

Innovative

I

Respectful

R

Sensitive

S

Trustworthy

T

Tell your physician to refer you FIRST to JAA HOME HEALTH SERVICES For more information, call JAA HOME HEALTH SERVICES 412-586-3249 jaapgh.org/health-care-at-home

200 JHF Drive | Pittsburgh, PA 15217 p Still from ‘Yerusalem’

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Image courtesy of Classrooms Without Borders JAA369_PJC_HH-FINAL.indd 1

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

4/19/21 12:01 PM

APRIL 23, 2021 3

Headlines Filmmaker and researchers discuss ‘Chasing Covid’

Dr. Peter Salk’s tale of two vaccines

— LOCAL —

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

S

ixty-six years after Dr. Jonas Salk and his University of Pittsburgh team declared the polio vaccine “safe and effective,” Jewish screenwriter, producer and academic Carl Kurlander returned to the topic of vaccination in his new documentary “Chasing COVID.” The 30-minute film, which premiered with a virtual screening on April 12, focuses on virologist Paul Duprex, director of Pitt’s Center for Vaccine Research, and the collaboration required to tackle COVID-19.

During an online panel discussion following the premier, Kurlander, a senior lecturer in Pitt’s English Department, shared his rationale for making the film, his desire to distribute the documentary to educators for free and his hope that students would disseminate the message of vaccine safety.

“Let’s get good information about science to go viral,” said Kurlander.

Duprex, a microbiologist, praised Kurlander’s efforts as a filmmaker to articulate the story of vaccine development and the role of researchers.

“All of that brings science closer to

D  Researcher Sham Nambulli, far right

the public,” he said. “That’s how we make science trusted: We show that the people are normal individuals and they’re trustworthy individuals.”

Joining Kurlander and Duprex on the panel were pediatrician Sylvia OwusuAnsah, an early recipient of the COVID-19 vaccine; physician and professor Peter Salk, son of Jonas, the Jewish doctor credited with developing the polio vaccine; and pediatric infectious disease physician

Still courtesy of Carl Kurlander

and researcher Anita McElroy. Kornelia Tancheva, director of Pitt’s University Library System moderated.

“Chasing COVID” was produced by Pitt’s Center for Creativity through a grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. Kurlander, who produced and directed the film, credited producer Janet Smith and co-producer and editor Andy Esper with facilitating the project.

r. Peter Salk remembers receiving the polio vaccine at the age of 9 from his father, Dr. Jonas Salk, at his family’s home outside of Pittsburgh, more than 60 years ago. The vaccine was still experimental at that point.

“A lot of it passed over me,” Salk said during an April 12 panel presentation following the virtual premier of “Chasing COVID,” a new documentary about the collaboration required to develop the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I understood what was going on in a sense, but it wasn’t really very personal to me. There wasn’t a significance to the moment other than I didn’t want to get a shot.”

Salk, a professor of infectious disease and microbiology at University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health and president of the Jonas Salk Legacy Foundation, contrasted those feelings with what he experienced during the past year.

“When this virus started to spread, I was Please see Salk, page 5

Please see Kurlander, page 20

At Jewish overnight camp, kids discover who they are—and who they want to become—while having the time of their lives. They sing under the stars, share jokes and build traditions. And they do it with an amazing crew of friends and counselors.

Plus, you might be eligible for UP TO $1000 OFF F your camper’s first summer.

Find your perfect camp and review COVID protocols at JEWISHPGH.ORG/ONE-HAPPY-CAMPER.

4

APRIL 23, 2021

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines Salk: Continued from page 4

frightened,” he said. “I was frightened for myself, for my wife, for my family.”

The stay-at-home order was a relief for Salk because it promoted safety, but he had an emotional rush that continued for months, he said. After reading a New York Times report about the first RNA vaccine, he was moved by the speed of Pfizer and BioNTech’s merger and how quickly the two entities prepared the vaccine for approval.

“The coronavirus vaccine shot that I got was more emotional to me than the polio

vaccine shot,” he said.

After receiving his second COVID-19 injection, and the subsequent two-week period transpired for it to fully take effect, Salk felt as though “something’s happened,” he said. “A year of total isolation began to dissolve.”

Once CDC guidelines indicated it would be safe for small groups of fully vaccinated people to fraternize unmasked, Salk’s brother and sister-in-law arrived at his doorstep.

“To be reunited as a family in a normal way,” Salk said, “that was an overwhelming experience for me.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

JNF-USA welcomes Fauda stars to annual Breakfast for Israel

 Fauda stars Rona-Lee Shimon and Tsahi Halevi spoke at JNF-USA’s annual Breakfast for Israel Screenshot by David Rullo

T

he Jewish National Fund-USA celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut with its annual Breakfast for Israel on April 18.

The Zoom program, titled “You, Me and Israel at 73,” featured Rona-Lee Shimon and Tsahi Halevi, stars of the hit Israeli-TV show “Fauda,” streaming on Netflix.

While most of the national audience was there for the star power of Shimon and Halevi, in Pittsburgh, high school senior Naomi Kitchen stole the show.

Kitchen is a Community Day School graduate and current Pittsburgh Allderdice High School student who spent 2018 attending Alexander Muss High School in Israel.

During the JNF program, she announced her plans to make aliyah this summer and join the IDF as a lone soldier.

Asked why she wanted to make aliyah, Kitchen said, “Because of my Zionism — I want to be a part of the Jewish story. After learning what I learned, I know I want to be a part of it. I want my children to look back and say that I was part of this amazing chain of people. I also want to be stronger personally, mentally and physically, and I know the army will give that to me.”

A video highlighting JNF-USA’s work in

Israel was screened at the breakfast. Judith Kline, JNF’s local co-chair, along with Ira Frank and Debbie Resnick, welcomed the Pittsburgh audience. Joe Goldston, co-president of JNF-Western Pennsylvania, also addressed the group.

Before the “Fauda” stars spoke, national co-chairs Jim Riola and Alyse Golden Berkley announced that JNF will be holding its first national conference in Israel, Oct. 10-14.

Afterward Shimon and Halevi were interviewed by Israeli commentator Yoav Limor for close to 30 minutes. The pair discussed their respective backgrounds, the exposure of an international audience to Israeli television programs, JNF’s new arts and entertainment task force and how COVID-19 has affected their work.

Shimon said that Season 4 of the popular program was supposed to start shooting in September but was postponed due to the pandemic, and she doesn’t know when shooting will resume — or any plot points.

Anyone interested in learning more about JNF-USA’s national conference in Israel should visit jnf.org/nc. PJC

Who do you trust when life’s journey ends?

AT JAA’s SIVITZ HOSPICE

what matters to you drives everything we do

YOU C

Compassionate

H

Helpful

O

Objective

O

Open

S

Supportive

E

Experienced

Tell your physician you CHOOSE SIVITZ HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE For information, call 412-422-5700

— David Rullo

www.pittsburghjewishchronicle.org PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

THE CHOICE IS YOURS.

jjaapgh.org 200 JHF Drive | Pittsburgh, PA 15217 JAA369_PJC_H-FINAL.indd 1

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

4/19/21 11:54 AM

APRIL 23, 2021 5

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

Submissions also will be included in print.

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

The deadline for submissions is Friday, noon. q FRIDAY, APRIL 23-APRIL 25

Written by Leslie Lewis and Edward Vilga, with an uplifting message of forgiveness and compassion, “Miracle in Rwanda” is based on the life of New York Times bestselling author Immaculée Ilibagiza. “Miracle in Rwanda” chronicles Immaculée’s dramatic experience of survival during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. 8 p.m. $10-25. hcofpgh.org/Rwanda q FRIDAY, APRIL 23-MAY 2

The 28th annual JFilm Festival presents international Jewish-themed films that deepen audiences’ understanding of Jewish culture, tolerance and our common humanity. The 11-day festival is complemented by a variety of supplemental programming, including visiting filmmakers, guest speakers and collaborative events with other local organizations. For more information, including a complete list of films, visit filmpittsburgh.org. q SUNDAYS, APRIL 25; MAY 2, 9, 16, 23

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. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org. q SUNDAY, APRIL 25

In recognition of April being Genocide Awareness Month, Classrooms Without Borders, the JFCS Holocaust Center and the USF Jewish Studies and Social Justice program present Rohingya Genocide and the military coup in Myanmar. 4 p.m. classroomswithoutborders.org/myanmar. q MONDAY, APRIL 26

Join Temple Sinai for “Teaching Children Resilience and Courage,” with Rabbi Karyn Kedar. Explore three questions, three rules and one important myth that can help create a foundation where children can find resilience and courage. Free. 7 p.m. templesinaipgh.org q MONDAYS, APRIL 26;

MAY 3, 10, 17, 24

Join Rabbi Jeremy Markiz in learning Masechet Rosh Hashanah, a tractate of the Talmud about the many new years that fill out the Jewish calendar at Monday Talmud study. 9:15 a.m. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org.

q MONDAYS, APRIL 26-MAY 31

Join Temple Sinai for “Making Our Days Count with Rabbi Karyn Kedar (via Zoom).”

Rabbi Kedar will discuss the period between Passover and Shavuot, called the Omer. She will teach seven spiritual principles for the seven weeks of the Omer: decide, discern, choose, hope, imagine, courage, pray. These principles can offer a path from enslavement to freedom, darkness to light, constriction to expanse. 7 p.m. templesinaipgh.org q TUESDAYS, APRIL 27; MAY 11, 25

Classrooms Without Borders continues its newest Israel seminar, “Bachazit” – On the Frontline. The sessions highlight challenges facing Israel and the individuals or organizations that are grappling with issues including the integration of minority groups into the high-tech sector, the struggle for LGBTQ rights, programs that assist Israelis injured during their military service, the fight against racism in Israeli society and more. 2 p.m. classroomswithoutborders.org/ frontline-israel q TUESDAYS, APRIL 27-JUNE 1

What is the point of Jewish living? What ideas, beliefs and practices are involved?

Melton Course 1: Rhythms & Purposes of Jewish Living examines a variety of Jewish sources to discover the deeper meanings of Jewish holidays, lifecycle observances

and Jewish practice. Cost: $300 per person, per year (25 sessions), includes all books and materials. For more information and to register, visit foundation.jewishpgh.org. q WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28

Classrooms Without Borders presents “Life, Legacy and Love Story: The story of Holocaust survivor and handbag design genius Judith Leiber and modernist artist Gerson Leiber.” Free. 12 p.m. classroomswithoutborders.org/life_legacy_ and_lovestory Start the holiday off with inspiration from CWB guide and scholar, Rabbi Jonty Blackman and Cantor Julie Newman as they explore Lag B’Omer. Free. 4 p.m.

For more information and to register, visit classroomswithoutborders.org/ holidays-with-jonty. q WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 28-MAY 26

Are you curious about contemporary Israel beyond the headlines? Rabbi Danny Schiff will host the series Israel in Depth about the realities of Israeli society in 2021. Six sessions for $30. 10:45 a.m. For more information and to register, visit foundation. jewishpgh.org/israel-in-depth.

Please see Calendar, page 7

HOW WE DRIVE In our Advanced Topics in Physics and Engineering course, students independently design and build projects that interest them, like this “Couch Car.” Our challenging curriculum gives students the freedom to create projects around their passions, while expert teachers provide support wherever it’s needed.

How will you drive your child along the path to success?

BECAUSE “HOW” MATTERS PK-12 • Four Campuses

VISIT OPPORTUNITIES

6 APRIL 23, 2021

SHADYSIDEACADEMY.ORG/VISIT

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Calendar Calendar: Continued from page 6 q THURSDAYS, APRIL 29; MAY 13

Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh as it welcomes Pittsburgh’s mayoral candidates for the 2021 election.

During coffee and conversation, you can ask your questions on the most pressing issues facing Pittsburgh. Free. 6:30 p.m. For more information, including when a candidate will be appearing, visit jewishpgh.org/event.

Free. 7:30 p.m. Register by April 26 at hadassahmidwest.org/GDimmigration.

q MONDAYS, MAY 3, 10, 24;

Join Pittsburgh Chapter of Hadassah, Hadassah Greater Detroit and the Nurses Council as Wendy Goldberg presents A Brilliant Rebel: Florence Nightingale’s Message for Our Challenging Times.

Goldberg will speak about Nightingale’s contributions to science and health care and their relevance today. 7 p.m. $10 Hadassah member/HGHS Employee; $15 non-member. hadassahmidwest.org/GDrebel

Throughout our history, Jews have never shrunk from a good argument and we have had plenty of them — from the moment we got out of Egypt until today. In the course Top Ten Disputes, Rabbi Danny Schiff will take a close look at the top 10 disputes of Jewish History. How did they start? What made them so contentious? And how were they ultimately resolved? Five sessions for $25. 9:30 a.m. For more information and to register, visitfoundation.jewishpgh.org/topten-disputes.

q FRIDAY, APRIL 30

q THURSDAY, APRIL 29

Classrooms Without Borders, in partnership with Rodef Shalom Congregation and Film Pittsburgh’s JFILM Festival, presents an opportunity to watch the film “A Lullaby for The Valley” and engage in a post-film discussion with guest speakers. Free. 3 p.m.

For more information and to register, visit classroomswithoutborders.org/lullabyfor-the-valley.

The Pittsburgh Chapter of Hadassah and Hadassah Greater Detroit Attorney and Judges Council, in conjunction with the Jewish Bar Association of Michigan, are pleased to welcome Ellie Mosko to speak about Immigration Law: The Past Four Years, And What the Future Holds.

JUNE 7, 14

For more information, including a complete list of topics, visit foundation.jewishpgh.org/ continuing-legal-education. q MONDAY, MAY 10

Join Pittsburgh Chapter of Hadassah and Hadassah Greater Detroit for Raiders of the Lost Art: The Hidden Jews of Ethiopia.

Rabbi Josh Bennett of Temple Israel will share the amazing story of the hidden Jews of Ethiopia. He will explore the history of the Ethiopian Jewish community and discover the roots of an African Jewish presence in the ancient Aksumite Kingdom. 11 a.m. $10. hadassahmidwest.org/GDraiders

The Talmud says Lag B’Omer celebrates the end of a plague. Moishe House would like to call that in with a traditional bonfire celebration. Join them for pizza and a campfire. To maintain social distancing, attendance is capped at 10 participants. 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/moishehouse. pittsburgh/events.

q THURSDAY, MAY 6

q THURSDAYS, MAY 6; JUNE 17

q THURSDAY, MAY 20

q MONDAY, MAY 3

Jews have never desisted from addressing tough problems. In this year’s CLE series, Rabbi Danny Schiff will dive into “Tense Topics of Jewish Law.” Each topic raises significant concerns in our contemporary lives. With CLE/CEU credit: $30/session or $150 all sessions; without CLE/CEU credit: $25/session or $125 all sessions. 8:30 a.m.

Rabbi Barbara Symons will review the book “Homesick,” by Eshkol Nevo, at both 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. This is a “warm, wise sophisticated novel,” per Amos Oz. Go to templedavid.org/athome to get the links for the Zoom review or call the Temple office at 412-372-1200. PJC

Join Beth Congregation of the South Hills for First Mondays with Rabbi Alex Greenbaum.

This month Rose Feinberg, Ed.D. will present “Jewish Female Justices: Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan.” 12 p.m. bethelcong.org/events/first-mondays-18

Hadassah Chicago-North Shore presents The Power of Women Who Fight Gun Violence, featuring Gabby Giffords. $36. 12:30 p.m. Register by May 4 at hadassahmidwest.org/CNSPL.

q SATURDAY, MAY 15

Registration opens soon for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Tikkun Leil Online. 10 p.m. Free. For more information, visit jewishpgh.org/event.

Find a Retirement Lifestyle to Simplify and Enjoy Life

P

Eileen Jacobs in her Providence Point home.

rovidence Point is Pittsburgh’s premier retirement address and, as a Life Plan Community, it is designed for the way you live now with the added peace of mind you want for your future.

Just ask active Mt. Lebanon resident Eileen Jacobs. Eileen found that maintaining her home and yard was becoming a burden. She wanted to simplify her life and make more time for the things she enjoys. She talked with friends who live at Providence Point and attended a few events. When a 1,492 sq. ft.

Lancaster floor plan became available, Eileen knew it was meant to be. The hot housing market made selling her home easy. With a copy of the floor plan and paper cut-outs of furniture, she configured her new apartment to feature her favorite belongings.

As her move took shape, the pandemic was worsening, but that didn’t stop Eileen. Things she decided not to keep quickly sold on line, and soon she was ready to move. Eileen says that living at Providence Point has made it easier to remain social and continue doing things she loves, like volunteering for the Mt. Lebanon Library Book Cellar, walking with friends at the nearby JCC, and joining Providence Point’s Needlework Club.

According to Eileen, her apartment is warm and inviting and just the right size, plus it offers stunning views of the Chartiers Valley area and beyond.

Begin living the retirement you dreamed about.

Call Providence Point at 412.489.3550 or visit www.providencepoint.org 500 Providence Point Blvd.• Pittsburgh, PA 15243

Jewish Chronicle Ad Jan 21.indd 2

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Pittsburgh’s premier senior living community 4/16/2021 11:31:27 AM

APRIL 23, 2021 7

Headlines Mission of Israeli activist: Helping marginalized women — LOCAL —

By Justin Vellucci | Special to the Chronicle

I

ris Stern Levi knows what social isolation feels like. The women’s rights activist, winner of the 2021 Rappaport Prize for women generating change in Israel, spent her first 18 years living on an island off the Australian continent.

“I grew up as the other, the only Jewish family in Tasmania at that time,” Stern Levi said. “I was different.”

Later in life that marginalization helped her relate to abused women — a group she has served for the better part of the last four decades. Today, she helps run Her Academy, a vocational school that helps rehabilitate former prostitutes and victims of gender-related abuse.

Stern Levi spoke on April 19 during a virtual session with the Rayah Fund, a program created by local historian Barbara Burstin that connects Israeli women and Israeli ideas with a Pittsburgh audience. Judy Hale, from the Pittsburgh Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, also spoke.

Stern Levi said her work in women’s advocacy started during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while she was living with her partner in Amsterdam.

“Since the ‘90s, I’ve been talking about

[women’s issues],” Stern Levi said. “I found people did not know of the war’s rape camps.

The EU says 50,000 young girls were being kept in these camps.”

Israel presents a unique case when it comes to sexual abuse and prostitution, Stern Levi said. Prostitution was not made illegal in Israel until 2020, and she said the country had a high rate of sex trafficking in the 1980s. Things changed, albeit not as quickly as some would like, Stern Levi said, when the U.S. threatened to withhold aid if the sex trafficking continued in such numbers.

When prostitution was legal, Stern Levi spent nearly 20 years working for the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center. Welfare officials at that time estimated that one in three Israeli women had been raped, and one in five or 10 were incest survivors, she said.

“It’s mind blowing — why do we not hear these voices?” Stern Levi asked the Pittsburgh women attending the virtual session.

“At the bottom of the ladder, the women least being addressed … are women in prostitution,” Stern Levi said. “The #MeToo movement allowed women to say, ‘I am part of the statistics.’ But no one says, ‘I work in prostitution to pay the rent.’”

The group Her Academy allows abused women — trained by volunteers from various industries — to choose their own career paths, whether that’s secretarial work, bike maintenance or graphic design,

Stern Levi said. It also dovetails its work with rehabilitation groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. Stern Levi says those who she meets through the organization are often indomitable.

“The women I meet are amazing — they’ve lived through these horrors,” she said. “Once you’re caught in this spider’s web, it’s very hard to get out.

“To be able to survive 10 to 30 clients a day — then, of course, you start with drug abuse or alcohol, etc.,” she added.

The daughter of a Holocaust survivor who was rescued through the Kindertransport, Stern Levi said she feels “all of us are traumatized” by the way the Jewish world was shaken

by World War II. That also informs her unique perspective — and her sense of marginalization.

Iris Stern Levi Photo courtesy of Iris Stern Levi “We’ve all been brought up  watching films of the Holocaust every year, seeing bodies being thrown into these women don’t do it because they want mass graves,” she told the Pittsburgh group. to, but because they have to and have no “Being the only person in my surroundings other means of making a living,” Burstin [in Tasmania] who was ‘one of them,’ I can said. “Many enter prostitution at the age understand the issue of being the other.” of 12 or 14, before they’ve really lived. She Following the event, Burstin empha- humanized these women and girls and sized to the Chronicle how Stern Levi sensitized us to their problems.” PJC is such a “passionate defender” of marginalized women.

Justin Vellucci is a freelance writer “She stressed that we must understand living in Pittsburgh.

Jewish Community Foundation

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION with Rabbi Danny Schiff

The need for CARE does not stop during times of Crisis THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE IS IN YOUR OWN HOME We help our clients stay safe at home.

We have implemented protocols to mitigate exposure to COVID-19.

Underwritten by the Alan Papernick Educational Institute Endowment Fund

TENSE TOPICS IN JEWISH LAW

Thursdays, 8:30–10:45 AM EDT | Online via Zoom

May 6: The Legal Status of Jerusalem, the Territories, and Settlements COST WITH CLE/CEU CREDIT: $30 per class COST WITHOUT CLE/CEU CREDIT: $25 per class Proud Collaborative Partner with the Jewish Association on Aging

Learn more and see the full series at foundation.jewishpgh.org/continuing-legal-education or contact Patti at pdziekan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5221.

412.646.1257 HomeInstead.com/567

This course is open to all; you need not be a legal professional to attend.

PERSONAL CARE | 24-HOUR CARE | MEMORY CARE | HOSPICE SUPPORT | MEALS AND NUTRITION Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise is independently owned and operated. © 2018 Home Instead, Inc.

8 APRIL 23, 2021

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines Israeli artist Meir Tati exhibits at Mattress Factory — LOCAL —

By David Rullo | Staff Writer

I

t started with superhero movies and comic books.

“I’m a comic book buff,” Meir Tati said, “and I like to watch movies several times, like seven or eight times. I think when you re-watch a movie you can savor all those moments you missed the first few times you watched it.”

It was during one of those repeat viewings of “The Dark Knight” series that the Israeli artist was inspired to create his newest work, “A New Tomorrow That Starts Today,” currently on view as part of the Mattress Factory’s “Factory Installed 2021.”

“There’s this big speech where Bane is standing in front of a bank and talking to the crowd,” Tati said. “I was watching it thinking, ‘This speech is completely right. I identify with every word this guy is saying.’

It stayed with me.”

It was that moment that led him to create what he called “the political mutant” for an exhibit at the Beit Uri and Rami Nehoshtan Museum in Israel.

The concept involves collages of individual politicians’ faces, combined with features from multiple other politicians.

“All politicians look the same to me,” Tati said. “A mutant is someone who gets their

power from outside sources. It could be from an experiment, it could be that something happened to him, it could be genetic. And politicians get their power from citizens. We give them power, otherwise they’re nothing.”

Tati believes we are living in a “post-ideological age,” where politicians say what people want to hear to get reelected, rather than because of any overarching political belief. This is true, he said, in both Israel and the United States.

For his installation at the Mattress Factory, Tati expanded on the ideas he originally developed for the Israeli gallery.

On the bottom floor of the museum, the artist installed more than 20 large mutant faces. Some of these are readily identifiable, others require more work. All are politicians or those who exercise some form of influence over global politics. These mutants line both sides of the narrow, stone-walled room that houses the exhibit.

At the far end of the room, a video plays on a loop. Disembodied lips read lines Tati combined that were spoken by various superheroes and villains. By removing context, the video reinforces Tati’s post-ideology theories.

The same speech is seen and heard three times as part of the installation. Before one enters the gallery space, it can be viewed through sign language on a monitor. It can also be heard recited by Tati in a video that features the artist and other actors, using the

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

PRICES EFFECTIVE SUNDAY, APRIL 25-FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 Candle Lighting Time Friday, April 23, 2021 • 7:50 p.m.

MEAT SPECIALS

TAKE-OUT SPECIALS

London Broil $

1079 LB

Whole Fryer

279 LB

1 Kugel • 2 Pints Salad • 2 Mini Challahs

269 LB

2

EA

LEIBERS BAKING BAR $ 69

5

14 OZ

$

STORE HOURS

KLIYAT SUNFLOWER SEEDS $ 09

18 CNT

2

EA

TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE $ 59

CHICKEN PAPRIKASH $ 99

SUSHI RICE SALAD $ 99

SHOR HABOR BOLOGNA $ 75

EMPIRE GOURMET TURKEY BREAST $ 79

JALEPENO OLIVES $ 49

HUMMUS

7

QT

LB

HOMEMADE SALADS & SOUPS DELI PARTY TRAYS

6

9

LB

LB

8

7

LB

LB

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

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

career in Development

The Jewish Association on Aging is the place for you!

Sun.-Wed. • 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Thurs. • 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Fri. • 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

YELLOW SQUASH & POTATO SOUP $ 99

8

Please see Mattress, page 15

experienced, empathetic, & highly motivated

MACABEE PIZZA BAGEL 99

12

“When I saw the corridor though, I knew it wouldn’t work because this space is very special,” he said.

The gallery reminded Tati of a dungeon, horror museum or some sort of hall of fame.

“That’s why I chose to put the masks outside because it just felt right,” he said. “All the decisions happened because I saw the space and just needed to create the idea that I had.”

Have a passion for enhancing the lives of older adults?

WEEKLY SPECIALS

LANDAU SOY CHIPS ALL VARIETIES $ 09

Photo provided by the Mattress Factory

Serves 4

DOMAINE DU CASTEL ROSE 750 ML $33.99

Cutup Fryer $

2 Roasted Chickens 1 Qt. Chicken Soup 4 Matzo Balls

$43.99

$

faces mounted on foam core as shields.

One last element of the piece features lifesize masks of various politicians whose faces have been mutated and painted.

The Mattress Factory space influenced this itineration of “A New Tomorrow That Starts Today,” Tati said. He originally planned to create sculptures rather than the large faces affixed to foam core and hung on the walls. At the end of the exhibit, he wanted actors to destroy the sculptures.

zeal & desire

SHABBOS SPECIAL

HERZOG LINEAGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 750 ML $17.99

 Part of Meir Tati’s Mattress Factory exhibit

5

accomplished Proficient Exemplary Committed Are you this person?

LB

699 LB

$

CATERING SPECIALISTS DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN

200 JHF Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15217

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES.

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

APRIL 23, 2021 9

I n - Ho m e Care S e r v i ce s

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you and our neighbors on City Council. Together, we are confronting Pittsburgh’s greatest challenges: • • • •

Fighting for clean air, land, and water, and for climate justice Building an equitable, inclusive, and growing economy Reimagining public safety Building a prosperous educational system for every student

Let’s keep working together!

Making Moments Matter • Companionship • Light Housekeeping • Transportation and Errands • Personal Care Services

6RXWK

(DVW

&LW\

Erika Strassburger

Apply to Vote by Mail at VotesPA.com — Vote May 18 PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF ERIKA

Most offices independently owned and operated. • ©2015 CK Franchising, Inc.

Pittsburgh-247.ComfortKeepers.com

SAFEGUARDING YOUR PRESENT & FUTURE Working with Marks Elder Law when planning for your family’s future can help you make better decisions keeping more of your money during your lifetime ( ŭ ),ŭ3)/,ŭ ( 5 # ,# -ňŭ Crafting strategies that allow you to keep more of your assets during your lifetime; Exploring the many payment options for disability and longterm care services; Designing instruments that protect your assets from Medicaid spend-down requirements; Ensuring that your affairs will be handled the way you want if you experience a serious injury or illness; and Administering your estate to ensure proper distribution of your assets while minimizing any taxes owed.

www.marks-law.com

412-421-8944 4231 Murray Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15217

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

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

Leslie A. Dutchcot, Esq. leslie@marks-law.com

10 APRIL 23, 2021

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

April 23, 1943 — Warsaw Ghetto commander sends last dispatch

Mordechai Anielewicz, the commander of the Jewish Fighting Organization (ZOB) in the Warsaw Ghetto, writes his final message about “the magnificent, heroic” Jewish uprising that began April 19.

April 24, 1903 — Africa is proposed for Jewish homeland

Meeting with Theodor Herzl, British official Joseph Chamberlain proposes a Jewish homeland in British-controlled East Africa.

Herzl sees the Uganda Proposal as an interim step toward the return to Israel.

April 25, 1975 — Music star Udi Davidi is born

Singer-songwriter Ehud “Udi” Davidi, who raises sheep in the Judean hills when he isn’t making music, is born. He is known for incorporating religious melodies and lyrics into his music.

April 26, 1881 — Pogrom hits Kiev

Anti-Jewish violence since the assassination of Czar Alexander II in March sweeps

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

into Kiev. Rioters loot and destroy Jewish shops and homes. Authorities warned Kiev’s Jews on April 25 to stay inside.

April 27, 1955 — Uzi is unveiled during parade

The Uzi makes its public debut as an IDF weapon during a Yom Ha’atzmaut parade.

The submachine gun was first used in the field two months earlier but does not receive extensive use until the Sinai campaign in 1956.

April 28, 1918 — AJC weakly endorses Balfour Declaration

Six months after the Balfour Declaration, the British government’s backing of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, the American Jewish Committee offers tepid support, reflecting ambivalence among U.S. Jews.

April 29, 1976 — Meretz politician Tamar Zandberg is born

Tamar Zandberg, a Meretz member who briefly serves as party leader, is born in Ramat Gan. Known for advocacy on women’s issues, she is first elected to the Knesset in 2013 and retains a seat in the next five elections. PJC PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

APRIL 23, 2021 11

Opinion Sorry, but Zoom Judaism just isn’t the real thing Guest Columnist Rabbi Eli L. Garfinkel

F

or more than a year now, synagogues around the world have managed to continue their activities during the COVID pandemic with Zoom and similar services.

There is, however, a problem.

Zoom Judaism is not working.

What Zoom provides is not real community. At the end of the day, digital fellowship is pyrite, also known as fool’s gold.

Zoom meetings and rooms do not fulfill the fundamental needs of Jewish community, which are very much physical in nature.

Judaism is a sensual religion, one that is based on our five senses. To be a Jew means to see other human beings and not just images of heads, to listen to them without the option

of a mute button, to feel their embrace, to taste their food at communal meals, and to sense the leathery smell of a Torah scroll or the perfume of a beloved Jewish friend.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand that Zoom Judaism was necessary during the height of the pandemic and will continue to be so for some months. I recognize that Zoom has been a lifesaver for the physically challenged and that it has quickly brought about a revolution in Jewish adult education. My concern is that some Jewish leaders believe that the pandemic has given us license to reimagine a largely digital synagogue as a permanent replacement for real, physical Jewish community. This belief is predicated on the idea that Jews will continue to find Zoom Judaism compelling long after the novel coronavirus is finally vanquished.

Jews will not find Zoom Judaism compelling.

To borrow a term from environmentalism, Zoom Judaism is unsustainable. Life is an in-person affair, and Jewish life is all the

The Year of the Introvert Guest Columnist Daniella Levy

T

his Sunday, after a year of being required to wear masks in public, Israelis were finally given permission to remove them when outdoors. At last, we can inhale fresh air unhindered outside our homes, and it feels like a significant milestone along the finally-shortening road to normalcy.

But I have a confession: I don’t know if I’m ready to take mine off yet.

And it’s not because I’m worried about the virus.

Let’s be real: the requirement to wear masks outside was never based on good data. For the past year, we’ve been grumbling about how ludicrous it was that, say, a pregnant woman standing at a deserted street corner might get fined for taking off her mask for a few gulps

of fresh air, while a pair of business associates could sit over a cup of coffee unmasked and undisturbed. I wrote last June that the Ministry of Health shouldn’t have made the masks mandatory outdoors to begin with. And I don’t have any real statistics, but, anecdotally, from my own strolls around various neighborhoods, I’d say compliance was around 20% by the third lockdown. Many — if not most — Israelis haven’t been wearing masks outside for a long time already.

And yet … I kind of liked having an excuse to cover half my face.

I am an introvert: one of those creatures for whom being ordered to stay at home and keep my distance from other humans was secretly a source of relief. Not all introverts are shy or socially anxious, but I am both. Leaving my house and chancing an encounter with other people, even ones I am actually fond of, was always a bit stressful for me. What if I run into someone I know and they want to have a conversation when my social batteries are drained? What if I’m standing in a line and somebody invades my

more. Zoom Judaism under non-emergency conditions will promote the deification of what has been called the “sacred self,” the notion that our own desires for convenience and comfort take precedence over God’s command to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

Some have suggested that hybrid services are the answer to this danger. Alas, hybrid services are also an unsustainable solution.

It is so easy to log in and, relatively speaking, so hard to actually make one’s way to a brick-and-mortar structure, that most Jews will take the path of least resistance if they take any path at all. This path, however, will merely lead us to an atomized hive of likeminded individuals, not a community. It will do to Judaism what Facebook and Instagram have done to friendship.

Sooner or later, we will have to shut off the public streams and force those who value Jewish community to come back to shul and benefit from the real McCoy. Zoom should

be used for the benefit of those who cannot attend otherwise, particularly those who are homebound, hospitalized, or who live very far from any synagogue.

The good news is that we have been here before. When we lost the Beit Hamikdash in Jerusalem nearly two millennia ago, we lost the physical nexus of the Jewish world, one that served as a hardwire connection to the Holy One. We wisely created a new system that made the synagogue, even in those dark days, the physical home of the Jewish community.

In much the same way, we must double down on the power and potential of synagogues and what they provide: a physical community that nothing else, no matter how technologically advanced, can ever replace. PJC Rabbi Eli L. Garfinkel is the author of “The JPS Jewish Heritage Torah Commentary” and the spiritual leader of Temple Beth El in Somerset, New Jersey. This piece first appeared in The New York Jewish Week.

personal space — a vast expanse of awkwardness compared to that of most Israelis? What if someone recognizes me and says hi, and I have no idea who they are because I was too busy looking for escape routes when we were introduced?

And then, last year, I found myself in a strange new world where people were required to stand two meters away from me — and the dirty look I would always want to throw people standing too close was completely justifiable. A world where I could be reasonably expected not to recognize someone at a distance (or at least I could pretend not to). A world where I did not have to obsess over whether my facial expression appears friendly enough, where I had a perfect excuse to hide most of my face while in public. And a world where my homebody habits were not considered antisocial and unhealthy, but rather admirable and necessary, even lifesaving.

I must confess… it was kind of awesome.

Before you all start throwing bottles of hand sanitizer at me, don’t get me wrong

— the pandemic was a terrible, horrible thing. I would never say I was happy any of this happened. My husband is chronically ill and high-risk, and because of this, we decided to keep our kids home and we homeschooled them until both of us were fully vaccinated. I am so grateful that if I had to be stuck with anybody, it was with them — but I still wouldn’t have chosen it. I, too, experienced fear, and despair, and loneliness. I missed my loved ones desperately and worried about them. The part where I gave birth smack in the middle of the second lockdown was especially insane. I know how privileged I am to have a good home to be shut in and the option of working from home so my family’s income was not harmed. Most of all, I am incredibly, incredibly lucky to live in a country where I “had to wait” “all the way” until the beginning of February to get vaccinated because I’m a healthy 34-year-old.

Still, in a country where introversion is seen as a social disability and personal space

differences, come together to ameliorate the effects of the coronavirus is no doubt a timetested lesson in Jewish resilience.

Normative Jewish theology promotes the eternal nature of God. We sing during Adon Olam that, “God was the past, is the present and always will be in glory.”

Yet, I can’t help but think that for a people who endured so much that the birth of Israel also marked the birth of a new relationship and stage in the covenant with our God. Seventy-five years ago, had the Nazis had their way, someone else would be here marking our yahrzeit. Instead, reborn under a new flag with a grit to survive, the one Jewish country flourishes. It hasn’t always

been easy. But I would argue that on a macro level our relationship with God as a people has also never had the potential to be closer or stronger.

So it seems after all that my daughter was right. Our renewed relationship with God celebrated its 73rd birthday last week.

May we all continue to have much to celebrate together. PJC

Please see Levy, page 13

Eating God’s birthday cake Guest Columnist Daniel Dorsch

T

his morning, I asked my 3-year-old daughter what Jewish things she was learning in preschool. She told me that she liked eating birthday cake.

“Birthday cake?” I said. Seeing my confused look, she went on to explain: “Yes. Last week we ate birthday cake to celebrate God’s birthday.”

It took me a few more seconds to realize that she was talking about the giant blue and white sheet cake that our preschool had

12 APRIL 23, 2021

ordered for Yom Ha’atzmaut. There had, of course, been many activities and games to celebrate Israel’s independence. My daughter chose to remember the cake.

That said, I couldn’t help but reflect upon her wonderful association. Did God really turn 73 years old along with the State of Israel this year?

Too often, we get caught up in the dysfunctional politics of the country to marvel at the miracle of the modern state of Israel.

Seventy-three years later, the desert blooms, as does a new rail network that will take you from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv in 28 minutes.

There is a growing, ever more diverse religious life around the country. The way that Israelis have generally, despite their manifold

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Daniel Dorsch is the senior rabbi at Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. He also serves as vice president of MERCAZ-USA, the Zionist arm of the Conservative movement. This piece first appeared in The Times of Israel.

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Opinion My father’s lesson: Jews must value labor even when they become management Guest Columnist Rabbi Rachel Timoner

E

arlier this year, when my father was in the last weeks of his life, he told us a story that none of us knew or remembered. In the 1960s, when he was running a regional roofing company in Florida that became a multistate, multimillion-dollar conglomerate, he saw that his unions were weaker because they were racially segregated.

“It didn’t make any sense,” he told us.

“These guys would have been stronger if they worked together.”

So he went to the head of the Black union and then the head of the white union and told them they needed to integrate. And they did, he said, making his company the first in its industry and in the South with an integrated union.

Some unions were integrated in the late

Levy: Continued from page 12

is not a thing, it was kind of refreshing to have the upper hand for a change.

For one outlandish year, introverts ruled the world. Our habits became everybody’s habits. Our ways became society’s ways. No more did we have to drag ourselves to parties and work our way toward the Introvert Corner, where those of our kind would gather and follow an unspoken contract of friendly mutual ignoring. No more did we have to endure crowded public spaces

19th century, so I have no idea if my dad’s story was really a first in his industry. But what I do know is that as a business leader in Miami 60 years ago, my Jewish father was a staunch supporter of labor unions — even though he was management, not labor. Throughout his business career, which included founding an airline in the 1970s, he championed the rights of workers to organize. It was evident to him that the success of his companies was dependent on the success and satisfaction of his workers.

This position strengthened his bottom line by creating a loyalty and devotion among his workforce that is rare today. Air Florida employees — from flight attendants to pilots to receptionists — continue to hold reunions where they speak of him with love, and many lit candles and came to his memorial service when he died.

I’m now a rabbi, and I can quote the Mishnah about our obligation to workers, but the truth is that my father was my primary teacher here. My dad taught me

that businesses thrive when the dignity of every human being is honored — workers, customers and shareholders alike. He taught me that there is no contradiction between being pro-business and pro-union. He taught me that our economy and society can be both prosperous and caring. He taught me that standing for the rights of workers is what it means to be a proud Jew. I thought about my father’s lessons several times this month, especially after labor leader Randi Weingarten in a JTA interview used language to suggest that the modern Jewish community was less likely to support unions than it had in generations past. In response to criticism, Weingarten conceded that she could have expressed her point more artfully, but her essential point stands: that “historically, there was much less equivocation about whether to be pro-union in the Jewish community.”

As we’ve just watched Amazon spend huge sums to defeat a union-organizing effort in Alabama, and as we debate the Jewish

community’s changing relationship with labor organizing, let’s remember the entire generation of Jewish business leaders, like my father, for whom unions were essential.

We often tell the stories of the immigrant generation who were the labor leaders. Their children, many of whom went on to sit on the other side of the negotiating table while valuing labor rights, are also part of the Jewish people’s legacy and identity. Not just mine, but ours.

As I mourn my father, Eli Timoner, “zichrono livracha,” one way to honor his memory is to champion labor organizing efforts as he did, and especially to stand with all front line workers — everyone from teachers to nurses to delivery workers — all those who keep the world moving even in a pandemic. Another is to hold up his example and the promise it contains — of businesses that care for people, an economy that values workers, and a society that works for all. PJC

by closing our eyes, breathing deeply, and thinking of a quiet Happy Place. No more did we have to squirm out of the plans our well-meaning friends tried to make with us.

Gone were the crowds, gone were the social obligations. We sat in blessed silence and basked in the glory of Netflix.

Okay, admittedly, for those of us with kids, we didn’t actually get much time alone. My children are older (except, of course, the one that was born during the pandemic), and thanks to a parenting philosophy that involves a lot of strategic ignoring, they are experts at occupying themselves. I imagine that many of my fellow introverts trapped in the house with

younger children, when the preschools were closed or when sent into isolation, suffered a great deal from the lack of “me time.” And yet, many of the things that make the world so exhausting for us to navigate in normal times were simply no longer an obstacle.

So to those of you for whom removing the mask is also removing a welcome barrier to social interaction; to you who have spent the last year enjoying your superhero status as Master of the Couch and Defender of the Two Meters; to you who barely noticed when lockdown was lifted and must now go back to coming up with your own excuses to avoid social gatherings and eye contact… I see you.

I’m sending you my deepest condolences.

From over here.

In my house.

By myself. PJC

— LETTERS — Vaccination effort supported by Federation and JHF

Thanks for your article on the community partnerships for vaccinations (“Local partnerships facilitate vaccination,” April 11). We are so proud of the leadership exhibited by the Squirrel Hill Health Center and the Jewish Community Center at this critical moment for our community. We are honored to have contributed to the previously unfunded aspects of this effort. In partnership with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, which provided $2.5 million of the over $8.2 million that the Jewish Federation secured for COVID relief, we will continue to focus on helping vulnerable populations, seniors and children and their families to recover from the worst health crisis of our lifetime.

Jeffrey Finkelstein President and CEO Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

This piece first appeared in JTA.

Daniella Levy is the author of “Disengagement, By Light of Hidden Candles,” and “Letters to Josep.” Her prose and poetry — in three languages — have been widely published, and she was nominated for the Pushcart Prize for her short fiction. Born in the USA, she immigrated to Israel as a child, and currently lives at the edge of the Judean Desert with her husband and four kids. This first appeared in The Times of Israel.

student of history, Barghouti knows full well that the Nazi T4 Euthanasia Program was the foundation of the Final Solution as enacted in the Wannsee Protocols in January 1942. His use of the word “euthanasia” leaves no doubt he founded BDS to continue the anti-Semitic eliminationist mission formalized by Reinhard Heydrich and Adolf Eichmann at the Wannsee Conference.

Richard Sherman Margate, Florida

Criticism of ‘Shiva Baby’

I just saw the disgraceful movie “Shiva Baby” in Florida. How The Times of Israel could give it a glowing review is beyond me (April 9).

There is nothing redeeming about this movie. The characterizations are over the top, the writer/director needs to find another line of work. An embarrassment!

Ellie Bahm Boca Raton, Florida

BDS is anti-Semitic

Dr. Eric R. Mandel is correct when he writes that BDS and double standards for Israel are anti-Semitic. (“Sorry professors, but BDS and double standards for Israel are anti-Semitism,” April 9).

Natan Sharansky, who knows more about the reality of anti-Semitism than all 200 university professors responsible for the JDA combined — having been imprisoned for fighting for Soviet Jewry for eight years and undergoing solitary confinement and forced feeding at Moscow’s Lefortovo, Vladimir, Chistopol and Perm35 prisons — has established the 3Ds when defining anti-Semitism and Israel: demonization, delegitimization and applying double standards to Israel.

Omar Barghouti, the founder of BDS, has said he supports the “euthanasia” of Israel. A PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

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

Letters to the editor via email:

Website address:

letters@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

Address & Fax: Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 5915 Beacon St., 5th Flr., Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Fax 412-521-0154

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

APRIL 23, 2021 13

Headlines Shuls: Continued from page 1

number of in-person guests for b’nai mitzvahs while maintaining safety protocols, Falcone said, the synagogue has not yet held in-person Shabbat services for the congregation at-large.

Likewise, b’nai mitzvah celebrants have been allowed into Temple Sinai’s Squirrel Hill building, according to Drew Barkley, the congregation’s executive director.

“We’ve limited the number of people who can attend to 10,” he said. “About half of our b’nai mitzvahs have been in the building and they’ve been successful. The ones at home have been very successful, as well.”

Temple Sinai’s leaders have not yet decided when the congregation will resume regular Shabbat services in person.

“We are still just monitoring the situation, still taking a wait-and-see attitude, trying to take the time to be safe and protective of our community,” Barkley said.

Temple Emanuel of South Hills also has not yet welcomed members back for regular services. During online Shabbat services on April 16, Senior Rabbi Aaron Meyer said he hopes the congregation will re-open for in-person services by late May. “We’re finalizing our COVID-19 protocols needed to allow this to happen,” executive director Leslie Hoffman said.

At Beth Shalom Congregation in Squirrel Hill, members will need to show they were vaccinated before being allowed to join in-person services, said Ken Turkewitz, the

Post-vaccine:

“ People seem to have accepted the fact that

we’re being very cautious ... with everyone’s

”

best interests at heart.

— DREW BARKLEY, TEMPLE SINAI

congregation’s interim executive director.

Beth Shalom remained open during the pandemic, with several tenants using the building daily. While there are no immediate plans to welcome congregants back in the building for services, Turkewitz anticipated worshipers will be able to attend weekday morning minyans in person within the next few weeks — provided they’ve been vaccinated.

In the meantime, Beth Shalom has ordered a large tent that it will use for outdoor Shabbat services.

“We did that last summer and early fall and had outdoor services with 50 people,” Turkewitz said, adding that preregistration will be required to attend those services and the congregation will provide additional security.

Ohav Shalom’s Rabbi Jeremy Weisblatt said that the warm weather will allow

in class and see our friends.”

During the past year, the North Oakland Continued from page 1 resident has focused on staying healthy and reconnecting with friends. quarantining or testing,” she said.

“I think it’s important to maintain those Jordan Loev described a similar shift in relationships because it’s paramount to our attitude. Loev, 21, got his first dose of vaccine health and well-being,” he said. last week and said he was looking forward to Hannah Goldstein, who also lives in North finally feeling a sense of community again.

Oakland, likewise prioritized connecting “With each progression, I’m getting more with others this past year. After the fall excited about getting back to normalcy,” said 2020 semester, Goldstein, 19, a University Loev, a Carnegie Mellon University student, of Pittsburgh student, moved from a single who lives off campus and attends classes dorm room to an apartment with friends. online. “Obviously we’re not at the point Even though everyone in her pod had been where we can be right next to each other working from home or completing schoolwith masks off, but hopefully we’ll be back work online, it’s comforting to feel a bit safer now that vaccinations are on the rise, she said. And some weeks ago, Goldstein and her roommates received shots through UPMC. With the spring semester coming to an end and so many students soon returning home, there’s been a push on campus to reduce the spread of the virus, said Goldstein, a Pandemic Safety Ambassador for Pitt, who regularly walks through Oakland distributing hand sanitizer, personal protective equipment, information about vaccination locations and goodie bags to mask wearers.

College students are tired of everything that’s happened during the past year, but also particularly hopeful of what’s to come,  Ben Szydlow helps at Pitt Pesach Snack Distribution Photos courtesy of Kari Semel according to Zoe Hertz, 22, a 14 APRIL 23, 2021

his congregation to host more outside activities as well.

“We have begun to, again, do outdoor activities with the religious school because the weather is getting better,” Weisblatt said.

“We are planning on the last day, pending the weather, to be outside and then to worship outdoors. As we get into the summer, we’ll look at where things stand and, if we’re able, do a phased reopening.”

Temple David in Monroeville has May circled on its calendar, according to Reena Goldberg, president of the congregation.

“We’re kind of gradually taking it to the next level,” she said. “Starting in May, we’re going to have a few indoor services. Not every service — we’re trying to ease into it gradually and make sure that we can work through all of the logistics.”

Temple David has started readying the building, Goldberg said.

“The house committee has already set up the sanctuary to block every other row,” she said. “They’ve put up some signs and ribbons to space people out and the ushers have been instructed to verbally explain that you should sit with your household and have two seats between you and the next couple or family.”

Temple Sinai’s Barkley said members understand that congregational leaders are working to find the best solutions given the current information.

“People seem to have accepted the fact that we’re being very cautious and that we’re continually monitoring things with everyone’s best interests at heart,” he said.

Most congregational leaders were reluctant to discuss High Holiday plans, but all who were interviewed said that services will likely be similar to those of last year — with, perhaps, more opportunities for in-person events, even if some of those might take place outside.

Last year, Rodef Shalom welcomed some congregants into the building — with social distancing — most notably for its Yizkor services, according to Falcone.

“We’re anticipating a bit more of that for this year,” he said.

But hybrid programming is here to stay, said Temple Emanuel’s Hoffman.

“The caveat is, we’ll always be streaming, we’ll always have a virtual option, even when we’re back in person,” she said.

Temple David’s Goldberg agreed: “It’s a nice option, especially when it’s snowing.” PJC David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Squirrel Hill resident.

Since August 2020, Hertz has worked as an engagement professional at Hillel JUC. She is confident that as the number of people vaccinated increases, so too will opportunities for in-person gatherings.

Although the situation is changing, there’s a lot to be learned from the last several months — many of which were spent in relative isolation — said Hertz, noting that in some ways, the pandemic created new opportunities: Some students were able to connect with Israeli business leaders and build relationships that would have required excessive time and expenses pre-panHallie Maytin and Shira Hackman at Shabbat 2 demic. For others, bonds were  Go Distribution formed during brief moments when in-person activities were permitted. Outdoor walks, and even small front of screens and baked challah together, exchanges during pre-Shabbat food pickups, or listened to lectures and participated became more appreciated. in breakout rooms and bonded through With more people receiving vaccinations Zoom. In that way, the past year offered and larger gatherings likely returning, Hertz tools for meaningfully participating in the wonders how much emphasis people will Jewish community. place on building meaningful individual relaThere were some benefits in the last tionships when chances present themselves. year, she said, and the question in a postWhile there is value in hosting 300-person vaccination world is, “Can we pair that with Shabbat dinners, or trips to Israel with 40 in-person activities?” PJC people on a bus, when those activities were suspended people had to find creative soluAdam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ tions to connect, she said. People got in pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines Rabbi Jeffrey Myers featured during national attorneys general webinar

R

abbi Jeffrey Myers, a survivor of the Oct. 27, 2018, shooting at the Tree of Life building, was a featured speaker during an April 14 webinar on hate crimes hosted by Washington, D.C., Attorney General Karl Racine, the president of the National Association of Attorneys General.

NAAG is a nonpartisan national forum for attorneys general. Each year, the president of NAAG identifies an issue for which to raise public awareness and suggest solutions. This year’s focus, which began in December, is on the rise of hate crimes. As part of the initiative, in February NAAG partnered with the American Jewish Committee, which provided virtual training on identifying and combating anti-Semitism.

Joining Myers during last week’s webinar were Jeff Binkley, whose daughter Maura was murdered by a misogynist member of the incel subculture at a Tallahassee, Florida, yoga studio in November 2018; Susan Bro, the mother of Heather Heyer, who was killed on Aug. 12, 2017, in Charlottesville, Virginia, when a car deliberately drove into a crowd of counter-demonstrators protesting at the Unite the Right rally; and Pardeep Kaleka, whose father was murdered along with five others in August 2012, during an attack at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

Through this year’s initiative, dubbed “The People v. Hate,” Racine said he hopes to “raise our collective consciousness,” to find a bi-partisan understanding of hate and to strategize ways to prevent hate crimes from occurring.

Mattress: Continued from page 9

The exhibit falls within American pop culture, but it speaks to a larger population, Tati said.

“I’m talking to an American audience now, but when it was in Israel I was talking to an Israeli audience. American pop culture is known almost all over the world. Hollywood is a very good agent of politics and government. It shapes the minds of kids in the sense that it says, ‘Now we need to be afraid of the Chinese or the Arabs or socialism.’

So, I’m talking to the world through American pop culture.”

He credits the Mattress Factory staff ’s flexibility with helping him to realize his vision.

“I could do whatever I wanted to do,” he said. “This is typical of what happens to me — I plan something and then at least 50-60% of it changes.”

Danny Bracken, the Mattress Factory exhibitions manager, called the exhibit “a changing process.”

“Before he got here, we talked about a totally different arrangement,” Bracken said.

“There was a different plan for what was going to happen with the faces. He was like, ‘Can we add lights?’ ‘Can we do this?’”

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Another aim, he said, is to support those who have been impacted by hate crimes.

According to FBI statistics, Racine said, there were 51 murders attributed to hate crimes in 2019 — the deadliest year on record.

Most hate crimes are unreported, though, so the actual number could be higher. While groups like the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center track hate crimes, Racine believes the government should be doing that work.

“When one group is at risk, we are all at risk,” he said. “Elected officials have a critical role to play in countering and preventing violence.”

Myers described the events of Oct. 27, from the time the congregants first heard the sound of gunfire until the rabbi was able to call for help from his cell phone — which he had only recently begun carrying to shul in the case of an emergency. He spoke of the lingering guilt he felt in wondering if he could have done more to save more people, and the balance between safety and openness that congregations must weigh when establishing security measures.

Myers also spoke of the aftermath of the attack, and how Jewish Pittsburgh was enveloped and supported by people “of all faiths, all colors.”

Finally, in this age of divisiveness, the rabbi emphasized the importance of “toning down our language, toning down the dialogue.” PJC  Webinar moderator Rev. William H. Lamar (top) and Rabbi Jeffrey Myers

Screenshot by Toby Tabachnick

Bracken said artists often alter their plans once they see the spaces available at the Mattress Factory because what it offers is different than a typical gallery.

Hayley Haldeman, recently named executive director of the Mattress Factory after serving for more than two years in an interim role, said that “Factory Installed 2021” is the first new work at the space since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We just opened the show three weeks ago [Tati’s exhibit opened on April 3, after the other artists], five artists, all of whom were selected in 2019,” said Haldeman, who is married to U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb.

The artists were chosen from an open call of more than 360 applicants from 41 different countries.

In addition to Tati, the exhibition features Andréa Stanislav, whose installation includes dances by John Harbist and choreographer Željko Jergan and performed by the Tamburitzans; Chicago-duo Luftwerk, whose installation “Open Square” reflects on the habitat that defines everyday experience; Thai artist Sarawut Chutiwongpeti, who created one large piece for “Utopia Station,” influenced by the United States space program; and Jeffrey Augustine Songco’s “Society of 23’s Trophy Game Room,” which considers his identity as a gay American man

of Filipino ethnicity through the depiction of several different personas who are members of a fraternity.

Unlike some other galleries and museums that offer their exhibitions online, attendees must go to the museum to see these installations. Haldeman said there are strict pandemic protocols in place, including temperature checks, mask requirements, social distancing and timed tickets.

She feels that seeing the art in person is important.

“The Mattress Factory will always be about in-person experiences,” she said.

“It’s an installation art museum that really tries to facilitate an immersive experience on the ground.”

Tati’s work is the first by an Israeli artist to be installed at the Mattress Factory since 2014. “Sites of Passage: Borders, Walls & Citizenship” was to feature work by both Israeli and Palestinian artists but the exhibit was cancelled after Palestinian artists Bashar Alhroub, Manal Mahamid and Mohammed Musallam withdrew from participation.

Alhroub told an Arab news source at the time that the Mattress Factory decided to exclude the Israeli artists to be in compliance with the cultural boycott against Israel, and that he and the other Palestinian artists withdrew after being accused of normalizing

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

— Toby Tabachnick

relations with Israel.

The independent curator of that show, however, told the Chronicle that the Israeli artists voluntarily pulled out of the show first in order to protect the Palestinians, whose livelihoods and families had been threatened on Facebook.

Barbara Luderowski, co-director of the Mattress Factory at the time, said at a public forum following the show’s cancellation that the Mattress Factory had tried to come into compliance with the terms of the boycott by correcting wording on its website, but never “solved the problem.”

Haldeman was not involved with the Mattress Factory at the time, but said the historical focus has been to open the museum to artists from around the world.

“While I can’t speak to what happened in 2014, I can say that Meir was chosen on the strength of his own pieces, as well as within that total open call, which was diverse in every sense of the word,” she said. “The works are all totally different and reflect artists from Pittsburgh, the United States and all over the world.”

Tickets for “Factory Installed 2021” can be purchased at mattress.org. PJC David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsbughjewishchronicle.org.

APRIL 23, 2021 15

What’s Happening at The JCC UPstanders in Action Our Center for Loving Kindness UPstanders volunteers get involved in meaningful activities by supporting Covid 19 vaccine clinics at the JCC and in our community and participating in social justice learning and actions.

Join us!

Meals to Go! Our AgeWell at the JCC meals programs address food insecurity in our community; providing more than 66,000 served or delivered meals to date to vulnerable older adults and school-age children.

We Get Healthy and Stay Fit We offer fitness your way – from in person Pop Ins to live virtual and on-demand classes. Members can stop by our clean and safe facilities and workout on their own, or work with an expert JCC personal trainer on site or virtual.

We Learn

We Support Virtual Learning

Our Early Childhood Development Center students learn and thrive in a program that embodies the philosophy Inspired Exploration, Universal Values and Collaborative Journeys.

Our All Day at the J program has provided virtual learning support and enrichment for school-age children throughout this school year. We’re ready for summer with JCC Day Camps and Emma Kaufmann Camp, your children can keep learning and growing with us!

We Swim Our lap swimming and water walking programming helps everyone get in the pool.

The JCC is committed to everyone’s safety.

Masks required | Social distance maintained Rigorously cleaned & disinfected • HEPA fan/filtration units Enhanced HVAC systems • Clean air monitoring

Join us! JCCPGH.org

We thank the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation for their exceptional support this year.

16 APRIL 23, 2021

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Life & Culture Stuffed Turkish eggplant as a main dish or side — FOOD —

By Jessica Grann | Special to the Chronicle

M

y recipe for stuffed Turkish eggplant — full of fresh sautéed tomatoes, mint and fresh lemon juice — is great year-round, but I especially like these flavors as we come into warmer weather.

You can make this as a main dish and serve it with rice and a garden salad, but it also makes a wonderful side to serve along with fish or meat.

This recipe is vegan in its traditional form, but you can add a half cup of feta or mozzarella cheese to the vegetable mixture and serve it as a dairy meal. It takes about half an hour to prepare in total, including chopping the vegetables, and 40-45 minutes to bake.

This is a savory dish, but the mint and sprinkle of sugar create a caramelized taste with a hint of sweetness.

Stuffed Turkish eggplant Serves 4-6

Photo by Jessica Grann

Ingredients: 3 large eggplants 3/4 cup olive oil 2 large onions, chopped 3 crushed garlic cloves 4 medium tomatoes, chopped ½ cup flat leaf parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon dried mint or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped mint Juice of half a lemon 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon Aleppo or black pepper 1 teaspoon white sugar

Place the oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 F. Slice the eggplants in half, removing the stems. Slice lengthwise three times down the middle of the pulp as deeply as possible without hitting the skin. These slits are where you will stuff the eggplants with the tomato and onion mixture.

Sprinkle with coarse salt and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Use this resting time to dice the onions. Using a heavy bottomed sauté pan, warm ¼ cup of the olive oil over low to medium heat for about 2 minutes before adding the eggplant, skin side up, to the pan. Don’t put the flame up too high or the olive oil will smoke and burn.

Cook for 5-6 minutes, then turn over to cook another 2-3 minutes with the skin down.

The pulp of the inside should be lightly browned, but a few charred spots are just fine.

Remove from heat and place into a low-sided casserole dish.

Add ¼ cup more olive oil to the sauté pan and repeat PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

with the remaining eggplants halves.

While the eggplant is cooking, chop the tomatoes and parsley. When the second batch of eggplant is complete, place it in a second casserole dish.

Add the last ¼ cup of olive oil into the same pan and sauté the onions until they begin to soften, about 8-10 minutes. You can turn the flame up a little at this point, but don’t go over the medium marker.

Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 4 minutes, then add garlic and chopped parsley.

Cook for another 2 minutes, then stir in the salt, pepper, mint and lemon juice.

Remove from heat.

Each eggplant half will have three long slits down the middle. Take a serving spoon and stuff each of these slits with the tomato mixture.

Once all eggplants are stuffed, cover the top of each eggplant with the remaining tomato mixture, but be sure to get as much down into the slits as possible before topping them off.

Sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the top of each piece. (I’ve made this without the sugar, and it just doesn’t come out the same.)

Bake for 40-45 minutes.

To test for doneness, you should be able to easily stick a fork into the middle of the eggplant, and it should be soft but still a bit firm. If it needs a little more time, bake for an additional 5 minutes.

The eggplant may flatten out a bit, so don’t worry if it seems to spread in the baking dish.

If you’re lucky, it will retain a boat-like shape.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

This recipe reheats well, so you can make it ahead of time and warm it before serving. It also tastes wonderful as a mezze (appetizer) served at room temperature.

Feel free to sprinkle with a little more fresh lemon juice, or even drizzle it with tahini. Enjoy! PJC

CALL TO SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR!

(412) 507 - 9922 ENHANCED SENIOR LIVING

ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE

*Kosher meals upon request*

Jessica Grann is a home chef living in Pittsburgh.

www.tapestrysenior.com/moon 550 Cherrington Pkwy, Coraopolis PA 15108

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

APRIL 23, 2021 17

Celebrations Bat Mitzvah

Torah

Lauren Elana Ginsburg will become a bat mitzvah on April 24, 2021, during a virtual Shabbat service at Temple Emanuel of South Hills. Lauren is the daughter of Howard and Kathy Ginsburg and the sister of Henry Ginsburg. She is the granddaughter of Ruth and Larry (z’l) Ginsburg, formerly of Squirrel Hill, and Betsy and Thomas (z’l) Heeter of Punxsutawney. Lauren is a seventh-grader at Fort Couch Middle School in Upper St. Clair where she competes on the swim team, participates in Odyssey of the Mind and plays flute in the band. Lauren loves art of all kinds and is looking forward to spending another summer at Emma Kaufmann Camp. For her bat mitzvah project, Lauren is helping to organize a cleanup in Upper St. Clair for Keep PA Beautiful.

Engagement

Dr. Alan and Fern Steckel are thrilled to announce the engagement of their son, Adam Glenn, to Lee Ohayon, daughter of Galit and Morris Ohayon of Haifa, Israel.

Adam is the grandson of Marlene Josowitz and the late Jack Josowitz. He is also the grandson of the late Isadore and Miriam Steckel of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Lee is the granddaughter of the late Shimon and Leah Ohayon and Moshe and Esther Peretz of Israel. Adam graduated from the Pennsylvania State University Smeal College of Business and Carnegie Mellon University Heinz School of Public Policy. He is currently employed by McKinney Properties as a financial analyst. Lee graduated from the ORT Braude Academic College in Karmiel, Israel. She is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Pittsburgh in the Swanson School of Bioengineering. A March 24, 2022, wedding is being planned in Haifa. PJC

Federation collaborates on grants to promote diversity

V

ibrant Pittsburgh and the Urban Affairs Foundation — which is a part of the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh — have collaborated to implement this year’s Mini Grants Initiative: Systemic Inequities in the COVID-19 Era. “Each organization has committed $25,000 to create a $50,000 pool to fund projects that increase the civic engagement of diverse and immigrant communities,” according to a press release. “This fund will promote diverse communities in the Pittsburgh region.”

The mission of the Federation’s Urban Affairs Foundation, said Larry Lebowitz, chair of the Community Relations Council, “is ‘to foster amicable relationships among ethnic, racial, national, religious and other groups in our community.’ We view this partnership with Vibrant Pittsburgh as a way to support diverse communities and their contributions to the vitality of the region.”

Sabrina Saunders Mosby, president and CEO of Vibrant Pittsburgh, praised the collaboration.

18 APRIL 23, 2021

“Building a more diverse and inclusive region is challenging work, but we don’t have to do it alone, she said. “In order to harness lasting change, we work in collaboration with inclusion partners like the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. I’m confident in the impact of our joint efforts to build a more just and equitable region because we are investing directly into communities in order to yield greater results.”

Funding through the initiative will be available to applicants selected through a proposal process. Projects eligible for funding should “create opportunities for civic engagement that result in a more inclusive and engaged multicultural region,” and be collaborative. The typical range of a grant award is $500-$7,500.

Grant application materials are available and should be submitted electronically to the Federation by June 11. More information is available at jewishpgh.org/ mini-grants-initiative. PJC — Toby Tabachnick

The mandate and power of prayer Rabbi Elchonon Friedman Parshat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim Leviticus 16:1 - 20:27

T

he midrash on our parshat states: “God said to Aharon the High Priest ‘by your word will I rest my divine presence on the Ark of the covenant, and by your word shall I remove it.’”

This teaching relates the power of our prayers and the affect our words have on God Himself. Yet the prayer of the High Priest was expressly short, so as not to worry the assembled congregation.

The prayer went as follows: “May it be your will, Lord our God and God of our fathers, that this coming year shall be for us and for all your people, the House of Israel, wherever they are, rich in rain if it is hot. And when the world is in need of rain, do not permit the prayers of travelers with regard to rain to gain entrance before you.

May Your people, the House of Israel, not be dependent for their livelihood upon one another nor upon any other people. May it be a year that no woman suffer miscarriage; and that the trees of the field yield their produce; and may there not depart a ruler from the House of Judah.”

The extremes are notable: Prayer affects the very divine presence, and yet the prayer of Aharon speaks of nothing spiritual, but rather the very basic needs for survival in our physical world.

Yet this is the very essence of prayer, as expressed in the dream of Jacob: “And behold there was a ladder set on the earth and its head was in the heavens.” The ladder of Jacob represents prayer. Similar to the High Priest on Yom Kippur, the ladder of prayer is a bridge between the highest of spirituality — a means of direct communication where we affect God, namely heaven — and our physical and material needs on earth.

This is also the name of our parsha, Achrei Mot-Kedoshim. “Achrei Mot” means after death and “Kedoshim” means holy. In other words, holiness is to be brought even into things associated with death — namely things that decompose and are temporal.

Often we think the spiritual and mundane are disconnected, yet this assumption is completely wrong. The most spiritual day, Yom Kippur, when the High Priest enters the Holy of Holies, and all Jewish people gather in shuls, we read this week’s parsha,

Achrei Mot. We read of the prohibition of incest and other sexual sins, for our most spiritual moments are meant to infuse our very family life and values. For the same reason, the High Priest prayed for children and rain, for holiness must be bridged and connected specifically to the mundane and basic functions of life.

It is like two sides of a bridge in our personal spaces — where kosher, family purity, tefillin and Shabbat are meant to be performed in the home, and living as a Jew continues after our bar and bat mitzvah in the synagogue. Our business and worldly endeavors must be a vehicle to God, where through tzedaka and ethical business behaviors we draw Godly light into this dark world.

Yet on the other side of this bridge, we must educate our children to come to shul and care for one another. We must act as a holy nation with divine interests and beliefs, and strive for an intimate relationship with God. We must find Godly meaning and eternal value in one another and in the here and now.

One side is personal and mundane, the other spiritual and transcendent, but we must connect the two. Prayer is the power that connects us between these two facets of life. Prayer reminds us of who we are and our mission in life. Prayer lets us realize that all we have is from God and that all that is here on earth is to serve a higher purpose.

Prayer allows us to remember that our riches are a blessing from God and we are but His emissaries to help the poor and needy.

Prayer can happen at home or in the synagogue, but prayer is vital every single day.

Putting on tefillin, and saying the Shema and other prayers each day, connects us with our past and uplifts our day and brightens our future. We declare how God is one and how all creations in this world are part of His eternity. We ask for rain and children and remember how God cares and provides for all our needs.

God says, “Through the words of your prayers I will dwell within you.” Pray each day, and God will become more present within your life and the life of your family. It will lift you and the entire world around you.

You will become the bridge to a better world and a more meaningful future. PJC

Rabbi Elchonon Friedman is the spiritual leader of Bnai Emunoh Chabad. This column is a service of the Vaad Harabanim of Greater Pittsburgh.

The Original Our Only Location At

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

www.pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Obituaries FINEBERG: Miriam Fineberg, age 100, died on March 17, 2021. Beloved widow of Saul Fineberg, she is survived by her three sons, Libo (Louise), Harvey (Mary), and Don(Andrea); four grandchildren, Justin (Haley), Erin (David), Matthew (Bethy), and Peter(Jamie); and eight great-grandchildren. A lifelong Zionist, Miriam was a proud member of the Pittsburgh and South Florida Jewish communities. She was buried in Herzliya, Israel. Please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in her memory.

May her memory be a blessing.

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

In memory of …

A gift from …

In memory of …

Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Berenfield

Richard and Sondra Glasser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Greta Glasser

Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sylvia Rita Lipkind Podolsky

Sherwin Glasser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Glasser

Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tillie L. Gallagher

Marsha Lieb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaine A. Lefkowitz

Marlene Alpern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sylvia Shaer

Schlesinger & Seed Families . . . Beatrice (Bibe) W. Schlesinger

Roberta Feldman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samuel Feldman

The Rev. Marcia A. Tremmel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sylvia Livingston

Richard and Sondra Glasser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Glasser

The Rev. Marcia A. Tremmel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louis Livingston

Richard and Sondra Glasser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gertrude Glasser

Stephanie & Nicole Zinman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elva Hendel Perrin

THIS WEEK’S YAHRZEITS — Sunday April 25: Larry Abelson, Rosella Lillian Barovsky, Rita Marcus Faberman, Paul M. Fierst, Fannie Glick, Sarah Viola Heller, Saul I. Heller, Albert Lawrence Jacobs, Anne Marks, Samuel Mendlow, Ruth Nusin, Harry Sandson, Dr. Joseph R. Simon, Benjamin Weinberg, , Monday April 26: Joseph Harry Berger, Jacob Brody, Greta Glasser, Lewis E. Hainick, Frances Shiner Miller, Nathan Neiman, Abraham Pincus, James Henry Podolny, Bella Ratowsky, Philip Rogers, Manuel Wilner

OFFENBACH: Jack Offenbach, on Thursday, April 15, 2021. Beloved husband of Peggy (Hall) Offenbach. Beloved father of Scott Offenbach, Gregg (Geri) Offenbach and Todd (Alida) Offenbach. Brother of the late Stuart (surviving spouse Ellen) Offenbach. “Gramps” to Palmira, Allie, Michael, Sean, Brandon and Maggie Offenbach. “Grampy” to Mia and Diego.

Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a longtime restauranteur of Ruth Chris’s Steak House, Tequila Junction, Samurai Japanese Steak House and Arby’s. Jack was a proud alumni of the University of Pittsburgh and a member of the Phi Epsilon Pi Fraternity.

Graveside services and interment are private.

Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, 2835 E. Carson Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. schugar.com RASCOE: David Rascoe, aged 60, of Mt. Lebanon passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Beloved husband of nearly 36 years to Betsy Rascoe; devoted father of Dr. Alexander (Erin), Benjamin (Bari), Sarah, and Alana Rascoe; caring brother of Rabbi Michael Rascoe, Todd (Batia) Rascoe,

and Beth (Aykut Kilinc) Rascoe Kilinc; brother-in-law of Andrew (Jill) Harris and Michael (Stephanie) Harris; considerate uncle to a dozen nieces and nephews; and thoughtful son of Eric (Ann Bregman Rascoe) and Jeanne (d. 1997) Rascoe and son-in-law of the late Murray and Beverly Harris. David Rascoe graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in 1978 and went on to study business at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (class of 1982). David began his career in sales for Thermal Industries as a college student and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, following graduation. David and Betsy (married in 1985) later moved to Chicago while David continued to work for Thermal Industries and began their family with the birth of Alexander in 1988 and Benjamin in 1990. The Rascoe family moved back to Pittsburgh in 1991 while David served as vice president of Thermal Industries and later president. Their family expanded with the births of Sarah in 1993 and Alana in 1995. David served as president of Thermal Industries until 2012 and later served as an executive consultant for Synergistic Systems. David balanced being a husband, father, son, brother, businessman and friend with grace while creating and maintaining lifelong friendships around the world. A private in-person, graveside service with Zoom attendance was held at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery on April 11, 2021.

In lieu of flowers and food, those who wish to honor David and the Rascoe family and to read more about David’s life can make a donation to fundraise.als.net/davidrascoe.

Tuesday April 27: Anna Blitz, Ruth Pearlman Browarsky, Ruth Coltin, Jacob Gould, Martha Stern Green, Samuel C. Levy, Isadore Irwin Schaffer, Ruth Solomon, Shirley Solomon, Louis Wilder Wednesday April 28: Bernhardt Blumenfeld, Edward Harry Frankel, George Jaskol, Henry Kamin, Ida Lazier, Sophia Mallinger, Minnie Margolis, Samuel Novak, Israel Rosenberg, Jack E. Ryave, Charles Ben Stewart, Max Unikel Thursday April 29: Sonia Cohen, Abe Finegold, Dr. Charles M. Friedland, Sara Fay Sachs Goodman, Pearl Greenberg, Goldie Lerner, Gusta Dickler Linett, Goldie Love, Abe Picovsky, Sam Portnoy, Goldie Prashker, William B. Roth, Gertrude Routman, Rose M. Rudov, Fannie Ann Samuels, Sherman Howard Schenk, Julius Stahl, Samuel E. Swartz Friday April 30: Cora G. Barnett, Benjamin B. Chotiner, Lois Ruth Cohen, Leonard Frank, Shane Rose Gelman, Herman Greenstein, Paul E. Gusky, Allan L. Janowitz, P. Fred Kamens, Anna T. Kirkell, Ruth Klein, Morris Krasik, Sol S. Kurtz, Minnie Latterman, Abe Leventon, Paul Mainzer, Evelyn Meyer, Max Rice, Rebecca Wesoky Robins, Dorothy Rosenthal, Sherman Howard Schenk, Sophia Silverman, Rubin Solomon, Max Weiss, Frieda W. Wolff Saturday May 1: Hyman Louis Abrams, Rose Seiger Allen, David Busis, Harry Faberman, Anna K. Farbstein, Anna Feivelson, Philip Grossman, Sanford C. Kramer, William Samuel Landau, Beatrice (Bibe) Schlesinger, Mayme Skirboll, Charles Teper, Yetta H. Wheeler

JEWISH CEMETERY BURIAL ASSOCIATION O F G R E AT E R P I T T S B U R G H RESTORATION ✡ PRESERVATION ✡ CONTINUITY

A Notable Personality • Jack Gerson-New Castle

Jack Gerson was born in modern-day Poland in 1892. A the age of 21 he decided to immigrate to the United States in 1913 eventually making his way to New Castle. Jack found employment as an apprentice at J. F. Perelman’s jewelry business on East Washington Street.

After service in the US Army in WW I, the enterprising jeweler opened his own store in 1923 in the new Penn Theater building on North Mercer Street. New Castle was booming. He started out with a single employee but his business quickly grew and within a decade he had about fifteen employees. Jack and his wife, Pittsburgh native Rebecca Moltz became active members of Temple Israel, the Reform congregation founded in New Castle in 1926.

On Thursday, April 16, 1936, he relocated and opened a larger store at #200 East Washington Street – at the intersection with Mill Street. He became the premier jewelry and watch dealer in New Castle and was known as the “King of Diamonds.” Always the loyal veteran, Jack Gerson led an effort to honor the eight New Castle Jews who had died serving in World War II. “Little Arlington” was established at Tifereth Israel Cemetery, an outstanding tribute to Jewish Americans serving our country.

Jack was very involved in community affairs and taking the lead in establishing the Jack Gerson Camp, a popular camping and fishing spot on the Neshannock Creek near Eastbrook, and helping to restore the lake at Cascade Park. Gerson was the recipient of New Castle’s Distinguished Citizen’s Award for 1957. In 1968, after forty-five years in operation, Jack Gerson sold his downtown store to Zales Jewelers. He passed away at the age of ninety-four in 1987 and is buried in Temple Israel Memorial Park in Neshannock Township, Lawrence County.

For more information about JCBA cemeteries, to volunteer, to read our complete histories and/or to make a contribution, please visit our website at www.JCBApgh.org, email us at jcbapgh@gmail.com, or call the JCBA office 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

SPITZ: Samuel C. Spitz, on Saturday, April 17, 2021. Beloved brother of Dorothy Spitz (Martin) Bellarby. Samuel was also survived by many loving cousins. Services and interment private. Contributions may be made to Jewish Family and Children Services, 5343 Bartlett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.

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

LEG AL NOTICE Mark A. Miller, Deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania No. 02-20-05104 Carol A. Zola, Executrix; 385 Antenor Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15210 or to Bruce S. Gelman, Esquire, Gelman & Reisman, Law & Finance Bldg., 429 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1701, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

www.pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

APRIL 23, 2021 19

Headlines Kurlander: Continued from page 4

www.pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

The collaborative documentary isn’t Kurlander’s first foray into films concerning science. In 2017, Kurlander produced “Burden of Genius,” a documentary about Dr. Thomas Starzl, the father of modern surgical transplantation. In 2015, Kurlander produced “The Polio Story: The Vaccine That Changed the World,” a documentary about Jonas Salk’s partnership with the March of Dimes to defeat polio.

“Chasing COVID” builds on those films by encouraging students and educators to continue innovating, said Kurlander.

“This is not, as the doctors have pointed out, our last pathogen. We need them to learn to think out of the box, and we need to have teachers realize that they don’t have to stay in a lane. They can be creative.”

Peter Salk echoed Kurlander’s call for imaginative teamwork, noting that it took many different parties to help develop the polio vaccine.

“The project to develop a polio vaccine not only involved the people directly engaged in the research and in the immunizing of the children, but this was something that the entire Pittsburgh community had given their hearts to and their bravery, and the people of the country,” said Salk, professor of infectious disease and microbiology at Pitt’s Graduate School of Public Health and president of the Jonas Salk Legacy Foundation.

Polio vaccine research, treatment and care was furthered by 100 million people who contributed to the March of Dimes, Salk said.

“So, when the polio vaccine was declared a success, this was the success of the people in

this country,” he said. “This was not government grants. This was from the people.”

When it comes to ending the current pandemic, the broader society will likewise play a critical role, Salk said.

Defeating COVID-19 isn’t about simply vaccinating as many people as possible, but addressing the “pockets of resistance” who are making it difficult to achieve herd immunity, he said.

“This is a global issue that needs to be solved on a global basis,” Salk said. “That’s something that I think we really need to turn our own creative attention to.”

Kurlander agreed.

“Particularly the young people need to know that’s why we made this movie,” he said.

“They need to know that it’s possible that we can work together. That science, working creatively, can defeat a common enemy.”

Science and creativity “are not two separate things where you take off your lab coat and be creative, or you put on your lab coat and become analytical,” Kurlander told the Chronicle following the program. “These things are something that work hand in hand.”

Kurlander hopes “Chasing COVID” becomes a springboard for fostering originality and science, and he encouraged middle school and high school students to compete in the upcoming “Take a Shot at Changing the World Video Competition.” Hosted by the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Creativity and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, the online video contest invites participants to create “positive, accurate and compelling information” about the COVID-19 vaccines. The competition runs between April 22 and May 30. PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Real Estate FOR SALE

REALTOR SERVICES

Expert! Expert! Expert!

“This realtor is A+ Golden! She went above and beyond to help me. She is so very knowledgeable, so very professional, always upbeat and trust worthy.

I will recommend her to all my friends and family members. Outstanding realtor and human!”

“Jordana was awesome. She came through with all our requests for a house, and helped us navigate buying during the lock down with ease.”

“Jordana is calling everyone under the sun to make sure you close on time!

What she does is MAGIC. Pure MAGIC!”

“Jordana was amazing at every step of the way!

Meeting needs that I didn’t even know that I had!”

The real estate market is very strong! If you are wondering what your house would sell for, please give me a call!

Jordana Zober Cutitta, Realtor, Associate Broker, MBA 412-657-3555 | Jordanazc@kw.com 20 APRIL 23, 2021

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Real Estate FOR RENT

BUYING OR SELLING?

FOR SALE

F O R S A LE

5125 Fifth Ave.

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

LAWRENCEVILLE • $675,000 • OPEN SUNDAY 1-3 • 5267 HOLMES ST. # 305 Spectacular 3 bedroom 2 bath condo. McCleary School Condo. Mile high ceilings ,9.5 ft. island, sleek counter tops stainless appliances. 2 car covered parking. Bldg. amenities include roof top deck, exercise room, dog washing station.

”Finest in Shadyside”

412-661-4456

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

www.kaminrealty.kamin.com

PINE RICHLAND • $410,000

G First Time Offered! Wonderful greatroom/kitchen/dining room, living room and office!

NDIN PERecently 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 powder rooms. finished lower level. Huge partially covered fabulous deck and enormous yard. Added bonus of attached 2 car garage.

OAKLAND-THE WINCHESTER • $275,000 Reduced! Lovely open 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with hardwood floors. 2 car valet parking, Building amenities include pool, guest suite, exercise area.

h

SHADYSIDE • $1,300,000

THE BEST OF THE

Secluded, stunning, refined carriage house has never before been for sale. This totally unique property designed by the architect/owner showcases contemporary design with light-filled rooms which blend seamlessly to one another. The manicured private setting is minutes to shopping, schools, Oakland, Downtown. Shown by appointment with Etta Golomb. 412-725-6524

IN YOUR EMAIL INBOX

REALTOR SERVICES

ONCE A WEEK.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home?

Let Us Guide You Through the Process!

CALL THE SMITH-ROSENTHAL TEAM TODAY.

SHADYSIDE • $1,100,000 • 5000 FIFTH AVE CONDO Special! 3 bedroom 3.5 Bath condo with 3-car side-by-side garage. This unit has many living spaces including an expansive living dining room, a raised library above a family room, another den for the use of the bedrooms and a great eat in kitchen. This building includes a guest suite, exercise room, fabulous storage rooms, and a 24/7 attendant in the entry.

SQUIRREL HILL • $169,000 • BEACON PLACE South Facing Balcony. Updated 2 bedroom, 1.5 Bath lots of storage and a pantry. Convenient to shopping, restaurants, library and transportation. Occupant must be 62+. See with Kate White 412-310-0765

FOX CHAPEL • 675,000 Smith-Rosenthal Team

Sign up on the right hand side of our homepage.

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

Business & Professional Directory BUYING

HOUSE CLEANING

BUYING:

DOMESTIC CLEANING

HOUSE CLEANING

REALTOR SERVICES

KEEPING IT REAL IN REAL ESTATE!

I am an industrious worker with over twenty-five years of experience in domestic cleaning. Looking to clean clients homes.

I can be reached at 412-517-2783 for more information.

TAX PREPARATION

TUTORING

SPRING IS HERE!

INCOME TAX PREPARATION

Success Starts Here!

412-951-3437

412.496.5600 JILL | 412.480.3110 MARK

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

LAWN SERVICE Call me now!

Call me later!

• Spring Clean Up • Shrub & Tree Trimming • Mulching • New Plantings • Retaining Walls • Concrete Work • Affordable Landscaping

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

5501 Baum Blvd.

Pittsburgh PA 15232 Shadyside Office | 412-361-4000

pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

Grandma & Pap’s VERY Old Clothing, Costume Jewelry, Hats, Purses, Shoes, Fur Coats/Stoles, Wedding Gowns, Quilts/Textiles.

Quantity preferred, will pick up.

Toll Free 888-736-7242

Nestled in the woods! Very private. Rustic charming, 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths. Great views G areas while we are all at home. Fair View from all windows. Gourmet Kitchen. Lots of extra DINliving PEN Elementary. Won’t last.

Deadline Extended to May 18th!

It’s Not too Late to File!

• Individuals • Partnerships • Estates • Self-Employed Prompt, Professional Service: Federal, State, Local, Property/Rent Rebate

Call: 412-421-3999 Stephen Cohen

taxpreparationpittsburgh.com

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Reading and Writing Grades K-5.

Tutoring by, Ellen Singer, elementary school teacher for 20 years.

Your child can catch up!!

I can make a difference in your child’s reading and writing skills using interactive techniques and helping with homework.

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

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

215-200-8493 bes1111@icloud.com

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Denise Serbin, Realtor HOWARD HANNA REAL ESTATE

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

APRIL 23, 2021 21

“A man of courage and faith.”

—Elie Wiesel, Nobel Laureate

“A timely and gripping tale for us all.”

—Kati Marton, ABC News

“This biography brings the reader into the totality of its subject’s extraordinary life and leaves us marveling at the remarkable accomplishments of this man.”

—Deborah Lipstadt, PhD

Order today at UnstoppableSiggi.com Also Available as an Ebook and Audiobook

Available Where Quality Books Are Sold

Winner – Best of Los Angeles Award "Best Holocaust Book - 2021"

22 APRIL 23, 2021

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

w w w. i nsi g hte di ti ons. com

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Community Key to happiness inside

Happy birthday Israel Community Day School Kindergarten students decorated cupcakes on Yom Ha’atzmaut in celebration of Israel’s 73rd birthday. t Milo James mixes frosting.

u Levi Madden holds a tasty-looking treat.

p Chabad of Squirrel Hill hosted a shlissel challah baking event on April 9. In marking the first Shabbat after Passover, participants placed keys inside challah loaves.

According to some Jewish traditions, the inserted items represent the means of unlocking good fortune.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Schwimer

Machers and Shakers t Pittsburgh resident Alexander Malanych, a student at Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, was selected as one of 16 students to participate in Class 33 of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship/ Davidson Scholars Program. Photo courtesy

of The Wexner Foundation

During the four-year intensive program, Malanych and fellow students will be exposed to different approaches to leadership and tools for addressing pressing issues in the Jewish community, while being integrated into The Wexner Foundation’s network of more than 3,000 professional and volunteer leaders in North America and Israel, including the 60 professionals who are currently in the Wexner Graduate Fellowship/Davidson Scholars Program.

p Lucy Brown shows you can’t mask the sweetness of Yom Ha’atzmaut.

Photos courtesy of Community Day School

Stay in your lane

p Pigeon Bagels was named one of the 50 best bagel shops in the country by Food & Wine. Gab Taube, owner of Pigeon Bagels, stands in front of the store.

Photo by Adam Reinherz

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

p Swimmers enjoy the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh’s lap pool.

Photo courtesy of Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

APRIL 23, 2021 23

KOSHER MEATS

• Variety of deli meats and franks • All-natural poultry — whole chickens, breasts, wings and more • All-natural, corn-fed beef — steaks, roasts, ground beef and more Available at select Giant Eagle stores.

Visit GiantEagle.com for location information.

Empire Kosher Chicken or Turkey Franks

2

16 oz. pkg.

79 ea.

save with your

Price effective Thursday, April 22 through Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Available at 24 APRIL 23, 2021

and

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG