August 2018

AUGUST 2018 • Av/Elul 5778

Israel & Education Issue

San Diego Jewish Academy | Chabad Hebrew Academy Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School + More

Federation’s Shinshinim Program Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 1

NOMINATE TEEN LEADERS REPAIRING THE WORLD

Each year, 15 Jewish teens across the U.S. are awarded $36,000 each for exceptional leadership and engagement in initiatives making the world a better place.

Nominate today.

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Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 3

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THE HIGH HOLIDAYS ARE COMING UP

SO WILL OURS

* Inspirati on al Hebre w/English Se rv ices *S pe cial Child re ns Program min g * Membership NOT Re quir ed * Ticke ts NO T Re quire d *Joyful & Com for table A tmos phe re *E veryone Welc om e R os h Hash on a h - Se p t e mb e r 10 and 11 Yo m Kip pur - Se p t e m be r 1 9 Su kkot- S eptem b e r 2 3 t h r o ug h 3 0 Sh e mi ni Atz er et a nd S imc h a t T or ahSe p tem ber 30 t hr o u gh Oc t o b e r 2

Chab adDieg o.co m Chab ad P owa y.c om C habadat LaCo st a.com Ch ab adCV .com Jew ishCh ulaVis ta.co m ChabadP B.o rg Jewish Oceans ide.com JewishRS F. com Jew ishS tu dent Lif e. org Chabad UC.org Chab adCoro nado. com JewishE C.c om Ch abadDo wnt ow n.c om AlefC en ter.com Chab adof LaJo lla.co m Beth Eliyah u.org Jewis hE ncinit as.com

"May you be written and sealed in the Book of Life."

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C

August 2018

ISRAEL:

T

T Av/Elul 5778

30

Federation's Shinshinim program is bringing Jewish ambassadors from Israel to San Diego for the first time.

38

ISRAEL: The Israel Guide

Dog Center is giving new life to blind Israelis.

8 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

33

EDUCATION:

Chabad Hebrew Academy’s Leadership Visionary Committee has designed programs focused on STEM that allow students to make connections to the curriculum and each other.

60

TRAVEL: Federation's

National Young Leadership Cabinet visits Jewish Morocco and Spain.

ISRAEL:

35

For some, Masa Israel Journey is the answer to what comes after Birthright.

66

FOOD: Spiced apricots and

apricot butter.

50

EDUCATION: San Diego Jewish Academy

is opening the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Thinking (CIET), which combines Jewish tradition and culture with innovation.

MONTHLY COLUMNS 12 The Starting Line 22 Personal

44 Soille San Diego

Hebrew Day School.

46 San Diego Musical

Development and Judaism 24 Israeli Lifestyle 26 Examined Life 28 Religion 72 Advice

Theatre puts on "Hairspray."

Around Town 18 Our Town 20 The Scene 68 What's Goin On 73 Synagogue Life

Joseph Glickman Hillel Center is opening at UCSD.

In Every Issue 14 Mailbag 16 What’s up Online 74 Diversions 70 News

"The Chutzpah."

53 "Out of the Blue"

Exhibit Opens in Israel.

55 The Beverly and

57 Marc Chagall: The Jewish Artist.

w63 Israeli Wrestler 64: Israel at 70: It's

time to reclaim the word Zionism.

Also in This Issue 42 Opera's Words

and Music Program.

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 9

s,

y.way. .

You some choices, Youare aregoing goingtotohave havetotomake make some choices, but alone. butyou youdon’t don’thave havetotomake makethem them alone.

• Retirement Plans Retirement Plans • Life/Disability Insurance Life/Disability Insurance

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PUBLISHERS • Mark Edelstein and Dr. Mark Moss

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Brie Stimson ASSISTANT EDITOR • Jacqueline Bull ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR • Eileen Sondak CREATIVE DIRECTOR • Derek Berghaus OFFICE MANAGER • Jonathan Ableson INTERN • Julia Bernicker CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emily Bartell, Linda Bennett, Eva Beim, Judith Fein |(Senior Travel Correspondent), Patricia Goldblatt, Pat Launer, Sharon Rosen Leib, Andrea Simantov, Marnie Macauley, Rabbi Jacob Rupp, Saul Levine, Rachael Eden.

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SDJJ is published monthly by San Diego Jewish Journal, LLC. Subscription rate is $24 for one year (12 issues). Send subscription requests to SDJJ, 5665 Oberlin Drive, Suite 204, San Diego, CA 92121. The San Diego Jewish Journal 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. The San Diego Jewish Journal is not responsible for the accuracy of any and all information within advertisements. The San Diego Jewish Journal reserves the right to edit all submitted materials, including press releases, letters to the editor, articles and calendar listings for brevity and clarity. The Journal 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 the Journal become the physical property of the publication, which is not responsible for the return or loss of such material.

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Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 11

FROM THE EDITOR

THE STARTING LINE

by Brie Stimson

editor@sdjewishjournal.com

Opportunity ducation is a key to opportunity. In my opinion, it’s more important than money, natural talent or connections. It’s why totalitarian societies don’t want their people to learn – because citizens who can think for themselves cannot be controlled so easily.

San Diego’s schools are among the best in the country. From public to private to the Jewish day schools featured in this issue, our next generation is heading out the door with powerful knowledge and skills.

Chabad Hebrew Academy’s Building Bridges STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program is an example of that. Building Bridges helps students make connections between these disciplines and their own lives. In the program they learn everything from 3-D printing to making a Sukkah out of recycled materials.

San Diego Jewish Academy’s new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Thinking will help students gain skills for jobs not yet created with progressive learning techniques and an emphasis on creativity.

Federation’s Shinshinim program and Masa Israel Journey offer students an education in language, culture and understanding by sending American and international students to Israel to study or work (Masa) and, in the case of the Shinshinim program, by bringing Israeli emissaries to the Unit12 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

Education can be anything. It doesn’t end with your high school diploma or your bachelor’s or even your master’s. A trip to Israel is an education.

A visit to a Balboa Park museum is an education. Speaking with someone from another walk of life is an education. ed States to make connections between the countries.

In many cases, San Diego’s theatrical and musical institutions are going out into the community to offer their expertise. San

Diego Opera’s Words and Music program brings professional opera artists to students who would otherwise not have that opportunity. Theaters like the Old Globe and the Cygnet have similar programs that help students in disenfranchised areas learn about the theater.

Organizations like Hillel and the Lawrence Family JCC are expanding their programming and their campuses. Hillel’s new Beverly and Joseph Glickman Hillel Center has finally broken ground after decades of impediments. The JCC’s Center for Jewish Culture is for the first time offering a ninemonth season (August-June) that includes appearances by comedian Paula Poundstone and folk singer Peter Yarrow in September.

Education can be anything. It doesn’t end with your high school diploma or your bachelor’s or even your master’s. A trip to Israel is an education. A visit to a Balboa Park museum is an education. Speaking with someone from another walk of life is an education. (As a person who interviews all different kinds of people for a living, my life is an amazing education everyday).

Whether we’re seven or 70, we can always learn from someone else, and it’s important to keep ours minds and ears open because we never know who will teach us. A

Millions of Jewish lives

impacted.

Meet Yafit. When Yafit was seven, she and her family began to walk. For a month

and a half, they scaled mountains and forded rivers, moving in silence to avoid the attention of robbers and kidnappers. When they arrived in Sudan, the family slept in a tent city, biding their time and fending off dysentery. But when Yafit and her younger sister became too weak to travel further, their parents left them behind, promising that they could join them once their strength returned.

Time passed. Nothing happened. One night as they slept, a stranger came into their tent and nudged them awake. Thinking it was a dream, they boarded a truck and were whisked away to an airport. Next thing they knew, they were embracing their parents in the Promised Land.

As a new immigrant who knew neither the language nor culture of her new country, Yafit faced significant hurdles to success, but she was determined. She learned Hebrew, earned a degree in education, and started teaching Hebrew to Russian immigrants in Ashdod. Now, Yafit works with dozens of Israeli women one-on-one, assessing their potential and helping them plan and reach goals for a better future. All because of YOU.

We care.

We help Jews in need and we build community.

It’s that simple.

Your support helps us improve lives.

It makes us stronger, healthier, and more secure.

Learn more about the lives you impact by visiting:

jewishinsandiego.org/impact Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 13

let us know what’s on your mind.

Dear Editor, Your May edition had no letters in your Mailbag section this month. Frankly, I am not surprised. No matter how many letters I've read, as well as personally written, complaining about the political bias in each and every edition of The San Diego Jewish Journal, they are simply ignored. I guess everyone gave up! But once again, you didn't disappoint. Once again a Democrat, Sara Jacobs, made her way to your pages.

For once, I would like to see an edition where our president is not bashed, berated and disrespected by your writers, while some Democrat is commended. This is becoming sickening! Trump deserves nothing but compliments for his tax decreases; bringing back companies and jobs to our country, thereby reducing unemployment; his negotiations with North Korea; his relationship and support of Israel, etc., etc. I could go on and on. However, it is a known fact that Donald Trump has accomplished more in his short time in office than any other President – which is especially difficult when each and every move he makes is ridiculed by Democrats.

That in itself is a joke!

I would like to see an article about Hillary Clinton's email scandal, her husband's sex scandal, their phony "foundation", etc.? That would be so refreshing! How come we readers never get to hear anything but negativism about Republicans, while there is certainly plenty of negativism to write about Clinton and the entire Democratic Party??

It seems the only enjoyment I derive from your magazine is the "Ask Marnie" section. Unfortunately, it is also the most fair, sincere and honest section of your magazine.

How sad.

Sincerely, Sondra Burke, San Diego

Corrections In “Family-to-Farm-to-Table” [July, 2018] Gino Farms should be Chino Farm.

@SANDIEGOJEWISHJOURNAL

Send us your comments: editor@sdjewishjournal.com 5665 Oberlin Dr., Ste 204, San Diego, CA 92121

Please consider our guidelines for Letters to the Editor prior to submitting your comments: The San Diego Jewish Journal welcomes reader responses to articles. Due to space limitations, responses to articles cannot exceed 200 words and will be edited in coordination with the letter’s author and at the discretion of the editor and publishers.

For readers who wish to submit multiple letters, we require three issue months to pass between published letters so as to make space for more reader responses.

All readers can comment as often as they’d like in the comments section of our website, found at the bottom of every articleon sdjewishjournal. comMagazine articles are republished on the website at the beginning of each issue month.

14 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

@SDJEWISHJOURNAL

SDJJ regrets this error.

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 15

what’s up

online

@sdjewishjournal.com

NASA Will Consider Sending Another Israeli Astronaut Into Space The new head of NASA visited Jerusalem and said he would consider sending a second Israeli astronaut into space.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine met last month with Israel’s science and technology minister, Ofir Akunis, and they agreed to expand cooperation on issues including the international space station, space exploration and earth science research, Ynet reported.

Akunis expressed interest in sending a second Israeli astronaut into space and Bridenstine said the United States would consider the request, Haaretz reported.

Israel’s first astronaut with NASA, Ilan Ramon, died in 2003 while aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, which disintegrated upon reentry into the earth’s atmosphere at the end of the science and research mission.

Bridenstine is scheduled to speak with students in Jerusalem along with officials from the Israel Space Agency to discuss future joint space plans.

16 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

How Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh Could Affect Issues That Matter to Jews President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh, a Republican establishment favorite who has worked in the George W. Bush administration, has triggered reactions from Jewish groups ranging from furious to relieved.

Progressive groups raised flags about the pick, saying Kavanaugh’s record shows he would be a threat to reproductive rights and separation of church and state, while an Orthodox group said it was happy about his record on religious liberty.

Read the full JTA story on our website.

Israeli Sprinter Breaks Country’s Record Set at 1972 Munich Olympics An Israeli sprinter broke her country’s women’s record in the 100 meters set at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Diana Vaisman, who turned 20 at the end July, ran a race in 11.38 seconds last month at the Israel Athletic Championship in Tel Aviv to beat the time of 11.45 by Esther Roth-Shahamorov.

On Facebook, Vaisman wrote: “New national record! After 46 years, it was my turn, my opportunity and finally I did it. It’s hard to express all the feelings and to show how excited I am, but now I’m just looking forward and getting ready for my next challenge.”

Need Tefillin?

There’s an App for That

Last month a new app called Wrapp launched, which its creator calls “the Uber of the tefillin world.” It connects those who have tefillin — leather straps attached to a set of two small boxes containing scripture on parchment — with Jews who need them for morning prayers or other rituals. And it’s free. Read more about Wrapp on our website.

We invite you to sign the Jewish Community’s Book of Life

Community-wide Book of Life Ceremony Sunday, August 19, 2018 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location provided upon RSVP / Kosher Brunch To register and for more information please contact:

(858) 279-2740

or legacy@jcfsandiego.org Individuals and families who have planned to leave a legacy gift or who have contributed to an endowment for a Jewish organization are invited to provide a personal statement to be included in the San Diego Jewish Community’s Book of Life.

Thank you to our partnering organizations!

What will your story be?

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 17

our TOWN

BY LINDA BENNETT & EMILY BARTELL, PHOTOS BY CAROL SONSTEIN

Don Felder at Rock and Dine Under the Stars.

“Rock & Dine Under the Stars”

Jim Nierman with his daughter Leah and her fiancé Jonathan Fuller.

Wow, we had such a wonderful time at this year’s JCC Patron Party, “Rock & Dine Under the Stars,” on June 24th at Humphrey’s. Don Felder, former lead guitarist of The Eagles, treated the Patrons of the Lawrence Family JCC to a special private concert in appreciation of their support for all the programs & services provided by the JCC. With over 200 in attendance, the evening included cocktails, dinner, silent auction and gourmet desserts, which were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Those in attendance included Sylvia & Julian Bendelstein, Gina Lew & Jeff Platt, Sara Gilman & Len Gregory, Bryan & Sheava Wax, Susan & Jordan Levin, Lauren Coden & Gabriel Avraham, Danny Recht, Richard & Silvana Christy, Linda Levy & Ted McGrath, Bernadette Bach, Lori & Ken Polin, Mark Romano & Tamar Caspi, Mike & Myrna Cohen, Gary & Lisa Levine, Linda & Robby Savitch, Dennis & Kathy Lavine, Michael & Stephanie Epstein, Julie & Lowell Potiker, Rusti Bartell Weiss, Betsy & Spencer Lynch and David & Sharon Wax.

San Diego Jewish Film Festival Presents “Budapest Noire” L to R: Richard & Ilvana Christy, Naomi and Wayne Harris.

Music Hall of Fame Member and Former Eagles Guitar Player, Don Felder with Event Chairs Susan and Jim Morris.

18 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

The San Diego Jewish Film Festival presented a special presentation of “Budapest Noire” back in June, that we would be amiss to not relay. What a fascinating movie! Others enjoying this extra film presentation were, Danny & Carol Strub, Sharon Resnick, Rhoda Nevins, Marty & Nancy Goldberg, Edye Kornberg, Avrille Copans, Renee Barnow, Jerry & Susan Pollak, Roberta & Norman Greene, Mauricio & Lillian Miselewicz and Stan Rodier. A Mazel Tov to…

Ken & Gerry Freed, on their 60th wedding anniversary.

Irene & Larry Fine, on their 61st wedding anniversary.

Ann & Nelson Cohen, on their 61st wedding anniversary.

Lucy & Jerry Kramer, on their 64th wedding anniversary.

Patricia & Marvin Spira, on their 66th wedding anniversary.

Cynthia & Sydney Wexler, on their 67th wedding anniversary.

Shanah Tovah

FROM BETH ISRAEL!

EREV ROSH HASHANAH Sunday, September 9 KOL NIDRE Tuesday, September 18 ROSH HASHANAH Monday, September 10 YOM KIPPUR Wednesday, September 19 For full schedule and tickets: cbisd.org/worship/high-holy-days Whether you’re looking for a Jewish education, inspirational worship and study, life-long friendships or a community, you’ll find a home at Beth Israel. We can’t wait to meet you!

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9001 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA 92122 • 8 5 8 . 5 3 5 . 1111• www.cbisd.org Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 19

Opening Day at Del Mar

Tens of thousands of racing fans came out for Opening Day at Del Mar last month, which as usual was a sea of glamorous hats and dresses, seersucker suits and prize-winning horses.

The extravagant affair even brought celebrities like David Hasselhoff, who serenaded the race-going crowd with Bing Crosby’s famous “Where the Turf Meets the Surf” song.

Attendees participated in the annual Hat Contest in which the Bing Crosby Grand Prize Winner received a one-night stay at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Hats are as important as horses on opening day.

the

BY EILEEN SONDAK AND BRIE STIMSON PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIE STIMSON AND KIDS’ TURN

There was also a full day of racing at the track and winners included Popular Kid, Jimmy Chila, Eighty Three, Dichotomy, Ann Arbor Eddie, Shivermetimbers, Brill, Restrainedvengence, Super Duper Cooper and Kazan.

As Bing would say: “There is a smile on every face, and a winner in each race, where the turf meets the surf at Del Mar.”

Kids’ Turn

Kids’ Turn San Diego (KTSD) is an organization dedicated to helping children experiencing family separations, divorce and military transitions. The nonprofit also works with parents, teaching them how to ensure that every kid will have a happy childhood. For the past six years, Kids’ Turn San Diego has chosen to forgo the typical black-tie fundraising ball in favor of an evening at the ballpark. As a result, supporters showed up for the gala in casual clothes and dined on hot dogs and burgers, while they watched the Padres square off against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The fundraiser was held in a private area at Petco Park, and guests cheered on the team as the pitching duel went into extra innings. Guests bid on auction items and made the evening a big win for the organization. The Padres managed to snare a 2-1 win against their opponents after 13 innings. It was the sixth victory for the Padres on Kids’ Turn San Diego night! A fireworks display capped off the evening and sent the crowd home on a very high note.A

These racing fans celebrated Mexico with their headwear.

The paddock on opening day.

20 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

KTSD Board of Directors Alan Kinzel, Kay Merg, Pat Wade, Patrick Peterhans and KTSD Event Sponsor Stan Sewitch.

Sunday Night October 14, 2018 Dinner Chairs: Jaime and Dan Feder 7th Annual Keynote Speaker

Leaders of Tomorrow

Hussein Aboubakr

Gala Dinner

Pro-Israel, Egyptian Political Prisoner

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Craig Dershowitz Founder, Artists 4 IsraeL

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Ron Krudo

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Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 21

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND JUDAISM

THIS WAY TO EDEN

by Rachel Eden

rachel.s.eden@gmail.com

Your Life Is Not About You va looks directly into the camera. “My name is Eva Schloss. Would you like to ask me some questions about my life?” Her posture is straight as if to reflect the depth of her strength and dignity. Her first experience at Auschwitz was when the guards violently separated the men from the women. The scene was chaotic, shocking and heartbreaking. She remembers her father reaching down, taking her by the hand and saying, “Evaleh, God will protect you.”

Eva’s father, Erich, died a few months before the war ended.

Over seven decades later, Eva is interviewed, surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren. In this new world, she has stability and security. She speculates that she has recovered from her suffering but adds that she’ll never recuperate from her loss.

While we will never make sense of this tragic time in Jewish history, tragedy of any kind offers us an elevated perspective, a clarity, on what matters in life: people.

August 2018 encompasses the fascinating juxtaposition between the Jewish month of Av (when we fast and mourn for the destroyed Holy Temple) and Elul (when we prpare for the Days of Judgement and Atonement). What possible bridge lies between a time of mourning and one of adjudication?

In parallel, how did Eva Schloss and so many like her transition from overwhelming grief to reestablishing love and life?

The answer emerges when we analyze the catalyst for Av’s lamentation and the strategy for Elul’s instruction. Concerning Av, the 22 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

Talmud explains (with specific case studies) that the defining societal defect preceding the second Temple’s destruction was baseless hatred. The Talmud discusses Rabbi Elazar’s famous words in the section regarding the destruction of the Temple, “Come and see what is the tremendous negative impact of embarrassing someone, for G-d helped ... destroy His House and burn His Palace.” So, Av, at its core, is mourning for our lost ability to care sufficiently, to truly love, someone else.

Apropos to Elul, this period is when we prepare to be judged as individuals for our deeds. Our sages advise that we exert special effort to help others and become indispensable to them. By doing so, our lives are not only judged based on our own merits but on the merits of the people who need us. In other words, the more people need us, the more valuable are our lives. Essentially, Elul reminds us that the road to a positive judgement is paved with loving other people.

Motivational speaker David Flood shared a personal story to an assembly room filled with high school students that fits well with the message of Av and Elul. It was the last hockey game of the season and David’s son, Justin, along with his teammates were losing 8-3. Three minutes were left on the clock. After a face off, one kid shot the puck to Justin, who took a soft shot. The puck rebounded off of the goalie’s pad and the goalie inexplicably stuffed it into the goal. The boys from both teams and their fans all went wild. Justin was lifted onto a teammate’s shoulders and everyone cheered except for one man: David.

David was sobbing. Justin had been diagnosed with autism as a toddler and struggled to fit in socially throughout his life. He couldn’t make eye contact, didn’t know how to interject himself into a conversation, and sat alone at lunch every day since he began school. David finally composed himself and walked over to the opposing team’s bench to shake the coach’s hand and thank him – David knew the coach had set this up. The coach looked David square in the eyes and said, “Don’t thank me. Thank the boys.”

David Flood concluded his story to the assembly, “They were 10 and 11-year-old boys.

All they did was let Justin score a goal. But here’s the takeaway –They had no idea that [I] would go out and tell that story to over 100,000 kids. I don’t think you’re too young to hear this message so I say this to you: Your life is not about you. Your life is about all the people around you, all the people you can touch, all the people you can impact, all the people you can influence, all the people that you love, and all the people that love you.

Live your life like that and watch your life change. It’s amazing what happens.”

The dark lesson of the month of Av and the bright message of Elul are two sides of the same coin. The healthy reaction to loss is a two-part exercise: First, to grieve and second, to rededicate our lives to valuing the people around us above all else – from worldly possessions to stress and pressure. This is the bridge between Av and Elul. We rise, wipe away our tears and replace them with a fervent conviction to love each other. A

In the Game of Life,

We Want You on Our Team!

Sunday, August 26th, 1:00 p.m.

Come spend some time just getting to know us!

This is a chance to meet our staff as well as many of our members, tour our facility, and explore all that we have to offer.

Enjoy:

Support our dog’s Hebrew education!

Students Give the Gift of Sight to Israeli Blind Students are urged to help sponsor a puppy, either as a class Tzedakah Project, or as a Mitzvah Project for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, to assist blind Israeli veterans and civilians in regaining their lives.

For information call

215-343-9100

968 Easton Rd, Suite H Warrington, PA 18976

• Food and music • Regular and oversized games (board, lawn, cards, and more) • Braun Library Used Book Sale • And more!

Learn about our:

• Ginsburg Infant Center and Silverman Preschool – Join our “waiting list” • Ratner Torah School – Featuring engaging, creative, and meaningful learning • Youth Groups – For grades 2 – 12 • Programs, Services, Adult Education, and Celebrations for all ages and stages • Sisterhood, Men’s Club, and TICO • T’rumah – Our membership model

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6660 Cowles Mountain Boulevard San Diego, California 92119 • 619 697-6001

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www.tiferethisrael.com Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 23

ISRAELI LIFESTYLE ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF PEPÉ FAINBERG

LIVING ON THE FRONT PAGE

by Andrea Simantov

andreasimantov@gmail.com

Quiet Heart, The Illusion of Control his morning, I marveled at the magnificent view from my Jerusalem patio. I’d just washed the floor-to-ceiling sliding windows for the first time in a year and consequently felt a little smug. A vacuum-robot buzzed away in the bedroom, the dishwasher hummed and the washing machine agitated another load of soiled jeans and sweaty exercise togs. A pea-and-barley soup simmered in a shabby pot and the house smelled divine. My husband and I are healthy (tfu, tfu, tfu), my dress-size is diminishing, my children are not in prison and the car is paid for. Life feels good this morning.

Adina loves my coffee and uses it as an unnecessary excuse to ring the bell. Asking first whether or not I am with a client, upon hearing ‘No,’ she presses past and collapses onto a kitchen chair. Her presence is comforting, adding to the peaceful feeling that permeates my home. A civil servant, she has taken the week off for ‘R & R’ and is enjoying unfamiliar daytime hours at home. We are good, good friends and for this I am extremely grateful. I do not have many close friends and we cherish this womanly connection.

Both Adina and I are aware that families in the south of Israel are under siege, the 24 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

lush fields that surround their homes morphing into charred wastelands, a result of unspecified, unbridled Arab rage. This time, the creative methods of destruction consist of incendiary devices attached to kites or inserted into rainbow-colored condoms. If not for the devastation, it would seem comical. But what is there to laugh about when missiles land in the yard of a Jewish kindergarten 10 minutes before the gates open or Arab babies brandished as human shields, pressed against adult chests for the express purpose of taunting members of the world’s most restrained and moral army? Thousands-upon-thousands of actres of scorched farmland will certainly mean higher-priced produce in a country already buckling under the weight of inflation and, ironically, a spike in agricultural unemployment that will grossly affect the Arabs.

Adding to the economic carnage in the south, there is a heartbreaking situation on our northern border; hysterical families, members of ‘wrong’ sects in Bashar al-Assad’s Syria, are begging admittance to Israel.

In our hospitals and field tents, they receive real-time sustenance and succor from us, their purported ‘enemies.’ We also know about America’s political and social dis-

harmony and the agonizing family-dramas playing out on the U.S./Mexican border.

Angela Merkel is enduring glaring scrutiny, the Russian/Iranian alliance is no longer certain, and George Clooney was in a motorcycle accident from which he brushed himself off and went to work. Israel is experiencing earthquakes that are growing in intensity and jellyfish season is lasting longer than previous years.

Outside of my home’s blessed four walls, I exert little sway on society and to assume otherwise would be arrogant and delusional. Unless in danger of immediate bodily harm, I no longer honk the horn, demand my rights, push ahead in line, mock another’s fashion sense or level of education. The words ‘woulda’, ‘coulda’ and ‘shoulda’ have been excised from my vocabulary. All of the above makes me feel soiled.

Clean panes of glass enable one to see into other homes. And just as I want a quiet heart and to leave a legacy of goodness in my wake, I believe that my neighbors – both local and global – want the same. This desire to live in a less-tainted and troubled world is unifying. It’s good.

And ‘good’ begins with me. One window and one cup of coffee at a time. A

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Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 25

EXAMINED LIFE

OUR EMOTIONAL FOOTPRINT

by Saul Levine, M.D., Professor Emeritus in Psychiatry at UCSD slevine@ucsd.edu

I Am A “Real Parent”! arental pride in their children is universal, even if one is not from Lake Wobegon (where "all the children are above average"), and as a biological parent of three sons, I too have always considered them to be wonderful.

It’s natural to praise the "products" of our personal DNA and nurturance. But did you ever wonder what happens when your child is adopted and doesn’t share your DNA? I bring this up because 18 years ago my wife and I made a momentous decision to adopt a baby girl from China. At that time, China’s one-child policy was strictly enforced, and many infant girls were in destitute situations.

We elected to do this, knowing that we were embarking on a path fraught with unknowns, and that we wouldn’t be able to rely on any ancestral or genetic history.

After a protracted year-long screening process, we were informed by email that a sixmonth-old female infant residing in a staterun orphanage in the town of Huazhou in China near the border with Vietnam, had been “assigned” to us. A grainy black-andwhite photo of her was also emailed at that time.

Two months later, in July 2000, in an air-conditioned hotel, our daughter was handed to us by attendants who had brought her from the nearby orphanage. The temperature outside was 97 degrees Fahrenheit and the mugginess was oppressive, the same climatic conditions which existed within the crowd26 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

ed (2-3 infants per crib) and non-air-conditioned “Dickensian” orphanage.

She had been living there ever since she was found at the age of one day, wrapped in a bunting in the doorway of the local post office. (Years later we read the police report when she was taken to a hospital for health screening before transfer to the orphanage.)

When we first saw her, she looked frail and limp: Her limbs and head were floppy, and she made little eye contact; she was coughing due to bronchitis, and her skin showed impetigo, a skin infection. (We learned these were common maladies among children living in orphanages throughout the country).

But she also evinced, even during this surreal scene, a serene, ethereal facial quality, which was noticed by many, and she was dubbed by another father, “the Dalai Hanna.”

During that first night in a modest hotel room, our daughter was lying in her tiny crib, we were wide-awake (of course) in an adjacent double bed, wondering, worrying, joyful and fearful. At one point we looked over, and she had pulled herself up to a standing position while holding onto the guardrails, staring at us, smiling. At that moment fear dissipated, we felt only joy and wonderment.

Fast forward to the present: Our daughter, “The Dalai Hanna (Mei),” recently turned 18 years of age, and will soon be off to college! She is bright and beautiful, thoughtful, funny, caring, has the soul of a poet, artistic talents, good friends and is close to her par-

ents, brothers and sisters-in-law and her seven nieces and nephews.

Our daughter hopefully benefitted from our child rearing, but we obviously hold no claim to having provided her genetic endowment. We are eternally grateful to her biological parents for bestowing their DNA on her, and indeed for giving us the opportunity to raise a wonderful human being, enabling us to be loving parents, and her a loving daughter.

The term, "identity," has been postulated as the developmental task for an adolescent and young adult to wrestle with (and even resolve) during those occasionally challenging years.

One's identity is encompassed in answers to questions we ask ourselves, like "Who am I?" "Where am I going?" and "How?" Adopted children do indeed wonder about their roots, their identity and ultimately their destiny. While all young people ask themselves these same questions, the search for answers is more complicated with adopted children.

My wife and I are both mental health professionals, and so we knew that when adopted children are informed of their adoptive history, their sense of security can be shaken.

Our daughter sensed at an early age that she looked different from us, and so we discussed her background from time to time. We wondered how she would react but she showed no noteworthy emotions, and soon asked if she could go back to playing with her friends.

Over the last few decades, adoption laws have progressed and facilitate contact and meetings between biological parents and their offspring, if both parties agree. More adopted children have begun to search for their biological parents, sometimes responding to pangs of yearning, or to clarify health or risk factors.

But there have been few such meetings in China (via DNA matches), and the vast majority will never have that opportunity.

Gnawing fantasies about one’s origins are particularly on the minds of adoptees who live in unhappy circumstances. They wonder if their lives would be better had their biological parents been able to look after them.

These common fleeting thoughts can at times become more frequent, or even obsessions. Adolescent fantasies abound. In their own poignant words: “Were my biological parents nice? Do I look like them? Were they rich or poor, attractive or weird? Bright or not? Normal or crazy? Were they married?

Did they love me? Was I bad? Ugly? Did they love me?”

Defining one's identity is a recurrent lifelong challenge for all of us, and I’m certain that our daughter is engaged in this self-questioning. The core question, “Who Am I, Really?!” haunts everyone from time to time,

adoptees, to be sure, but you and I as well.

We adoptive parents do feel blessed, fortunate to have been given the opportunity to raise a child gifted to us by the universe. We of course face challenges, which go along with parenthood in generExceptional programs for preschool through 12th grade al, the most difficult being questions with For further information, please contact our the words “real parPreschool Office - 760.944.1285 ents” (as opposed to Religious School - 760.334.1465 we lesser “caretakers”!) templesolel.net These well-meaning queries are confus3575 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007 ing to children and hurtful to adoptive dren feel the same way. As a parent of both parents. While singular painful incidents can biological and adopted offspring, I can tell be challenging and must be dealt with, loving you that there is absolutely no difference in experiences over many years are wonderful the quality and depth of love for either. salves.

The vast majority of adoptees and their Those of you who have biological children adoptive, ie, “real” parents, lead fulfilling lives no doubt appreciate and love them dearly, and make significant contributions to society. whether you’re from Lake Wobegon or not. They leave a “Positive Emotional Footprint” Similarly, those of you who have adopted chil- on our world.A

Education at Temple Solel

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 27

RELIGION

POST-POLITICAL

by Rabbi Jacub Rupp

rabbirupp@gmail.com

Looking for Myself in Jerusalem recently had the opportunity to travel to Israel for myself. Not with a trip, not for a specific event, but for the purpose of reconnecting and rejuvenating.

In over 10 years of working in the field of Jewish education, this was a first. Sure, I would take trips of students, which was always fun and inspiring, but I never had a moment to let the noise die down, the schedule stop and for me to just “be.”

Imagine that state of being. I didn’t have the needs of running my household as my amazing wife had sent me off on my own. I could just go where I wanted and do what I wanted. And despite the perceived desire to travel up and down our beautiful country, I didn’t leave Jerusalem more than once.

I walked a lot in the city itself, marveling at the amazing amount of construction and development going on in our capital.

I spent time learning Torah, meeting with spiritual teachers, and seeing old friends and students. But more than anything else, I wanted to find myself—the “me” after all the noise and obligations and requirements died down.

The first thing I noticed is how many voices we have going on around us all the time. Maybe it’s the news, whatever we are binge watching on Netflix, the podcasts, the kids, our friends, etc. But all around us there is noise. Our sages teach us that when the Torah was given, there was perfect silence in the world. The oceans didn’t make noise, the bees didn’t buzz, the birds didn’t 28 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

chirp. Silence is the only way you can hear spirituality.

The second thing I noticed, after I pushed out the external voices, were my internal ones. And as someone that’s spent a LOT of time working on myself as I’ve gotten older, I still find so much of my internal dialogue is negative. “You’re not good enough, strong enough, smart enough, holy enough.”

The last part really stuck with me. Not that it’s a new voice —or one that only I have. Unfortunately, many Jews walk around feeling like they aren’t good with G-d—that somehow, He’s sitting and judging and making life hard on us. And to be honest, this could be why so many people don’t seek Him, or pretend He is irrelevant to their lives; because how could you be close to G-d if He doesn’t like you?

For me, it’s really hard to actually say these words. I feel so trite. After all, I am always talking about how much G-d loves everyone, even the most wicked people.

He doesn’t approve of their deeds but He loves them. And if G-d is the source of all goodness, why do I feel like I’m not good enough?

So, I choked out this question to a great sage that I had the opportunity to meet. He didn’t miss a beat.

He asked me if I had a son. I replied I did.

He asked me if my son ever let me down, or frustrated me, or did something I didn’t approve of. I said of course. Then he asked me if his deeds ever called into question the tre-

mendous sense of love that I have for him.

In a heartbeat, I said, “no.”

The rabbi looked at me. Then he said the following, “The amount you love your son doesn’t compare in the smallest amount to how much G-d loves you.”

I’m a grown man, but my eyes filled with tears. And of course, I knew this already.

But something about hearing it was profound.

A lot of times, or all the time, we are our harshest critic. And this profoundly affects how we think others and G-d see us. But it is a self-imposed cage. If you think about it, our kids don’t need to do anything, to be anything to make us love them. Sure, we all have hopes and dreams for our kids, but our love for them is essential and not connected to anything. We love them because they are our kids and we their parents.

That kind of love is fundamental. It is empowering. It is safe and it is strong. And it is a human emotion implanted into us to help us understand our relationship with G-d. And if we started thinking about that, we wouldn’t want to hide, or create space, or do our own thing, or find a new yoga studio. We’d turn back to our heritage, to our community, and to our most fundamental relationships; those with ourselves and our Creator.

In a way, the most significant thing I saw in Israel was a new way to see myself. A

WHERE JUDAISM AND PSYCHOTHERAPY MEET: A NATURAL COMPLEMENT

People seek out mental health treatment because they are in pain and wish for a better life. The process to achieving this goal generally involves making changes to thinking and behavior.

Similarly, in Judaism the process of Teshuvah (Repentance) is “ a Judaic analogue of the process through which one’s emotional pain is linked with the requirement and inevitability of change” (Psychotherapy and Teshuvah U-Madda Journal Vol 11). Chassidic teaching talks of the “garments of the soul” as thought, speech and action expressed in the performance and understanding of mitzvot (commandments). In psychotherapy we actively employ these same attributes towards positive change. For example there is a technique in couples counseling which teaches each partner to mirror each other by actively listening and verbalizing the others perspective before moving on to expressing their own point of view.

Additional parallels between Jewish teaching and psychotherapy are highlighted in the works of Dr. Victor Frankl , the world renowned psychiatrist and Auschwitz survivor. In his cutting edge psychotherapeutic modality called “Logotherapy” he promotes the premise that people are predominantly motivated to live purposeful lives and that we find meaning when responding authentically to life’s challenges.

In the same way, Judaism affords us the opportunity to live meaningful lives with authentic purpose through the fulfillment of the mitzvot.

In my therapy practice I find this natural complement by utilizing a combination of cognitive and behavioral strategies as well as incorporating Jewish values with people of all faiths and beliefs to facilitate emotional, spiritual and physical health. This seamless integration of behavioral science and thoughtful exploration of values and purpose allows individuals to create their own personalized recipe for restoring good emotional health.

Rafael “Rafi” James is a psychotherapist in private practice in San Diego. Please contact him for a consultation at 914-752-2971 or visit his website at www.rafaeljames.com.

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Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 29

ISRAEL: Shinshinim

Israel

San Diego

| BY JACQUELINE BULL | L to R: San Diego's new shinshinim Michal Sharon and Amit Katz.

very year, the Jewish Agency for Israel sends out 18-year-old emissaries to Jewish communities around the world. They select between 1,500 to 1,750 shinshinim from a pool of more than 10,000 applicants each year to represent the best of Israel. The shinshinim get to defer their army service for a year to volunteer and immerse themselves in a new community. The communities get to bring Israel to them.

This August, shinshinim are coming to San Diego for the first time.

"I heard about this program three or four years ago when I was at an Israel and Overseas conference in Toronto that was put on by the Jewish Federations of North America ... I participated there and that's where I really first heard about the program and the impact that the program has had over the years from various professionals who spoke. I said then that this was something I wanted to bring to San Diego. And it just took awhile to get it here. I'm thrilled because I'm retiring in December of this year and it is kind of like the one thing I wanted to do to leave a legacy was this program. I'm beyond belief happy that we were able to do it," said Jane Fantel, Director of Israel Connections for San Diego’s Jewish Federation.

The shinshinim coming to San Diego are two 18-year-old girls Amit Katz, from San Diego’s partnership region of Sha'ar HaNegev and Michal Sharon from the Lower Galilee region. They will be living with host families and working at several organizations in San Diego including Kavod Charter Elementary School, Temple Solel, Seacrest Village, Congregation Beth Israel, the Lawrence Family JCC and even spending next summer at Camp Mountain Chai as 30 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

counselors.

“They'll both be working at Kavod Elementary Charter school during the day, and then they are going to be working at various organizations after school. One, Amit, will be working with Congregation Beth Israel. And Michal will be working at Temple Solel.

And there they will be working in various capacities, but primarily they'll be working with teens and youth," Jane said.

Religious School Director for Temple Solel, Ellen Fox said, “Michal will be teaching, helping children with Hebrew, assisting in the planning and facilitating of programs, and working with our youth groups.” he reason the Jewish Agency runs this program was to try to deepen the connection and bridge –if you will – the diaspora Jewish community in terms of understanding one another. And how understanding each other helps support one another and deepen that connection with each other," Jane said.

On an individual level, "I want them to have a really personal and deep connection for one year when they're in San Diego to take back with them for the rest of their lives. And to feel like they made an impact," Jane said.

Amit has actually been to San Diego twice before – once at Camp Mountain Chai and once as a part of the Madrichim delegation. “I knew that this year I would love to be a shinshin in the diaspora, and when I found that I’ll be sent to San Diego, I was so happy. For me, being a shinshin is to bring Israel closer to San Diego and share your own story. [It] is to get involved and learn about the community,

and meet new people, so when I’ll return to Israel, I could bring back stories and perspective of the people in the community.”

Michal said it was a big honor to be a shinshin and that she is excited to come to San Diego and build great friendships. “I decided to be a shinshin because the connection between Jewish people overseas and Israelis is very important to me,” she said.

“I would love to bring the Israeli spirit and culture with my activities and my personal story. I am so happy to have the chance to get to know the culture of the Jewish community in San Diego and to share it with my community in Israel ... I believe that the Jewish people need to be united even if we live in different countries,” Michal said.

This idea of unity and understanding each other is a common thread between what all parties involved hope for the program.

Jane adds that it is important for Israelis to understand the role that Jews outside of Israel play and their needs and wants for Israel.

“By that I mean religious pluralism is something that all of us here in the diaspora – certainly in North America – take for granted, right?

That notion of religious pluralism is not taken for granted in Israel, and it is a big struggle as we all know. So when these young people can come back and say 'I get why the Kotel issue is so important to diaspora Jews,’ it makes them more sensitive to our issues. And as they grow up, and as they become leaders in Israel – and maybe some of them will even become leaders politically – knowing some of this stuff, the issues that are important to us, can only be helpful to Israel as it’s moving forward as it is evolving ...These voices are the ones that we want heard when these issues of religious pluralism

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come up in Israel. They will understand it, they will get it and they will be our advocates.”

“So I think from Israel's point of view, 'Why are they so invested in this program?’ is I believe they think as the Jewish Agency, that these people will come back and these will be the next leaders in Israel. And if we're talking about a strengthened shared vision of an Israel, these are the game changers. These are the people that are going to be able to articulate to the rest of Israel the role we play, the issues we have, and how do we become more sensitive to each other’s concerns moving forward, so I think from their perspective, this is why they are invested," Jane said.

And from the perspective of the communities that the shinshinim come to and stay, “For us, having a program like this is bringing Israel to San Diego. And it is not only bringing it for our youth who need it the most – when you think about what is going on college campuses today –but it is bringing it to the institutions that we support in this community (schools, synagogues, places where seniors reside, camps).

"All of this is important to bring Israel to those people so that especially for people to understand ‘What does a typical Israeli care about? What are his or her issues? What keeps her up at night? What does it mean to be going into the army? What does it mean to live in a country — or for Amit who lives in Sha'ar HaNegev — what does it mean to grow up where you are constantly showered with rockets from your neighbors?' All of this is so important for our community to understand and no better way to do it then to meet with an Israeli," Jane said.A

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Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 31

Celebrate home, celebrate Seacrest!

Seacrest Village Retirement Communities is celebrating 75 years of being a lifeline in the community. In this time, the Seacrest doors have not closed, not even for one night. Whether you choose our vibrant beach paradise in Encinitas or our welcoming inland community in Rancho Bernardo, you are home.

We offer senior living, independent, assisted, memory support, adult day services and healthcare, all in the warmth and friendliness of a Jewish environment.

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Senior Living in the Jewish tradition 32 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

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EDUCATION: CHA

Not Your Father’s Hebrew Day School | BY JULIA BERNICKER |

he last time we checked in with Chabad Hebrew Academy (CHA) in January, they were halfway through implementing their theme for the year: Building Bridges. Focusing on STEM application, CHA’s Leadership Visionary Committee designed programs that would allow students to make connections to the curriculum and each other. During the year, all 185 K-8 students were organized into mixed “Gesher Groups” with representatives from each grade. These groups met three times a year for activities that included learning about different bridges around the world and then using that knowledge to build bridges of their own with different materials. The year culminated in Field Day, where each Gesher Group participated in different STEMthemed activities led by the 8th grade class.

CHA also makes it a point to include parents in their programming. They held a family STEM night where families learned about different projects around the world. Topics included Legos from Denmark, or GMO potatoes in Ireland, which put STEM and the year’s theme into a broader context for students and their parents.

But last year’s theme encompassed far more than STEM, as connections were made and bridges were built in every area of study.

CHA hosted four additional events throughout the year that were tied into the theme and a different Jewish holiday, such as building a Sukkah from recycled materials or their annual Purim carnival. By putting the school’s

core Jewish values in a different perspective, students can relate more. “We are a warm and welcoming community with outstanding academics. Even our Judaic study is very academic,” Principal Liz Earne said. “A parent put it really well and said ‘this is not my father’s Jewish day school.’”

Now, as CHA looks to plan the theme for the upcoming year, Principal Earne reflects upon Building Bridges as a success. Several programs, such as Gesher Groups, that were developed during the year, will even carry over into the next, acting as a starting point for students’ knowledge.

This year, the theme revealed itself quite clearly to Middle School Humanities Teacher and Dean of Students, Ms.Heesch. “In conversations with the Middle School, they told us that students were more concerned with the right answer rather than figuring it out on their own,” Principal Earne said. “We want to start with a question and encourage students to develop their own passions.”

They came up with the theme “Inquiring Minds,” which would focus on inquiry units of study and emphasize the importance of making mistakes. In an email sent to the whole school announcing this year’s focus, Principal Earne lists Family Problem Solving Night, a Science Fair Elective and interdisciplinary units of study as possible ideas. When teachers return in August, the whole staff will brainstorm and plan programs for the year, so the new theme fits in seamlessly with the curriculum.

One of the reasons for the yearly themes’ success is the individualized approach CHA takes to every aspect of learning. Small class sizes coupled with access to broad support resources empowers each student to thrive.

CHA has specialists in every subject that meet with students to help them with difficult material, especially reading. “Every student K-2 meets with a reading specialist, and that’s not something you see at other schools,” Liz Earne said. “It’s not just for our struggling readers, but also to encourage our budding readers.”

The school also draws from a wide range of backgrounds, which is something they focus on celebrating with each theme. CHA is home to a large Israeli community, as well as students who commute from Mexico daily.

“We are really proud of the diversity here, not only in religious observance, but in cultures,” the principal said. “On any given day, you might hear Spanish, Russian and Hebrew being spoken.”

It is clear, even on your drive onto campus, that Chabad Hebrew Academy is always up to something new. Most recent projects include installing solar panels in the parking lot or an updated playground, while a partnership with student residence community ‘Campus of Life’ (located right outside the school gates) is just getting up and running.

Even in the summertime, the faculty and staff at CHA is busy planning for the next year.A

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 33

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ISRAEL: Masa

Masa participants living it up like locals.

Masa Israel Journey The Best Answer to What’s After Birthright | BY BRIE STIMSON | asa Israel Journey facilitates bringing approximately 13,000 young adults each year to Israel for immersive experiences.

“Masa offers grants and scholarships to people to choose from several hundred different opportunities from six months to a year-long, designed as opportunities to have a longer experience,” Shalom Elcott, the North American CEO of Masa told me over the phone. He says Masa’s programs are the “best answer to what’s after birthright.”

Shalom explained that Masa’s programs differ from Birthright in that participants can choose what they want to do in Israel – anything from working in a technology company to teaching English to living in an eco village on top of a mountain. With Birthright, the itinerary and messaging are all prescribed in advance. “Birthright is clearly the spark, but a lot of those people come back, some even stay, some go right onto Masa programs from Birthright,” Shalom said. He explained that when Birthright participants come back after their 10-day trip they often want to spend more time in Israel, and Masa gives them the chance to integrate themselves into daily Israeli life.

Mariana Dorenbaum, 21, is from San

Diego. She studied abroad with Masa at the IDC Herziliya, a college about 10 miles north of Tel Aviv. “Last October I decided to take on a challenge that changed my life—living in Israel for a year,” she said of her time in Herziliya where she received her BA in biology. “Every day here is a growth experience. Whether it is learning a new word in Hebrew, making a new friend from a completely different culture than mine, or understanding and getting to know myself better, every day I’m growing and exploring different aspects of life and myself that didn’t even cross my mind before this big move.”

Along with the participant’s area of focus, Masa also provides wraparound programming – from personal and professional development to the geography of Israel, politics, conflict resolution, Jewish identity and spirituality. They also focus on how the program fits into context in the participant’s life. “And of course they take the bus and they go to the market and go food shopping and they enjoy everything Israel has to offer,” Shalom added. “They live life as an Israeli pretty much in these programs.”

“The goal of Masa was to provide a really, really strong connection to the people and land of Israel, and today it’s really about

career development, personal development, job and job internship,” Shalom said. “It’s about teaching chutzpah and why that’s important, it’s encouraging people to find their own connection to Israel in their own way with gentle support.”

Masa has a team of about 90 people in 62 countries. “These individuals that are coming from around the world – 135,000 alumni – that have been through our programs, are young adults who got the Israel spark, wanted to deepen it and do so through these kinds of immersive experiences,” Shalom said.

Elana Canales, 23, is also from San Diego. She participated in a Masa Career Israel Internship. “I had a wonderful experience on Career Israel these past few months,” she told the Jewish Journal. “I did an internship at the David Intercontinental Hotel in the Pastry department.” While she was there she learned the fundamentals of the pastry kitchen and was able to travel the country with other Masa participants. “It was an experience that I will never forget ... I was given real responsibility and was challenged ... It was an amazing experience; I will bring back so much, including friendships I made over the last five months.”

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 35

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALON SHAFRANSKY

Masa Academic Fellows comparing notes.

In Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister region, they are recruiting people to teach English as part of the Teaching Fellows Program. Participants go and live in Israel together with the support of the San Diego Jewish community. “We hope when these people come back to San Diego they acknowledge the fact that it’s the San Diego community as well as other Jewish communities around the world that has helped support them for this experience, and that they often pay it forward, be[coming] mentors and inspir[ing] other young people,” Shalom said.

“This is the first time that there’s a focus in organizing a cohort that would be part of Sha’ar HaNegev. The truth is that it will be among the first of a handful of those kinds of programs ever created at Masa,” Shalom added.

Shalom was in San Diego at the end of June to discuss a new program called Masa Tech. “We have been building the concept of Masa Tech from the ground up,” he told me. “Basically there’s a deficit in Israel of qualified employees in the ... high tech arena. Israel produces about 10,800 new jobs a year and the number of graduates graduating in the top five percentile is only about 6,800 students right now.” He said the lack 36 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

of people able to fill high-tech jobs is a brain drain issue in Israel. “People aren’t studying STEM, so Masa Tech became as a result of this deficit. Israel was about to begin to import workers from India and then, like the Teaching Fellows Program, somebody turned to Masa and said is there anything you could do in this arena?”

Shalom has spent the last year working with people across the country, including Larry Acheatel, the former head of the San Diego Jewish Academy, who lives in San Diego. Acheatel now chairs the Israel Committee at the Federation. “He and a group of guys from San Diego created an investment company, [Southup, a technology incubator founded in 2015] that is investing in Israeli startups, and they’re doing it as a social innovation venture,” Shalom explained to me.

He’s also been working with Jane Fantel of the Federation who is one of the county’s leading experts on Israel and with Gary Jacobs, president of the Federation. Together they have been helping develop Masa Tech.

“The goal is to bring 600 coders, programmers and engineers to Israel starting next year for fulltime paid positions in multinational or startup companies,” Shalom said.

From the recruitment side of things, Masa will provide plane tickets and housing, which

“People aren’t studying STEM, so MASA Tech became as a result of this deficit.

Israel was about to begin to import workers from India and then, like the Teaching Fellows Program, somebody turned to MASA and said is there anything you could do in this arena?” is paid by Federation and the government of Israel. “To recruit 600 coders, programmers, and engineers is not insignificant. It is a major effort, and I hope when all is said and done that lay leaders with the support of the Federation and Southup from San Diego will have been essential components to the development and success of Masa Tech.”

Masa Israel Journey is open to people with one Jewish parent as with Birthright. Age requirements depend on the program. Most participants are between 23 and 36 years old. To learn more or find a program go to masaisrael.org. A

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Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 37

FEATURE: Israeli Guide Dogs

Bred for Purpose | BY JULIA BERNICKER |

t only 26 years old, Noach Braun arrived in America determined to become a guide dog instructor. He was alone, spoke very little English and had no money to pay for a training course. But Noach was inspired by his experiences training dogs for the IDF and wanted to use his skills to help the Israeli people. “This 26-year-old kid decides ‘I’m going to start a guide dog center.’ That’s amazing in itself—how many 26-year-olds do you know want to change the world?” said Michael Leventhal, Executive Director of the Israel Guide Dog Center.

Prior to Noach, blind Israelis had to pass an English test and then travel to America to retrieve a service dog and train with them for a month. And back in Israel, guide dogs and their owners were often unprepared for the different physical environment, in addition to the fact the dogs only understood English commands in a country that spoke Hebrew.

Noach wanted to change all of that, but was discouraged by the amount of rejection he received from American guide dog schools.

As a last resort, he contacted the Israeli consulate, who put him in touch with Pennsylvania businessman Norman Leventhal. The two met the first night of Hanukkah and decided to raise the $100,000 necessary to send Noach to a guide dog training center in Ohio. “We 38 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

think it’s interesting that an organization for the blind was founded on the Festival of Light,” said Michael, Norman’s son. “My dad said let’s do it, so we started a nonprofit around my kitchen table and started raising money.”

Two years later, Noach went back to Israel to establish the Israel Guide Dog Center in 1991 while Norman continued to raise funds in the U.S. Fast forward more than 25 years later, the center is now

located south of Tel Aviv and has produced over 620 guide dogs for visually impaired Israelis.

However, not every dog bred at the center becomes a guide dog. Only about half make it, due to the intense training process that starts when the puppies are born. For their first two months, the puppies are exposed to different lights, sounds, materials and even cats, so they can start to acclimate to the Israeli environment. Then, they are given to local university students for a year of obedience training, where the dogs learn how to walk, how to behave in the house, and how to go to the bathroom on command. After this initial training period, they are evaluated to decide whether they will continue guide dog training, or become a “career change dog." They’re still amazing dogs and they can still serve a purpose so we give those dogs to children with autism and soldiers with PTSD,” said Michael.

For the dogs who make it, they go through

an additional four to five months of training, where they learn three important lessons that make these dogs unique: intelligent disobedience, critical space and decisionmaking. This is the hardest part of training, but the most important, as the Israeli environment poses different challenges than other parts of the world, such as frequent security barriers and missile attack sirens.

In addition, Israeli culture is hard for blind people to adapt to. “In America, people are very cognizant of disabilities. But in Israel, they simply don’t have the same knowledge of blindness and being receptive to it,” said Michael. “Israelis don’t wait in line. We have to train the dogs to be Israeli and push into lines, so it’s a cultural thing as well.”

At the end of this process, the dogs can understand 40 commands in Hebrew. They are then paired with a client and spend around a month in additional partnership training. “We breed for purpose. So just because you are the next person on the

waiting list doesn’t mean you are going to get the next dog. We pick the best dog for the best person,” said Michael.

The Guide Dog Center also has a partnership with the Eliya school for the blind, where they bring in dogs on a monthly basis and teach visually impaired children to become comfortable around dogs.

All of these children may become potential clients of the center later in life, so by cultivating a relationship with dogs at a young age, the transition to a guide dog is easier.

Noach and Norman’s work has transformed the lives of countless visually impaired Israelis over the years and has granted them a new partnership with Amazon Smile. This new online platform looks and feels the same as a regular Amazon transaction, but with every purchase made, they will donate 0.5% to a charity of your choice. As one of the highest rated nonprofits in the country, the Israel Guide Dog center has recently become one of Smile’s selected organizations.

“When you name us as your charity, you have to go into the Amazon Smile platform to make your purchases,” said Michael. “You pay exactly the same, but the difference is half a percent of everything you buy goes into an account for the Israel Guide Dog Center.”

This new source of revenue will help the center train more dogs and continue the vital work they are doing within the Israeli community. A

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JEWISH CULTURE

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40 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

■ MUSIC | ■ FILM | ■ LECTURE

■ SAM SPIEGEL: Conquering Hollywood .....................August 19 ■ HOMEBREW WORLD with Josh Bernstein ..........................August 22 ■ GILI YALO ............................................August 29

SEPTEMBER 2018 ■ GIANTS OF JAZZ ON FILM Part one of three Hosted by Mark Cantor ......................September 4 ■ PAULA POUNDSTONE .........................September 6 ■ THE BODY COLLECTOR .......................September 13 ■ BETTYE LaVETTE Reinvents the Bob Dylan Songbook ....................September 15 ■ PETER YARROW ..................................September 22 ■ GOTTHELF ART GALLERY Opening: PARSHA POSTERS ...............................September 26

OCTOBER 2018 ■ ENCOUNTERS: Taiseer Elias, Menachem Wiesenberg & Hillel Zori ..October 3 ■ JOYCE FORUM SHORT FILM FEST........October 6 ■ BREWS AND VIEWS.............................October 18 ■ NORMAN EISEN The Last Palace: Europe’s Turbulent Century in Five Lives and One Legendary House ................................................October 10 ■ CHEF MICHAEL TWITTY .....................October 12 ■ In The Mix Presents CORKS ‘N CULTURE.............................October 22 ■ GIANTS OF JAZZ ON FILM Part two of three Hosted by Mark Cantor ......................October 23 ■ REBECCA SOFFER & GABRIELLE BIRKNER Modern Loss: Candid Conversations About Grief. Beginners Welcome. ......October 24 ■ YOTAM OTTOLENGHI at Our Brunch Table ...........................October 28 ■ MASTER MENTALIST LIOR SUCHARD in an Interactive Mind Reading Experience .........................................October 29

TICKETS & INFORMATION

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NOVEMBER 2018

FEBRUARY 2019

■ CELEBRATING THE SIMPSONS AT 30 with Writer & Producer Mike Reiss .....November 1 ■ TODAY’S JERUSALEM: Neighborhoods Unveiled in the City of Gold with Marik Shtern ...........November 5 ■ SALK TALKS In collaboration with the Salk Institute, Part 1 ............November 7 ■ LEAN ON ME: JOSÉ JAMES Celebrates Bill Withers .....................November 8 ■ DORIE GREENSPAN AT OUR TABLE Everyday Dorie: The Way I Cook ........November 11 ■ INSIDE NETFLIX'S FAUDA: with Moshe Zonder ............................November 13 ■ PABLO ZIEGLER JAZZ TANGO TRIO .....November 15 ■ DANIEL KAHN & THE PAINTED BIRD ...November 19 ■ GIANTS OF JAZZ ON FILM Part three of three Hosted by Mark Cantor .....................November 27

■ DAN ZANES AND FRIENDS ........... February 3 ■ TIO CHORINHO: A Tribute to Jacob do Bandolim .. February 19 ■ Nellie McKay Performs THE BIG MOLINKSY: CONSIDERING JOAN RIVERS ....... February 21 ■ DR. JUDITH HAUPTMAN ............. February 28 Women's Voices in the Talmud (10:00 am) The Moral Obligation to Speak Out in the Face of Wrongdoing (7:00 pm)

■ TAPESTRY: A Community Celebration of Jewish Learning .............................December 1 ■ THE GENDER CREATIVE CHILD Pathways for Nurturing and Supporting Children Who Live Outside Gender Boxes .............December 4 ■ SANDRA BERNHARD in “Sandemonium” .............................December 12 ■ SCATTERED AMONG THE NATIONS with Photographer Bryan Schwartz ...December 17 ■ GOTTHELF ART GALLERY Opening: JEWS OF COLOR: A Renaissance .........December 18 ■ FRANCIS FUKUYAMA Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment .......................December 19 ■ FUNNY GIRL 50th Anniversary Screening & Chinese Dinner ..............December 25

JANUARY 2019 ■ IN SEARCH OF KING SOLOMON’S MINES: Archaeological Discoveries Behind the Biblical Legend ............................January 16 ■ NATHAN DEVIR: The Lost Tribes of Israel in Madagascar ....................................January 23 ■ ISRAEL: Emerging Jewish Communities in an Era of Globalization...................January 23 ■ ISABELLA ROSSELLINI’S Link Link Circus ..................................January 29 ■ TABLET MAGAZINE'S Unorthodox Podcast Live ...................January 31

■ MATTI FRIEDMAN Spies of No Country: Secret Lives at the Birth of Israel .............................. March 6 ■ JACOB GOLDBERG Distinguished Speaker Series ...... March 11, 12,13 ■ GOTTHELF ART GALLERY Opening: THE ART OF AGING ...................... March 19 ■ CAROLINE ROTHSTEIN................. March 21 ■ INSIDE ISRAELI TV: with Ronit Weiss Berkowitz ......... March 26 ■ BILL CHARLAP TRIO Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein . March 28

APRIL 2019 ■ JAMIE BERNSTEIN Famous Father Girl: A Memoir of Growing Up Bernstein ................ April 3 ■ JENNY SCHEINMAN’S KANNAPOLIS: A Moving Portrait ....................... April 4 ■ END OF THE SILENCE ................... April 17

MAY 2019 ■ ISRAEL STORY LIVE! ..................... May 15 ■ SALK TALKS In collaboration with the Salk Institute, Part 2 ..... May 29

JUNE 2019 ■ SALK TALKS In collaboration with the Salk Institute, Part 3 ..... June 19

WHERE:

Most Arts & Ideas events at: Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037

858.362.1348 | www.sdcjc.org

SAN DIEGO

DECEMBER 2018

MARCH 2019

Lawrence Family JCC

JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 41

EDUCATION: Opera

The cast from The Words of Music program.

As Easy as 1, 2, 3 San Diego Opera in the Community | BY BRIE STIMSON | n the corner of Fairmount and Orange Avenue in City Heights there is a colorful green and yellow building where children of all ages come to learn, play and grow.

Through the main building and up a set of stairs, past the courtyard, there is a small nondescript room where the next generation of singers, actors and musicians can be found practicing everything from Mendelssohn to Michael Jackson. That is where on a hot June day I met Salma and Oscar, two students who are part of the opera’s Words and Music program.

“I don’t get much opportunities to get involved in stuff like this,” Oscar, 12, tells me, “so I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get this all done and see where this can take me.” Oscar says he’s wanted to be a singer for the last four years. He and Salma have been involved in the program since its inception last year.

Salma, 11, says she always wanted to be a singer but never thought she would try act42 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

ing, “but now I’m performing in front of lots of people and doing skits,” she beams. She’s also working on a script. “The main part of the story, it’s basically learning that people still care about you even though they might not be your family, but people still care for you,” she tells me about her script. “This character, she’s going through a lot in her life, dealing with depression and being sad a lot.”

And while there may be other after-school music programs around the county, most of them don’t involve professionals from the San Diego Opera. John Gabriel, education director of the San Diego Opera and teaching artist Joey Molina are two of more than a dozen opera people involved in the program.

In total, there are 16 teaching artists.

“She has a great belt,” Joey says of Salma after she sings “What a Wonderful World” for us. “When we started the summer program going into the performance, one of the things I’m particularly proud of is their growth,” Joey proudly says about both of them. “Like Oscar, the role [of a father having trouble let-

ting his daughter leave for college], he really grew into that role. It took him a little while to get it, but when he got it he was phenomenal … And Salma is … our star … She’s one of the most dedicated kids I’ve ever met. She’s always here. She’s always working.”

Between singing several songs I got a chance to talk to with the two preteens who, casually dressed in a t-shirt and khaki shorts and a flannel shirt with leggings respectively, pulled up a chair in the center of the room and spoke in language beyond their years.

“A dream came true for all of us,” Oscar says about their first performance last fall at the City Heights Library Weingart Performance Annex. “We put in all our heart, our sweat and our hard work.” He tells me they performed in front of more than 100 people.

“I never thought this dream of mine for four years would ever come true because when you think about it, not a lot of people my age get this opportunity to meet these amazing people who teach you these amazing things,” Oscar adds. John makes a joke that he paid

“A large anchor arts institution like San Diego Opera can have really super meaningful impact in communities that are not always regular patrons of these institutions.”

L to R: Joey Molina, Salma, Oscar, John Gabriel.

him to say such nice things and Oscar jokes back, but there’s no question he means what he says. Oscar further explains that when he originally heard about the program he was skeptical, but “I tried it out, and I liked it a lot.” He says one of the biggest moments of his life came true when he performed in front of the crowd at the annex.

There’s no getting around the fact that these two are performers. Salma says she’s loved performing since she was little. “When I was like three, my sister she was in love with Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies,’ and I would always dance in my diaper jumping up and down,” Salma laughs; And they both agree the program has helped them with their confidence.

The opera was connected to the La Maestra Foundation and the Center for Youth Advancement through their partnership with Teatro Izcalli, a Chicano theater organization where they implement some of their educational programs. “A large anchor arts institution like San Diego Opera can have really super meaningful impact in communities that are not always regular patrons of these institutions,” John tells me.

“The program at La Maestra has been an opportunity for young people of diverse refugee communities to showcase their artistic talent,” Macedonio Arteaga, Jr., executive director of Teatro Izcalli adds. “It is a unique space because we do not set a limitation on what the young people can do. At the last performance we had at the City Heights An-

nex theater, we had a parent tell me that she could not believe that the students where capable of performing at such a high level. It was an interesting comment - I responded by telling her ‘well it never dawned on me that they couldn't do it.’ This is what this work is all about.”

Throughout La Maestra there are colorful walls painted with smiling people, trees and depictions of exotic, far away places like the Great Wall of China. Repurposed tables are painted in similarly colorful motifs. The sounds of happy, laughing children doing an assortment of activities echoes through the halls – a respite amid the heat and cement of City Heights.

“San Diego Opera and [La Maestra] Community Center got together and designed a program where our teaching artists will work with the students at this community center so we, the opera, and Izcalli bring the curriculum, the professional teaching artists and all the arts expertise,” John says. “And La Maestra is a community center with wraparound social and emotional health services, after school programs and all sorts of family and community support resources. It’s a really efficient and effective way for arts organizations big and small to meaningfully connect with youth in City Heights.”

Along with La Maestra, San Diego students participate in the program at Burbank Elementary, Memorial Prep, Knox Middle School and Lincoln High School.

“They tell their own stories using words and music,” John adds. “Opera being sort of a traditionally grand art form, the connection is storytelling with music. So the stories come from the students – the music is usually more culturally relevant and comes from the music from the community.”

“Those students also attend the Student Night at the Opera program on a regular basis, and their experience in the theater watching professional opera on stage informs how they put together their own productions,” John explains. “Students will make comments about ‘oh that lighting effect was really neat’ or ‘oh those costumes were really neat’ and’ I understand why the lighting and costumes were this way cause it helped tell the story.’ They bring that experience back into their artist residency program.”

“It’s pretty amazing, this Student Night at the Opera program being decades long. Our technical director, for example, he attended Student Night at the Opera as a kid along with lots of other San Diegans and lots of other subscribers and current patrons for San Diego Opera."

We finish our time with Salma and Oscar by clapping along with Salma while she belts (after just a little bit of coaxing) the Jackson 5’s “ABC.” “ABC, as easy as 1, 2, 3.” A

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 43

EDUCATION: Soille

EQ, IQ and Jew-Q?

Soille Hebrew Day School Introduces Responsive Classroom | BY LEORAH GAVIDOR |

eing a mensch—a good person—goes hand in hand with achievement.”

That’s head of school Rabbi Simcha Weiser’s reasoning behind the new responsive classroom program rolling out for fall 2018 at Soille Hebrew Day School, which serves pre-K through eighth grade at its Kearny Mesa campus.

“The old-school way, it was thought that a rigorous education did not include an aspect of social and emotional intelligence,” Weiser continued. Otherwise known as “EQ,” emotional intelligence is not traditionally part of school curriculum. The responsive classroom approach, employed in other U.S. schools with success, addresses emotions that come up in the normal course of a school day and can distract students from focusing on learning.

For an example of how the approach looks in practice, Rabbi Weiser imagines a (very real) situation: two teams playing a game at recess. One team lost and one team won.

There might be team members who come in from recess feeling angry or upset over the loss. Instead of jumping right in to lessons when the kids are clearly not ready to pay attention, the teacher can take a few minutes to acknowledge what happened and involve 44 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

the whole class in discussing it. The teacher asks the students who feel upset to examine why and share it with the class. Other students can contribute their thoughts on the matter, and the teacher can give them the structured direction to reconcile the dispute. Then the energy can be redirected to the task at hand.

“It takes just three – four minutes,” Weiser described. “Rather than take away from learning time, as some might be concerned this would do, those few minutes of talking something over add exponentially to the quality of learning.”

It’s not only about acknowledging the emotion, but also giving students the language to talk to each other about issues and the tools for reconciliation. It also goes a step further, Weiser emphasized. “It’s about having the language to accept responsibility.”

“So much of work is collaborative, and we want to give our students the foundation they need to succeed.”

He is grateful to the staff for being receptive to the approach and attributes its adoption to teachers who tried it out in their classrooms during the 2017-2018 academic year. The responsive classroom builds on

Soille’s “Successful Me” curriculum, which emphasizes character development in all grades and disciplines in the school.

“The Judaic framework posits appreciating the world we live in, which is how a person grows to be a healthy human being,” said Weiser of the holistic approach.

“It speaks to that Talmudic notion: ‘that which is hateful to you, don’t do to your fellow.’”

Weiser sees emotional intelligence as a natural part of a person’s identity, and he hopes Soille’s emphasis on developing it adds to the efforts the school puts into helping students grow their Jewish identities as citizens of the world.

“We call it ‘Jewish IQ.’” How about Jew-Q for short?

As head of school for 37 years, Weiser is able to reflect on changes in student populations. He sees the need for education to counteract the negative effects technology has had on character development. Face to face communication, reconciliation and accepting responsibility are all skills lost when social media is the main point of contact for groups. The responsive classroom is certainly a response to those aspects of social life that are lacking in modern communities. A

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THEATER: Hairspray

Debra Wanger Gets Out Her teasing comb for San Diego Musical Theatre’s

“HAIRSPRAY” | BY PAT LAUNER |

46 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

inspiring message about the power of everyday people to alter the prevailing culture and change people’s minds. It’s all about acceptance, and battling discrimination against those who look, act or seem different.

Sadly, nearly 50 years after the story is set, and 30 years after the story was written, we’re still dealing with fat-shaming, racism and discrimination against anyone non-mainstream.

PHOTOS BY MARK ANTHONY HOLMES

dmit it. If you were a female living through the ‘60s, at one time or another, you teased your hair into a beehive (lifting it with a rat-tail comb) and sprayed it to within an inch of its life.

“Hairspray” celebrates those heady times. Writer/director John Waters, he of the oddball, off-the-wall sensibility (he’s been called The King of Schlock and The Sultan of Sleaze --titles he wears proudly), created his cult classic in 1988. It was darker than the 2002 musical it inspired (with a score by Jewish composer Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan).

The musical ran on Broadway for 6½ years, more than 2,600 performances. At the Tony Awards ceremony of 2003, it snagged eight statuettes, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.

Set in 1962 Baltimore, the story follows the development and social awareness of “pleasantly plump” teenager Tracy Turnblad, who loves nothing more than music and dancing. Her dream is to do her thang on "The Corny Collins Show," a local TV dance program based on the real Baltimore "Buddy Deane Show."

When she tries out, she’s rejected because of her weight. Another auditioner, young African American Little Inez, is excluded because of her race.

When Tracy gets put in detention for her “monumental hairdon’t,” she meets other African American students, who turn her on to some of their dance moves. This new style, coupled with her natural enthusiasm and effervescence, helps her get a spot on Corny’s show, much to the dismay of snooty, snotty Amber van Tassel and her monstrous mother, Velma, the show’s scheming producer.

Tracy becomes a local celeb, and uses her newfound influence to fight for racial integration of the TV show, which only allows blacks on the monthly Negro Day. Along the way, Tracy finds love, stands up to high school bullies, and fights racism, envy, and all enemies of big girls with big hair.

Though the musical is fluffy and lightweight, it does carry an

Debra Wanger as Prudence Pingleton.

Bethany Slomka and John Massey.

Becoming an Actor… and Playing a Host of Characters

Among the show’s many colorful characters are Tracy’s sympathetic parents: her warm-hearted, joke-loving Dad, Wilbur; and her plussized Mom, Edna, a role that is always played by a man: Divine in the original film, John Travolta in the 2007 movie musical and Harvey Feierstein, who starred in the Broadway premiere, in NBC’s 2016 “Hairspray Live.”

As Waters himself put it: “Finally, the fat girl and the drag queen get the parts!”

Several roles are grouped under the heading ‘Female Authority Figure,’ and in the San Diego Musical Theatre production, those will be played by busy local actor Debra Wanger.

In addition to portraying those three characters, Wanger, a single mom, is engaged in planning for the b’nai mitzvah of her boy/girl twins. She also has a 7½ year old daughter.

Debra was born in Chicago (“Cubs territory!”). Her grandparents were German-Jewish on both sides. Her father was a financial analyst and her mother, a social worker interested in genealogy. What she found in her research was that Albert Einstein is a “third cousin five times removed.”

“If I let my moustache grow,” quips Debra, “you can see the resemblance.”

Her physicist boyfriend gets a kick out of that.

When she was growing up, Debra’s family was not observant,

though her oldest brother did have a bar mitzvah. But after their parents divorced, when Debra was 9, she dropped out of Hebrew school.

Much later, after attending the Cincinnati Conservatory and Tufts University, she decided the time was right for her bat mitzvah.

“I found a great female rabbi from Yale,” she reports. “It was a much more adult and proactive way to do it, and a much more personal journey.”

She finally had her bat mitzvah at age 26 (“like a double 13!”), just at the time she graduated with her bachelor’s degree (having taken some time off to perform in Florida).

“It was like an ending and a beginning; a very parallel event.

And I think it was so much more meaningful than if I’d done it at 13.”

But her twins will do it the traditional way at Congregation Beth Israel next spring. Fortunately, she gets “a twofer: only one party for both!”

As an actor, she’s had her “Fiddler” moment, playing Tevye’s oldest daughter, Tzeitel, at Dinner Theatre Florida.

“I’d have my wedding at the end of the first act, then go serve coffee. Some honeymoon!”

From the time she was nine years old, Debra knew she wanted to be an actor. She started in children’s theater, community theater and chorus, taking dance classes at school and later obtaining training at the famed Interlochen summer theater program in Michigan.

At Tufts, she majored in sociology, “to become a more balanced human being.” That knowledge has come in handy in her acting career.

“The more you bring to the table as an actor, the more you know about humans and human behavior, the better you are.”

After graduation, Debra went to Los Angeles to learn the business side of the business, working at one of the largest agencies, Creative Artists. She met movie stars and worked crazy hours.

“It was exciting and horrible and very demanding and very high stress,” she says. “And it wasn’t half as creative as I’d expected.”

So, she moved to San Diego, where her mother and brother were living, and enrolled in the MFA program in musical theater at San Diego State University, graduating in 2000.

Since that time, aside from “taking time off here and there for babies,” she’s been working pretty consistently, performing at theaters all over San Diego, including New Village Arts, Intrepid Theatre, Moonlight Stage Productions, North Coast Rep and the Lawrence Welk Resort Theatre. “Hairspray” will be her fifth show at San Diego Musical Theatre.

“I’ve played Mother to every actor in town,” she says. “Many still call me Mama.”

Her current day job is at The Children’s School in La Jolla, a private, progressive school that brought her in to start a drama program for the middle school students.

She also has developed a coaching sideline.

“Actors are notoriously unhealthy,” she says. “But there were no books about staying healthy as an actor. So I wrote one: “The Resilient Actor.” I even made it to #1 in two categories on Amazon. So I guess you could call me an Amazon best-selling author.”

As an offshoot of her self-published book, she developed a website and a podcast. She’s currently working on a companion workbook and audiobook. She also recorded a CD, “Driving My Own Heart,” which features “an eclectic mix of lesser-known songs.”

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 47

In terms of theater work, Debra likes “silly or thought-provoking or gut-wrenching plays. I like to mix it up, not focus on one specific genre.”

She also likes playing multiple roles, which she has done in several shows, and is really relishing in “Hairspray.”

“The show is so joyous,” she says. “It’s silly and toe-tapping, but it does have a message about race. The score reminds me of great oldies songs – ‘60s dance music and R&B. It’s a blast. And all my characters are so quirky.”

One character is Prudy Pringleton, the over-anxious, overprotective, prejudiced mother of Tracy’s best friend, Penny, who “loses her mind when she finds out that her daughter is dating a black student. She melts down completely.”

Then there’s the Prison Matron, “a tough broad who aspires to become a prison guard or a biker.” And the Gym Teacher, “a stereotypical nightmare.”

“They’re all over-the-top. I want to bring a little twist of darkness to them. It’s an opportunity to bring the original John Waters sensibility to the piece. I have to be fearless, and not afraid to look goofy or unladylike.

“I’m just gonna go for it. There’s no halfway with these characters.

I’m ready to sing off-pitch, not look good, and go wherever these ladies take me.

“I’ll be doing a lot of clothes-changing. I think I have four costume changes. I actually have a fourth role, a kind of ‘Where’s Waldo?’ See if you can find me!

“It’s fun to figure out how each character is different, changing

voice, gait, posture. It’s fun to discover what makes them tick and how they see the world. There isn’t a lot of time to show who they are, so I have to just dive in. It’s a different challenge from playing one fully fleshed-out character. Here, I’m going for speed instead of depth.”

All her theater work hasn’t been lost on her family. Her two daughters “seem to have gotten the bug.”

So Debra now finds herself being a “Theater Mom, schlepping to rehearsals, getting headshots. It’s karma, and my mother’s getting a kick out of it. Me, too. I see these two little Mini Me’s – one played the Plate and one played a Sugar Cube in the J*Company production of ‘Beauty and the Beast.'”

When she was in “A Little Night Music” at Cygnet last spring, her 12 year-old daughter sat through that challenging Stephen Sondheim musical three times – “two in one day! It was fun for her to get to know the actors offstage, then see them perform. I didn’t know any professional actors when I was a kid. I would’ve loved going backstage, and then having the actors over for brunch. That would’ve been so cool. It is for my kids.”

Clearly, her life is full and hectic. But she’s happy and appreciative.

“I’m grateful to be working steadily,” Debra concludes. “I’m a busy Jewish mom who’s also teaching, coaching, writing and acting. I love the combination. The gestalt of it is very rewarding.”

The San Diego Musical Theatre production of “HAIRSPRAY” runs at the Horton Grand Theatre, downtown, August 3-September 2. A Tickets and information: 877-778-1258; sdmt.org.

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Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 49

EDUCATION: SDJA

The Traditional and the Innovative | BY JACQUELINE BULL |

an Diego Jewish Academy is taking a big new step in the direction of an innovative and creative curriculum this fall. They are opening the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Thinking (CIET) and bringing in incoming director Kwaku Aning to head up the program.

“One of the things we are always looking at is how do we combine Jewish tradition and Jewish culture with innovation? How do we make sure that the lessons and the ethics and the teachings of yesterday – our tradition – can become modernized and have meaning as we move into the future?” asked Chaim Heller, head of school at SDJA. “We realized that things are changing – that the ground is changing underneath us – and we’re not even sure why or where. To address it long-term, we developed an approach that had creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking being gradual progressions that all of our students would go,” Chaim said.

The school wants to prepare its students for the unknown needs of tomorrow. To do that, they are infusing an innovative mindset 50 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

into all of the curriculum, which the students will be able to carry with them into college and beyond.

Even before implementing the center, SDJA is already an innovative school with a focus on project-based learning, robotics, science labs, et cetera.

“We realized what was missing was a system that would tie everything that we are doing together,” said Chaim. SDJA conducted a serious and in-depth national search to fill the important role of founding director and found Kwaku Aning. Kwaku had been the director of a similar program at a school in Tennessee.

One of Kwaku’s main focal points is creating context or scenarios for learning.

“If you are looking at this from a cognitive science perspective, it is easier for learners to build schema in their long-term memory (which is essentially the building blocks of how we remember any sort of information and how we apply it to anything else) through either an immersive process or when students are situated within a scenario,” Kwaku said.

An example, Kwaku facilitated at his prior school was an integrated unit for a 7th grade science class. The project used CRISPR, the revolutionary new technology that can edit the genome, as an entry point to talk about genetics and create an immersive learning situation. The unit was broken up into three sections.

“One where students debated the moral aspects of using that tool to alter aspects of people, or to alter life. The second part of it the students created really simple [Virtual Reality] examples of how the CRISPR tool edits the genetic code. The third part of that was each group created their demo, had an opportunity to present to the entire grade within a school wide assembly,” Kwaku said.

To implement this type of curriculum at SDJA, they have a threeyear plan. First to build the framework or lens of seeing the world as an innovator or entrepreneur, then develop those skills and later take that process and those ideas and have the students begin thinking about tackling problems outside the school.

“We look at this as a continuum. In the younger grades, we teach them creativity, we teach them how to think outside of the box, how

to look for alternatives to the traditional ... And we teach them how to come up with new and useful and exciting ideas, then we have innovation and that is where Kwaku and his whole program comes in, ‘How do we take these creative ideas and how do we implement them to create something new that adds value?’” Chaim said.

Chaim explained that he expects different and exciting opportunities will naturally develop at the school.

“A lot of schools [say] ‘Look at this process. We got you into this great school, see you later.’ This program is looking at how students can have an impact beyond at SDJA and beyond whatever top tier school they go to,” Kwaku said.

“Out of this center, we are going to offer our students... the opportunity to be a part of innovative ideas that will come out of the school, support our faculty so that they can build — together with Kwaku’s help — build partnerships with universities, think tanks, and research institutions. We’ve been doing this sporadically, but we’ve decided this is where our future is not just as a school, but as a community, as a society,” Chaim said. A Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 51

52 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

ISRAEL: Out of the Blue

“Out of the Blue” Exhibit Opens for a Year at Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem | BY SYBIL KAPLAN |

D

id you ever wonder about the origin of the blue thread on the corner of a talit or tzitzit (the fourcorned garment worn by religious Jewish men daily)? What about the origin of the blue stripes on the Israeli flag? Could it be that a color so important had been lost?

Why did it take so long for the information about the colors to surface?

These questions are answered in a new exhibition, “Out of the Blue,” which opened June 1 and runs for a year. In honor of Israel’s 70th anniversary, the exhibit reveals the secrets of the tekhelet, the precious blue color, and the argaman, the purple color, known thousands of years ago.

Jewish sources attributed great importance to the tekhelet blue. The Israelites were commanded to cover the Ark of the Covenant and Tabernacle utensils with the blue-dyed cloth (Exodus 25); the robe of the High Priest was pure blue; and Israelites were commanded to tie threads of blue to the corners of their garments as a reminder of G-d and his commandments (Numbers 15:37).

When the Romans took over in the 7th century, ownership of the dyes was even a crime punishable by death, according to Dr. Baruch Sterman, a physicist who helped develop the modern techniques for dyeing.

With the decline of the blue and purple dye industry, the skill required to produce these dyes was lost and forgotten.

In recent years, the origins were traced to murex snails indigenous to the Mediterranean Sea. Members of the foreign press were recently invited to an amazing tour of the exhibition led by the three curators. In addition, the press watched a demonstration by Dr. Baruch Sterman, co-founder in 1991 of Ptil Yekhelet, located in KfarAdumim, to promote and produce tekhelet strings for tzitzit. The company also provides educational programming and resources pertaining to tekhelet. During the press conference, Dr. Sterman gave the history of the dyes produced 4,000 years ago used on the garments of the High Priest and then commanded to be on the garments of others.

In front of our eyes, he showed how the crushed glands of the murex snails were placed in a beaker of boiling water but did not dissolve until chemicals were added.

When cotton was placed in the beaker and the beaker placed into the sun, the yellow color soon turned to blue providing an amazing chemistry.

Dr. Sterman and his wife, Judy Taubes Sterman, have written “the remarkable story of an ancient color lost to history and re-

discovered,” in their book, The Rarest Blue, published by Lyons Press and subsequently published by Ptil Tekhelet.

Curators Yehuda Kaplan, Oree Meiri and Yigal Bloch guided journalists through the exhibition.

One panel states that “the earliest archaeological evidence for the purple dye industry is the 15th century BCE. This industry flourished on the coast of Lebanon and also spread to the coast of Israel.

Another exhibit shows the murex snails (each journalist was given a banded murex snail in a tiny net bag). It takes 1,000 to 10,000 snails to produce one kilo (2.2 pounds) of blue wool.

Among the amazing more contemporary exhibits with the blue used in Israeli flags are: the Israeli flag placed aboard the Apollo space craft in 1975 and the flag raised at the United Nations when Israel was declared a state in 1948.

Anyone coming to Jerusalem in the next year should be sure to visit this fascinating exhibition. The Museum is located opposite the Israel Museum and is open Sunday through Thursday. Go to blmj.org/en for information. A

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 53

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PHOTO COURTESY DAVID SINGER

EDUCATION: Hillel

Radical Hospitality $15 Million Upgrade to UC San Diego’s Hillel Program

By Leorah Gavidor e call it “radical hospitality,” explained Rabbi David Singer, executive director of Hillel San Diego’s UCSD program.

“Our tent is open to everyone.”

That proverbial tent is about to get a major upgrade: plans are underway for the new Beverly and Joseph Glickman Hillel Center for Jewish Life across from UC San Diego’s campus. At the corner of La Jolla Scenic Drive North and La Jolla Village Drive, the new facility will be a welcoming presence to anyone entering La Jolla by that route.

The significance of the location is not lost on Singer, who pointed out that Jews were not always welcome in La Jolla. Until 1964 racially restrictive covenants, akin to homeowners’ associations, kept Jewish people and other ethnic minorities from buying property in certain parts of town.

Voice of San Diego journalist Adrian Florido dug up this statement from a home built in 1939 in the La Jolla Hermosa development: “No part of said property, or any buildings thereon, shall be used or occupied by any person not belonging to the Caucasian race, either as owner, lessee, licensee, tenant, or in any other capacity than that of servant or employee.”

With Roger Revelle’s insistence that Jewish professors would be part of the university and therefore live in the neighborhood, the growth of UCSD brought a de facto end to the practice. Now several temples and many Jewish residents make La Jolla home. In the same neighborhood where the new center

Laura Galinson - Capital Cabinet Chair, Elaine Galinson - Honorary Committee Chair, Joseph Glickman z”l, Rabbi David Singer, Representative Scott Peters.

will be, UCSD Hillel currently operates out of a single-family residence on Cliffridge Avenue. They had their eyes on a move to that prominent corner city-owned parcel since 1998. The city deemed it surplus in 2002 and gave Hillel San Diego rights to negotiate for it.

But stiff opposition from neighbors dragged out the process, as did a lawsuit brought against the city by La Jolla Highlands Homeowners Association. Residents claimed a student center would increase traffic and noise in the area, and that already scant parking would be harder to find.

The La Jolla-based non-profit Taxpayers for Responsible Land Use also opposed the project. The homeowners association eventually lost the suit, which allowed the sale to go forward in 2006. Then came another lawsuit by the La Jolla Shores Association, claiming that the proposed project violated environmental law.

That prompted an Environmental Impact Report, which Rabbi Singer said turned out to be a boone to the project. The report concluded that traffic and noise would not be negatively impacted, and it stipulated green space must be part of the new design. Singer said that this encouraged the architects to create a public garden space that will be a signature of the project and will be open for all the neighbors to enjoy.

6,500 square feet of flexible space for meetings, classes, celebrations, services, and activities will serve not only the UCSD Jewish student population, but those who seek

a sense of community. Yoga and wellness classes, leadership training, and mentoring, among other offerings, add to the traditional birthright trips and Jewish student life that Hillel organizations provide.

The complex will comprise three buildings surrounding a courtyard, with dedicated car and bicycle parking on the property.

The buildings will meet Leed Silver standards and generate 30-50 percent of their energy by solar.

A unanimous “yes” vote by San Diego City Council in October 2017 cemented the future of the center, and a $5 million starter gift from Joseph Glickman secured the property for Hillel San Diego. Though he passed away earlier this year at 102 years old, “Chickie,” as he was known, had the opportunity to break ground on the project.

Singer shared the story.

“Before he died, Chickie was able to see the beginning of the project that was his passion.”

Glickman dedicated the site and blessed the venture’s future with the planting of a pomegranate tree in what will be the courtyard. His granddaughter has carried on the legacy by leading the $15 million capital campaign.

“We are so blessed to have the support of so many UCSD alumni, students, and faculty, as well as so many community members—laypeople—who have wanted to see this project succeed,” said Singer. A

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 55

FEATURE: San Diego Botanic Garden

S.D.Botanic Garden

Invites You to their 19th Annual Gala in the Garden Sept. 8 at 5 p.m.

W

hat makes San Diego Botanic Garden’s (SDBG) annual gala so special? For starters, there are no ballroom walls! Spread throughout several lovely gardens that fluctuate from year to year, guests meander while enjoying fine food from more than 40 top restaurants and caterers in our region.

Along the way, they enjoy a variety of wine, beer and spirits (included in the ticket cost) and listen to a different musical entertainment throughout the garden. Surprises are in store yearly. Attendees also experience the garden going from day to night and many enjoy the ocean view sunset from the Herb garden each year while rocking out to the band there. To understand why many people have dubbed this “the best gala in town,” we must go back 19 years to the very first gala.

Jim Farley, president and CEO of Leichtag Foundation was board chair in 1999. Together with Julian Duval, then and still the president and CEO, they hatched the plan for the event. They established the Paul Ecke, Jr. Award in conjunction with the fundraiser in order to honor a person of significant horticultural impact in the

56 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

region. That year, the honoree was Chuck Ades, a local grower who was much loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The first gala raised $100,000 for the garden, very important because the organization had recently transitioned from being entirely funded by the County of San Diego to becoming a self-sustaining nonprofit entity. Nineteen years ago, such proceeds were very high, especially given that the number of guests totaled 100.

Fast forward to last year’s “Gala in the Garden.” The event grossed more than $600,000 with 600 attendees. The event’s fund-a-need project raised the final dollars needed for the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, a new facility under construction that will bring the rainforest canopy up close for visitors.

This year’s event promises an exciting evening including a new “after party” and other surprises you will experience that night!

With CEO Duval heading into retirement in January after 24 years of leading the garden, he was selected to receive the Paul Ecke, Jr. Award. For the first time, an Honorary Host Committee has been established that is chaired by a dedicated group of dear garden

friends, led by Jim Farley.

The "Gala in the Garden" is chaired by former SDBG board member Jim Ruecker, Rene Van Rems and Sabrina Cadini who have led the event for a number of years running. Artistic Director Van Rems is known for his exquisite floral creations assembled with a large team of volunteers using 10,000 stems each year.

Duval shared, “I hope folks will choose to come to our gala because what makes it so special is that it is outside in this beautiful place. We also just know how to throw a very fun party with plenty of entertainment, food and libations! With surprises such as our 18-foot living vines last year. We often hear that this is the one gala people do not miss!”

The gala is on Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. Proceeds support the San Diego Botanic Garden. Tickets are $225 and sponsorships begin at $1,000.

To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, go to sdbgarden.org or contact Susan Parker at sparker@sdbgarden.org and please add Gala Inquiry in the subject or you may call her at (760) 436-3036, ext. 217. A

ART: Chagall

Part Fairy Tale, Part Fact

Marc Chagall: The Jewish Artist | BY PATRICIA GOLDBLATT | "The Praying Jew" (Rabbi of Vitebsk).

arc Chagall (born Moyshe Shagall in 1887) is well known, one of those artists whose brilliant style makes him readily recognizable. From his paintings of his early life in Russia, his enduring romantic love for Bella, his first wife, to his biblical depictions recalling Hasidic traditions and Jewish folklore, Chagall’s work lodges in one’s memory and we think of jewel-like colors, dislocated, floating icons or size incongruities, but always an image or two we associate with Jews. Although the psychological and physical abnormalities in his paintings would pigeonhole him as a Surrealist, his works grew from other movements such as Fauvism, Cubism, Suprematism as well as his association with other artists and poets in Paris. Chagall’s work appears to be in a category that transcends the labels applied to the stylistic tenets that define it. However, no one could ever ignore him as a Jewish artist.

Years back, more than 20, I met with our synagogue’s rabbi for the before bar mitzvah chat. Newly returned to Graduate School to do a Masters in art history, I was entertaining a theory regarding Chagall. I found that most of his paintings combined both Jewish and Christian icons of his Russian home of Vitebsk where he had grown up, a small, poor shetl in Russia. I was excited that perhaps Chagall was suggesting a visual dialogue in representing two religions. The rabbi dismissed my contention absolutely, and shut down any reverie for coexistence.

Examining Chagall, one does notice so many references to his Jewish youth. With the prohibition of graphic representation of anything created by G-d in his humble orthodox home (the Second Commandment pertaining to graven images), there would not have been any pictures or images hanging on the walls in his hut. Vitebsk, near the Polish border, contained roughly 66,000 people, half of whom were Jews and prohibited from state schools. Chagall was educated at a heder where he would have been immersed in Hebrew, Old Testament and the Talmud.

One of his teachers was the Realist portrait artist, Yehuda Pen. Pen encouraged Chagall to emphasize the poetic Jewish narrative in his work. Later in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1907 where Jews were required to carry passports on them, at the Zvantseva School, Leon Bakst, also a devout Jew, continued to introduce Chagall to Jewish themes and history.

Bakst was best known as a set designer for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes.

Eldest of nine children, Chagall related that his childhood smelled of smoked herring.

His father was a fishmonger and his mother worked in a grocery, selling flour, fish and spices. His uncle not only kept farm animals but named them, welcoming them into the house as family members(see Green Donkey, 1911). With these early influences, we can comprehend the anthropomorphic animals, the peasants, the pedlars, Jewish references, dishevelled refugees, travelers, community

and pastoral life that are all observable in his paintings. Growing up in a racially segregated town with hostility towards Jews, Chagall would also have gleaned the impact of the numerous churches topped with crosses and domes that are evident in his work. Likely he would have listened to the Russian fairy tales of his neighbors’ children, as well, perhaps interlaced with his own hearing of Yiddish.

In 1910, he is off to Paris to work in a bohemian area in Montparnasse known as La Ruche or the Beehive. Chagall referred to it as a second Vitebsk. This area was populated by Jewish émigré artists and poets such as Guillaume Apollinaire, Max Jacob and Blaise Cendrars. And it is here we observe certain icons connected with Yiddishkeit such as “ fardreiter kop” or a twirling head that does seem to exemplify dizziness verging on silliness. Yet the bright colours of Delaunay, the Fauvist movement, the advance into Modernism, and the lush brushwork of Renoir stimulate Chagall’s developing visual vocabulary and personal set of images we have come to associate with his paintings. Besotted by his fiancée, the beautiful Bella Rosenfeld, he returns to visit his birthplace in 1914.

However, war confines him in the village and his work, such as in The “Rabbi of Vitebsk” assumes a more realistic style.

Then, in Moscow in 1915, he receives a commission to paint theater murals in designated panels for the State Jewish Theatre, Kamerny, one for drama, another for dance.

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 57

He opens his murals with the line “Amol iz geven” (Once upon a time), suggesting a fairy tale’s fantastical beginning or magical approach. His depiction of The Wedding Feast features Jewish egg bread (challah), chicken and fishes to symbolize fertility and harks back to Hasidic traditions.

Here is the figure of the “ badchen” or professional jester, an entertainer hired to lighten up the serious business of the wedding, creating a festive mood.

Another Jewish figure, the scribe and calligrapher, or “ sofer” is present to document the proceedings. These figures reminiscent of Tevye the Dairyman by Russian writer Sholem Aleichem populate much of Chagall’s work. Here he is also commissioned to create costumes for Sholem Aleichem’s plays. And during this time he illustrates Yiddish books with ink drawings, for example Il Peretz’s The Magician. Of Chagall’s theatre murals, one critic calls them “Hebrew jazz in print.”

Returning to Vitebsk in 1918, he is appointed to serve as the Commissar of Plastic Arts. That year he founded the Vitebsk People’s Art College, Narodnoy Khudozhestvennoye Uchilische. In a letter to the Futurist communist newspaper, Chagall emphasizes the upheavals that had occurred: “The City of Vitebsk has changed. This used to be a provincial ‘backwater’ … thanks to the October Revolution, it was here that revolutionary art with its colossal and multiple dimensions was set into motion.” Yet internal disputes about the direction of teaching art causes a major split at the school, and all of Chagall’s students abandon him for Kazimir Malevich’s vision of Suprematism. Chagall resigns and leaves, never to return to Vitebsk.

But Chagall is drawn back to Paris with Bella and his daughter, Ida, remaining from 1923-41. He is commissioned by the famous art dealer Ambrose Vollard to illustrate the Old Testament. But even in his depictions such as Moses (with the divine sprouts in his head) receiving the Ten Commandments from G-d, the orange hoards at the edge of the prints recall not just the biblical wanderers in the desert but his contemporary landsmen displaced, driven from their homes because of war and discrimination. With encroaching 58 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

rah, symbolic food, Bible, ghetto life and imagined depictions, for example from the Garden of Eden…. Yet ironically, Chagall, a non-practicing Jew, even in his desire to be an artist and represent humans in his artwork, taboo in Hasidic tradition, has immortalized the life and rituals of Jewish life in Belarus. And he has come to be identified as a Jewish artist, chronicling our history in and out of time.

Some say his imagery is poetic and refers to his own psychic reality, but much he paints we affirm because in spite of disparity in size, space, time and pictorial or"Moses Receives the Ten Commandments." ganization, it enfolds a true emotional reality of human emotions we have come to identify as our own as Jews: such as overwhelming familial love, sadness, displacement and loss. Childhood memories are depicted in the intensity of color.

Chagall often creates a kind of free visual association of thoughts, one idea prompting or propelling other associations in his paintings. Part fairy tale, part fact, Chagall’s paintings enthral particularly as we war, Hitler’s identification of Modernist art identify with his actual and imaginative as “ degenerate,” the deportation of artists journeys. and musicians to Dachau, Nazi invasions and Throughout history, there have been many the Vichy government, Chagall’s time here artists born to Jewish parents: for examis coming to a close, and he is able to flee for ple Pissarro, Modigliani, Lipchitz, Soutine, America brought to safety by Alfred Barr of Shaun, Gehry, R.B. Kitaj ... but perhaps none the New York Museum of Modern Art. reflects the folk art of their youth as well as Years later, Chagall, never truly comfort- Chagall, using it as a touchstone that speaks able in the U.S., does relate that he enjoyed to an experience of oppression, upheaval, New York: buying strudel and gefelte fish, melancholy, migrations and marginalization, reading Jewish newspapers, strolling through but also the soaring joy and the bliss of love: Lower Manhattan. During this time, his pal- all symbolic of the life of a Jew. A ette darkens and his paintings are filled with A few bibliographic references: burning towns and fleeing rabbis. Themes B, Avram. Chagall to Kitaj: Jewish Experience of Russia, pogroms, life vignettes, Hasidic in 20th Century Art. New York: Praeger, 1990. traditions are never far from his heart with the saga of the traveling Jew, unwanted and Chagall, M. My Life: Marc Chagall. Da Capo forced to flee over and over again. Feelings of Press.1994. loss, yearning and sadness underpin his im- Kampf, Avram. Chagall to Kitaj: Jewish Expeagery. Interestingly, this purveyor of Jewish rience in 20th Century Art. New York: Praeger, traditions and themes is a non-observant Jew 1990. himself, a witness and recorder of the shetl’s Lewis,M.J.,”Whatever happened to Marc Chapast that has merged into the diaspora’s presgall.”Commentary, 2008, pp36-37. ent.

We might think of Chagall’s symbolism as Meyer, Franz. Marc Chagall. Harry a kind of cultural Judaism, one recognizable Abrams.1963. with the traditions we associate with in our religion such as the prayer shawls, the To-

“I felt at every step that I was a Jew – people made me feel it.”

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TRAVEL: Jewish Morocco and Spain

PHOTOS COURTESY DAVID BRAMZON

Jewish Morocco | BY DAVID BRAMZON |

I

recently traveled to Morocco and Spain with National Young Leadership Cabinet, the premier leadership development program of the Jewish Federations of North America. Every year, Cabinet members attend a study mission to a different Jewish community across the globe. We learn about the current state of affairs of Jewish life in that country. We dive into the local Jewish history. We examine the political dynamic among our host country, the U.S. and Israel.

And perhaps most importantly we witness first-hand the support the Jewish Federation provides to our Jewish brothers and sisters in need. On Cabinet study mission I see that, because of the Federation, no Jew anywhere in the world is left behind.

Morocco has deep Jewish roots spanning nearly 2,000 years. To my surprise, I learned that Moroccan Jews are not all Sephardic – and they are not Ashkenazi either. The first Jews in Morocco arrived directly from Israel after the fall of the Kingdom of Judah and the expulsion of the Jews by the Romans in the first century CE. Over 1,000 years later, a large influx of Jews – Sephardic Jews – arrived in Morocco from Spain after several waves of expulsions from the Iberian Peninsula.

At its peak, the Jewish community of

60 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

Entrance to the Jewish quarter in Toledo, Spain.

Morocco was nearly 300,000 strong. The Moroccan Jewish culture is a rich blend of Jewish, Arabic, French and Spanish. Today, sadly, the Jewish population numbers fewer then 3,000. Despite the community’s meager numbers, it is healthy and vibrant.

In Morocco, we prayed in beautiful synagogues, visited schools providing Jewish education to the next generation, saw kosher bakeries and toured a facility for the elderly. And the Federation (through our global

David with Serge Berdugo, president of the Jewish community of Casablanca.

partners JDC, JAFI, and World ORT) is there to make sure these facilities function and the community remains healthy and vibrant.

I was particularly moved when we visited the Jewish Old Age Home in Casablanca where I saw seniors with no family, and some with special needs, being cared for with love, compassion and dignity. In addition to sleeping and living quarters, the facility featured medical services, a pharmacy, a physical therapy room and also a synagogue.

If not for the Federation and our partners, these seniors would not enjoy the safe, clean, humane conditions they currently have.

As inspiring as it was to see a small but strong Moroccan Jewish community living in relative safety and tranquility, the history of Moroccan Jewry is complicated. Morocco was a safe haven for Jews expelled from other lands – first from Israel then from Spain – until Morocco was no longer hospitable to Jews. The majority fled to France, Canada, Israel and back to Spain. Today Morocco accepts its Jews as citizens and recognizes the long Jewish history in the land. The Moroccan constitution, penned in 2011, specifically mentions the Hebrew aspects of the country’s history. However, Morocco does not recognize nor have diplomatic rela-

Bet El Synagogue in Casablanca, Morocco.

tions with Israel. For generations Jews have sought to be treated just like everyone else.

Although we live safely and comfortably in many different communities around the world, as long as countries such as Morocco do not recognize our right to govern ourselves in our ancient homeland, our struggle for acceptance continues.

From Morocco we traveled to Spain, following the same path taken by many Jews who fled Morocco in the 20th century.

Like Morocco, Spain has a deep and rich – but also very dark – Jewish history. The first Jews in the Iberian Peninsula appeared during the time of King Solomon’s reign in Israel in the 9th century BCE to service the trade routes along the Mediterranean Sea. In the first century CE, the Romans brought many Jews to Spain after the destruction of Jerusalem. Over hundreds of years the Jews of Spain grew and flourished, reaching 500,000 strong and making Spain the center for the Jewish world. Jews were in integral part of Spanish society in the middle ages, where they played a prominent role in government, commerce, science and philosophy. Sadly, the fate of the Jews took a dire turn beginning in the 1200s CE. They faced several waves of massacres, conversions and expulsions. The death knell for Spanish Jewry came in 1492 with the edict of expulsion

by Queen Isabella. Despite the noble efforts of some “conversos” to preserve Judaism in secret, Judaism in Spain basically died out.

About 500 years later, Jewish life in Spain

At the Jewish Old Age home in Casablanca.

was miraculously reborn. In an ironic twist of fate, many Jews fled Morocco and returned to Spain. Others in Spain learned of their long lost roots and rediscovered their Jewish identities. Today, Spain is home to about 50,000 Jews who reside primarily in Madrid and Barcelona.

In Madrid, we visited the Ibn Gabirol School, the crown jewel of modern Jewish Spain. In a beautiful and modern facility, the next generation of Spain’s Jews get a secular and Jewish education from preschool through high school. The highlight of the mission was singing and dancing on erev Shabbat with 130 of my Cabinet chevre and hundreds of young, curious and happy Jewish students.

In my five years on Cabinet, I have visited Jewish communities in Azerbaijan, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Germany, Israel, India, Morocco and Spain. I have met Jews of all colors from different backgrounds. The Jewish people is a diverse people. If there is one common thread woven throughout every Jewish community abroad, it is an understanding of the importance of Israel. Every

Jew around the world knows that Israel is our safe haven. And therefore, there is unanimous and unapologetic support for Israel in every Jewish community abroad. Jews in Spain had it great, until they didn’t. The Jews of Morocco lived well for generations, until the no longer did. Today, we in the U.S. live in the safest and most prosperous Jewish community in history. We can and should learn from our brothers and sisters around the world who are closer to harm’s way than we are. We must not take our good fortune for granted. It is our responsibility to help our fellow Jews anywhere in the world. And we must firmly and unequivocally support Israel. And through our involvement in the Jewish Federation, we can do both. A

David Hatchwell, immediate past president of the Jewish Community of Madrid.

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 61

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ISRAEL: Wrestling

An Israeli Wrestler Calls Himself ‘The Chutzpah,’ and Europe Loves to Hate Him | BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ VIA JTA NEWS |

ike many Israelis visiting Europe, Leeor Brooks is keenly aware of his compatriots’ reputation abroad for rudeness.

The boorish stereotype is so well known that it has its own term there – “the ugly Israeli” – and been the subject of many an awareness-raising campaign. There’s even an entire nonprofit, Good Will Ambassadors, devoted solely to educating Israelis to behave better abroad.

But Brooks isn’t part of that effort. A professional wrestler who tours Europe regularly, he has taken the “ugly Israeli” to new levels, building around it an entire persona called “The Chutzpah.”

The characteristics of The Chutzpah “are pretty straightforward,” the 28-yearold told the Israel Broadcasting Corp. on a recent interview. “An Israeli who doesn’t give a f**k, an a**hole who’d do anything to win. A classic villain.”

Wearing his white-and-blue spandex costume emblazoned with a star of David, Brooks

likes to deliver short, insulting introductions before his matches.

“All my life I didn’t understand why my grandfather left Prague to Israel,” he said at a recent match in the Czech Republic. “But now that I’m here, I can fully understand why he did that move: Your country stinks! Your president is corrupt, he’s a drunk!” he hollered as the audience booed, many of them smiling.

“Everybody here tonight can kiss my ass!”

During the choreographed fight — a match that involves real blows, enormous exertion and plenty of theatrics — Brooks delivers what he calls a “krav maga kick” to his Hungarian adversary’s groin.

As the rival lies on the mat feigning unconsciousness, Brooks ceremoniously puts on a kippah and shouts out in Hebrew: “Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, king of the universe, amen!” as he lands his so-called “chosen people elbow blow” on the prostrate athlete.

The crowd chants “f**k you Leeor” as Brooks flips them the finger.

“I was looking for the boos,” Brooks, a 6’′ 1,” 220-pound redhead, told the Israeli film crew in Prague in January, as he was squeezing sweat out of his ponytail. “I’m not here to be a crowd-pleaser.”

Soft spoken, polite and eloquent in English and Hebrew, his real-life demeanor seems the opposite of the loud-mouthed, trash talking brute he portrays on stage.

“Most fans nowadays know that professional wrestling is in fact theatrical sport and not a competitive competition, so you mainly work on their emotion with your skills in and out of the ring,” Brooks told JTA. “I guess it’s sort of like a stand-up comedy or a movie, just that you wear tights and your stage is the ring,” he added. But ultimately, it “is all about putting smiles on people’s faces.”

Brooks, a video editor and personal trainer from Netanya, is currently pursuing a standup comedy career. He is a popular performer among wrestling promoters in Europe. They book him for matches on a monthly and sometimes weekly basis.

That’s no small feat in a field that’s saturated with hundreds of performer-athletes, each plugging their own shtick in the hope of landing gigs. There are hundreds of wrestling leagues with varying degrees of professionalism, Brooks said.

“The competition is nuts, you have hundreds upon hundreds of different wrestlers and you have to find a unique niche to find an au-

dience,” he said.

Brooks began wrestling in 2012 under a different persona, or gimmick, as they are known in the field. A wrestler told him in 2015 that he should create an Israeli character. Initially, Brooks expected his persona to appeal to Jews.

But he also ended up a favorite of sorts among non-Jewish audiences who respond to his act because it’s provocative, at times funny, unique and stereotypical.

Backstage, Brooks drops his act and chats amicably with a German colleague whose stage name is Robert Kaiser and whose wrestling character is a neo-Nazi. Sharing a name with a prominent member of Adolf Hitler’s inner circle, he wears black shirts and boots while wielding a baseball bat on stage.

Chuckling, Brooks suggests to Kaiser that they team up for a stage rivalry known as a feud: “The Jew boy fights the neo-Nazi.” Kaiser smiles and shrugs. Brooks asks what makes Kaiser’s get-up neo-Nazi.

“Well, it’s typical German neo-Nazi gear, called Pegida,” says Kaiser, naming the anti-immigration movement in Germany. (Its leaders deny any connection to or affinity with neo-Nazis.)

Kaiser, a 35-year-old semi-professional wrestler since 2011, likes to speak about his “grandfather’s legacy” ahead of matches in countries, like the Czech Republic, that Germany occupied during World War II. He often rants on stage about “foreigners.” But off stage, he is trained by two Muslims: Ahmed Chaer and Ali Aslan – themselves professional wrestlers.

As for Brooks, his persona receives the most responses in Greece, he said.

“The Greek fans were the most loud crowd I have encountered, and surprisingly I became a fan favorite over there,” he added.

During a tournament last month in Ipswich near London, he suddenly found himself being cheered during the Pro Wrestling World Cup, before losing to a local challenger in the quarterfinals.

“I guess in some parts of the United Kingdom, locals are on the Israeli side? Can’t say any fans came up to me and claimed they were Jews,” Brooks told JTA. Back home, Brooks has a fan in his father, a professional wrestling enthusiast who introduced his son to the game.

“My mom on the other hand,” Brooks said, “she doesn’t care for it but sometimes likes to watch, less for the physical side of things and more for the entertainment value.” A Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 63

ISRAEL: @70

Israel at 70:

It’s Time to Reclaim the Z-Word, Zionism | BY GIL TROY VIA JTA NEWS |

ll too often, when I ask campus organizations that are pro-Israel and deeply Zionist why they avoid using the “Z-word” in their messaging and literature, I’m told, “Zionism doesn’t poll well.”

True, not polling well is one of today’s great sins. But imagine what our world would be like if our ancestors feared the polls.

The American Revolution wouldn’t have polled well. Suggestions that Northerners crush slavery in 1860 wouldn’t have polled well.

And proposing a new Jewish state in 1897 wouldn’t have polled well either. At the time, most European Jews believed enlightened Europe was outgrowing anti-Semitism — that polled well.

Let’s learn from our heroic predecessors – and from feminists, gays and African-Americans, whose first attempts to defend their rights didn’t poll well either. Take back the night, resist internalizing our oppressors’ hatred of us.

Reclaim the Z-word: Zionism.

You cannot defeat those delegitimizing Israel by surrendering Zionism, the movement that established Israel. If a century ago Zionism brought pride back to the term “Jew,” Jews and non-Jews today must bring pride back to the term “Zionist.”

In his book on “the strange career of the troublesome” N-word, the African American Harvard Law professor Randall Kennedy explains the “protean nature” of political words. Groups can triumph with linguistic magic by defining themselves and their aims; when enemies define them, they lose. Kennedy warns against allowing the hater to define the hated, and that’s what is happening.

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First, “shame on them”: Shame on the anti-Zionists who single out Jewish nationalism, meaning Zionism, in a world organized by nationalisms, and call it “racist.” Shame on them for libeling a democratic movement. Shame on them for ignoring Judaism’s national-religious duality, which allows non-Jews to convert into the Jewish religion and join the Jewish nation, making Zionism among the least biologically based, least racist, most permeable forms of nationalism. And shame on them for racializing the national conflict between Israelis and Palestinians – inflaming hatred, making peace more elusive.

Alas, shame on us, too. Zionism should be a more popular term than “Israel.” Until 1948, Zionism was the movement affirming that Jews are a people with a homeland and that like other nations, Jews have the right to establish a state on that land (others may, too – nationalism involves collective consciousness, not exclusive land claims). Since 1948, Zionism has been the movement to perfect that state.

Like all countries, Israel makes good and bad moves. If you’re anti-Zionist, you reject Israel’s very existence. If you’re critical of Israel somehow, you’re a thinking human being.

America’s president offers an opportunity to understand that distinction. The 77 percent of American Jews who hate Donald Trump still remain proudly American. Why can’t we love Israel and Zionism regardless of particular prime ministers or policies, too?

Here’s the real question for Jews: Do you feel connected to Israel, today’s great Jewish people project? If so, you stick with

it because you belong to the Jewish people. And you help perfect that state through Zionism – embracing different schools of Zionist thought. It could be Religious Zionism or left-leaning Labor Zionism or right-leaning Revisionist Zionism or Cultural Zionism.

In honor of Israel’s 70th birthday, I just published “The Zionist Ideas,” updating Arthur Hertzberg’s classic anthology “The Zionist Idea.” Adding the “s” broadens the conversation, from the 38 thinkers in his book to the 170 in mine. As part of its publication and in honor of Yom Haatzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, I am urging readers to host Zionist salons, home-based conversations addressing “what Zionism and Israel mean to me today.”

Establishing Israel in 1948 fulfilled the Zionist idea – that powerless Jews need a state as a refuge, immediately, and as a platform to flourish and express Jewish values, long-term. Seventy years later, debating Zionist ideas welcomes debate from left to right, religious and nonreligious, about what Zionism and Israel can mean to me as a Jew, as a person – and how some of these ideas can help Israel become a model democracy.

That’s why Zionism didn’t end in 1948 – the debates continue.

If Zionism as an idea asserts that Jews are a people with a homeland, and Zionism as a movement builds, protects and perfects the state, Zionism as a value is more personal. Zionists see it as a way of explaining Judaism as a culture, a civilization, an ethnicity, a tradition, not just a religion. It anchors us in a self-indulgent, throwaway society, providing a sense of community in an often lonely, alienating culture and a sense of mission in an often aimless world.

Reclaiming Zionism often entails moving from Political Zionism — asking what we can do for our country – to Identity Zionism –

asking, with apologies to JFK, what your country can do for you.

There’s a reason why Israel ranks 11th on the world “Happiness Index,” despite the nation’s many challenges. Most Israelis are instinctively Identity Zionists. Their identity blossoms from the Zionist state – which appreciates strong family values, robust community ties, deep patriotic feelings – and a broader sense of mission in life. That’s part of the package Birthright participants and other tourists appreciate when visiting Israel. And that’s the recipe that makes so many Israelis happy despite the rush-rush of their society and the roar-roar of some Palestinian neighbors demanding their destruction.

Zionism isn’t the only way or the best way, it’s just my way, my people’s way. I’m not smart enough to improvise another framework.

Identity Zionism includes commitments to Jewish education, Jewish action, to making Jewish ethics come alive, to Jewish peoplehood and Jewish community – these are core Zionist values I, for one, would – in Churchill’s words – never surrender.

Today, the #MeToo conversation spotlights how often victims – especially women — internalize persecution, letting bullies win.

Anyone interested in abandoning Zionism first should ask: How much of this internalizes the delegitimization campaign?

If we don’t stand up for ourselves, who are we? If we let those haters win, what are we? And if we don’t start celebrating and reclaiming the Z-word now – at Israel’s 70th – then when? A(Gil Troy is the author of “The Zionist Ideas,” which updates Arthur Hertzberg’s classic work “The Zionist Idea,” and was just published by The Jewish Publication Society. He is a Distinguished Scholar of North American History at McGill University. Follow on Twitter @GilTroy). A

Superior, modern education infused with greater purpose and meaning shapes the foundation of future thinkers, creators, and community leaders.

The SDJA approach to academic excellence for preschool-12th grade is simple: challenge minds to support deeper learning; inspire purpose by celebrating Jewish tradition; and explore possibilities through opportunities to learn from exceptional thinkers.

OUR FAMILY IS ONE Learn more about our immersive Jewish environment, superior, fully accredited academic programs, core values, and 56-acre, cutting-edge ocean view campus at www.sdja.com or contact our admissions department at (858) 704-3717 or admissions@sdja.com. Tuition assistance available.

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 65

FOOD: Sybil Kaplan

Apricots

from my kosher kitchen WITH Sybil Kaplan Sybil Kaplan is a journalist, author and food writer who lives in Jerusalem where she leads weekly walks of the Jewish food market, Machaneh Yehudah, in English.

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From My Kosher Jerusalem Kitchen

There is a lot of debate whether apricots originated in Armenia, India or China and even whether the English or Spanish introduced them to America. Rich in Vitamins A and C and fiber, they have high carbohydrate content, mostly in sugar.

Still, they seem to be irresistible as a summer nosh.

Here are a few recipes using fresh apricots.

These are Grace Parisi recipes taken from Food & Wine Magazine’s on-line recipe pages.

Apricot Leather Ingredients: 2 cups pitted apricots, cut into pieces 1 tsp. lemon juice ½ cup sugar Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 175-200 degrees F. 2. Drop apricot pieces into a blender and puree. Add lemon juice and sugar.

3. Spray a cookie sheet with vegetable spray. Spread pureed apricots evenly ¼-inch thick on cookie sheet.

Place sheet in oven and keep door open. Bake until dry, 3 to 6 hours. Cool.

4. Cut crosswise once, lengthwise 3 times so you have 6 pieces.

5. Cover with plastic wrap and roll up.

Apricot Jam Ingredients: 3 ½-pint jars 2 pounds pitted apricots, cut into ½-inch pieces 1 ½ cups sugar 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice Instructions: 1. In a nonreactive saucepan, toss the apricots with sugar and let stand, stirring, until the sugar is mostly dissolved, about 1 hour.

2. Add lemon juice and bring to a boil until sugar is dissolved.

Simmer until the fruit is glassy and the liquid runs off the side of a spoon in thick, heavy drops, 20-25 minutes. Skim off scum that rises to the surface.

3. Spoon into 3 ½-pint jars, leaving ¼-inch at top. Close and let jam cool to room temperature. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Spiced Apricots Ingredients: 2 cups apricots cut into halves 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. lemon juice 6 pieces stick cinnamon 1 tsp. brandy Instructions: 1. Place apricots, sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon in a saucepan with a little water. Simmer until soft.

2. Add brandy and heat. Cool and spoon into a jar.

Apricot Butter (5 cups) Ingredients: 2 pounds halved apricots ¼ cup sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. cloves ¼ tsp. allspice 2 tsp. lemon peel 1 Tbsp. lemon juice Instructions: 1. Place apricots in a saucepan. Cook over low heat in their own juices until soft.

2. Puree in a blender and measure. Return to sauce pan, adding ¼ cup sugar for each cup of pulp.

3. Add cinnamon, cloves, allspice, lemon peel and lemon juice.

Bring to a boil.

4. Spoon into jars, close and refrigerate.

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WHAT’S goin’ on? | BY EILEEN SONDAK |

San Diego Symphony

The San Diego Symphony plays on this month, beginning on Aug. 3 with Burt Bacharach performing the songs that created the soundtrack of an era. Bacharach’s return to San Diego should be one of the highlights of the summer season. “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert” follows Aug. 4 – 5, with the orchestra accompanying the film for the first time. “Bird on the Bay: A Charlie Parker Tribute feat Charles McPherson” is set for Aug. 9, with McPherson delivering the challenging harmonies of bebop on his sax.

“West Side Story” – the film in concert – is coming this way Aug. 10, celebrating the 57th anniversary of the classic musical, with Leonard Bernstein’s score performed by the San Diego Symphony. “Hooray for Hollywood,” a tribute to film music, is scheduled for Aug. 11, with Richard Kaufman conducting edited clips from some of the greatest movies ever written. Pablo Montero brings his macho charm and smooth vocal prowess to the series on Aug. 12, accompanied by a mariachi ensemble. Roger Daltrey with members of the Who Band performs on Aug. 15, followed on Aug. 17 – 18 by “Gershwin on Broadway Feat: An American in Paris and Porgy and Bess.” Gershwin’s masterworks will ring out under the direction of conductor Rob Fisher.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band is next on the roster Aug. 19, followed on Aug. 22 by “Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert.”

“Ladies who Jam: Women in Jazz” – featuring jazz great Dee Dee Bridgewater is due on Aug. 23, followed on the 24 – 25 by “The Temptations + The Four Tops” performing some nostalgic Motown hits. The Symphony’s summer season will close on a high note with “1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular,” led by Sameer Patel. A fireworks display is part of the spectacular package.

La Jolla Music Society

La Jolla Music Society’s Summer Fest opens on Aug. 3 with “Carnival,” a program of works by Saint-Saens and others. An Evening with Yefim Bronfman follows on Aug. 4, and An Afternoon with Emerson String Quartet is on tap for Aug. 5. Music from the Heart is set for Aug. 7, and Late Night with Leonard Bernstein is coming this way on Aug. 8. On Aug. 9, check out 49 Minutes on the Edge: An Exploration with FLUX Quartet.

“Across Oceans” is slated for Aug. 10, and the SummerFest Gala 68 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

comes around on Aug. 11.

My Favorite Playlist featuring Debussy and others is scheduled for Aug. 14, followed on Aug. 15 by An Evening with Adele Anthony and Gil Shaham. 49 Minutes on Edge: Piano Focus comes up on Aug. 16, and Johannes, Clara, & Robert are due on Aug. 17.

A Night of Jazz with John Pizzarelli Trio plays Aug. 18, followed on Aug. 19 by The Glory of Cremona. “Midnight in Paris” will be performed on Aug. 21 and An Evening with Emanuel Ax is slated for Aug. 22 to round out the month, David Zinman performs on Aug. 24 as the Summer Fest’s finale. All concerts are scheduled at UC San Diego’s concert hall, except the closing concert, which will take place at the Balboa Theater.

The Old Globe

The Old Globe will continue its summer season under the stars with Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” a delightful comic romp that pits headstrong Beatrice against confirmed bachelor Benedick (until they discover true love – with a little help from their friends).

The clever romantic comedy will charm audiences on the Festival Stage Aug. 12 through Sept. 16.

The Globe’s free film screening of Ian McKellen’s “Richard III” is set for Aug. 27.

The Globe’s Main Stage keeps on giving cause for celebration among the small-fry set – at least until Aug. 12. Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” is making its San Diego debut, unleashing a barrel of fun for kids of all ages. David Greig adapted the book for the stage and Charlie Fink created the music and lyrics for this beloved children’s tale. The show abounds with eye-popping color and inventive stagecraft, which should make it almost as popular with the grown-ups.

The Globe’s White Theater is reviving a Neil Simon classic this month. “Barefoot in the Park” is a laugh-filled comedy that has free-spirited Corie trying to loosen up her buttoned-down new hubby. While they adjust to married life in a dilapidated New York apartment, other amusing characters float in and out of the heady mix, and the results are hilarious. The show will stay on through Aug. 26.

Broadway-San Diego

Broadway-San Diego will liven things up at the Civic Theater with “On Your Feet” until Aug. 5. The dance-centric musical is based on the real-life story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan and their hit pop act Miami Sound Machine. “The Phantom of the Opera” makes its welcome return to close the season for Broadway-San Diego Aug. 23 through Sept. 2. The longest running show in Broadway history, “Phantom” is a frequent visitor to the Civic, but this show will feature new design elements, so get your tickets early, as it will probably be another sellout.

La Jolla Playhouse

The La Jolla Playhouse is hosting Backyard Renaissance as they present the San Diego premiere of “Smokefall,” a play that explores the lives of a family, the fragility of life and the power of love. The show will be on stage at the Playhouse from Aug. 23 through Sept. 16.

North Coast Rep

North Coast Repertory Theatre is staging “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at its Solana Beach home through Aug. 19. This farcical musical comedy (with music and lyrics by the great Stephen Sondheim) gets its comic storyline from ancient history.

The madcap fun revolves around a slave desperate for freedom and a pair of young lovers. David Ellenstein directed the play, which has been described as the funniest musical comedy ever. Get ready for some big belly laughs, as this one delivers the goods!

San Diego Musical Theatre

San Diego Musical Theatre is staging “Hairspray,” the musical that snared eight Tony Awards on Broadway. It will be performed at the historic Horton Grand Theater Aug. 3 through Sept. 2.

Coronado Playhouse

Coronado Playhouse is featuring a new musical about family, friendship and acceptance. “A Man of No Importance,” based on a film, is one of those rare musicals that combines depth and drama with lyricism and musical comedy. The show will be ensconced at the Playhouse until Aug. 26. “Follies in Concert,” showcasing songs by Stephen Sondheim, will be performed Aug. 31 through Sept. 2.

Cygnet Theatre

Cygnet Theatre’s staging of “Spamalot” – an irreverent parody of the Camelot story – is a musical that makes merry with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The show will tickle local funny bones until Aug. 12.

San Diego Museum of Art

The Museum of Art is featuring “Epic Tales from Ancient India: Paintings from the San Diego Museum of Art” – an exhibition that explains classics of literature through the art that illustrates them.

This exhibition (which includes 90 artworks) will remain on view through Sept. 3.

The art museum is also featuring “Nancy Lorenz: Moon Gold,” a solo show of the work of this New York-based artist. This exhibition consists of 85 pieces, including sculptures, paintings and others that reflect the artist’s East meets West oeuvre. The museum has opened its vaults for “Visible Vaults,” a collection of 300 pieces, including works by Andy Warhol, Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec and other great artists. This exciting exhibition will be on view through Nov. 12.

Timken Museum The Timken Museum is showing off a 3-D work based on “The Portrait of a Woman in a Green Dress.” This creation will remain at the Timken through Sept. 16.

Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium is featuring “Hall of Fishes,” which also serves as a working laboratory. Birch has an installation on light by scientist Michael Latz, and another exhibition that helps you understand Scripps’ expeditions to discover and protect the planet. “Expedition at Sea” includes a 33-foot long projected triptych and hands-on learning opportunities.

The newest exhibition at the Birch is “Research in Action: 100 Island Challenge,” an exhibit that explores the way reefs are adapting to our rapidly changing planet. Also on display is “Oddities: Hidden Heroes of the Scripps Collection,” a comic book-inspired exhibit that highlights amazing adaptations of ocean species.

San Diego History Center

Lamb’s Players Theatre

The Lamb’s Players is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Coronado with a blend of memories and performance they dubbed “A Jewel in the Crown City.” Some of the Lamb’s most treasured actors will be featured in this nostalgic look at some of the troupe’s favorite plays and musicals. This special feature will occupy the Lamb’s Coronado home Aug. 24 through Sept. 30. If you missed the Lamb’s hit musical, “Once,” it has been extended through Aug. 12.

The San Diego History Center is featuring “Gaps in the Record: Vanguard Print Culture in San Diego,” an exhibition that explores the convergence of literary and visual art practices. That show is slated to close on Aug. 5. The History Center is now home to the first exhibition in Balboa Park exploring San Diego’s LBGTQ+ community. The History Museum’s permanent exhibition, “Placed Promises,” chronicles the history of the San Diego region – and the America’s Cup Exhibition, highlights the sailing race held in San Diego three times since 1988.

Moxie Theatre

Mingei International Museum

Moxie Theatre will unveil the San Diego premiere of “Voyeurs de Venus,” directed by Delicia Turner Sonenberg, Aug. 12 through Sept.

9. The show is based in part on a true story of a South African woman captured and displayed on the streets of 19th century London.

Welk Theatre

Mingei International Museum is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel by teaming up with the House of Israel in Balboa Park to showcase a retrospective exhibition of the nation’s diverse and lively craft and design. More than 80 artists are highlighted in this show, which continues until Sept. 3. The exhibition includes rugs and blankets.

Spreckels Organ Pavilion

Mingei is highlighting “Voluminous Art – Treasures from San Diego’s University Libraries.” This collaboration features masterworks of book art and will remain at the museum through Sept. 3.

Mingei’s exhibition of student craft will be on view until Aug. 19.

The museum recently added “William L. Hawkins: An Imaginative Geography” to its roster. This show will stay on through Aug. 26.

The Welk Theatre is back in business. The first show in its new incarnation – “Hard Days Night,” Southern California’s leading Beatles Tribute Show – will be performed through Aug. 29. “Forever Plaid,” one of Welk’s most successful shows, will be on stage until Aug. 26.

A pre-show meal is available before each performance.

The 31st Annual International Summer Organ Festival is offering free concerts every Monday evening through Sept. 3 at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 69

the news San Dieguito Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee Hold First Event of the Year The San Dieguito Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee will hold its first event of the year, the Opening Meeting/Study Group Showcase luncheon, Wednesday, Aug. 29th at 10:30 a.m. at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club (1505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach). Study group leaders will describe their programs, and Hannah Cohen, author and public affairs consultant, will speak about “Remarkable Women of San Diego: Pioneers, Visionaries and Innovators,” as one of her books is titled. All in the community, especially newcomers, are cordially invited.

This year, the San Dieguito Chapter will offer book and movie discussions and topics from current events, music, art, ethics and history to play reading, knitting and canasta. Favorite groups include David Lewis’s music classes, and ‘Deis Flicks, with movies of Jewish interest, often from the Brandeis University-based National Center for Jewish Film. A few courses are based on DVD lectures, while others are led by BNC members or professional educators such as Lewis, who teaches at Mira Costa Community College, Dr. David Guss, and author Stan Schatt. Almost all meet at Seacrest Village, Encinitas, whose residents are invited to attend.

BNC, now about 25,000 members strong, is dedicated to supporting Brandeis University. It grew from a small fundraising effort by eight women in 1948, when the university was founded.

Since then, BNC has put over 1 million books on library shelves and endowed a librarian’s chair. The organization contributes to library technology, research journals and scholarships. BNC has furnished a science laboratory, provided over $3 million for the study of neurodegenerative diseases and most recently raised over $1 million for a BNC Student Scholarship. The next initiative will be to raise funds for an advanced and costly microscope to be used in neurodegenerative brain studies.

For more information or to reserve ($36 by Aug. 20) contact Lenore at 858-792-6954.

The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Launches $1.8 Billion Fundraising Campaign

Brain Arousal Compound Noradrenaline Plays Critical Role in Sensory Perception A new Tel Aviv University study published in “Current Biology” suggests that noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter responsible for arousal in the brain, plays a vital role in our early sensory perceptions of the world.

“Until now, medical science believed that noradrenaline is involved in alertness, stress, attention and decision making,” says senior author Dr. Yuval Nir, of TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience. “Our study shows that, in fact, noradrenaline plays a vital role in earlier stages of perception, determining our ability to perceive events around us.”

The research was jointly led by Dr. Hagar Gelbard-Sagiv and Efrat Magidov of TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, in collaboration with Dr. Haggai Sharon and Prof. Talma Hendler of TAU and the Sagol Brain Institute at Tel Aviv Medical Center.

StandWithUs San Diego Celebrates “Leaders of Tomorrow” at its Oct. 14 Gala StandWithUs (SWU) San Diego has a special Table Captain for its gala – 10-yearold Rachael. How she is challenging anti-Semitism will be revealed on Oct.14 at the Marriott Marquis.

Jaime and Dan Feder are the co-chairs of the “Leaders of Tomorrow” event, SWU High School Interns will speak about how they are changing the conversation at their schools and keynote speaker Hussein Aboubakr, who survived torture in Egypt for supporting Israel, will also speak at the gala.

Attendees will meet new Southwest High School Coordinator Kate Chavez, Campus Coordinator Charline Delkhah and SWU SD Associate Director Yael Steinberg.

Founder Craig Dershowitz will demonstrate how Artists4Israel spread Israel’s positivity on campuses. Attendees can watch and bid on special artwork created at the event. Register at: www.standwithus.com/ sdleaders18. Contact: Sara Miller, saram@standwithus.com and Yael Steinberg, yaels@standwithus.com or call 858-598-8220.

for Technion’s impact on the environment, sustainability, alternative energy, water conservation, health, communication and many others. The president Technion’s global 10-year fundraising campaign is the largest ever of Technion remarked that “it will result in global benefits, such as better launched by an Israeli university. The campaign is to raise funds for inno- quality in soil, water and air, easy-to-use sources for clean and renewable vations with global impact. The campaign will conclude in 2024, which energy, engineering aid to developing countries, advancing breakthroughs marks the 100th year of the first Technion class. It will focus on funding in fighting cancer and much, much more.”

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U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Exhibition Examines Americans’ Response to Nazism Marking its 25th anniversary year, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum today opened a new special exhibition, Americans and the Holocaust, which examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war and the persecution and murder of Jews in Europe during the 1930s and ‘40s.

Based on extensive new research, this is the most comprehensive exhibition exploring the many factors—including the Great Depression, isolationism, xenophobia, racism and anti-Semitism—that influenced decisions made by the U.S. government, the news media, Hollywood, organizations and individuals as they responded to Nazism. Americans and the Holocaust dispels myths about this history, such as the misperception that Americans lacked access to information about the persecution of Jews as it was happening. It examines why their rescue never became a priority for the U.S. government even as the country made great sacrifices to defeat Nazism.

View the virtual exhibit at exhibitions.ushmm.org/americans-and-the-holocaust/main.

First Israeli Lunar Spacecraft Set to Land on Moon Feb. 13, 2019 At a July press conference at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)’s MBT Space facility in Yehud, Israel, nonprofit SpaceIL and IAI announced a lunar mission to launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla., this December, and land on the moon on Feb. 13, 2019. A final launch date will be announced closer to the event.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS FOR JEWISH SENIORS JFS College Avenue Center Contact Elissa Landsman (858) 637-3273 Aug. 3, 12:30 p.m. Experience a luau with a polynesian style luncheon. Then the Pride of Polynesia dance troupe will perform and guide the guests through dances from the Pacific Islands.

Jewish War Veterans of San Diego, Post-185 Contact Jerome Klein at (858) 521-8694 Aug. 12, 10 a.m.

Veterans Association of North County, Post-385 Contact Marsha Schjolberg (760) 492-7443 Jewish War Veterans meetings Aug. 12, 11 a.m.

Lawrence Family JCC Contact Melanie Rubin (858) 362-1141 Aug. 17, 7:45 a.m. Meet bus at JCC to Skirball Cultural Center in LA for docent tour of exhibit “Bernstein at 100.” Price is $65-$80.

The lunar landing will culminate eight years of intensive collaboration between SpaceIL and IAI, and will make Israel the fourth country after the U.S., China and Russia to reach the moon. The spacecraft will be launched as a secondary payload on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and its journey to the moon will last about two months, ending on its expected landing date. The Israeli lunar spacecraft will be the smallest to land on the moon, weighing only 1,322 pounds, or 600 kilograms.

North County Jewish Seniors Club at the Oceanside Senior Center Contact Josephine at (760) 295-2564 Aug. 19, 12:30 p.m.

Approximately $88 million has been invested in the spacecraft’s development and construction, mostly from private donors, headed by SpaceIL President Mr.Morris Kahn, who donated about $27 million, or NIS 100 million.

On the Go Excursions Contact Jo Kessler (858) 637-7320 Aug. 19, 1 p.m. Take a trip out to Balboa Park for “Barefoot in the Park” by Jessica Stone. Fresh off their honeymoon, two newlyweds struggle to adjust to their new life with eccentric neighbors and in-laws in this comedy. Registration is required and cost is $75.

Ohr Shalom Synagogue Welcomes New Staff Gillian Argoff-Treseder

Cheryl Katz

Gillian Argoff-Treseder joined the Ohr Shalom staff as executive director in May after 12.5 years as the director of membership at the JCC. With a degree in religious studies and graduate work in nonprofit management and fundraising, she brings a new energy to the Ohr Shalom community.

JFS Balboa Ave. Older Adult Center Contact Aviva Saad (858) 550-5998 Aug. 21, 10 a.m. The JFS of Balboa Ave is having a family day and open house. Cost is $10.

Cheryl Katz will be the new Ohr Shalom Religious School principal for the 2018-19 school year. She is a graduate of Vassar College and is enrolled in a joint Master of Jewish Education/ Master of Arts in Jewish Studies program. She has served as the Religious School program coordinator at Congregation Beth Israel since 2016 and is eager to join the Ohr Shalom community.

Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 71

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by Marnie Macauley

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Failing Their Way To Success: Building Esteem In Children

halom, San Diegans: Who among us doesn’t know that Jews value education, learning and success? We’ve always believed in “pisks” over fists (unless you’re with the IDF who use both). So why am I kvetching? Here’s why. In today’s world, “success” means starting at toddlerhood, turning our little ones into overworked, overscheduled, driven Alphas. And later, how often have we heard a parent say: “Only a 99 on the test? What happened to the other point?” Or, “Don’t worry darling, Daddy will call over his engineer to build you a model of the solar system!”

More, we’ve set the emotional temperature on danger. If our kinder is a step ahead or behind in preschool, in come the shrinks, the diagnoses, the labels – and the meds: ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s. While of course these conditions must be treated if real, could half the population under age 10 even have them? I wonder.

So in our issue on education, I wanted to talk about a controversial topic: Letting our Children Fail Their Way to Real Success.

For those of you who haven’t yet fainted, as an advice maven and a mom, I’ve had to ask myself, “What is true success and how is it achieved?”

My answer? By learning how to manage failure. Our mistakes and missteps are our greatest teachers.

My emails are filled with letters like these.

Sound familiar?

DEAR MARNIE: My husband lets our son, age six, win at sports to build up his ego ...

72 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

Hi Marnie: I believe in sitting over my children (seven and nine) while they do homework. As a Mom, I feel it’s my job to fix their mistakes.

Marnie: My four-year-old is enrolled in preschool. She doesn’t like some of the other children in her class and wants to drop out.

I’m worried her ego will suffer and feel we should let her change schools …

Failing Their Way To Success: Building Esteem In Children All are examples of letters from exceptional parents. Exceptionally Loving. Exceptionally Caring. Exceptionally Involved. But, continuing as they are, these parents will likely need to be “involved” till their little mamalas are on Medicare. Let’s revisit each of the above scenes down the road: 1. My husband lets our son win at sports: Picture it. David’s now 10 and expects to be star pitcher in his local Little League.

The coach disagrees. Sonny’s only a “star” on Dad’s playing fields. Sonny dumps Little League and returns to “Dad’s” – where the world does what he wants it to do; where the world sees him as he wants to be seen.

2. It’s my job to fix their mistakes. Picture it.

High school. An English project’s due. But these teens have spent their nights in chat and game rooms. They flunk. One “butbuts” with “It’s the teacher’s fault!” The other’s rages: “It’s your fault! Always hanging over me – criticizing!”

3. I think we should let her change schools.

Picture it. The little angel’s about to enter the exciting world of middle school or is she?

“I don’t know anybody!” she wails. Uh-oh, I’m sick again! IF YOU SEND ME I’LL ... ” How do these early scenes turn into manipulative scenes, with parents, doubling as punching bags, still defending, protecting, fixing, (and covering) for their kinder who face challenges with scorn?

The Myth of Self-Esteem.

“But all I want is for Michael to feel good about himself and confident!” That line is the quintessential parental poop for MO’s that rosy up Michael’s world. In fact, all that glare spins these very goals 180.

True esteem and real confidence demand the positive face of truth. Children who see themselves as competent and worthy do so because they have been taught to persevere in a world that isn’t all smiles, yet continue to love themselves – including and despite – imperfections and shortcomings.

MARNIE’S RULE: Children Learn More From Trying, Failing, Then Trying Again, Then They Do From Being Handed Success.

Getting It! The Positives of “Failure” as a Strategy for Building Real Esteem in Children Failure gives children the true scoop on themselves and the world. Of course we protect them from oncoming tractors and taking on speed bumps. But when we rush in to make things too easy, we lie to them and let them lie to themselves about who they are and what they need to work on.

Tip: Quit Fixing, Bailing And Doing For Them.

Failure forces them to face up to fear, obstacles and challenges head-on. “Poor you-ing” a frustrated child teaches him to blame, excuse, procrastinate, whine, beg, plead, promise and pack their tweenie designer luggage to guilttrip you – and the world.

Tip: Hear Their Concerns – Without Letting

Them Avoid Or Manipulate.

Failure teaches children they won’t break.

Instead, they’ll learn to bend with the breaks and strengthen their internal metal.

Tip: As Failing Is Inevitable, Let Them Learn They’ll Live – and Learn Even More from the Effort.

Failure allows children to develop a Plan B. He’s failed. He knows he’ll live. Now, can he create a better way? Problem-solve? The ability to fail and regroup with new ideas builds the simple idea: ‘I can!’A

SYNAGOGUE LIFE Shabbat Dairy Potluck with Beth Am Aug. 3, 5:30 p.m., 5050 Del Mar Heights Rd., San Diego, CA, 92130 Invite friends and family for a parve potluck. Water and lemonade will be provided. For guests wishing to bring wine, they are asked to bring unopened kosher or California wines. Visit betham.com for more information.

Padres Jewish Community Day with Chabad of Downtown Aug. 12, 10 a.m., Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101 Celebrate Jewish community and culture at Petco Park.There will be kosher food, giveaways and kids entertainment. Discounted tickets are available for $25 with registration. Visit chabaddowntown.com for more information.

Stuff the Bus with Beth Israel Aug. 10, All Day, Beth Israel, 9001 Towne Centre Dr., San Diego, CA, 92122 Before service, Beth Israel will be collecting for a school supply drive. Most needed supplies include 3 ring binders, colored pencils and erasers. Visit cbisd.org for the full list and more information.

Open House at Temple Beth Shalom Aug. 19, 4 p.m., Temple Beth Shalom, 208 Madrona St., Chula Vista, CA, 91910 All are welcome and invited to an open house and barbecue with Temple Beth Shalom. Visit bethshalomtemple.com for more information.

ALWAYS COOKED FRESH ON-SITE!

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Visit adatshalom.com for more information.

Contact assistant@sdjewishjournal.com. Submissions are due by 15th of the month for the next issue.

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Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 73

DIVERSIONS: “Maktub”

‘Maktub,’ an Israeli Comedy About Low-Level Gangsters, Makes it to Netflix Photo by Idan Milman

| BY CURT SCHLEIER, JTA |

Hanan Savyon, left, and Guy Amir star in “Maktub.”

deadly terrorist attack might seem like an unlikely starting point for a lighthearted comedy. But “Maktub,” a charming and intelligent film that just debuted on Netflix, is set in Israel, a country where that happens more than most would like to believe.

The movie was a box office success in Israel but likely would have been relegated to art house theaters in the United States. A Netflix streaming release gives the film a much broader audience.

It stars Guy Amir and Hanan Savyon — Israeli television stars who co-wrote the screenplay — as Chuma and Steve, two smalltime gangsters who work for an organized crime overlord, Kaslassy (played by Itzik Cohen). They are tasked with collecting protection money from various Jerusalem restaurants.

Their lives change when a terrorist bomb goes off at one of their stops while both are in the bathroom. Everyone else in the building is killed, including the one-eyed Chechen thug who served the pair as lookout.

Chuma and Steve recover a metal briefcase that contains all the shekels collected earlier in the day, which they were supposed to

74 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

turn in. They tell Kaslassy that the Chechen survived the bombing and made off with the cash. Steve wants to leave quickly, before their boss discovers the truth. He hopes to immigrate to the U.S. and open a fish kebab restaurant.

But a reluctant Chuma demands they first go to the Western Wall to give thanks. There they accidentally pull out a note left by a man who asks for God’s help in rekindling the passion in his marriage — he earns little and must work long hours, leaving no time for romance.

Chuma sees it as a sign and insists they were spared to become the man’s guardian angels. They visit his boss and use a little muscle to convince him that the employee deserves a nice raise.

Chuma also eventually convinces Steve to return to the Kotel and ultimately help a poor Russian emigre pay for her son’s bar mitzvah and a long suffering 40-year-old get pregnant. Acquiring the last two notes requires a little silliness — they dress in drag to approach the female section — but even this comes off as funny rather than crass or disrespectful.

Amir and Savyon’s success in Israel — the pair have written over 280 episodes for seven different series that have been viewed over 80 million times — could spill over into the U.S. Producer Uri Singer has tapped them to create a drama in English about the Middle East conflict through the eyes of an American father searching for his missing daughter.

The word maktub means fate or destiny in Arabic, so maybe the duo is destined for a hit in the states, too.A

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Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 75

Cantor Deborah Davis

EVENTS

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CALL ALFRED MARTON @702-972-1695 76 SDJewishJournal.com | August 2018

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Av • Elul 5778 | SDJewishJournal.com 77

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7/16/18 9:53 AM

SEPTEMBER 5–30, 2018

Season 37 Join us for

2018–19

The beloved smash hit of the London and Broadway stages conjures its way to North Coast Rep for a spirited and hilarious evening in Noël Coward’s BLITHE SPIRIT. A socialite novelist, an eccentric medium, an unforgiving ex-wife, and a shrewish spouse create supernatural hijinks in this world-class comedy.

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WEST COAST PREMIERE

WEST COAST PREMIERE

SEPTEMBER 5–30, 2018

OCT 17–NOV 11, 2018

JAN 9–FEB 3, 2019

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MAY 29–JUNE 23, 2019

JULY 10–AUG 4, 2019

DECEMBER 12–30, 2018

By David Ives Directed by David Ellenstein

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By Ted Swindley Additional material by Ellis Nassour

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Not included in subscription package

(858) 481-1055 | northcoastrep.org