Jlife 02 15

February 2015 Shevat/Adar 5775

LISA EDELSTEIN:

Tzedakah Not Charity From Law to a Cultural Characteristic Changing the World One Page at a Time JFFS’ Reading Partners Program

T KIDS? GO

MAGAZINE OK

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SO MUCH MORE THAN THE GIRL NEXT DOOR

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JLIFE | Shevat/Adar 5775 | FEBRUARY 2015

LIFESTYLE

VIEWPOINT

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On The Lighter Side Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Fart Jokes

The Peel Holy Middle Seat!

FEATURES

Keeping the Lights On The Importance of Philanthropic Balance

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14 Reaching Out From Within Temple Bat Yahm Commences Distinguished Speaker Series

18 A Winter Wonderland Celebrating 25 years with Heritage Pointe.

24

Giving with Joy What motivates you?

54 History/Blogs Orange County’s Jewish History & The Blogosphere

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Mall of Giving Students share their mitzvah projects.

Fresh Orange Jews O.C.’s Fresh Faces

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One Page at A Time JFFS’ Reading Partners Program

Rachel Goes Rogue Fighting Halacha

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Tzedakah Not Charity!

From law to a cultural characteristic.

Come Kibitz Jewish Comedy in Canter’s Deli

34 JCC Cares Give the gift of giving back.

36 A Sacred Place to Call Home The Rebuilding of Temple Beth Sholom

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IN EVERY ISSUE

8 First & Foremost Tzedakah

12 Letters/Who Knew Words from our Readers

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News & Jews O.C. Jewish Scene

Fundraising You give and you get.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Seniors Calendar Fitness, Education & More

Cooking Jewish With Judy Bart Kancigor

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44 Out & About A Guide to OC Fun

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Advertising Index

Look inside for Kiddish, our insert publication, right after page 32.

20 On the Cover Lisa Edelstein: So much more than the girl next door.

Jlife

Jlife

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PUBLISHER | MODY GORSKY, LLM, MBA PUBLISHER | MARK EDELSTEIN PUBLISHER | MOTAN, LLC PUBLISHER EMERITUS | DR. MARK MOSS MANAGING EDITOR | TRACEY ARMSTRONG GORSKY EXECUTIVE EDITOR | LISA GRAJEWSKI, PSY.D. EXECUTIVE EDITOR | FLORENCE L DANN GEN Y EDITOR | RACHEL SCHIFF CONTRIBUTING EDITOR | TANYA SCHWIED FOOD EDITOR | JUDY BART KANCIGOR EDITORIAL INTERN | HANNAH SCHOENBAUM ART DIRECTOR | RACHEL BELLINSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MARTIN BROWER, MERAV CEREN, ADAM CHESTER, FLORENCE L DANN, RABBI DAVID ELIEZRIE, ROBIN DAVIS, PH. D. HARRIETTE ELLIS, JUDY FLORMAN, STEFANEE FREEDMAN, EVE GUMPEL, CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER, DVORAH LEWIS, CARINE NADEL, PAMELA PRICE, NAOMI RAGEN, MAYRAV SAAR, RACHEL SCHIFF, ANDREA SIMANTOV, DALIA TAFT, TEDDY WEINBERGER COPYEDITOR JOSH NAMM CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/ARTISTS RACHEL BELLINSKY, ALLEN BEREZOVSKY, PEPE FAINBERG, JANET LAWRENCE, CHARLES WEINBERG ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES DIANE BENAROYA (SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE) MARTIN STEIN (SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE) YVETTE PAQUETTE (ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE) EDITORIAL (949) 633-5456 (DR. LISA GRAJEWSKI) OR (949) 734-5074 EDITORJLIFE@GMAIL.COM ADVERTISING (949) 812-1891, MODY.GORSKY@GMAIL.COM CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS MODY.GORSKY@GMAIL.COM, (949) 734-5074 ART ART@OCJEWISHLIFE.COM JLIFE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY ORANGE COUNTY JEWISH LIFE, LLC 1 FEDERATION WAY, IRVINE, CA 92603

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Jlife is published monthly by Orange County Jewish Life, LLC. Subscription rate is $24 for one year (12 issues). Send subscription requests to Jlife, 1 Federation Way, Irvine,CA 92603. Jlife is a free and open forum for the expression of opinions. The opinions expressed herein are solely the opinion of the author and in no way reflect the opinions of the publishers, staff or advertisers. Orange County Jewish Life, LLC is not responsible for the accuracy of any and all information within advertisements. Orange County Jewish Life, LLC reserves the right to edit all submitted materials, including press releases, letters, articles and calendar listings for brevity and clarity.

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FIRST & FOREMOST

TZEDAKAH Those pretty little boxes!

BY FLORENCE L. DANN

WHENEVER I AM in a Judaica shop or any synagogue’s gift shop, I am always amazed at the infinite variety of tzedakah boxes displayed on their shelves. From boxes designated for babies and children to exquisite works of art, even the simplest ones are beautiful.

I grew up with the blue and white Jewish National Fund (JNF) “pushke” (Yiddush for tzedakah boxes), which held a prominent place right near the phone in our kitchen.

I remember my mother regularly dropping coins into it and being encouraged to do the same. Pushkes have come a long way, but that’s not really surprising.

In addition to being purchased in synagogue and retail Judaica shops, as well as online, some tzedaThe tradition of kah boxes are also available the tzedakah from specific organizations that distribute empty boxes; boxes dates back During most of their histhe JNF — and its iconic blue to Scriptural tory, these boxes were bulky and white tzedakah boxes — times. affairs permanently affixed in like the one in my childhood the synagogue. Along with home — is perhaps the best the upkeep of the synagogue, known of these organizations. every Jewish community would have its own The concept of hidur mitzvah (adorning or beautifying the mitzvah) teaches that when- special groups who would collect and distribever possible, one should seek to carry out ute funds as needed.

Around the end of the 18th century, the mitzvot in joyful and beautiful ways.

The tradition of the tzedakah box dates custom became prevalent to keep small charback to Scriptural times. During the period ity boxes in every home — usually in the of the First Temple in Jerusalem, we find the kitchen so that all would see them. prototype charity box. The Temple was falling Judaism rules that one should give to any into a poor state of repair, so the High Priest person who stretches out their hand to you. made a hole in the cover of a box, which he It is mentioned in the Talmud that the times placed conveniently near the entrance before especially appropriate for giving are before the altar, so that all contributions could be prayer or after prayer, and before the start of dropped in.

Shabbat or Jewish festivals — but any time 8 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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Model synagogue Tzedakah boxes.

The Sarajevo haggadah

there is need, we are commanded to respond.

A tzedakah box at home facilitates this practice and teaches children the value of this mitzvah. In fact, some households make a monthly or yearly family project of determining which worthy cause will be the recipient of their tzedakah.

The image of the blue and white box sitting on the counter in my family’s kitchen is a fond memory; and my parent’s encouragement to make even a small donation is with me to this day. A

Florence L. Dann, a fourth year rabbinical student at the Academy for Jewish Religion in LA has been a contributing writer to JLife since 2004.

Make your world more beautiful.

GIFTS CANVAS ART PRINTS IPHONE CASES LAPTOP SKINS

www.society6.com/rachelbellinsky Jlife

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THE ANNUAL ORANGE COUNTY INTERNATIONAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO CATCH A MOVIE February Feature Presentation:

Crimes and Misdemeanors, with special guest appearance

by Martin Landau – Sunday, February 15th at Regal Westpark 8

Documentary Screenings:

The Price of Kings – February 1st at Temple Beth Tikvah Spitting Game: the College Hookup Culture – February 4th at University Synagogue The Trial of Adolf Eichmann – February 25th at University Synagogue; discussion led by Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, UCI Law School Festival runs September 3, 2014 through April 26, 2015 21 Features and Documentaries

Founded by University Synagogue & Co-sponsored by: Temple Bat Yahm Temple Beth Emet Temple Beth Tikvah Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot

10 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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For complete film listing, schedule, location and pricing info visit ocjff.org or call 949-553-3535

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Jlife

| FEBRUARY 2015 11

LETTERS

Kvetch & Kvell

Who Knew?

After reading Mayrav Saar’s short note on “Know a Nice Jewish Boy” I felt I’ve learned little about the issue of finding a Jewish “boy” to marry.

What I can share is a personal account that I observed while learning with a rabbi at shul. The phone rang in the library where we were and a male caller wanted to talk to the rabbi. I removed myself from the library as the rabbi carried on his conversation with the caller. I returned to the library after being summoned to continue the learning session.

Unsolicited by me, a somewhat concerned rabbi told me that a man in is early forties from San Diego was told to give the rabbi a call to assist the caller in his search for a suitable wife and did the Rabbi know of any possible

prospects among his congregation.

The cause of the agitation wasn’t the fact he was being solicited as a modern day “Matchmaker,” but as the rabbi stated to me, “I’m not going to introduce him to anyone until I know who this guy is and he spends several Shabbats with us, and after that I may send him home with his bags packed and no wife.” I was shocked. Do things like this still happen? The rabbi said “yes” of course all the time.

I don’t think Mayrav Saar would ever consider trying to understand the benefits of such an arrangement. Maybe, her sister might be interested?

Robert Ruth, Irvine, CA Dear Robert, Did you happen to catch the guy’s number?

Cheers, Mayrav

We welcome your letters! Email editorjlife@gmail.com with your feedback.

12 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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PHOTO BY ZACH DALIN

NICE JEWISH BOY

Did you hear? One of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelorettes, Cameron Diaz, recently tied the knot with her rocker beau, Benji Madden. Even more surprising was the couple’s decision to have a Jewish-themed wedding ceremony. An officiant presided over the service, reading the seven blessings for the couple. To seal the deal Madden stepped on and broke a glass as the crowd shouted, “Mazel Tov!” After the vows, the two entered a private room together for a Jewish wedding ritual known as Yichud.

Cameron Diaz’s father is Cuban and her mother has Anglo-German ancestry. Madden could honestly say “my middle name is Levi,” because it is, but he hasn’t said anything about Jewish ancestry, according to JTA.org. So why the traditional Jewish ceremony? While there are some people who accuse Diaz and Madden of “making light of” sacred Jewish rituals, we are just happy that the two found love. And if there are elements of “aspirational Jewishness” in play… can you really blame them? Being Jewish rocks!

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Orange County Native Opens Law Practice

M

ichael Rubinstein has a unique background. In addition to practicing personal injury law at the Law Office of Michael E. Rubinstein, Michael is also an ordained rabbi. Rabbi Michael was ordained at the Rabbinical College of America, by, among others, the former Chief Rabbi of Israel Mordechai Eliyahu. He earned his law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.

Although he now lives in Los Angeles with his wife Chavi and two children, Rabbi Michael maintains a strong connection to the Orange County Jewish Community. His parents Mark Rubinstein (obm) and Mary Cramer were founding members of the North County Chabad Center in Yorba Linda nearly thirty years ago. Michael’s Holocaust survivor grandparents, Harry (obm) and Hilda Eisen, were supporters of the Hebrew Academy in Huntington Beach and the Orange County Jewish Federation. Michael’s mother Mary Cramer is active in the Federation, and served as president of the Hebrew Academy. Rabbi Michael and his siblings are proud graduates of the school.

“Practicing law is much like being a rabbi”, says Rabbi Michael. “In both professions, it’s your job to help people solve problems in their time of need.” Using his unique rabbinical skills, Rabbi Michael brings a compassionate and personal approach to representing his clients in personal injury cases. This approach helped Rabbi Michael recently settle an auto accident case for more than 13 times the insurance company’s original offer!

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For more information, contact the Law Office of Michael E. Rubinstein: 213-293-6075 • 433 N Camden Drive 6th Floor • Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Jlife

| FEBRUARY 2015 13

F E AT U R E S

REACHING OUT FROM WITHIN Temple Bat Yahm Commences Distinguished Speaker Series

WHEN I ASKED Temple Bat Yahm’s President Scott Seigel about this endeavor it was an easy answer for him, “There were three endeavors I wanted to bring to Temple Bat Yahm during my two-year term. Two have been launched… The third endeavor is to launch a brand new Distinguished Speakers Series.”

Temple Bat Yahm has provided adult education over the years, with a variety of speakers relating to Jewish history and cultural relevance. However, Seigel wanted something more “… vibrant, contemporary, charismatic, and a unique voice to Temple Bat Yahm.” He has no doubt that the upcoming speakers will bring sharp dialogue along with modern ideas.

He also wants to open conversations around the care, commitment, and support of one another, the Jewish community and Israel.

Temple Bat Yahm is kicking off the 2015 Distinguished Speaker Series with best-selling author Ron Wolfson. Wolfson is a speaker whose enthusiasm for bringing Judaism alive in homes and institutions has shaped his work in the community. Seigel states, “His presentations are filled with touching and wildly entertaining stories and frankly his message is the blue print for our future.”

Connecting with one another and sharing the collective Jewish journey is at the forefront of Wolfson’s message. Wolfson will offer his main presentation at Temple Bat Yahm after services Friday, February 6th at 7:15 p.m. with a dinner catered by Blueberry 14 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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TBY’S DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS The following speakers are part of Temple Bat Yahm’s Distinguished Speakers Series.

PETER WALSH: Wednesday March 4th 11:00 a.m. luncheon - An expert in organizational design, Peter Walsh is a television & radio personality as well as the author of numerous New York Times best-sellers. Peter’s aim is to help people live richer happier lives with a little more organization.

Best-selling author Ron Wolfson.

Hill. It is Seigel’s hope that everyone will seize the chance to hear Wolfson’s transformational stories.

The service is open to the entire community and information about the dinner, signed books, and photo opportunity can be found at www.tby.org. A Dr. Lisa Grajewski is a therapist with Jewish Federation & Family Services in Orange County and an Adjunct Professor at Argosy University and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Grajewski has been with JLife Magazine since 2004.

RABBI RICK JACOBS: TBD Winter 2015- Rabbi Rick Jacobs is president of the Union for Reform Judaism and a dynamic and engaging Rabbi and speaker.

DENNIS PRAGER: Sunday, October 18, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.Known as one of the most dynamic, compelling, articulate, controversial and compelling speakers in the Jewish community; he is also one of America’s most respected thinkers, has a nationally-syndicated radio talk show and is a syndicated columnist. He has written four books including a #1 bestseller.

Jlife

| FEBRUARY 2015 15

On the Lighter Side | BY MAYRAV SAAR

VIEWPOINT

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Fart Jokes

JEWISH SAGES HAVE LONG UNDERSTOOD THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SILLY. 16 FEBRUARY 2015 |

THE FOUNDING FATHERS dedicated their lives to principals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They held as self-evident the inalienable rights all people have to live, worship and think as they choose.

In doing so, they defended ideals. They defended freedom.

They defended fart jokes.

North Korea’s hackers nearly scared Sony into pulling the plug on “The Interview,” a move that President Obama weighed in on as “a mistake.”

“We cannot have a society where some dictator someplace can start imposing censorship here in the United States,” he said.

It might be the first time the leader of the free world has had to weigh in on an infantile comedy, but Jewish sages have long understood the significance of silly.

The Talmud contains a story of a man walking in a marketplace with the Prophet Elijah. He asked the prophet who among the throng had a place in the World to Come. When two people entered whom Elijah identified as worthy, the man wondered what exalted activity could they possibly be engaged in.

“We are jesters,” they told him. “We make sad people laugh.”

In an online review of “The Interview,” one North Korean defector living in London wrote that he was confused by the language and humor of the film, but that the scene in which North Koreans revolt and elect a democratic government moved him: “For me, it was a pleasure to ponder about how good it would be if the miracles of the film could come true in reality.”

Miracles. I’m assuming that’s the first time a Seth Rogen movie have ever been described with that word, but it is not the first time a comedy has been held up as a middle-finger salute on behalf of the downtrodden.

In 1940, the New York Times reviewed Charlie Chaplin’s “The Great Dictator” with these words: “No event in the history of the screen has ever been anticipated with more hopeful excitement ... And the happy report this morning is that it comes off magJlife

SONY PICTURES

Freedom of the Press comes under fire.

While it might not be the most “high-brow” film ever made, The Interview has become the unlikely symbol of our First Amendment rights.

nificently. ‘The Great Dictator’ may not be the finest picture ever made — in fact, it possesses several disappointing shortcomings. But, despite them, it turns out to be a truly superb accomplishment by a truly great artist — and, from one point of view, perhaps the most significant film ever produced.”

The significance of sophomoric humor was not lost on fundamentalist gunmen in Paris last month, who killed 12 people associated with the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, before being killed while on a second terror binge.

The immediate response from the free world was to adorn T-shirts and posters with the phrase, “Je suis Charlie.”

Beautiful words of solidarity, but I’m waiting for something more. I’m waiting for a comedian — probably a Jewish one — to come up with something truly defiant. Some send-up of violence that is low on class but big on significance.

Because, right about now, the world could use a good fart joke. A Mayrav Saar is a writer based in Los Angeles.

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Temple Beth Tikvah 1600 N. Acacia Avenue, Fullerton The Arab World is currently in turmoil with many countries in the throes of civil war. The rise of the Islamic State and other Islamic groups pose a threat to all of the countries in the region and to the West. Three distinguished experts in the field will explain what is going on now and the implication for the future.

This symposium is non-sectarian and is offered to the greater community. Each speaker will present their views followed by questions from the audience.

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$20 General Admission: $50 VIP No Charge for Students RSVP to info@tbtoc.org or (714) 871-3535

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For subscription or advertising info call Mody at

949-812-1891 or visit www.ocjewishlife.com

F E AT U R E S

Irv Burg, Ira Victer, Ellie Jaffy (Allen*), Denny Denkensohn, Lawrence Rael, Fred Forster, Bonnie Jeannette, Richard Katz, Hank and Meryl Schrimmer, Loretta Modelevsky, Bill Klein, Leo Pinsky, Barbara Klein (Victor*), Steven Fainbarg, Roberta Feuerstein, Chela Taleisnik and Gary Kramer. *of blessed memory

A WINTER WONDERLAND Celebrating 25 Years with Heritage Pointe

BY LISA GRAJEWSKI, PSY.D.

ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2014 friends and residents of Heritage Pointe gathered at Hotel Irvine to celebrate and honor not only those involved with the concept and development of a place many call home, but the home itself. A Winter Wonderland celebrated Heritage Pointe’s founders, past board chairs and advisory board.

Over 25 years ago the idea of a Jewish home for the aging was just that — an idea. Until Meryl Schrimmer and Loretta Modelevsky initiated the Capital Campaign that would raise the money needed to meet the escrow for the home. Many of those involved in the development of Heritage Pointe joined community members as hors d’oeuvres were passed, champagne flowed 18 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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and guests danced the night away.

In looking at the dance floor it was hard to believe the gala was honoring Orange County’s Jewish “Home for the Aging.”

Despite many of the guests being members of the senior community, they owned the dance floor. Dancing to everything from swing to bebop, the dance floor gyrated throughout the night and kept the evening alive. The ballroom effused a winter wonderland that can only exist as fantasy here in Southern California.

While guests sat down to dinner, the band introduced Heritage Pointe’s video depicting the history of the home and brief cameos from the home’s founders, past and present board chairs, past and present advisors and snippets of life at Heritage Pointe.

Gala Chairs Jane Fischel and Allison Pinsky invited honorees to the dance floor who were recognized publicly for the work and support they have provided to Heritage Pointe throughout the 25 years and beyond.

A silent auction proceeded the dinner, with items befitting of the elegant gala.

While the guests perused and noshed, many community leaders (both lay and professional) could be seen catching up with each other and showing support to an agency that has provided so much to so many in the community.

After dinner Heritage Pointe’s Development Director Ellen Weiss invited guests to raise their paddles to fund a bench depicting two children reading a book, in honor of the 25th anniversary. As was the case throughout the night, guests generously gave the nod to raise the money necessary.

Mazel tov to Heritage Pointe, its residents, board of directors, advisory board, staff, friends and families — and thank you from a community that knew you as only a dream 25 years ago. A Dr. Lisa Grajewski is a therapist with Jewish Federation & Family Services in Orange County and an Adjunct Professor at Argosy University and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Grajewski has been with JLife Magazine since 2004.

COVER STORY

LISA EDELSTEIN:

SO MUCH MORE THAN THE GIRL NEXT DOOR PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRAVO

BY DANIELLE CANTOR

20 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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COVER STORY

O

f course you know Lisa Edelstein as an actress, starring as Dr. Lisa Cuddy on Fox’s hit medical drama House, which concluded in May 2012 after eight seasons. If you’re a fan of the CBS series The Good Wife, you’ve no doubt been drawn into Edelstein’s story arc there, as attorney and temptress Celeste Serrano. And if you’ve been tuning into Bravo, you can’t miss her. She is the star of the network’s first scripted series Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce (airing on Tuesdays at 10 p.m.) But did you know she’s also a singer, activist, volunteer, author, composer and born survivor? Edelstein started performing in off-Broadway in the late 1980s until MTV scooped her up to host (as vee-jay Lisa E) its popular Awake on the Wild Side.

It’s been uphill for Edelstein ever since – speaking both of her steadily-growing career in TV and film (The West Wing, The Practice, Keeping the Faith, As Good As It Gets and more) – and also of her struggle up from life-threatening spinal trauma that nearly grounded her in the early years. Professionally accomplished and glamorous, she possesses a wellspring of inner fortitude that keeps her strong and centered in a shifting business. As of this writing, Edelstein is enjoying some well-earned downtime while she considers her next move beyond The Good Wife.

You were a live wire in the 1980s New York club scene, where you were dubbed “Queen of the Night.” What do you remember most about that time? Does the Queen live on today? [laughs.] Does the Queen of the Night ever really die?

Now I’m the queen of 4:30 in the morning, when I get up to practice yoga before I go to work. The people were really special to me during that time; there were a lot of phenomenal people of great talent whom no one will ever know. A lot of them died when AIDS first hit New York.

What inspired you to write “Positive Me,” the AIDS-related musical you also composed and performed off Broadway in the 1990s?

It was inspired by my friends, everybody dying and there being no education about the matter. The president hadn’t even spoken the word yet. There was a lot of confusion, a lot of fear, no treatment and a lot of dying. I had volunteered for Gay Men’s Health Crisis to visit people in the hospital who were dying.

They trained us and gave us all the information that was available at the time about the disease and how you catch it, so we wouldn’t be afraid to go into the

Bravo’s Andy Cohen and Lisa Edelstein whoop it up.

hospitals. The play also grew out of my internal struggle of growing up hearing about the sexual revolution – “be free, do what you want” – and then learning that there were things that could kill you if were too free. My play was really about the things that get in the way of taking care of ourselves.

There’s a world of difference between your first job on MTV and starring in one of TV’s hottest dramas. Do you feel more at home in one universe than the other?

I absolutely hated my job on MTV. It was five days a week, four hours a day, of national humiliation. I never wanted to be a host. I felt like an idiot doing it. But it paid, and I had just finished working on my play for two years and I was broke. So it was a great job in terms of getting me grounded again, and it got me a good agent. But I absolutely feel more at home in my career now. It’s been a long career and one I’ve worked very hard at. Being on such a successful show is a great gift.

Emmys or no Emmys, I’m already at 9 out of 10 in terms of being filled with gratitude.

How is it being in the over-40 set at this time in Hollywood? How was it being in the under-30 set when you were there?

It was fantastic for me in my 30s, that’s when I started to work a lot and move along. I think women look so much better in their 40s now than they did years ago; I don’t mean plastic surgery, we just know how to take better care of ourselves. The problem exists in menopause – nobody seems to want to look at a menopausal woman. People like Glenn Close and Candice Bergen have broken through that, but there are just a handful of them. Television has a lot more opportunity for women than film does.

Jlife

| FEBRUARY 2015 21

COVER STORY

The lovely leading ladies of Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce.

I have a history and a bloodline. Some people don’t have that. I love going to Israel as an adult like I did last summer, and realizing that 90% of the people you look at are Jews.

It’s weird to be in the majority. And it’s so diverse, Jews of every color, from so many different countries. It was very exciting to me.

Being Jewish informs everything I do. When I get a role that’s ethnically undefined, it always ends up being Jewish. I mean, it doesn’t work to pretend I’m anything else.

You are noted as often for your looks as you are for your talent.

After a couple decades in show business, what sort of perspective have you gained on Hollywood beauty pressures?

It’s not the same anymore. When I had surgery on my spine I really grew up and realized I was just done torturing myself.

And then three years later my neck went out again; my doctor told me I’d have to have all the vertebrae in my neck fused. It suddenly occurred to me that my perception of this neck thing as a huge issue was going to take It’s funny; I’ve never thought I was known me down. So I stopped going to the doctor for my looks. It’s a little weird, very flattering, and started doing yoga, and I’ve never had a but I’m the one who has to problem with my neck in the wake up and look at myself in nine years since. The power of BEING JEWISH the mirror every morning. I try the mind is very important. I IS A HUGE to just enjoy the compliment stay in good shape because I and let it go as fast as I can, PART OF MY found something I love to do because everything changes. I physical but affects me IDENTITY AS that’s want to age. I want to be an more than just physically. I old lady. If I want to be an make choices every day about A PERSON. how I want to look and feel.

80-year-old woman like my I’m conscious of what I eat but I’m not on a grandma Gertie was—and she was a fantastic woman—I have to be okay with getting older. diet. I just try to stay healthy and live and not suffer. Coming close to dying helped me let The hard thing about this business is you things go. have to look at yourself a lot more than other people do. People get a bit obsessed because How does your Jewish background there’s too much attention placed there, just inform your current life? by the nature of the work. This is Hollywood.

There are teams of hair and makeup people I would say being Jewish is a huge part of and photographs are touched up. It’s imagemy identity as a person, even though I don’t making; it’s always been that way. practice. My father’s Conservative, we went to temple every week and had Shabbos dinner You struggled with eating disorders every weekend. As a grownup I feel Jewishwhen you were younger. Does the identified but not religious. I love being pressure to be thin still affect you?

Jewish in the sense that I come from a people, 22 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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Favorite Jewish memory from childhood?

Building a sukkah, Friday night dinner with the family… my grandfather always used to break out into one Yiddish song or another.

Grandma Gertie would organize busloads of people to go the Catskills for Passover and she’d get a free room. Being a New York Jew is so rich with culture.

You’ve played lesbians, transsexuals, prostitutes, over-thetop Jewish girls… do you seek out these characters or do they have a way of finding you?

They find me! The most unusual roles I’ve had have come my way because someone thought of me and knew I was the perfect person for that role; I haven’t auditioned for most of them. I think I’ve been more flattered by that than anything else. I never was the ingénue, nor was I so quirky-looking that I could be “the quirky one.” (Those are the two options when you’re starting out – the ingénue or the wacky best friend.) And I’ve always loved people who struggle with being different one way or another, so when these characters started coming my way I was so excited. A This interview was published with permission from Jewish Woman Magazine.

To read the interview in its entirety please visit: jwi.org.

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| FEBRUARY 2015 23

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One of the many talented participants of the Mitzvah Mall.

MALL OF GIVING Students share their mitzvah projects.

BY FLORENCE L. DANN

IT WAS A good idea to have lots of dollar bills as you walked the halls of University Synagogue’s annual Mitzvah Mall on December 7. One could donate to a myriad of worthy causes as well as purchase some great baked goods.

For their b’nai mitzvah, young people must have a mitzvah project as part of the requirement for becoming a b’nai mitzvah. This applies to both Orthodox and liberal congregations. Some students may research one of 613 mitzvot in depth, while others may be involved in projects aimed at helping others.

This encourages students in the Jewish tradi24 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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tion of chessed, (kindness), as well as expanding his or her understanding of tzedakah.

Every year, at University Synagogue, the students prepare exhibits of their projects which are displayed in the hall of the religious school – projects that range from “Stand UP for Kids” to “Operation Gratitude” aimed at raising funds for wounded warriors. This year, almost thirty students stood proudly by their displays anxious to share what their causes were and why they had chosen them.

Zach Stern discovered that there were 30,542 homeless youth in Orange County.

“I always saw homeless adults,” he said, “and

I wondered about their kids.” He did the research and was so moved that he decided not only to donate a substantial amount of his own money, but to continue raising money for the youngsters.

“I always dreamt about what I would do as an adult,” said Rachel Oleski. When she learned about the “Make-A-Wish Foundation” she realized that there were some children who will never grow up to realize their dreams.

She has been spending her time educating her peers about, and raising money for, the “Make-A-wish Foundation.”

Sam Hurwitz and Benjamin Lederman both volunteer at the “Friendship Circle” in Newport Beach that provides companionship for autistic and special needs children. Max Rogoff suffers from severe peanut and tree nut allergies and became very active in FARE – “Food Allergy Research and Education.” He is now part of the National Advisory group of FARE, and presented at the Teen Summit in Washington D.C. His interest in military history aroused Benjamin Klarin’s concern for the plight of wounded veterans. His project, Operation Gratitude not only raises money for Wounded Warriors Project, but invites people to write letters to the vets.

“As a girl,” said Jovan Sheldon, “I have always had a specific interest in breast cancer awareness;” her brother Joshua is focused on providing clothing and food for the homeless.

These mitzvah projects provide deeper Jewish meaning to Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies, and make these special occasions even more rewarding to these young people. A Florence L. Dann, a fourth year rabbinical student at the Academy for Jewish Religion in LA has been a contributing writer to Jlife since 2004.

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ONE PAGE AT A TIME Jewish Federation & Family Services’ Reading Partners Program.

BY DR. LISA GRAJEWSKI

PHOTO BY JAHANNA SEMELROTH

Left to right: Diane Rojas, Sharon Pearlmuter, Derek Gavshon

MAIMONIDES FORMULATED eight levels of giving; the highest form being to help someone become self-sufficient. Yet a lot of the time, when we talk about tzedakah, or charity, we think of benefactors who can write hefty checks or annual campaigns marked by how many dollars are raised.

But Maimonides is clear that, while giving 26 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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money is great, it is the action of helping someone become self-sufficient that is the greatest form of tzedakah we, as Jews, can perform. How do we do this in Orange County? One way is teaching a child to read.

Literacy, even in Orange County, continues to be a problem and that is why

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Women’s Philanthropy of JFFS created Reading Partners almost nine years ago.

The volunteer literacy program, helps children in Orange County enrolled in grades K through three who are socio-economically or educationally disadvantaged. The program also provides school supplies and books to students – for some the first or only book they have in the home. Many of these children come from immigrant homes where English is either a second language or not spoken in the home. Though the program requests just one hour a week of the volunteer’s time, many spend more than an hour making a difference in the lives of the students, teachers, families and the volunteers themselves. The following three stories demonstrate why helping a child learn to read has proven to be priceless.

Derek Derek Gavshon was met with a change in his life and he wanted something to fill the sudden vacuum of time. He met with Doris Jacobson at JFFS and was introduced to Reading Partners.

“I was a little apprehensive – I was being asked to do something in a field I haven’t worked in before.” Though Gavshon served many years at Tarbut V’ Torah, he was administration, not necessarily education, so he was unsure about this volunteer position. “A lot of people in the program are teachers.” But Gavshon was teamed up with a second grade classroom at Adams Elementary School in Costa Mesa and he never looked back.

With 18 children in the classroom he didn’t have the largest of classes, but he did have his concerns. One concern was his South African accent. As Gavshon read to students they were like sponges, picking up on everything, including his accent. “Every once in a while I hear a tinge of the accent when they read…”

Gavshon has also learned from the experience. Not one to take things lightly, he volunteers four days a week, a little over one hour everyday and he sees a lot in those

four days. He relayed the story of seeing one second grader tying another second grader’s shoe, ”They were both young… The one [tying the shoe] got behind him like he was tying his own shoe. It is rare to see that kind of cooperation,” he says. “[The program] is teaching me to be a lot more patient as well,” says Gavshon. “You can’t get frustrated with little errors or mistakes. But you can come way with a sense of satisfaction!”

Sharon Sharon Pearlmuter is a retired teacher of 25 years. Pearlmuter taught Kindergarten through third grade and Religious School at Bat Yahm, so she is familiar with the classroom. Eight years ago she had a Reading Partner volunteer in her classroom for five years. After retiring, she returned to her school as a Reading Partner.

The school Pearlmuter works at is a Title I school, namely a school that receives funding due to the high rate of low-income students. According to Pearlmuter, 85% of the students at her school speak English as a second language and, “there is not a lot of fluency in the home. Books are often lacking in the home – Reading Partners provides books and pencils.”

Reading Partners are very valuable to the teachers as they work exclusively with the students. Pearlmuter describes the volunteers as “reliable, dependable and efficient.”

And, “Many [of the volunteers] are retired teachers, so they understand the importance of what they are doing,” she says.

more confident,” says Rojas. But she also believes it helps for the students to have someone with similarities. “I remember as a kid it was important to be able to interact with someone that looked like me and spoke Spanish the way I did.” But she also learned there is a lot more going on in the world than she realized, “I am not the only one with obstacles – doing this makes me realize I will get through my obstacles.”

Overall the program has benefited the students, teachers and families of the students. All of the volunteers interviewed relayed that respective classrooms have shown improvement in standardized testing. The program has also helped to identify students with previously undetected learning challenges.

Though not all volunteers are Jewish, many are. And, as Gavshon said, “it is the two percent helping out the 98 percent.”

This program not only provides a way for others to give their time, but it is also a way to give people a unique perspective of the Jewish community. A Dr. Lisa Grajewski is a therapist with Jewish Federation & Family Services in Orange County and an Adjunct Professor at Argosy University and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Grajewski has been with JLife Magazine since 2004.

Diane Diane Rojas grew up in Santa Ana and volunteers one to two hours a week in the same neighborhood. The child of immigrants, she grew up bilingual, “but English was never an issue.” A young college student who works part time, she was shocked to learn that entire classrooms are unable to speak English.

Volunteering is important to Rojas, and it is exciting to see progress, “Students are

While giving money is great, it is the action of helping someone become self-sufficient that is the greatest form of tzedakah we, as Jews, can perform.

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TZEDAKAH NOT CHARITY! From law to a cultural characteristic.

BY FLORENCE L. DANN

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“JUSTICE, JUSTICE YOU shall pursue,” the Torah instructs (Deuteronomy 16:20). Hundreds of years later, the Talmud taught: “Tzedakah is equal to all the other commandments combined” (Bava Bathra 9b). From Judaism’s perspective, therefore, one who gives tzedakah is acting justly; One who doesn’t is acting unjustly. The word tzedakah derives from the Hebrew word tzedek, “justice.” Performing deeds of justice is perhaps the most important obligation Judaism imposes on the Jew. However, the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word “charity” suggests benevolence and generosity, a generous action done out of the goodness of one’s heart, or a magnanimous act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor and needy. In Judaism, giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness, the performance of a duty, giving the poor their due.

In Jewish law a lack of justice is not only mean-spirited but also illegal. Thus, throughout history, whenever Jewish communities were self-governing, Jews were assessed tzedakah just as everyone today is assessed taxes. It is seen as a religious obligation, which must be performed regardless of financial standing, and must even be performed by poor people. A poor Jew’s tiny donation is as great as the large donation of the wealthiest.

It is believed that all of one’s possessions in this world are G-d’s and we are simply vessels through which they are channeled. Therefore “my” money is not mine at all- I am just holding on to it until I need to pass it on to where it needs to get to. We perform acts of tzedakah as we seek to create a just world.

Now, when we think of tzedakah we usually think of giving money – writing a check, endowing an organization. These are all very necessary and worthy forms of tzedakah, but they are not the only ones.

Our tradition also teaches that it isn’t just writing a check that fulfills the mitzvah. Over the centuries, the concept of tzedakah has been

expanded to respond to what people saw as immediate problems in their communities. So, for example, when it comes to alleviating poverty, writing a check may not be enough to solve a problem, because money alone is often not the answer. We also need volunteers to deliver meals to the homebound elderly, to provide career counseling, to prevent at-risk youth from getting into deeper trouble, to help with housing, and to help with countless other initiatives.

In ancient times, the Torah was intended for a primarily agricultural economy and addressed tzedakah in agrarian terms. For example, at harvest time, the Torah instructs us to leave crops standing in the corners of fields to allow the poor to reap what they need for survival.

Joseph had a vision about Egypt when preparing for a famine during the years of plenty. He knew the time was fast approaching that all people would need his help. He took care of his own people and all others by planning in advance and creating policies to ensure that all people would get what they needed, and no one would go hungry.

As he told his brothers when he revealed himself to them as their long lost brother, “It was to preserve life that G-d sent me here before you.”

However, as time passed and as the economy of the Near East progressed and diversified, rabbis addressed tzedakah in financial terms.

Public and private funds were created to help support people in need.

Food banks and soup kitchens were developed when there was no governmental assistance.

The sages shaped post-biblical Judaism and used the word tzedakah for charitable activity. Since tzedakah means “justice” the rabbis viewed social welfare as an economic and social justice matter.

Judaism also teaches that donors benefit from tzedakah as much or more than the poor recipients and this belief remains a common theme in Jewish tradition. Whereas the poor receive money or other material Continued on page 32

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| FEBRUARY 2015 31

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PHOTO BY CHARLES WEINBERG

Continued from page 31

Gordon and Reta Fishman at their anniversary celebration.

assistance, the donor receives the merit of sharing the Almighty’s work.

“I have to admit,” said Joe Baim, member of Congregation B’nai Israel,” I get a thrill when I sign my name on a check to a specific organization or beneficiary.” Baim is known for bringing a wide variety of programs to his community. “I like to support very specific things that will educate and have a direct impact on people,” he added. “There is one other reason I do it, though” he said. “It is to make up for my parents who were barely able to give.”

How we give tzedakah is as important as what we give. “Do not humiliate a beggar,” the Talmud warns us. “God is beside him.” Rabbi Eleazar said, “The reward that is paid for giving charity is directly related to the kindness with which it is given.” Tzedakah is more than giving money to the poor. Done properly, tzedakah requires the donor

share his or her compassion and empathy along with the money. In the writings of Maimonides, “whoever gives tzedakah to the poor with a sour expression and in a surly manner, even if he gives a thousand gold pieces, loses his merit. One should instead give cheerfully and joyfully, and empathize with him in his sorrow.” And so our tradition also holds that there are other ways of giving tzedakah besides the straight donation of money.

“Our Social Action Committee is comprised of more than 25 people,” said Jerri Kaplan, chair of University Synagogue’s committee. “Every one of them is dedicated to helping our community in a variety of ways. While many do not have the means to make financial donations, they give of their time, volunteering at the “Someone Cares Soup Kitchen,” driving for Silver Streak (JFFS senior transportation program), raising funds for “Laura’s House” for abused women and conducting drives for “Second Harvest” and, the most recent one, “Give a Gift of Warmth.” Members also mentor students in the Orange County community. “It’s how I was brought up,” said Kaplan, “and, besides, it feels good.”

Gordon and Reta Fishman also learned tzedakah from their families, and when they moved to Orange County they were surprised at the disparate aspects of the Jewish Community. “The Jews from one synagogue didn’t seem to know the Jews from any of the others,” said Fishman. “It was Reta who had the idea of the Chanukah concert,” he added. “What better way to bring people together than through their children.” The Chanukah, concert which featured the cantors and children’s choirs from the Orange County synagogues, ran for ten years. The Israeli Fair followed bringing Jews together from all over the county. “When it comes to tzedakah,” said Fishman, “people who need help and continuing Jewish education are our two priorities.

We must give back,” he continued, “so that the Jewish community continues to exist.”

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Along these same lines, we have a long tradition of establishing phil- giving; the highest is enabling the recipient to become self-reliant, but anthropic organizations, ranging from burial societies to organizations giving without being asked and giving anonymously are also among like the Jewish Free Loan Association, which gives interest-free loans the more meritorious.

On Sunday, January 25, Tustin Chabad dedicated its second Torah, to the needy, and students pursuing higher education.

The Allen and Ellie Café at the J is one of Ellie Jaffy’s favorite proj- given anonymously by a gentleman who confided that, “I’m not very ects. When she and her late husband Allen lived in Connecticut they religious, but I am impressed with Rabbi Shuey’s (Eliezrie) sincerity were very involved with the Federation (then known as the UJA) and and authenticity.” What motivated him to purchase and donate the had always supported other projects like hospitals and the performing Torah? “During the High Holidays when they have to read from different portions of the Torah, I watched as he arts as well. “Naturally,” she said “we continued struggled going back a forth, rolling and unrollto do so when we moved out here, but were suring the Torah, so I thought a second Torah would prised that the OC Jewish community was not be most beneficial.” When asked why he chose nearly as supportive of Jewish causes as it had to remain anonymous he said that “perhaps been back East. We felt that if Jews don’t support people will be motivated by this act. Besides, Jews who else is going to do it!”

I get a thrill when Shuey always speaks from his heart and I wanted Jewish involvement in tzedakah based causes I sign my name to do something from my heart.” The Torah is has been developed and refined over 4,000 years on a check. dedicated to the IDF (Israeli Defense Force). of cultural heritage and faith. It has been a very “Whenever Shuey speaks about the soldiers he important factor in influencing and encouraging and I become very emotional about them. It individual Jews to speak out on behalf of freemakes me very happy that the Torah is dedicated in their honor.” dom, compassion, love, peace and justice for all.

The obligation to give in Judaism has become much more than a Barabara Adler Baim grew up in a small southern town where mitzvah; it has become ingrained in the Jewish culture of the people. landowners took advantage of their tenant farmers by forcing them to And regardless of the individual’s personal motivation, we Jews tend to purchase provisions from the company store which would be counted be philanthropic, not only to our Jewish community but to the larger up at the end of year. The farmers always seemed to owe the same community as well, whether it’s because “that’s what I was taught,” “I amount they had earned and were thus continually indebted to the saw my parents do it,” or to be blessed to be in a position to give and landowners. “When food stamps became available,” said Adler-Baim, want to give back – we give. Let us hope we can pass that on to future “the landowners forbade the farmers from using them. My father took generations. A them to court and won!” From that point on the famers could purchase their food and needs at other establishments. “That was a great Florence L. Dann, a fourth year rabbinical student at the Academy lesson for all of us about tzedakah.” for Jewish Religion in LA has been a contributing writer to Jlife According to the Talmud and Maimonides there are several levels of since 2004.

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| FEBRUARY 2015 33

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There are many ways to get hands-on experience at JCC.

JCC CARES Give the gift of giving back.

NANCY CHASE, A lifelong Orange County resident, learned volunteering early in her childhood: she recalls tutoring kids in juvenile hall when she was young.

With an early love for volunteering, five years ago, Nancy and Adrienne Matros, a similarly avid volunteer, started JCC Cares, a program at the Merage JCC. With a social action mission, bringing volunteers together to perform tikkun olam (repairing the world) and gemilut hasadim (acts of loving kindness), it’s grown to incorporate hundreds of volunteers each year.

Like Nancy’s experience, JCC Cares now 34 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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teaches volunteering to a younger generation.

Over 20 families regularly participate with JCC Cares’ family volunteer team. Events include gleaning at Incredible Edible Gardens, packing food at the OC Food Bank, cheering for Special Olympics, and baking cookies for our fire and police departments.

Few experiences mean more than volunteering as a family. “It’s been such a blessing,” said Jamie Evans, who volunteers with her husband and two sons, “not just for the organization and people we are supporting, but for us as a family. Children watch everything you do.

By giving back to the community, you show

them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people and enact change. ” Recently 52 volunteers — families and individuals — converged on The Lighthouse in Costa Mesa. Volunteers made breakfast burritos, fruit and more goodies for over 100 people.

JCC Cares also works with the J’s preschool, encouraging volunteering in the very young. Kids as young at 18 months came to school with bags of food to share. Little kids toddled about carrying bags of food as best as their little arms could. They collected over 330 pounds of canned foods. Lisa Monette, Director, Sheila & Eric Samson Family Early Childhood Learning Center at the JCC, was thrilled that the “children made the connection between the food and mitzvah, and the understanding that their families were helping to provide meals to other kids. There was so much energy that day.” A

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A SACRED PLACE TO CALL HOME The Rebuilding of Temple Beth Sholom

BY LISA GRAJEWSKI, PSY.D.

RENDITIONS BY BERLINER AND ASSOCIATES

An artist rendition of the rebuilding of Temple Beth Sholom.

SOMETIMES TRAGEDY CAN turn things around. Temple Beth Sholom (TBS) found that out after the devastating fire in February 2014. With a Master Plan in place for several years now, the fire seemed to be the impetus for moving the idea ahead faster.

It had been put on hold due to the recession and staff turnover. “We were working on 36 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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making the synagogue more user friendly,” says Co-Chair of the Architectural Design Committee Dan Weissberg. “Then the fire happened. We were forced to shift into places we were moving slowly on.” Now the sanctuary and social hall are a priority, and thanks to a $1.5 million donation from the Horowitz Family, a chapel is being built as

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An artist rendition of the new courtyard.

well. The chapel will be the synagogue’s new spiritual space. “The heart of the new sacred space” says Weissberg.

After speaking with Weissberg, I spoke with Rabbi Heidi Cohen about her thoughts on the synagogue’s transformation.

Jlife: What have you gained the most from this experience?

Rabbi Cohen: Community! I am so honored and touched by how not only our TBS community has come together after the fire last February, but how the entire Jewish community has embraced us. Yes, this was a horrible tragedy that befell our congregation, but there have been so many beautiful silver linings.

Everyone at TBS has been amazing in rolling up their sleeves to work toward the goal of not only rebuilding to where we were pre-fire, but also helping us build for the future.

Jlife: In previous articles we wrote about the metaphorical phoenix rising from the ashes. What is your hope as the rabbi of TBS for the new space?

Rabbi Cohen: Our congregation’s values are life, learning and connections. Through every space of our campus these values will play a very integral role. We are creating a narrative through the design and archi-

tecture that will not only be beautiful and functional, but also allow every individual who enters our campus to experience our values in a very personal way. Our building will tell the story of the Jewish people and remind us of the Jewish values and traditions we hold so dear. We are also building for generations to come.

Jlife: What would you hope others learn about TBS from this experience?

Rabbi Cohen: We are resilient! That even in the midst of tragedy we are able to turn to our community to support us and help us rebuild for the future. We are one Jewish community. Yes, we have many congregations in Orange County but we are the Jewish people and as such, we are to support, care for, and envision a future together. We cannot afford to be divided, but rather we must be united through mutual respect of one another’s values as we share one common identity - being a part of K’lal Yisrael, the Jewish people. A

TBS CEREMONY

Temple Beth Sholom held a ceremony on December 15 to bury sacred texts damaged by the fire in February. As per the Jewish custom, siddurim and other texts were buried in a Genizah, which will serve as the

Dr. Lisa Grajewski is a therapist with Jewish Federation & Family Services in Orange County and an Adjunct Professor at Argosy University and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Grajewski has been with JLife Magazine since 2004.

foundation for the chapel.

For more information go to:

www.tbsoc.com.

Jlife

| FEBRUARY 2015 37

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It is important to be sensitive when fundraising.

a fundraiser is to strengthen an organization’s mission of caring for Jews in need, engaging with the community and ensuring the Jewish future. That means not only becoming a more effective leader, but learning how to foster stronger relationships with donors who deeply understand the impact of our work and can take ownership in the impactful things we accomplish together. And, of course, it means procuring the kind of gifts that will allow us to continue supporting our work for years to come by increasing the level of our donors’ financial investment in what we do.

It’s not a donation, it’s an opportunity!

FUNDRAISING You give and you get.

BY TANYA SCHWIED

“The Almighty has willed that there are two hands in the matter of tzedakah: one that gives and one that receives. Be thankful that yours is the hand that gives. Open a hand of compassion.” - Sefer Hasidim Absolutely everyone has some way to help somebody else. As I like to say, there are no haves-and-have-nots, just haves-and-havemores. Everyone has something that they can give: money, time, talent. I find that we can get so much more done when we all work together. This brings me to the mitzvah of tzedakah, the commandment to give, is a very simple one. Deuteronomy says, “If there is a needy person among you, don’t harden your heart, don’t shut your hand against your needy kin. For there will never cease to be people with need in your land, which is why I com38 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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mand you to open your heart to the poor and to the needy kin in your land.”

According to the Torah, there are simply people in need out there, and our job as human beings, and as Jews, is to help them to meet their needs, to help them live lives of dignity and fullness. The fullest expression of our humanity is possible only when we reach out to each other and connect with each other. That is what giving is all about. We do it because, in our core, that is who we are and who we are summoned to be.

All this talk about giving makes you start to wonder about getting. The more polite term, fundraising, sounds so much nicer than “getting” money. So who is a fundraiser and how do they do their job efficiently and effectively? In my opinion, I believe the job of

When someone makes a donation, they are fighting for a cause. Causes need money, whether to raise awareness, build a building, or create or sustain programs. When someone gives away their money to a charitable endeavor, in whatever amount, they are doing their part to make the world a little bit better.

Many donors, large and small, are looking for a way to help. Your job as a fundraiser is not to take their money, but to show them where they can make a difference. Shalom C. Elcott, the CEO & President of Jewish Federation & Family Services of Orange County, made a very interesting observation about donors and how donation trends shift all the time: “Where we used to be concerned about the volume of donors, it is now all about the value of donors who are the ones who tend to support the organization in more ways than one. We steward our donors so we’re getting more gifts from the same donors in different areas of passion.” It is very similar to that old proverb “give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” We are teaching our donors and lay leaders how to fish… how to help the community in their own areas of passion because that is what’s palpable and infectious.

F E AT U R E S

“Today more than ever people give to people not institutions.”

Shalom Elcott, CEO & President, Jewish Federation & Family Services

Leg Pain?

Varicose Veins?

Swollen Ankles

What are symptoms of varicose veins?

Though symptoms vary, they may often include: • Pain or cramping feeling • Chronic aching • Tingling or itching sensation • Swelling or throbbing • Tenderness around the vein • Tiredness in the legs • Muscle cramps • Restlessness

The touch point.

It boils down to knowing who you are and what you’re comfortable with. For instance, someone once told me that there’s a rule that you’re supposed to have a certain number of “touch points” — meaning the number of times you see a potential donor — before you ask him or her for a donation. You take someone out for lunch, meet for coffee, give them a call, or send them an article that might interest them from the morning paper. Here’s the thing: Know the methods that work for you — and the ones that don’t. Also know the methods that work for the donor — their favorite deli, political articles, etc.

It’s all about relationships.

The big money, the wealth, is in creating relationships. A relationship suggests equality. Start from the idea that people use their feelings, their interests, their heads and their hearts as motivation to help others. Then there shouldn’t be an issue of having to whine or guilt people into action. You should also first establish an interest and obtain permission to make a request. You cannot hear what the donor is saying if you have an orchestra playing in your head.

In other words, listen. You might actually find out what the donor wants. Listening depends on face-to-face appointments and the development of long-term relationships of trust and mutual respect.

Elcott said it best, “Today more than ever people give to people not institutions.”

Renew that spring in your step!

Call Dr. Myron Goldstein today to schedule your FREE vein screening to determine the best course of treatment for you.

We accept most PPO insurance and Medicare.

949.273.7300 www.veinclinicca.com

Your Bakery & More

Specializing in Onegs and kiddish luncheons as well as all life cycle events.

Urge people to see their donation in action.

If you can actually see or feel your donations coming to fruition it has a much bigger impact on the donor. The fact is, for many people, writing the check is enough. And if it’s enough for them, that’s great. Then again, if there are pictures, a video, or some testimonials that’s a perfect thing to send along with an extra word of thanks.

At the end of the day I’m realizing that getting the money is just as important as giving it. We need fundraisers with ideas and a clear vision as to how those ideas will be realized. It’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it. A

Tanya Schwied graduated from New York University, studied abroad in Israel, and currently works for the CEO and President of Jewish Federation & Family Services.

(949) 586-4718 23016 Del Lago · Laguna Hills, CA 92653 solomonsbakery@att.net

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PHOTO BY DANIEL LAILAH

A&E

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Get ready for a tastebud delight.

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Can you hear your belly begging for seconds?

PHOTO BY JOSH MONKEN

Trees have special significance in Jewish thought.

TU B’SHVAT Celebrating the birthday of trees.

BY JUDY BART KANCIGOR

It is a “minor” holiday with major implications. Tu B’Shvat, the New Year of trees, begins at sundown on Tuesday, February 3, and is one of four New Years in our tradition. Why we celebrate this agricultural festival in the dead of winter makes an interesting story.

There is no mention of Tu B’Shvat in the Torah, but when did that ever stop us from celebrating? (Remember, Rosh Hashanah is not mentioned either.) Throughout the Bible, however, reverence for fruit trees is evident as the symbol of God’s bounty.

According to Leviticus, one may not eat fruit from trees during their first three years. In Israel in ancient times, the end of the rainy season closed the fiscal year for

calculating taxes or tithes (bikkurim, or “first fruits”) offered to the priests after the trees had turned four years old. Only after the following Tu B’Shvat were farmers allowed to consume or sell the produce of their trees. With the destruction of the Temple and the exile, the holiday lost relevance as our ancestors found themselves with none of their own fruit to tithe. Centuries later Talmudic rabbis established the 15th day (Tu) of the month of Shvat as the official “birthday” of trees in order to calculate their age, both for determining the time of tithing as well as the time of harvest. The expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 brought mystical significance to the holiday through the kabbalists in Safed.

Early Zionists celebrated Tu B’Shvat as a sort of Arbor Day for planting trees and forests and revitalizing the earth. Beginning in the 1970s, with the environmental movement, the holiday became a Jewish Earth Day, in appreciation of the gifts we have been given along with the impetus to give back to the earth by rebuilding our fragile planet and protecting our precious resources. Trees have special significance in Jewish thought as symbols of our relationship to the natural environment that supports us.

A Midrash teaches: “When God created the first man, he took him and showed him all the trees of the Garden of Eden and said to him, ‘See my works, how beautiful and praiseworthy they are. And everything that I created, I created it for you. Be careful not to spoil or destroy my world, for if you do, there will be nobody after you to repair it.’” Note that the Midrash delineates trees in the Garden of Eden, not the Garden of Eden itself, because it is trees that turn a barren earth into our life support system.

Even in times of war, we are prohibited from destroying fruit-bearing trees. “You may eat of them, but you must not cut them down. Are trees of the field human to withdraw before you into the besieged city?”

An 18th century commentary notes that so important are trees to our existence that the sages established a special blessing to be recited upon seeing blossoming fruitproducing trees, although no comparable blessing exists in our liturgy for any other natural wonder of creation.

It is customary on Tu B’Shvat to plant trees and to eat from the Seven Species described in the Bible as abundant in the land of Israel: wheat, barley, grapes (including wine), figs, pomegranates, olives and dates (honey). By extension many include other gifts of the earth, vegetables and other fruits. Couscous with vegetables from “Jewish Soul Food From Minsk to Marrakesh” (Schocken Books, $35) by Janna Gur is perfect for the holiday, showcasing a mélange of vegetables on a bed of couscous, grains of durum wheat, one of the seven species.

Gur, the founder and editor of Al Hashulchan (“On the Table”), a leading

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A&E

Reverence for fruit trees is evident as the symbol of God’s bounty.

Israeli food and wine magazine, and author of “The Book of New Israeli Food,” has in her new book reimagined recipes that have been handed down through the generations across many lands that are in danger of extinction. “What is it that makes us adopt and adapt a certain recipe and abandon another?” she writes. “Surely, there’s the relative ease of preparation and the availability of ingredients, but there’s something else – the ‘soul’ of the dish, that elusive quality that makes us relish it and want to make it ours.”

It is also customary on this day to eat a new fruit. In keeping with the spirit of the holiday, I’ve chosen one in season now, the Asian pear, with a scrumptious recipe from “Melissa’s Great Book of Produce” (Wiley, $29.95) by Orange County’s own Cathy Thomas, award-winning writer of the Orange County Register and author of “50 Best Plants on the Planet.”

FOR THE COUSCOUS 1 pound instant couscous 2 1/2 cups boiling water 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 10 saffron threads, diluted in 1/4 cup boiling water until water turns orange (optional) 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 Drain chickpeas; put in large pot. Add 6 cups water, cover, and cook over medium-low heat 45 minutes or until almost tender. Add carrots, potatoes, onions and olive oil; cook 20 minutes.

2 Add zucchini, squash, cabbage, celery,

salt, pepper, and turmeric; cook 15 minutes or until zucchini and squash are fork tender. Adjust seasoning.

3 Mix couscous with boiling water in large

Couscous with Vegetables 6-8 servings

FOR THE VEGETABLES 3/4 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight in water 3 carrots, cut into large chunks 3 potatoes, peeled and quartered 2 onions, quartered 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 large zucchini, cut into large chunks 1 pound butternut squash or pumpkin, cut into large chunks

bowl (if using saffron, reduce water to 2 1/4 cups). Add salt, pepper, and diluted saffron, if using. Let stand 10 minutes until grains swell. Add olive oil; fluff couscous with fork. Steam in double boiler or heat, covered in microwave.

4 To serve, mound couscous in deep dish.

Using slotted spoon, arrange vegetables around or atop couscous. Ladle enough liquid just to add moisture to grains.

Serve at once.

4 tablespoons raspberry jam

1 Preheat oven to 400°F. 2 Melt butter in saucepan on medium-

high heat. Add sugars and spices; stir to combine. Add Asian pears, and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

3 Cut defrosted, cold pastry into quarters.

On lightly floured surface, roll each quarter into 6-inch squares. Place 1 tablespoon jam in center of each square.

Place equal amount of Asian pear mixture in center of each square. Moisten edges of pastry with cold water. Fold one corner of each square to opposite comer to form triangle. Press to seal, and pinch edges together.

4 Place on baking sheet. Bake in middle of preheated oven 20-25 minutes, or until puffed and nicely browned.

Source: “Melissa’s Great Book of Produce”

by Cathy Thomas

Asian Pear Turnovers 4 servings

2 tablespoons butter

2 stalks celery with leaves, halved crosswise

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

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1 sheet frozen puff pastry, defrosted according to package directions

Source: “Jewish Soul Food From Minsk to Marrakesh” by Janna Gur

1 small green cabbage, core removed, quartered

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2 Asian pears, peeled, cored, coarsely chopped

JLife food Editor Judy Bart Kancigor is the author of “Cooking Jewish” (Workman) and “The Perfect Passover Cookbook” (an e-book short from Workman), a columnist and feature writer for the Orange County Register and other publications and can be found on the web at www.cookingjewish.com.

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out&about KRONOS QUARTET The Grammy Award-winning string quartet returns to the Barclay Theatre on Feb. 21 with new works by awardwinning Jewish composer Philip Glass. Kronos Quartet has been at the forefront of contemporary classical music, building an eclectic repertoire for string quartet through its collaborations with contemporary composers and genredefying artists.

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BLUES AT THE CROSSROADS

JOHN LLOYD YOUNG

NUMBER THE STARS

The third installment of Pacific Symphony’s popular Blues at the Crossroads concerts will perform in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall on Feb. 7. Grammy winner Irma Thomas is joined by vocalists Lee Fields and Alecia Chakour, guitarist Eric Krasno, and The Dynamites for what promises to be a wailin’ good time.

John Lloyd Young, star of Broadway’s Jersey Boys, comes to the Samueli Theater Feb. 12-14 to perform selections from his debut album, a collection of romantic standards from the 60s entitled My Turn.

Produced by Dr. Douglas W. Larche With Susan Elliot Larche and based on the Novel by Lois Lowry, this production is part of the Laguna Beach Playhouse’s Youth Performances running Feb. 19 and 20 on the Laguna Beach Playhouse stage.

ALIEN SHE Orange County Art Museum welcomes a new exhibit starting Feb. 15, Alien She. This is the first exhibition highlighting the lasting impact of the pioneering punk feminist movement Riot Grrrl. The exhibition focuses on seven contemporary artists working in a wide range of disciplines, providing a view into the passion and diversity of the original Riot Grrrl movement.

ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE | February 2015

Molly Ringwald The iconic 80s actress will be performing songs off her debut jazz album at the Orange County Jewish Community Center (JCC) for a crowd-pleasing concert, “An Evening with Molly Ringwald” on Sat, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Returning to her roots as a singer, Ringwald performs a sultry arrangement of jazz songs from her new album, Except Sometimes.

Ringwald’s performance melds traditional jazz with hits from the Great American Songbook, creating a unique show with beautiful, unexpected musical connections.

She was born Molly Kathleen Ringwald in 1968 in Roseville, California, to parents Adele and Bob Ringwald. Adele worked as a pastry chef while Bob, a blind jazz musician, served as the frontman and banjo player for the Great Pacific Jazz Band. Ringwald was the youngest of three sisters.

Ringwald began acting at an early age. She played the role of the dormouse in a stage performance of “Alice in Wonderland” at the age of five. The following year, she released I Wanna be Loved by You, a jazz album performed with her father and his band.

Ringwald continued to perform throughout

the 70s, playing the role of an orphan in a stage performance of Annie, as well as being a Mouseketeer on the Disney Channel’s The New Mickey Mouse Club.

It wasn’t until Ringwald’s preteen years that her television and film career began to take shape. It began with a brief stint on The Facts of Life (1979), where the actress played a supporting role as Molly

Parker, a girl dealing with the effects of her parents’ divorce. In 1982, she made her big-screen debut in a film version of the Shakespeare play, The Tempest. Her performance as Miranda Dimitrius resulted in a Golden Globe nomination‚ and helped get Ringwald noticed by legendary film director and producer, John Hughes.

In 1984, Hughes cast Ringwald in the starring

role for the coming of age film, Sixteen Candles.

Ringwald played the endearingly awkward Samantha Baker, who struggles to cope with unrequited love and the fact her entire family has forgotten her 16th birthday.

Her performance made her an instant cultural icon, and earned the actress a Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress in a Motion Picture.

Molly Ringwald

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LIFESTYLE

LAUGHING IT OFF IN ORANGE COUNTY

Holy Middle Seat!

Prayers from a squished passenger.

Dear N., I recently traveled to Israel.

I wanted to pray at the most sacred site in all of Judaism: the grave of Menachem Begin. I also visited popular tourist sites like the Western Wall, where I stuffed a handwritten scrap of paper between the cracks of the holy Herodian stones. My note contained but a modest request; and yet, despite my heartfelt plea, I found myself in a middle seat on the flight home.

Why did God forsake me?

– Crazy for Israel Dear Crazy, I understand how you feel. Just this morning, in fact, I prayed I would be presented with a meaningful question, one that would touch on issues of Jewish identity, history,

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and scholarship. A question that would challenge me intellectually and emotionally, one that would illuminate the world simply by having been asked.

But I received yours instead.

Nonetheless, I will respond, because I get paid the same either way.

Crazy, I am sorry to report that your uncomfortable flight is clear evidence that the Almighty finds you as irritating as I do. The depth of Divine disdain can be measured in inches: specifically, the waist size of your travel companions. Based on my initial impression of you, I’m going to go ahead and assume you were seated between identical twin Sumo wrestlers.

Still, you ask a valid question.

After all, you prayed at the grave of the greatest Zionist leader of

all time. Who but a true patriot would defy the government by forming and arming his own private army? Do we Americans not admire our private militias as models of democracy?

prayed for salvation as the disaster unfolded, but surely the doomed passengers/mine workers/hikers prayed with equal fervor! The obvious conclusion is that they, like you, prayed wrong.

Maybe the Holy One, Blessed But don’t be discouraged. Keep Be He (or She) harbors a grudge praying. Sure, it’s done you against you. For example: did you no good until now, but who vote for Obama in 2008? (Voting knows? Maybe G-d will one day for him in 2012 is confuse you with considered a lesser somebody He transgression, THAT THEY, actually likes and as even the Allyour prayer will LIKE YOU, Knowing tends be answered. In PRAYED to stick with the meantime, the incumbent.)

WRONG. did you know Other activities you can select frowned upon by your seat online?

Our Father, Our King include: Point-and-click may lack the murder, adultery, and becoming gravitas of stand-and-daven, but a vegan. (He went to a lot of trouble to make cows — who are at least it’s reliable. you to waste them?)

— N.

Or, perhaps it was the nature of the prayer itself that offended. We have all seen situations in which a terrible mishap is unexpectedly survived by a few of its victims.

They invariably testify to having

N. Troyer was taught the importance of prayer from a young age; it was only later the author developed an appreciation for booking a flight well in advance.

News&Jews OC JEWISH SCENE | FEBRUARY 2015

Shopping for a Cause

In Memorium – Julian Sugarman

Hadassah – Laguna Hills ~ Saddleback is having its Annual Fashion Show Luncheon on Tuesday, February 24. Take in all the great fabrics and fashions by Draper’s & Damon’s. The event will take place at the Mission Viejo Country Club.

Julian Sugarman (b. 1923), a pillar in the Jewish community, passed away in early January. His daughter Robin Elcott describes him as a brilliant, computer-savvy man with an awesome sense of humor and, moreover, as a man that truly loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of his favorite things was sharing a beer with the “son he never had,” Shalom C. Elcott, President and CEO of Jewish Federation & Family Services. He will be greatly missed. Julian is survived by his wife Geri Sugarman, daughters Robin and Barbara, grandchildren Marti J, Tracie, Jereme, Lauren, Shoshanna, and Jordan, and two great grandchildren Aidan and Kipton.

For more information please contact: Rena Konheim at (949) 208-1102 or Lenore Maglin at (949) 661-1605.

Temple Beth Sholom Establishes Geniza Temple Beth Sholom held a very special Geniza Ceremony on Sunday, December 14 at 11:30 a.m. The ceremony, attended by approximately 200 people, buried items lost in the fire last February.

The Geniza will be under the foundation of the soon-to-becompleted Horwitz Family Chapel.

Additionally, it was a special learning and participation opportunity for the religious school students.

Gefilte Fish & Chips Playhouse Productions, Inc. presents the award-winning and internationally acclaimed Gefilte Fish & Chips written and performed by Daniel Cainer.

Based on true-life stories, the talented composer presents a unique collection of stories in song that will take you on a musical and lyrical journey like no other, weaving an irresistible tapestry of family legend and musical folklore.

Gefilte Fish & Chips will run Feb. 12 thru March 22, 2015 at the Huntington Beach Library Theater. For more info please visit PlayhouseInfo.com or (855)448-7469 (855-HIT SHOW). Groups of 12+ call (888)264-1788.

TVT Ranked Top Jewish School in the Nation for Academics Tarbut V’Torah (TVT) Community Day School in Irvine was named the #1 ranked private school for best academics in Orange County (#9 in LA Metro Area and top 100 nationally) by Niche.com. The same study ranked TVT the #1 Jewish school in the nation for academics.

A high ranking in Academics generally indicates that students are very happy with the quality of the education they are receiving; students perform well on standardized assessments, including SATs/ACTs; and graduates leave the school college- and career-ready, according to the Niche.com website.

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NEWPORT’S “PERFECT PEDI”:

Concierge Podiatry Introduces The Medical Pedicure Local podiatrist Dr. Ivar Roth elevates the standard of foot care to a new level.

Dr Ivar Roth: The Podiacurists are trained to use binocular microscope glasses when performing their procedures. They use four unique instruments used in a Podiatrists office. These instruments are the scalpel to efficiently and effectively shave off the callouses and corns, a medical grade Tissue nipper to clip and remove deep corns, a large and powerful nail cutter for thick toenails, and a special diamond surfaced power sander with a HEPA vacuum system to remove the dust and debris to smooth the skin and nails.

What advantage is there to using these special instruments?

Dr Ivar Roth: Because Podiacurists are using the binocular microscope they are able to see every detail of the toes in high magnification. This enables them to provide a superior outcome because they can see everything magnified as they are working. Using the scalpel means that the callouses and corns are really removed not just the superficial layer that is removed with a file in a salon. This deep debridement of the callous means superior instant relief and a longer lasting pedicure.

Does anything like this exist anywhere else?

Dr Ivar Roth: The answer is NO. I have taken the skills of a licensed pedicurist, had them take the two advanced certification courses and then have taught them the podiatry skill set that I developed for them to be true professionals.

What other services can the Podiacurists offer to their clients?

Dr Ivar Roth: Besides the actual treatments they are in constant contact with me as I am available for any questions that they have concerning their clients care. The Podiacurists have been trained to recognize abnormal skin and nail problems, so I can be consulted chair side or they can recommend that the client be seen by me later for their concerns. This situation makes it a one stop shop for any foot issues.

From left to right: Monica, Office Manager; Dr. Ivar Roth; Gina, Podiacurist

J

Life reporters recently sat down with Dr. Ivar Roth to discuss Concierge’s Podiatry’s new EXCLUSIVE medical pedicure and what it means to have a dedicated professional offering this service.

We understand that Concierge Podiatry is offering this new service, how is it different from a standard pedicure?

Dr Ivar Roth: Medical pedicures are now being offered in my office because there is a huge need for this medical based service, especially for those people who are at risk for infection. The Podiacurists in my office have specialized training in how to care for people with at risk feet. This group of patients includes those with diabetics, have poor circulation, cancer, wound care, and patients who have had transplants. Of course we also offer these services to anyone wanting that extra level of care and

sterility or are afraid of standard pedicure shops What additional training do your podiacurists have?

Dr Ivar Roth: They are employees of my medical practice who have had extensive experience with the common foot conditions that I treat every day in my office. They are state registered pedicurists who have taken and passed two extra certification programs, the advanced nail and medical nail technician programs and completed 400 hours of training in my office to become Podiacurists TM. What this all means is they are like dental hygienists for the feet. The Podiacurist is additionally trained in the techniques, using the tools and instruments that a podiatrist uses.

What podiatry skills and instruments do the Podiacurists use?

ADVERTISEMENT

Will these premium services come at a premium price?

Dr. Ivar Roth: The basic medical pedicure is $75.00, which includes cutting of the nails, and removing the corns and callouses. The feet are first soaked and cleaned and after the service a foot massage is provided, nail polish will also be applied.

If a client wants a manicure, will you provide those services also?

Dr. Ivar Roth: Yes, for a nominal extra charge, just let us know and we will put aside the extra time.

Thank you for the interview Dr. Roth, what are your final thoughts?

Dr. Ivar Roth: I appreciate the opportunity to explain and bring this new service to Newport Beach.

Concierge Podiatry is located at 351 Hospital Road Suite 407 in Newport Beach.

Our Telephone number is (949) 650-1147.

LIFESTYLE

Time can be just as valuable as money when it comes to charity.

KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON The Importance of Philanthropic Balance

BY ADAM CHESTER

WHEN IT SEEMS the holidays have passed, and the emails asking for your philanthropic investments have abated, you realize that you’re Jewish, and these items will always be around, becoming perpetual life events.

Another day-off from work is inevitably lingering around the calendar-corner, and unless you delete your Gmail account, you’ll never get the words “click-here-to-give” out of your life. Sure, we have daily opportunities for personal prayer, weekly chances to celebrate Judaism through Shabbat, and G-d-knows (literally) how many holidays are sporadically dispersed throughout the year where we either don’t eat, or recognize that our ancestors did something so memorable, that we should 52 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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celebrate the accomplishment by overeating (don’t schvitz, we’re all confused by the mixed food-signals).

At what point is religous practice and dietary traditions changing the world for the better? Are we eating to convalesce our neighbors? Praying to ensure that our community can maintain running water and electricity?

Eventually, we must deviate from giving back to just ourselves and immediate family, and accept that the seemingly incessant requests for tzedakah are coming for reasons more important than clogging an inbox or paying the mailman’s rent. This acceptance should be paired with finding one’s own understanding of why it feels good to give

both time and money. Once the internal contemplation of, “Do I keep my money, and just volunteer some hours” occurs, you know you’re wrestling with potentiating your social justice.

The “money vs. time” struggle can cause turmoil for both donors and organizations.

Individuals often fit into one of three categories in this regard. The first two being less than ideal; either only having time to give, but no money, or donating financially without contributing the hours. Ideally, everybody would give some of each! Unfortunately, not everybody has the means. The important thing is to work towards finding a balance.

There are many things which are necessary to run an operation that would not be possible without financial resources. For example, an office necessitates basic utilities: rent, electricity and upkeep. Yet these details often slip through donors’ minds.

It might help to conceptually compare an operation into terms akin to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which outlines the growth of humans.

Growth cannot occur until basic necessities are met, which in the case of an organization, are funding and time contributed.

In order to help others, our philanthropic actions must be taken into our own accord, and acted upon our own volition. Without a strong balance between time and financial philanthropy, and a sense of who is affected, the routine of eating, fasting, and being Jewish turns into nothing more than meaningless tradition. A Adam Chester graduated from UCSD with a degree in Clinical Psychology and is the NextGen Outreach & Engagement Coordinator at JFFS.

LIFESTYLE

GIVING WITH JOY What motivates you?

BY RABBI DAVID ELIEZRIE

BEREL WEISS WAS a well-known philanthropist in Los Angeles. On a daily basis people in need would wait to see him after services in his Los Angeles Synagogue; each received help. It was not just the needy people who benefitted. Jewish organizations also knew Mr. Weiss had an open hand to all. He once told me that he was struggling with the Mitzvah of giving Tzedakah (usually translated as “charity”) and he asked the Lubavitcher Rebbe for advice. The Rebbe’s response: “Every time you write a check you should feel joy in helping another .”

The Hebrew word for giving is Tzedakah the word charity is an inaccurate translation.

The proper meaning of tzedakah is “justice

or righteousness.” Judaism does not view giving as an act of kindness, but as acting with responsibility.

Some people are naturally generous – others are not. Over the years I have uncovered a major difference in what prompts people to give. I have found it is a question about how we view our money. Some have the attitude, “I earned the money I can spend it how I choose.” Others see money and success in a deeper, more spiritual fashion. “Yes I worked hard, but the success is a blessing from Above.

I am a steward of the money I have been blessed with and I have a responsibility to help others and the community.”

One can ask an interesting question. Why

did G-d create a world with those who have resources and those who are in need? Why does the survival of Judaism depend on the kindness of individuals? It could have been much simpler, in a more perfect world everyone would have what they need, and no one would go hungry. Judaism could flourish without having to raise money.

G-d provides us with a remarkable opportunity. With our giving we have the power and ability to transform the world into a better place. Money makes a difference. An investment in Jewish education will insure a Jewish future for a child. Support of those who are hungry will help them survive. Our giving is a sacred act of caring and compassion for one another. When we give we act in a G-dly fashion.

With an open hand we can build a strong and vibrant community. At the same time we model for our children the Jewish ideal of caring for the community and others. And we should remember as we write each check, to have Simcha Shel Mitzvah, the joy of the Mitzvah – just as Mr. Weiss. A Rabbi Eliezrie is at Congregation Beth Meir HaCohen/Chabad.

His email is rabbi@ocjewish.com.

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LIFESTYLE

ORANGE COUNTY’S JEWISH HISTORY Doc Paskowitz, Jewish Father of Surfing

BY DALIA TAFT

Doc Paskowitz with eight of his nine children, San Onofre Beach, early 1970s.

BLOGOSPHERE Jlife wants to acknowledge some of the interesting blogs related to the Jewish community. Enjoy!

Born in 1921 in Texas to a Russian Jewish family, Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz was a Stanford educated physician who left the practice of medicine in 1956 to go to Israel for a year, where he lived with the Bedouins and introduced surfing to the young Jewish state. Upon his return, Paskowitz embarked on a nomadic existence with his wife Juliette and their nine children (eight sons and one daughter, all given biblical names), whom they raised in a 24-foot camper. The freethinking Paskowitz, who described himself as “devoutly Jewish,” wrapped tefillin every morning. The family observed the laws of kashrut, lit candles in their tiny camper every Friday night, and the boys all became bar mitzvah.

Eventually, they settled down near San Clemente and opened a surfing school, which is still run by the family. His death last October in Newport Beach at the age of 93 was deeply felt in the surfing community.

Dalia Taft, archivist of the Orange County Jewish Historical Society, a Connect 2 People Initiative of Jewish Federation & Family Services, highlights images from the archives every month. For more information, please visit www.jewishorangecounty.org/historical. You can also contact Dalia at historical@jffs.org or at (949) 435-3484, ext. 167.

54 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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EJEWISH PHILANTHROPY Anyone who runs a non-profit or works in the world of nonprofits must read this blog. ejewishphilanthropy.com JEWSCHOOL A good and important read that provides relevant ways to enrich your life as well as your ongoing Judaic studies. jewschool.com TABLET A great spot to fill up on all the latest in Jewish art and culture trends. tabletmag.com

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LIFESTYLE

WHAT A GREAT time for community celebrations! This past holiday season, the young adult Jewish community hosted the 9th Night, an event hosted by JewGlue, JYA, Moishe House and GesherCity. Over 160 young adults celebrated Hanukkah at The Yost Theater in downtown Santa Ana. Also, Shalom Family and PJ Library hosted a Hanukkah Community Concert featuring Rick Recht! Over 45 families and adults of all ages came to see the Jewish rock musician at the Newport Coast Community Center. For more information about JewGlue and Shalom Family, please email nextgen@jffs.org.

TOP LEFT: Hilary Serota, Sara Gold, Jocelyn Tiger and Bella Staav TOP RIGHT: Sahar Louk, Dawn Paz, Briana Booth, Jason Sarkozi, Daniella Chdler and Raz Louk MIDDLE LEFT: Melissa Weinger and Elena Rams MIDDLE RIGHT: The Kushon Family BOTTOM RIGHT: Steven Schrimmer, Cristina Saunders, Debs Schrimmer, Barret Davis, Melanie McGrane and Mark Ponsegi

56 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF JACKIE MENTER OF JEWISH FEDERATION & FAMILY SERVICES

Orange Jews

LIFESTYLE

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Fighting Halacha This is a modern Jewish tragedy. Locally we still have people who take away someone’s personal Jewish connection by telling them that they are not Jewish. Yes, this is a direct commentary to traditional/orthodox thinking. Why is this a problem? The Jewish community is becoming smaller in population.

Less people are inclined to join one that limits their acceptance. This combined with interfaith marriage creates more obstacles for those who are not Jewish by halacha (Jewish law). I have seen and heard people in Orange County use this logic and I am astounded with how primitive their thinking is.

It is dehumanizing to take away their religious identity because of who they marry or if their father is the Jewish one. In many cases, even converts are not treated kindly in more observant forums unless they did a “proper” conversion. By proper they mean a conversion through Orthodox Judaism. I see no difference. Both are derogatory. These people identify as Jewish and practice the same, if not more, than much of our community.

A brief and loose history lesson: nationality comes from the father and religion comes

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this point is sensitive and I am not trying to undercut tragedy by making this point, but Hitler was willing to kill those of us with one Jewish parent. Hitler was willing to kill converts and those who held any type of Jewish identity. The terms in which we value how we become Jewish has to change as historically we have been persecuted and these parameters have changed our population.

In addition, and on a far more positive note, Birthright also accepts those who identify as Jewish. Many participants do not have a Jewish mother. Israel’s head rabbis do NOT accept these people as Jewish, but they are willing to accept Birthright’s money and tourism to keep their economy going? How contradictory are we being as a globally society?

Come, see your Jewish roots in Israel… oh wait, some of your roots, but you don’t have enough roots for US to accept you as Jewish?

Please leave your tzedakah in the box. What!?!

Ultimately there is hypocrisy within our local and global community that needs to be addressed. It will affect Jewish marriages, affects the right of return and makes the Jewish community less of a “community.” It is not easy being Jewish in a world full of adversity. If these people want to be Jewish, identify with our community and our religion, I say have at it!

The terms in which we value how we become Jewish has to change.

from the mother because there were no DNA tests when halacha was created. Now, I know, many of you think we should not challenge rabbis from history as well as current rabbis. Let us remember that we are not the Catholic Church (props to their new Pope who seems to be making strides in progression himself these days!). Rabbis are not ordained by G-d, they are ordained by fallible people who are educated in many ways that we may not be, but Judaism isn’t a hierarchy.

Rabbis are to lead our community and we do have wonderful rabbis, but Jewish law is a touchy subject.

Why do we care so much about this particular law? Many Jews, both locally and globally, don’t have a kosher kitchen and may drive their cars on Shabbat. If you don’t listen to these laws, why would we as a community use Jewish laws to discriminate? If the laws weren’t important enough for us to make food decisions, clothing decisions (did you make sure there is not an improper mixing of wool and linen before you dressed?), and shaving why do we use this rational to discriminate?

Speaking of discrimination, I realize that

RACHEL SCHIFF

is an English teacher who graduated from Cal State Fullerton.

She was president of Hillel, a representative of World Union of Jewish Students and a YLD intern. Currently, she is a master’s degree student in American Studies with emphasis on Jews in America.

Jlife

| FEBRUARY 2015 57

LIFESTYLE

COME KIBITZ Jewish Comedy in Canter’s Deli

BY TANYA SCHWIED

The Kibitz Room Comedy Show keeps everyone in stitches.

A WAITER WALKS up to a group of Jewish women and asks...

“Is anything all right?”

In my mind, humor is just as integral to Jewish culture as food. I think it was Jerry Seinfeld who summed it up best when asked about being Jewish — he said, “I’m in it for the food and the jokes.” Growing up, I remember that my dad’s boxed set of “The 2000 Year Old Man,” starring Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks, sat up on the mantle like a shrine to the comedy gods (both of whom are Jewish). Needless to say, I love comedy.

So when asked to check out a comedy spot called The Kibitz Room Comedy Show in the back room at Canter’s Deli in L.A., it was a no-brainer. Comics and pastrami… SOLD! I knew that I was in the right place when I was ushered to the dimly lit room way in the back packed with a hip, young crowd. I felt like I was in the mafia, and you had to know someone who knew someone to find 58 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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out about this spot. The intimate setting was the perfect place to watch headliner Bill Burr work out brand new material (cocktail napkin of jokes in hand). One comedian even used a comment a waitress said to add to one of her jokes. We live in this new comedy era where sold-out shows in arenas holding upwards of 10-12,000 people is normal. I was starting to get a little nostalgic for the days when I went downstairs to the basement of the Comedy Cellar in New York City — where comedians would just stand with a mic and a brick wall behind them.

This is how comedy should be.

And this is how it is at the Kibitz Room Comedy Show, founded by Jacklyn and Ester Steinberg. The sisters are quickly becoming leaders in L.A.’s comedy scene.

Together they have produced such shows as Your Perfect Housewife in NYC and the Kibitz Room Comedy Show in LA. They also create unique comedy events around

town to promote new products and launch new works such as the Lovvvit comedy shows. Events like the Kibitz Room Comedy show have become a sensation, attracting an elite audience and following because of the Steinbergs’ ability to provide a steady stream of some of the best and brightest comedic talents, including Bill Burr, Ron Funches, Natasha Leggero and Todd Glass.

The atmosphere at the monthly Kibitz Room Comedy Show is perfect for all you displaced East Coasters and those like myself longing for NYC’s Lower East Side, like myself. These Steinberg girls sure know how to put together a solid lineup, often getting famous pals to do a spot and showcasing some of the city’s most talented unknowns.

Be sure to join them in the Kibitz room on the last Monday of every month: go to the back room, grab a cocktail, sit back and enjoy the show.

Check out their Facebook page at www. facebook.com/KibitzRoomComedy or visit them at 419 N Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA in Beverly Grove. A Tanya Schwied graduated from New York University, studied abroad in Israel, and currently works for the CEO and President of Jewish Federation & Family Services.

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Marcy Middler-Herdeg, Ph.D. Marriage & Family Counseling with Jewish Flair Support groups available.

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marcymiddler@yahoo.com 1303 Avocado, #240 Newport Beach, 92660 Lic. #8631

Jlife

| FEBRUARY 2015 59

LIFESTYLE

SENIORS

CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2015

MONDAYS 9:00 AM Gentle Yogalates & Meditation Merage JCC 10:00 AM News & Views Merage JCC 10:00 AM Tai Chi/ Jack Finkelstein Ezra AAFC

11:30 AM Drop-in Bridge Merage JCC 7:00 PM Drop-in Mah Jongg Merage JCC

60 FEBRUARY 2015 |

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WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Tu B’ Shevat Seder-Lunch Merage JCC

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18– MAR. 11 1:00 – 2:00 PM Learn to Write Poetry Merage JCC

THURSDAY, FEB. 5 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM Mah Jongg Tournament & Luncheon Merage JCC SUNDAY, FEB. 8 10:00 – 11:00 AM Grandparent & Me Storytime & Crafts for Tu B’ Shevat Merage JCC MONDAYS, FEB. 9 – MAR. 30 7:00 – 9:00 PM Learn to Play Mah Jongg Merage JCC TUESDAYS, FEB. 10 – MAR. 3 9:30 – 11:30 AM Learn to Play Bridge 2 Merage JCC WEDNESDAYS, FEB. 11 – APR. 1 10:30 – 12:30 PM Learn to Play Mah Jongg Merage JCC

WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS 8:45 AM Gentle Yoga Merage JCC

THURSDAYS, FEB. 12 – MAR. 19 9:30 – 11:30 AM Bridge- Intermediate Supervised Play of Hand Merage JCC

9:30 AM Keeping Fit/ Mel Grossman Ezra AAFC

11:00 AM Various Lecture Topics Ezra AAFC

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18 10:30 – 11:30 AM Wellness- Creating Balance in Your Life Merage JCC

TUESDAYS 10:30 AM The View for Women of All Ages Merage JCC

THURSDAYS 10:30 AM Drop-in Mah Jongg Merage JCC

10:30 AM Stretching/Al Talberg Ezra AAFC

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Health & Wellness Talks for Women Merage JCC

FRIDAY, FEB. 13 – MAR. 6 10:30 – 11:30 AM Refresher – Mah Jongg Merage JCC

10:30 AM Various Lecture Topics Ezra AAFC

SUNDAY, FEB. 15 1:00 – 4:00 PM Poker League Merage JCC

FRIDAYS 10:00 AM Men’s Club at the JCC Merage JCC

TUESDAY, FEB. 17 7:00 PM Men’s Wine Tasting Merage JCC

THURSDAY, FEB. 19– MAR. 12 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Living with Joy Resilience & Jewish Spirituality Merage JCC SUNDAY, FEB 22 2PM - 3:30PM Great Jewish Americans 101 Who Knew?

The Remarkable Inventions of Jewish Americans You Never Heard Of Presented by: Award winning journalist Edmon Rodman TUESDAY FEB. 24 10:00 AM Books & Bagels Merage JCC The Merage Jewish Community Center is located at 1 Federation Way Suite 200, Irvine, (949) 435-3400 x 303.

For reservations please contact Geri Dorman, Prime Time Adult Director at: gerid@jccoc.org.

The Ezra Center is located at Temple Beth Emet on Monday & Thursday 1770 W. Cerritos, Anaheim, (714) 776-1103 and Temple Beth Tikvah on Wednesday 1600 N. Acacia, (714) 871-3535.

Temple Bat Yahm is located at 1011 Camelback St., Newport Beach, (949) 854-8854. For reservations please contact Sandy Bursten at: sandybee1@cox.net.

Harbor Lawn - Mt. Olive Memorial Park & Mortuary

Available 7 Days a Week

Serving the Jewish Community in the Traditional Manner Since 1952 Discounts available for pre-arranged services.

(714) 540-5554 FD#1341

1625 Gisler Avenue 路 Costa Mesa, CA 92626

www.HarborLawn.com

Jlife

| FEBRUARY 2015 61

Advertising Index

61 Allan Silverman

35 Jason Novak Realtor

59 Marcy Middler

28 Jewish Community Center

17 Michael Rubinstein Attorney at Law

29 Jewish Community Center

13 Michael Rubinstein Attorney at Law

11 Congregation B’nai Tzedek

10 Jewish Community Center Maccabi Sports Camp

31 Mortensen & Reinheimer PC

61 Bubbe and Zayde’s Place

6 Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot

46 Jewish Federation and Family Services

32 Burch, Coulston & Shepard, LLP

23 Dr. Blake (MM of OC)

47 Jewish Federation and Family Services

9 Alzheimers Association Of OC 13 Artist Touch 55 Averelle + David Silver Westrick 10 B’nai Brith Camp

55 Callahan & Blaine 13 Camp Gilboa 11 Camp Hess Cramer 2 Chapman University Rodger’s Center 3 Chapman University Rodger’s Center

62 FEBRUARY 2015 |

7 Congregation Beth Jacob 7 Congregation Beth Jacob 9 Congregation B’nai Israel

35 Dr. Hilary Buff

33 Mortensen & Reinheimer PC 59 Naples Vacuum 59 Professional Healthcare Services

51 Dr. Ivar Roth

19 Jewish Federation and Family Services

10 Gourmet Detective

23 Klein Financial

11 Sherri Primes

61 Harbor Lawn

25 L’Dor V’Dor

39 Solomon’s Bakery

5 Heritage Pointe

43 Laguna Playhouse

17 Soul Mates Unlimited

25 Heritage Pointe at Home

17 Outcome Genii

35 South Coast Repatory Theater

Jlife

63 Phil Roy Production

55 Rock Doctor

35 State Farm Jason Strakman 50 24 Carrots 15 Temple Bat Yahm 13 Temple Beth El 17 Temple Beth Tikvah 17 Torah with Liora 64 Tustin Ranch 10 University Synagogue 59 Visiting Angels 23 XS Medical 39 Vein Doctor Clinic 61 VITAS 55 Zounds Audio

Jlife

| FEBRUARY 2015 63

ORANGE COUNTY’S JEWISH YOUTH & PARENTS

Tu B’shvat The Birthday of Trees

Jewish Camps

A Garden Of Blessings Experiential Learning at its Best

Your Summer of Fun!

FEBRUARY 2015

Our bakery products become your gifts.

Family owned and operated since 1993.

19 flavors of gourmet cookies made from the freshest, all-natural ingredients.

Now featuring our new gluten free cookies and cakes.

• Bar/Bat Mitzvah Cakes • Photo Cakes • Gourmet Cupcakes • Dipped Strawberries • Dessert Bars • Logo Cookies • Corporate Gift Baskets Customized orders based on your needs.

We can do anything here at Donna B’s!

(949) 367-0100

www.donnabsbakery.com

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$25 purchase or

10% OFF your next purchase!

Exp. 2/28/15

We ship and deliver across the US. Gift cards available. cookiegal@aol.com 26022 Cape Dr., Ste. B Laguna Niguel 92677

G IN LL W LL RO O FA EN NOR F PRESCHOOL FOR CHILDREN AGES 26 Olam Programs • Ages 2-6 years old • Choice of two, three or five day classes • Half-day program: 8:30 to 12:00 • Full-day program: 8:30 to 2:30 • Full-day Plus: 8:30 to 5:30 • Early Care: 7:30-8:30 am

Extra-Curricular Activities These activities are available in addition to our Montessori curriculum. The instructors come to Olam once a week for families who are interested in additional programming.

• Gymnastics with Mr. Dean • Webby Dance • Play Ball • Summer Camp

“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”

— Maria Montessori www.olamjewishmontessori.com info@olamjewishmontessori.com 3900 Michelson Drive · Irvine, CA 92612

Call for a tour! (949) 786-5230 2

3

a peek inside february 2015

07

08

A GARDEN OF BLESSINGS

MAH NISHTANAH

Experiential learning at its best.

How is Jewish camp different from all others?

also inside!

Editor’s Note 06 For February Calendar Events please visit: www.ocjewishlife.com

10

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TU B’SHVAT

JEWISH SUMMER CAMPS

The birthday of trees.

Create a second Jewish home for your children.

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• Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, Meetings & More • Eight different teambuilding activities available • See and hear all the action in the Officers Club • Rooms available for off-site meetings • Food & beverage included • Personalized dog tags and award certificates • The only facility like it in the world!

• Groups up to 90 people

GET IN TOUcH wITH yOUr INNEr TOP GUN! 5

6

EDITOR’S NOTE

kiddish

PUBLISHER ORANGE COUNTY JEWISH LIFE EDITOR IN CHIEF TRACEY ARMSTRONG GORSKY, MBA CREATIVE DIRECTOR RACHEL BELLINSKY COPYEDITOR JOSH NAMM CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DR. HILARY BUFF AUDRA MARTIN, SUE PENN, M. ED., SYMONE SASS, MSW HANNAH SCHOENBAUM ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES DIANE BENAROYA (SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE) MARTIN STEIN (SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE) EDITORIAL (949) 230-0581 TARMSTRONG24@GMAIL.COM

I

t seems crazy to be already thinking about summer, but here we are. It’s only our February issue and we are already getting a jump on planning. We hope to give you a leg-up this year by featuring great articles on

ADVERTISING (949) 812-1891 SALES@OCJEWISHLIFE.COM ART ART@OCJEWISHLIFE.COM

Jewish Summer Camps. Summertime camp experiences can have a profound effect on our childhood years. Camp can give kids a chance to branch out away from their families (sometimes for the very first time) and start to forge their own relationships. Kids engage in new activities and start to

ORANGE COUNTY JEWISH LIFE AND KIDDISH IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY ORANGE COUNTY JEWISH LIFE, LLC 1 FEDERATION WAY, IRVINE, CA 92603

form new interests and hobbies. They gain brand new skills and, most importantly, come away with a whole new level of self-confidence. Even better, if you send your kids to a Jewish Summer Camp, you know they will be surrounded by the values your family cherishes. All this… rolled into one blast of a summer: how can you go wrong? Dig in and enjoy!

— Tracey Armstrong Gorsky, Editor in Chief

Editor Tracey Armstrong Gorsky is the managing editor for JLife and former editor and writer for Making Waves, Pet Product News, Veterinary Practice News and Surfing Magazine. She brings over ten years of writing and editing experience to Kiddish magazine and holds a Masters in Business Administration.

OCJL is published monthly by Orange County Jewish Life, LLC. Subscription rate is $24 for one year (12 issues).

Send subscription requests to OCJL, 5665 Oberlin Dr., Ste. 204, San Diego, CA 92121. Orange County Jewish Life is a free and open forum for the expression of opinions. The opinions expressed herein are solely the opinion of the author and in no way reflect the opinions of the publishers, staff or advertisers. Orange County Jewish Life is not responsible for the accuracy of any and all information within advertisements.

Orange County Jewish Life reserves the right to edit all submitted materials, including press releases, letters, articles and calendar listings for brevity and clarity. OCJL is not legally responsible for the accuracy of calendar or directory listings, nor is it responsible for possible postponements, cancellations or changes in venue. Manuscripts, letters, documents and photographs sent to OCJL become the physical property of the publication, which is not responsible for the return of such material. Orange County Jewish Life is a member of the American Jewish Press Association and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

All contents © 2014 Orange County Jewish Life.

kiddish

7

FEBRUARY 2015

A Garden of Blessings Experiential learning at its best.

BY SYMONE SASS, MSW

W

It’s never to early to start working on your green thumb.

hen we have our snack time with the children at Olam Jewish Montessori,

we ask them “what is the bracha, or blessing, that we say on this food?” We ask the children where does this food grow? On a tree (Ha’etz)? In the ground (Ha’adama)?

In the Montessori method children use their hands to learn through ex-

periential activities. At Olam we teach the children about the foods that we eat through gardening and by allowing them to plant seeds and till the land with their own hands.

Judaism also encourages experiential learning through practicing the mitzvot. We don’t just welcome in Shabbat with a prayer, we actually perform the mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles with our hands. This act truly imprints the meaning of Shabbat on our hearts because it is something that we actually do.

Continuing in our tradition of gardening at Olam, and aligning with our Jewish values, this year we are planning to expand our efforts even further by planting a Bracha Garden or a Garden of Blessings in raised beds in our preschool backyard. With the help of parents and community volunteers we will begin planting our Bracha Garden on the holiday of Tu B’shvat.

Our hope is that snack time at Olam will turn into the last step in the cycle of learning as the children will say the prayer on the fruit or vegetables that they have grown and tended themselves in their very own Bracha Garden.

Olam Jewish Montessori of Beth Jacob is a Private Licensed Preschool for children ages 2 to 6 and is open to the greater Orange County Jewish Community. It is located on the Campus of Beth Jacob Congregation of Irvine.

For more information call (949) 786-5230 or visit www.olamjewishmon-

tessori.com. ✿ Symone Sass, MSW is the Director of Olam Jewish Montessori.

WITH THE HELP OF PARENTS AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS WE WILL BEGIN PLANTING OUR BRACHA GARDEN ON THE HOLIDAY OF TU B’SHVAT.

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CANDLELIGHTING IN JERUSALEM: 4:38 P.M.

• The small intestine is about 20 feet long and about an inch in diameter.

• He combines a body and soul into one person.

Wonders of hashem

• Your sister stepped on your foot.

• The caked you baked and left on the table was now on the floor.

Can you judge these situations favorably?

‫דן את כל האדם לכף זכות‬

ACROSS 2. ‫( בקר‬19:16) 4. ‫( נשרים‬19:4) 5. ‫( ארץ‬18:27) 6. ‫( מזבח‬20:21) DOWN 1. ‫( בית‬19:3) 3. ‫( כל‬19:12) 5. ‫( ברקים‬19:16) 7. ‫( יום‬19:10)

Complete the crossword by translating each Hebrew word 5 into English. Use the parsha reference for help

CROSSWORD

• Puts up 10 ‫ מזוזות‬at one time?

• Tovels two dishes 5 hours apart?

How many ‫ ברכות‬does a person say if he:

‫ברכות‬

Charity (‫)צדקה‬: Give away outgrown clothes.

MIDDAH OF THE MONTH

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© 2014 The Famous Abba

Brought to you by:

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www.thefamousabba.com

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WORD FIND

Find the bold italic words on this sheet.

The unused letters spell a secret message!

‫יתרו‬, ‫’משה‬s father-in-law, heard everything that '‫ה‬ did for the Jewish people and came to ‫ משה‬in the desert. ‫ משה‬accepted ‫’יתרו‬s advice to set up a system of judges to ease ‫’משה‬s burden. In the third month after leaving ‫ מצרים‬the Jewish people arrived at ‫הר סיני‬. At ‫סיני‬, '‫ ה‬told ‫ משה‬to tell the people that if they listen to '‫ ה‬the people will be His beloved treasure, a kingdom of ministers, and a holy nation. The people were commanded to sanctify themselves and prepare for receiving the ‫תורה‬. Thunder and lightning and a heavy cloud and shofar blasts preceded '‫’ה‬s giving of the ‫תורה‬ and then He said the ‫עשרת הדברות‬: to know '‫ה‬, not to recognize other gods, not to take '‫’ה‬s name in vain, to sanctify the ‫שבת‬, to honor one’s father and mother, not to kill, not to commit adultery, not to steal, not to bear false witness, and not to covet.

The entire people saw the thunder and flames, the sound of the shofar and the smoking mountain and they trembled and stood from afar. '‫ ה‬commanded the Jewish people to build an altar for offerings.

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RDALEE

HTSDOUAN

(scramble) HTRTU

FYITF

‫כ‬ ‫סד‬ ÷ ‫יט – ח‬

‫ד‬ ÷‫ב‬

‫י‬ x‫ג‬

‫ב‬

‫ח‬ –‫ו‬

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Visit www.thefamousabba.com/chinuch-podcasts for this week’s Chinuch Podcast! Hear from a new speaker each week.

400 300 200 100 90

‫א ב ג ד ה ו ז ח ט י כ ל מ נ ס ע פ צ ק ר ש ת‬

‫ט‬ –‫ה‬

Per ‫רשי‬, the Jewish people encamped at ‫ הר סיני‬with a:

‫גמטריא‬

• Who was ‫’יוכבד‬s father?

• ‫’נפתלי‬s two nephews who lived farthest away from him.

Can you name the following people?

1 DAUGHTER

‫יוכבד‬ ‫צפורה‬

geneAlogy

‫יתרו‬ 2 SONS

1 BROTHER

Which one is different? (Hint: ‫’משה‬s family)

spot the difference

[Hint: ‫’יתרו‬s advice to ‫])פרק יח( משה‬

NTE

DREDUNH

WORD CMRLESAB

• All the Jewish people at ‫ הר סיני‬hearing the ‫א( עשרת הדברות‬:‫)כ‬ • A Jew observing ‫ח( שבת קודש‬:‫)כ‬.

Act out these scenes with friends and family.

PARSHA SKIT ideas

SUPER SHABBOS SHEET ‫י"ח שבט תשע"ה‬ ‫פרשת יתרו‬

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9

FEBRUARY 2015

Mah Nishtanah How is Jewish camp different from all others?

BY AUDRA MARTIN

I

t is true, every single year for over 20

Camp is a fun time to shine.

years, I have run a Jewish summer camp. And when I write about sending your kids to Jewish camps,

yes, it will sound like I am advertising the JCC’s camps. Let’s face it, I am. A bit. But I spend every single summer at Jewish camp, because I believe in them. The

a raucous rendition of Hatikvah, the

JCC believes in them. We believe they

Israeli anthem expressing “Hope.” Meals

are great experiences for your kids and

begin with an equally spirited “Hamotzi.”

we believe Jewish camp is an important

Hebrew, music and dance are integrated

component of Jewish life. Statistics show

into each day. Ga-ga, a high energy Israel

that camp experiences are one of the top

ball game, also becomes a normal part of

three indicators that our kids will remain

camp’s sports lexicon. The camp motto is

engaged with Jewish life.

“the more players the better!”

Whether it is the JCC camp or not,

and sounds of our homeland. Jewish

let me tell you what is so great about

camps also take the opportunity to

Jewish camp: As we can all attest,

share what Shabbat and life looks like in

Israeli Days are filled with the sights

Israeli homes.

our contemporary lives are busy and

invite shlichim to be a part of the camp

everyday our kids are surrounded

schedule. Shlichim are Israeli citizens

by American culture. A Jewish camp

and trained camp specialists joining the

Why is Jewish Camp Different from all

experience allows us just a few weeks to

camp staff to forge connections with

others? Culture, values and traditions

enmesh our kids in Jewish experiences

our children. They live with host families

are equally balanced with fun, friends,

and Jewish friends. While our kids are

and integrate into our community. They

learning and exercise. Jewish camps

running, playing, swimming, traveling,

also add Israeli culture to every day’s

– residential and day camps – fill a

busy with arts and science and all the

programming, including Hebrew, Israeli

fundamental need in our community:

rest of the camp fun, they are doing it

arts, music and dance. They genuinely

surrounded by Jewish friends, Jewish

deepen the Jewish atmosphere that

values and Jewish traditions.

pervades camp.

Shlichim – Real Life Israelis at JCamp:

Jewish Traditions: Jewish Culture:

Many Jewish camps, including the JCC’s,

Universally, Jewish camp starts with

providing a positive Jewish environment that serve as a launch pad for engagement in Jewish life. ✿ Audra Martin has worked with children in the JCC field for over 17 years, she is the Director of Children and Camp at the Merage JCC. Contact Audra at audram@jccoc.org.

10

FEBRUARY 2015

kiddish

Tu B’shvat The birthday of trees.

BY SUE PENN

Happy birthday to all the beautiful trees.

W

alking along the beach

This celebration would not be possi-

at sunset in beautiful

ble if we didn’t pay attention to the world

Southern California

we live in. We are the stewards of the

provides the opportu-

environment. It is up to us to maintain our

nity for us to appreciate where we live.

beautiful world for the generations still

Taking in the magnificent splendor of

to come. We should be the ones to clean

the colors as they slowly fade into dark-

up the trash on the beaches, to watch our

ness, eventually blending into the night

water usage in times of drought and to

sky, reminds us that the day, like every-

take a stand against pollution. It’s up to us

thing, must come to its end. The sun is

to ensure that our children, grandchildren

replaced by the moon and the stars and

and great grandchildren will know the

the heat of the day is followed by the

pleasure of a sunset walk on a Californian

cooler night air. Yet we all know that to-

beach. As our grape juice turns pink when

morrow the sun will rise again and bring

we blend the two colors together at the

another beautiful day to our world.

Tu B’shvat seder, let’s make a pact to leave

This month we celebrate Tu B’shvat the birthday of the trees. We pay tribute to nature, our environment and the beautiful world in which we live. We enjoy the “fruits of the earth,” including wine or grape juice, during Tu B’shvat seder.

this beautiful Earth and its abundant gifts accessible to future generations. ✿ Sue Penn is the mother of three, Director of Congregational Learning at University Synagogue, president of Jewish Reconstructionist Educators of North America and a member of the Jewish Educators Assembly.

WE PAY TRIBUTE TO NATURE, OUR ENVIRONMENT AND THE BEAUTIFUL WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE.

CERTIFIED TUTOR AVAILABLE

World Class Care Just Around the Corner!

For students K-6 ALL AREAS OF THE CURRICULUM

Irvine Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics 949.559.0674

Ellen Gutwein elgutwein@hotmail.com 516.993.0849 (local)

Pediatric Dentistry Child, Teen & Adult Orthodontics

SHAUL YEHEZKEL, DMD, BOARD CERTIFIED 4902 Irvine Center Dr., Ste. 111 Irvine, CA 92604 ipdodry@yahoo.com www.irvinepdo.com

Sports Broadcasting Camp

School Oakridge Private School √ FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1980 √ SAFE AND SECURE 7 ACRE CAMPUS √ PRESCHOOL (3.6) THROUGH 8TH GRADE √ SMALL CLASS SIZES √ HONORS PROGRAM OFFERED √ ON-LINE ACCELERATED READER √ SPANISH & MANDARIN CHINESE √ DAILY ENRICHMENT CLASSES √ P.E. & AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS

"Lutheran High School has always been

OPEN HOUSE DATES

714-288-1432 impressed with the caliber and character of the students we have admitted from OAKRIDGESCHOOL.ORG D A your fine school." - A

19111Private VILLA PARK ROAD Oakridge School

JAN 28, 2015 - 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM FEB 11, 2015 - 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM MARCH 3, 2015 - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM OR CALL US FOR A PRIVATE TOUR.

SSOCIATE

IRECTOR OF

DMISSIONS

19111 VILLA PARK ROAD, ORANGE, CA 92869

ORANGE, CA 92869 714-288-1432

Back for our 7th year August 3-7, 2015 • Boys and girls 10-18 will have an opportunity to learn from the pros in the industry.

• Meet sports celebrities.

• Make sports anchor tapes in a TV studio.

• Make reporting tapes from professional stadiums.

• Make play-by-play tapes of the NBA Finals and Super Bowl.

• Participate in sports talk radio and PTI style shows, trivia contests and much more.

• Day/overnight sessions available.

Nation’s #1 Sports Broadcasting Camp For information call

800-319-0884

facebook.com/sportsbroadcastingcamps youtube.com/ sportsbroadcastcamp

WWW.OAKRIDGESCHOOL.ORG √ FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1980 FACILITY #304370649 FACILITY #304370649

√ SAFE AND SECURE 7 ACRE CAMPUS √ PRESCHOOL (3.6) THROUGH 8TH GRADE

Make your world more beautiful. √ SMALL CLASS SIZES

√ HONORS PROGRAM OFFERED

√ ON-LINE ACCELERATED READER

√ SPANISH & MANDARIN CHINESE √ DAILY ENRICHMENT CLASSES √ P.E. & AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS GIFTS

CANVAS "Lutheran High SchoolPILLOWS has always been impressed with the caliber and character ART PRINTS of the students we have admitted from GREETING your fine school." - ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS CARDS 19111 VILLA PARK ROAD, ORANGE, CA 92869 IPHONE CASES 714-288-1432 LAPTOP SKINS WWW.OAKRIDGESCHOOL.ORG FACILITY #304370649

www.society6.com/rachelbellinsky

Join us on Facebook for news, updates and more.

www.ocjewishlife.com 949.734.5074

Like us!

11

12

FEBRUARY 2015

kiddish

Jewish Summer Camps Create a second Jewish home for your children.

BY DR. HILARY BUFF

Help your kids make memories to last a lifetime.

I served as a camp director for 10 glorious years.

I watched hundreds of children get off the bus on the first day of camp, nervous, concerned, shy and somewhat overwhelmed. On the last day of camp, these same children will be crying their eyes out from leaving what will become their second home.

I have a vivid memory of a family who I worked with that arranged for their son to be a first-time camper. The father made a simple request: he wanted to visit his 8 year-old son on the fourth day of camp to check on him. If he was not having a good time, he wanted to be able to remove his son from camp.

This father showed up at camp, ready to embrace his son who he was sure was missing him terribly. His visit to lasted less than 20 minutes. His son introduced him to his cabin mates, gave him a tour

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13

FEBRUARY 2015

Make this summer count.

of his favorite activities and showed him

they are probably ready for sleep-away

around his bunk. The father reported

camp. Sleep away camp is after all, one

to me that his son gave him a hug and

big overnight.

said, “You better go home dad, or you

Does your child talk in their sleep,

will never want to leave this place, it is so

wet the bed or have special needs? Many

much fun.”

camps also have accommodations for

Jewish Camp—whether day camp or sleep away—can have a huge impact

children with these types of issues.

As for day camp, there is a good

on your child’s social, emotional, Jewish

chance they are ready if they attend a

and physical development. It can allow

half-day or full-day preschool program.

your child to work on responsibility,

Day camps have an amazing way of

independence and friendships.

helping even the youngest and immature

Jewish Summer Camps can be a partner with parents to help create a

child experience the summer of a lifetime.

A first-time camper on the last day of

second Jewish home for our children.

camp once said to me, “I may be leaving

Camp offers a chance for your child to

camp, but camp and this summer will

experience new sports, new programs,

never leave me.” ✿

new friends and fun ways of learning.

So how do you know if your child is ready for camp?

If they have successfully spent the night at a friend’s or family’s house,

Dr. Hilary Buff is a practicing therapist that lives in Orange County, CA and has two children that attend summer camp. She works with parents, children and teens to live a healthy and successful life.

THERE MAY BE NO WIFI IN YOUR CHILD’S SUMMER CAMP CABIN, BUT I PROMISE YOUR CHILD WILL FIND A BETTER CONNECTION.

GIVE THEM THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF A JEWISH LIFE. When Irvine Hebrew Day School (IHDS) opened its doors, the Orange County community joined in celebrating the dawn of something educationally and spiritually extraordinary. IHDS is currently enrolling kindergarten and first grade students for the 2015-16 school year while adding one new grade each year in the creation of a full K-12 Jewish day school.

Q: Why does Orange County need another Jewish day school?

The OC Jewish population is estimated at 100,000; in comparably sized communities there are often five or more Jewish day schools to accommodate and nurture community diversity. Today, in all of Orange County, fewer than seventy kindergarten students are enrolled in Jewish day schools.

IHDS founders explored the critical question, “Why are OC families not choosing a Jewish day school education for their children?”

The response was the creation of a uniquely different educational opportunity.

Q: What makes IHDS different from the other schools?

First, IHDS is committed to the belief that all Jewish families should have access to an affordable Jewish and general education of the highest level of excellence. With exceptionally qualified staff and an educational methodology designed to nurture each student’s full potential, the question of whether your child is right for the school is replaced at IHDS by “How can we ready ourselves to meet the needs of your child?”

Second, IHDS is founded on the innovative “Positive Discipline” (PD) approach, which fosters compassionate and respectful citizens, joyful learning, environmental stewardship, creative expression and curiosity. Student voices are heard and parent partnerships are critical for student success. Research

demonstrates significantly higher academic achievement in educational environments using the PD approach which harnesses students’ intrinsic motivation. Running in parallel with cutting edge, proven, reputable curricula, the IHDS school culture empowers students with crucial life skills such as critical thinking, self-regulation, relationship building and perseverance.

Third, IHDS offers a comprehensive Jewish education, including Hebrew immersion to promote fluency. Students acquire the skills to access any book in the vast library of Jewish texts, engage in meaningful discussions and debate about Jewish biblical, legal or philosophical teachings and discover personal meaning in Torah learning.

Fourth, IHDS’s unique characterization of the successful graduate is: ●

A person who views questioning, indepth learning and rational discussion (rather than indoctrination) as the road to spirituality;

●

A person who exhibits a solutions-based approach to all problems and has the critical thinking skills to solve them;

●

A citizen of exemplary moral character who possesses the life skills for effective communication and building mutually respectful relationships;

●

A person who has the foundational knowledge, creativity and perseverance for the highest achievement in the 21st century;

●

A person who is committed to the integration of modern life and Jewish practice.

Q: What is Modern Orthodoxy?

Modern Orthodoxy is committed to integrating Jewish observance with engagement in the modern world while striving for the highest levels success and devotion to Jewish practice. Modern Orthodox men and women are driving forces in every field including science, medicine, education, law, engineering, the arts and business. IHDS creates both male and female scholars, shifting from a static to an enlightened halachic approach. A Modern Orthodox education can be appreciated by anyone regardless of background and affiliation, emphasizing questioning and rational discourse rather than blind acceptance. IHDS goes far beyond a “taste” of Jewish education.

The IHDS mission is to cultivate active and creative minds, foster a community of belonging, create compassionate and respectful citizens and nurture a thoughtful and personal relationship with Torah, the state of Israel and Jewish life.

To learn more about IHDS visit www.irvinehebrewday.org or call (949) 478-6818 to schedule a tour.

15

MISSION STATEMENT

OPEN HOUSE EVENT:

February 12, 2015 6:30pm – 8pm

New Vista School is a grade 6-12+ progressive, academic school. We provide a structured, safe environment of academic, social, and transition skills instruction for students within the Asperger’s community, as well as those with high-functioning Autism and language-learning disabilities. We maximize personal achievement and independence through research-based programs and the school values: Safety, Respect, Initiative, Problem Solving, Responsibility, and Resiliency.

23092 Mill Creek Drive | Laguna Hills

949.455.1270 newvistaschool.org 16