SJL New Orleans, January 2016

Southern Jewish Life NEW ORLEANS EDITION

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January 2016 Volume 26 Issue 1

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shalom y’all shalom y’all shalom y’all As with so many other controversies, the issue of Syrian refugees coming to the United States has become highly polarized, with very little middle ground allowed.

If you think it might be a good thing to welcome some of the refugees, you’re a bleeding heart trying to flood this country with no regard for the safety of America. If you have any hesitation over possible security issues, you’re just a callous neanderthal bigot who doesn’t want to see any Muslims in this country — and if you’re Jewish, don’t you remember when the U.S. turned its backs on Jews from Europe during the Holocaust, so how dare you question this?

There is, and has to be, a middle ground — but first, about the analogy to the Holocaust, which was quite popular recently during the anniversary of the S.S. St. Louis, the most widely-known instance of Jewish refugees being turned away.

In the case of Europe’s Jews, there was nowhere else to go. There wasn’t a Jewish homeland, and the rest of the world shut the doors.

While nobody would wish refugee status on anyone, the bulk of Syrian refugees are in refugee camps which, while not ideal, are at least a place of refuge. During the Holocaust, there were no refugee camps for Jews — just concentration camps, a place of extermination. There are also dozens of majority-Muslim nations on this planet, some of which already have a large number of the refugees, while some oil-rich nations aren’t stepping up to the plate at all.

It simply is not the case that Syrian refugees shut out of the U.S. have nowhere else to turn. So let’s drop that overheated bit of rhetoric from the discussion.

Let’s also drop the paranoia seen on the other side of the spectrum. A couple of months ago there were reports implying that 10,000 Syrian refugees were being resettled in New Orleans, illustrated by an “arrival” photo that wasn’t even from New Orleans. There was

in the center of this issue of Southern Jewish Life

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January 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 3

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commentary also panic over a Syrian refugee who went “missing” from Baton Rouge (to join a Jihadi sleeper cell, many speculated), when in reality the person in question had given proper notification and received permission to join relatives in Washington.

Most people do not realize the extensive process of vetting that refugees go through before they can come to this country, generally taking two years; even longer from the Middle East.

It is argued that an ISIS devotee generally wouldn’t be that patient, especially when it is so easy to cross into the U.S. via the Southern border with Mexico.

That also assumes that people are static in their views. Could someone become radicalized far into their vetting process? Sure. And there is a major trust gap that many in this country have regarding the government’s ability to properly screen people.

When some have suggested preference be given for Christian refugees, as they are being especially targeted and wiped out by ISIS and other groups, cries of anti-Muslim bigotry instantly echo.

And yet, when diplomats from France and Germany spoke at an ADL event in Birming-

ham just days after the Paris terror attacks in November, they were puzzled by the reluctance by so many in the U.S. to accept refugees from Syria. Their countries have accepted far more refugees than is being discussed for the U.S. But they also stress the importance of the refugees being able to fit in with the French and German societies and not remaining a separate underclass.

As Jews we are commanded to welcome the stranger, and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans has been quite public about welcoming the Syrian refugees who will make their way to Louisiana. As we work toward our ideal, we need to keep our eyes open and know what we are doing.

There are so many among the Syrian refugee population that would love the opportunity to be Americans, living in peace and working toward a prosperous life. We just need to be sure that’s who we are bringing over.

And to do that successfully, we need to tone down the recriminations and work together.

Larry Brook EDITOR/PUBLISHER

EDITOR@SJLMAG.COM

A Note About Our New Orleans Edition: In the December issue of Southern Jewish Life, a few pages for the New Orleans edition were not swapped out from the Deep South edition due to a printer error. Some of the material from those pages is being reprinted in this issue (for example, the large photo on page 5 and the JCDS Gala article). Our online December edition did have those pages, and can be viewed at issuu.com/sjlmag.

Guns in America

by Ina Davis

icans who support universal background checks.

Where do we begin to address solutions of gun violence and the generations that are steeped in it? Can these issues be tackled? How might we as an organization and a community attempt to make a difference?

The history of NCJW implores us to summon empathy into action. Susan Kierr, Section president, is interfacing with other civic organizations to address issues of violence city-wide in preparation for a tricentennial summit with nola4women, a coalition building and action plan to include the concerns being raised.

At the next Moving the Ball Forward you may find yourself inspired and motivated to take action. But I encourage you not to wait until then — discover your voice with NCJW now. Join us and together we will work to propel the city, state and country into action.

To get involved contact jenny.nathan@gmail. com or call (504) 861-7788.

In one week in November, I experienced “Moving the Ball Forward: Gun Violence,” one of a series of panel discussions organized by board members of the National Council of Jewish Women Greater New Orleans Section.

Experts in the field of gun violence spoke boldly and bravely about what it’s like to grow up in a community and culture of violence; a first-hand report from a victim of the Mother’s Day Massacre; an advocate fighting for the memory of a dear, dear friend, and a city prosecutor’s view of all of these challenges. Experiences and souls were exposed with raw emotion.

Our New Orleans District Attorney listened, as did representatives from the FBI. An intensely engaged and diverse audience had much to hear and digest.

Earlier that week, NCJW GNO also sponsored a test screening of the movie “91%: A Documentary about Guns in America.” This film shares the Ina Davis is a national board director of the stories of gun violence victims. It demands that Congress act on behalf of the 91 percent of Amer- National Council of Jewish Women.

Southern Jewish Life

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4 Southern Jewish Life • January 2016

agenda interesting bits & can’t miss events

Shir Chadash hosted a special minyan and brunch on Nov. 8, honoring veterans in the Jewish community.

Michael Weil announces 2017 departure as Federation executive director Michael Weil, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, announced that he will be stepping down from his position in 2017 and returning to Israel.

In a Chanukah email to the community on Dec. 3, Weil said “being away from Israel and my children (and, more recently, grandchildren) has become increasingly difficult” and following the September 2017 annual meeting, when the current Federation administration finishes its term, he and wife Brenda will “say a final farewell to the community.”

Weil arrived in New Orleans in October 2006, a year into the recovery process following Hurricane Katrina and the levee breach, a disaster that displaced the entire New Orleans community for a lengthy time.

Prior to his arrival in New Orleans, Weil had been a policy research fellow at the Jewish People Policy Planning Institute, chaired by former U.S. Undersecretary of State Dennis Ross.

He also had been managing director of Megama Management and Planning Consultants, overseeing strategic planning for Jerusalem, Lod, Kiryat Gat, and other Israeli cities; urban renewal projects throughout Israel, community planning, budgeting, research, and analysis for universities, Israeli Government Ministries, the Jewish Agency, and other public and private entities.

In the fall of 2006, most of those in the Jewish community who were

planning to return to the area had done so, leaving the community roughly one-third smaller than it had been before the storm. In his statement, Weil said “The challenges the community faced at that time were difficult ones. It was my privilege and pleasure to work with you then to carve a successful path of recovery and renewal, to be part of an amazing community transformation, and currently, to plan for the best possible growth in the future.”

Through a range of initiatives and support from the national Federation system, all of the New Orleans Jewish community agencies and institutions continued to exist, and the Jewish population, bolstered by newcomers, has now topped its pre-Katrina number.

Weil said he will continue to work with the community “with the utmost energy and enthusiasm, and working with our current leaders and our great professional staff to continue moving the Federation forward.

As the time nears, I also look forward to helping facilitate a smooth transition for my successor.”

Schanzer to speak at NOLA AIPAC event Jonathan Schanzer, vice president of research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, will be the guest speaker for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee annual New Orleans community event on Jan. 21.

The 7 p.m. event at the Uptown Jewish Community Center is open to community.

Registration is available at aipac.org/NOLACommunityEvent.

Schanzer has testified before Congress

NOLA

January 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 5

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and publishes widely in the American and international media. He is the author of “State of Failure: Yasser Arafat, Mahmoud Abbas and the Unmaking of the Palestinian State.” His previous 2008 book, “Hamas vs. Fatah: The Struggle for Palestine,” analyzes the internecine conflict between the two most powerful Palestinian factions.

His 2004 book, “Al-Qaeda’s Armies: Middle East Affiliate Groups and the Next Generation of Terror,” was the first to explore the al-Qaeda franchises of the Middle East.

Heiman signing memoir on Air Force service Sol Heiman will have a book signing for “The Way Eye See It: How One Optometrist Survived the Air Force” on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at the East Bank Regional Library in Metairie.

The book is a memoir of his Air Force career, which began in 1951 when he joined to be an optometrist and was ordered instead to teach math. Eventually he received an assignment to run an eye clinic at Amarillo Air Base Hospital, but that did not mean his Air Force career would run smoothly.

With the exception of his time in the Air Force, Heiman has lived his entire life in New Orleans. He sings with the Mardi Gras Barbershop Chorus and uses his love of writing comedy by directing the annual Barbershop Show for the past five years. He continues to practice optometry one day a week in New Orleans at Gentilly Vision Source.

Women in Jewish life theme of West Esplanade learning series The West Esplanade congregations will continue their joint education efforts with a series on “The Impact of Women On Contemporary Jewish Life.” The sessions will be on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

On Jan. 13, Rabbi Gabriel Greenberg will address women and religion in Israel, at Beth Israel. The discussion will center on numerous ways that women are challenging Jewish life, beyond Women of the Wall.

The series moves to Shir Chadash on Jan. 20 for Rabbi Ethan Linden’s discussion on feminist readings of Jewish texts. The series concludes at Gates of Prayer on Jan. 27 with Rabbi Alexis Pinsky discussing the feminization of Jewish institutions, 43 years after the ordination of the first female rabbi.

JCDS Open House on Jan. 13 On Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Jewish Community Day School will hold Prospective Parent Open Houses for students entering Pre-K through fifth grade. The 9 a.m. tour will include a look inside classrooms in action, but both open houses will provide interested parents with a tour of JCDS, information about its progressive curriculum, and time for questions and answers with Head of School Sharon Pollin and Admissions Director Deb Marsh.

“Come see JCDS, where students are provided with stellar academics along with the skills and habits of mind they need to thrive in their world,” Pollin said. “Jewish values and inquiry based teaching inspire meaningful learning that lasts a lifetime.”

Enrollment is open to all qualified students regardless of race, gender, creed or national origin. To reserve a tour, contact JCDS at (504) 8874091, or email dmarsh@jcdsnola.org.

6 Southern Jewish Life • January 2016

agenda

On Oct. 20, Jewish Family Service dedicated its new Metairie office.

Guests were invited to tour the new space at Causeway Plaza and visit with available JFS staff. Board President Julie Wise Oreck and Rabbi Robert Loewy led the ceremony.

Honey bee becomes new JCDS mascot

While much has been said about the effect Hurricane Katrina had on the Jewish Community Day School in Metairie, scattering students and their families across the country and closing the school for a year, there is one more figure that has been missing. The school’s mascot, the lion, hasn’t been seen since.

With a new spirit surrounding the school, a “Create a Mascot” contest was launched among the JCDS student population.

Student submissions were judged on evidence of attention to drawing, quality of written essay and connection of mascot qualities to JCDS. Fourth grade student Sienna Kansas, daughter of Aidi and Alan Kansas, won the contest with her honey bee. “I think the honey bee should be the JCDS mascot,” she said. “Our school works very hard like honey bees do. Without honey bees the world could not go on. JCDS is our hive and Ms. Pollin (which almost sounds like pollen) is the queen bee. We all work together with respect for one another. Like honey bees, we can make the world a beautiful place.”

January 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 7

agenda

Upcoming Events Tuesday, Jan. 12 JNOLA Dine-Around.

Wednesday, Jan. 13 JCDS Open House. JCDS, Metairie. 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

JCC Uptown Preschool Open House. 9:30 a.m.

“Deli Man.” Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival. Manship Theatre. 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 14 Sol Heiman book signing. East Bank Library, Metairie.

7 p.m.

Gates of Prayer Dor HaBet at Shaya. 6:30 p.m.

“Mr. Kaplan.” Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival. Manship Theatre. 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 15 Stephen Sondheim: Jewish Composer Lecture Series.

Touro Synagogue. Follows 6 p.m. service.

Friday Night Live for Young Jewish Professionals.

Chabad of Louisiana. 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 16 “Above and Beyond.” Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival.

Manship Theatre. 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 17 JewCCY and BBYO Dance4Justice. Touro Synagogue.

7 p.m.

Mardi Gras Mitzvah Makers Parade. Touro Infirmary, 10 a.m.

“Look At Us Now, Mother!” Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival. Manship Theatre. 3 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Martin Luther King Day March. JCRC shuttle from Home Depot parking lot, 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 19 Professional Ethics class. Touro Synagogue. 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 21 AIPAC community event. Jonathan Schanzer, speaker.

Uptown JCC, 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 22 NFTY South Winter Kallah. Jacobs Camp.

Saturday, Jan. 23 Krewe du Mishigas and Krewe du Jieux march in Krewe du Vieux and krewedelusion. 6 p.m.

New York Nosh Night. B’nai Israel, Baton Rouge, 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 24 Tu B’Shevat Family Festival. JCDS, Metairie. 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 26 Taste of Limmud Study with a Buddy night. Anshe Sfard.

Friday, Jan. 29 Southwest USY Spring Kallah. Shir Chadash.

Jewish Babies Club. JCDS, Metairie. 1 p.m.

8 Southern Jewish Life • January 2016

Many Jewish groups will be participating in the annual New Orleans Martin Luther King Day Community March, which begins at City Hall on Jan. 18 at 9 a.m., then proceeds at 10 a.m. to the King monument on Claiborne Avenue. The Jewish Community Relations Council will provide a shuttle from the back of the Home Depot parking lot to City Hall starting at 8:30 a.m. and continuing until 9:30 a.m. A carpool caravan will head to Home Depot from Gates of Prayer in Metairie at 8 a.m.

Advance tickets are $60 for adults and $30 for children.

Feel a bit fuzzy… er, Fozzie… on Purim?

Touro Synagogue in New Orleans will have a casting call for its “Muppet Show”-based Purim Shpiel on Jan. 24 at 11:30 a.m. The show will be on March 20.

Etgar 36, an Atlanta-based summer trip for Jewish teens, is holding a Bar Mitzvah year celebration on Jan. 30 at Ahavath Achim in Atlanta.

The 7:30 p.m. program will feature a premiere of the Etgar 36 documentary, panel discussion and a reunion of all 13 summers. Each summer, Etgar 36 takes teens on 22-day and 36-day journeys across the country, learning about civil rights history and political activism in a Jewish context.

JewCCY and Big Easy BBYO will have “Viva New Orleans: Dance4Justice,” a community gathering “to benefit humanity” by raising funds and awareness for causes in the community. The dance will be on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at Touro Synagogue, with a Las Vegas theme and semi-formal attire.

Rabbi Alexis Berk will have the next session Tickets are $18 and are available from youth group of Professional Jewish Ethics at Touro Synaboard members, and donations are welcomed. gogue on Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. The program will Touro Synagogue will have the next in its be on Jewish ethics in health care. Reservations Jewish Composer Lecture Series on Jan. 15, are requested and there is a $10 suggested donafocusing on the legacy of Stephen Sondheim. tion for dinner.

George Dansker will present the tribute to the Gates of Prayer in Metairie has upgraded Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, who is regarded as perhaps the greatest Broadway its Live Stream system with a new 360-degree composer of our time. “Take Me To The World: high-definition camera. Services are streamed The Life and Music of Stephen Sondheim” will over the Gates website. be in the Grant Meyer Garden Pavilion followThe NFTY Southern Region Winter Kallah ing the 6 p.m. service. will be held at the Henry S. Jacobs Camp in UtiDor HaBet, the “Baby Boom generation” ca from Jan. 22 to 24. The event is open to Jewish group at Gates of Prayer in Metairie, will have teens in grades 9 to 12 in Alabama, Arkansas, a dinner at Shaya on Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Reser- Louisiana, Mississippi, Western Tennessee and vations are required to the Gates of Prayer office the Florida panhandle. and are $60 per person.

Southwest USY will have its Spring Kallah at Shir Chadash in Metairie from Jan. 29 to 31. The The New York Nosh Night at B’nai Israel in Baton Rouge, featuring Kenny and Ziggy’s Deli weekend is for the Conservative movement’s of Houston, will be on Jan. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. youth group for grades 8 to 12.

agenda

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Jewish Krewes set for Jan. 23 parades

“…go forth and multiply”

The two Jewish Mardi Gras Krewes in New Orleans will march once again in their respective parades on Jan. 23. Krewe du Mishigas, which first marched in 2006, will be in the Krewe du Vieux parade, while the Krewe du Jieux will mark its 21st marching season in the krewedelusion parade.

For its 30th anniversary, Krewe du Vieux will hold its “XXX” parade through the Marigny and French Quarter, starting at 6:30 p.m. The parade generally starts at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Royal Street, and last year crossed Canal Street for the first time, finishing at O’Keefe and Lafayette Streets. The ball will be at the Civic Theatre.

Big Freedia has been named the monarch for the parade.

The Jieux will roll in The 2015 Krewe du Mishigas theme was the krewedelusion parade, the Oyvengers which will start at roughly 6:45 p.m. and go through the Marigny and French Quarter until around 9 p.m., when the Bedlam Ball will begin at Café Istanbul.

Blaine Kern has been appointed ruler of krewedelusion. The krewe keeps its theme secret until the parade kicks off.

The parades are known for their satirical themes and adult content, and the Jewish krewes are noted for their prized throw, painted bagels.

Because of their routes through the narrow French Quarter streets, the floats are small and mule-driven, carrying only the sub-krewe royalty while the bands and the rest of the krewe members march behind.

The Krewe du Jieux will hold its coronation at the Spotted Cat on Jan. 9 at 9:30 p.m., followed by its second line parade, the Running of the Jieux, which will depart around 10:30 p.m. and return to Frenchman Street around midnight.

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Touro’s Mardi Gras Mitzvah: Krewe of VIPs As Touro Synagogue is on Mardi Gras parade routes, the season brings some schedule changes and programming opportunities.

Touro will once again host the Krewe of VIPs, with a wheelchair-accessible platform on the steps of the sanctuary for so those with disabilities or special needs can enjoy the parade season. The service is free to children with disabilities and their families.

The VIP days will be Jan. 30 at noon for the Pontchartrain, Choctaw and Freret parades; Feb. 4 at 4:45 p.m. for the Babylon, Muses and Chaos parades; and Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. for the Iris and Tucks parades.

Volunteers are needed to assist, and anyone who knows of a child with special needs can have the child’s guardians contact Juan Gershanik’s office to reserve a space.

During certain parade days, the Touro property will be accessible to members, non-members may visit if accompanied by a member, and there is a requested charge of $5 for non-members.

There will be abbreviated casual Shabbati-Gras services on Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, starting at 5 p.m., followed by the parades. A family dinner will be served and is $5 per person.

Touro will also have its annual Bacchus Bash on Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. Details and ticket prices were not announced at press time, but the event generally provides food, drinks and accessible restrooms during the Bacchus parade.

Other days when Touro will be available are Jan. 30 at 1 p.m., Feb. 3 at

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agenda 6:30 p.m., Feb. 4 at 5:45 p.m., Feb. 6 at 10:15 a.m. following a brief Shabbat service, and Feb. 8 at 5:15 p.m. The facility is closed during all other Uptown parades.

Gates of Prayer in Metairie adjusts its Shabbat service schedule for Mardi Gras due to parade routes. On Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, services will be at 6 p.m.

Mardi Gras Mitzvah Makers parade Jan. 17

With the Mardi Gras season coming shortly, the 37th annual B’nai B’rith Mardi Gras Mitzva Makers Hospital Parade will march in New Orleans on Jan. 17.

The band of merry makers will parade through Touro Infirmary starting at 10 a.m., then proceed to Kindred Hospital and Home Life in the Gardens.

Organizer Hilton Title said “We will be bringing Mardi Gras to patients who are there for long-term care and rehabilitation who likely will not be able to experience Mardi Gras anytime soon.”

Volunteers are urged to come in costume or put one on at the Prytania Street gathering point starting at 9:30 a.m. Numerous musicians bring their instruments for the parade, and the Shriners Clowns also help with the parade.

Volunteers are urged to bring beads or plush stuffed animals for Second Line throws.

Seen Online: Birmingham City Council Representative Jay Roberson posted a photo of a bottle of Manischewitz with his Christmas tree in the background, saying “Look what someone brought to my house to get in the Christmas Spirit! If you are partaking of this one you are a pro!”

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10 Southern Jewish Life • January 2016

Rabbi Steven Silberman of Ahavas Chesed in Mobile wrote this about attending GoDaddy Bowl events: “Most opening prayers at Southern athletic events are delivered by pastors who effectively limit the audience to say Amen only if they agree with the pastor’s theology. Tonight Pastor Aaron Fruh of Knollwood Assembly of God dramatically stepped away from that norm by opening a prayer in a more generic manner with the word “Lord.” He then added the phrase “to include our Jewish friends” and offered the Priestly Blessing in Hebrew. Pastor Fruh stepped out of the easy and customary form in order to teach respect for differences. What a significant way to open a Bowl game! (How often do we step out of the easy norm to show respect to those who are different?).

Todah and thank you very much, Pastor Fruh!”

Jewish leaders express solidarity with area Muslims In many areas, the Jewish community has been speaking out against a rising wave of anti-Muslim rhetoric and showing solidarity as some call for greater restrictions on or scrutiny of Muslims in the U.S. In Huntsville, Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar of Temple B’nai Sholom organized a Day of Solidarity at the Huntsville Islamic Center. Despite short notice, about 200 from a wide range of faiths came to the Dec. 18 event, sharing in the center’s mid-day prayers. After the prayers, Bahar and three Christian clergy gave remarks.

Bahar, who has been active in interfaith work for years, said she had been hearing more anti-Muslim sentiment, including someone saying they walked out of a store when a Muslim walked in.

“It is time to reach out our hands, reminding each other that we are simply servants of God and that we must join together in standing up against this type of speech,” she said.

It took a few days to arrange the event, relying on trust that had built up over years of relationship building she has done with the center’s leadership, and the work of her predecessor, the late Rabbi Jeffrey Ballon.

Bahar invited three clergy groups that she is active with. Some could not attend on short notice, especially one week before Christmas. Some came as individuals, not necessarily on behalf of their congregations, while others invited their entire congregations.

Noting the importance of relationships, Bahar said “It’s easy to dismiss someone as “the other” if you haven’t sat and talked together, shared painful stories and, yes, argued passionately,” as they have in the past regarding the Middle East.

She hopes this leads to further events and dialogue, especially among

Rabbi Robert Loewy speaks at the Masjid Abu Bakr Mosque on Dec. 21 the three Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. “May this simply be the beginning of friendship as we go forward together into the unknown supporting one another.”

Several members of the New Orleans area Jewish community attended a show of support at the Masjid Abu Bakr Mosque in Kenner on Dec. 21.

At the event, which included roughly 40 clergy from the area, Rabbi Robert Loewy from Gates of Prayer read a statement on behalf of the East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association. “We condemn in the strongest terms any calls to deny all Muslims entry into the United States or to incite violence or harm against our Muslim family, friends, and neighbors. We affirm that all people are created in the image of God to be respected and beloved,” he read.

Loewy continued, “Any attacks on Muslims or any other religious or ethnic group is an attack on every one of us and the principles of our relationship together. We invite other leaders and all people of good will to join us in speaking out and standing up against such divisive rhetoric.”

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January 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 11

community Also among those attending were Shir Chadash Rabbi Ethan Linden and Beth Israel Rabbi Gabriel Greenberg.

Linden’s hope for the clergy statement is that “its words will prove more durable than the hateful rhetoric of those who seek to undermine the values it expresses.”

Imam AbdurRahman Bashir said groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda “are determined to manipulate and exploit the true teachings of Islam to fulfill their agenda of terror and to wreak havoc through the world,” manipulating those who don’t know much about the teachings of Islam. He welcomes those who want to learn more about Islam to visit the mosque.

Meanwhile, Touro Synagogue is working with the Masjidur-Rahim Mosque on its annual Weekend of Peace event.

Touro is collecting gently used clothing and household items for distribution by the mosque on Jan. 16. All collected items will be given away at the mosque’s annual community event, which offers free health screenings and a free hot meal to those most needy in the city.

Touro is accepting drop-off donations from Jan. 4 to 14. They should be left at the General Pershing St. entrance and labeled “Weekend of Peace.”

Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar (standing, middle) at the Huntsville Islamic Center

JCRS gala honoring Tolmas Trust, author Marlene Trestman This year’s Jewish Children’s Regional Service Gala will be the Jewish Roots of Celebration, honoting the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust and Marlene Trestman “for their dedication to Jewish children and for their support of the JCRS mission.”

The March 5 gala at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans will include a cocktail reception followed by a dinner created by some of New Orleans’ most celebrated and talented Jewish chefs, including James Beard Award winner Alon Shaya, Daniel Esses of Three Muses, David Slater of Emeril, Nathanial Zimet of Boucherie and a special dessert from Commander’s Palace.

In April, the Tolmas Trust underwrote the JCRS Chanukah gift program, which provides gifts to Jewish children in need in the agency’s seven-state region. The program, which just completed its 18th year, serves about 200 Jewish minors and residents of state institutions.

The Trust also established named funds for the JCRS Special Needs and Education programs.

Trestman, a former recipient of JCRS assistance, is a former Special Assistant to the Maryland Attorney General, where she started her career as a public lawyer in 1982. Her first book, “Fair Labor,” is about pioneering female attorney Bessie Margolin, an alumna of the Jewish Children’s Home, and is scheduled for release in March. Trestman is now working on a book about the history of the home and its successor agency, JCRS. Tickets to the gala are $200, with numerous Patron levels available.

12 Southern Jewish Life • January 2016

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A REMODELED STORE?

“Big tent” of Jewish learning, Limmud opens to region on March 18 Limmud, a weekend festival of Big Tent Jewish learning, arts, culture and spirituality, returns to New Orleans the weekend of March 18.

Limmudfest includes a Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner at Congregation Gates of Prayer in Metairie on March 18. On March 19, there will be Shabbat services in a variety of styles at Gates of Prayer and Beth Israel, a luncheon, learning sessions and Havdalah. The events will be kosher and Shabbat-observant, and home hospitality can be arranged for those who are Shabbat-observant or from out of town.

The sessions move to the Lavin-Bernick Center on Tulane University’s campus on March 20. The weekend starts at 5 p.m. on March 18 and concludes at 5 p.m. on March 20.

During the weekend, there will be over 90 presentations in 10 tracks, including arts and culture, contemporary Jewish life and identity, family, history, Israel, social justice, Southern Jewish life, spirituality, text and thought, and food. There is no signing up for sessions, just dropping in on whatever sounds good.

There will also be a lineup of children’s programming for ages 4 to 12, and babysitting for ages 1 to 3, so parents can attend whatever sessions they like.

Limmud is part of a global movement inspired by the idea that when Jews from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate and learn about everything Jewish, the entire community is enriched. It also emphasizes that everyone is a learner, so those presenting are encouraged to operate under that principle.

Led entirely by volunteers, New Orleans Limmud began in 2010 and is held every other year. Organizers look at Limmud as a regional event, and as an example, Springhill Avenue Temple in Mobile is organizing a group to attend.

Among the featured international, national and local speakers will be Jay Michaelson, Katherine Romanow and Danny Siegel.

A lawyer, rabbi, and teacher of jhana meditation, Michaelson helps steer the Jewish communal discussion with his writings on mindfulness, LGBT issues, religious liberty and the law. A columnist for The Daily Beast and The Forward, he has written five books, including “God in Your Body: Kabbalah, Mindfulness, and Embodied Spiritual Practice,” “God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality,” and his latest, “The Gate of Tears: Sadness and the Spiritual Path,” which is about the place of sadness in Buddhist and Jewish spirituality.

Romanow is a Jewish food historian from Montreal. She is the curator of Beyond the Bagel, a Jewish food walking tour given through the Museum of Jewish Montreal, and is a co-founder of The Wandering Chew, a project that explores the diversity of Jewish food cultures through popup dinners and cooking workshops. Romanow is curating an upcoming exhibit on Southern Jewish food at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.

Siegel is one of the world’s greatest experts on microphilanthropy. For more than 30 years he has lectured in hundreds of communities on the topic of personalized Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam, and has written over 30 books of poetry and on practical tzedakah.

Joel Hoffman will also speak at Limmud. He is a popular speaker on Biblical translation and is chief translator for the 10-volume series “My People’s Prayer Book.” His most recent book is “The Bible’s Cutting Room Floor: The Holy Scriptures Missing From Your Bible,” and in February

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January 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 13

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“The Bible Doesn’t Say That: 40 Biblical Mistranslations, Misconceptions and Other Misunderstandings” will be released.

Also scheduled are historian Stuart Rockoff, formerly director of the history department at the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life and now the executive director of the Mississippi Humanities Council; Randy Fertel, president of both the Fertel Foundation and the Ruth U. Fertel Foundation and author of “The Gorilla Man and the Empress of Steak”; and authors Rodger Kamenetz, Michael Rubin and Nechama Liss-Levenson. There will also be a presentation by Southern Jewish Life editor Larry Brook.

Registration is now open for Limmud New

Orleans 2016. Early bird prices expire January 31st.

Early-bird registration is available through Jan. 31. Three-day passes are $75 for adults, $40 for young adults ages 18 to 30 and $15 for children. The one-day pass for Saturday evening and Sunday are $50 for adults, $25 for young adults and $10 for children. Registration rates go up on Feb. 1.

In December, Touro Synagogue held a Taste of Limmud Shabbat, and on Jan. 26, Anshe Sfard will hold a Limmud-themed Study with a Buddy night with Rabbis David Polsky and Alexis Pinsky.

Registration and updates are available at limmudnola.org.

Reunion planned for New Orleans AZA, BBG A New Orleans BBYO reunion weekend is being planned around the theme of reconnect, renew and rebirth — reconnecting with old friends and renewing those relationships, while supporting the rebirth of BBYO in New Orleans.

Over the years, the AZA and BBG chapters have used many names — Freed-Goldberg, Harry Laufer and Rodfay-Shalom AZA; Crescent City, Susan Frank, Ahavah, Robert Gervis and Shoshanim BBG. Currently, the chapter is combined as Big Easy BBYO. The weekend begins with Shabbat services and an oneg at Gates of Prayer, Feb. 26 at 6:15 p.m.

The main reunion event will be on Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Southport Music Hall in Jefferson,

with food and an open bar. Admission is $65, $75 after Feb. 16.

The weekend concludes with coffee and beignets at Morning Call in City Park, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Marriott Metairie at Lakeway, $149 a night.

Because of a number of conventions in the area that weekend, the rate is held only until Jan. 29.

The weekend is being organized by Linda Sue Heiman, Ahavah class of 1972. Volunteers are needed for several committees, including nostalgia and memorabilia, registration, setup, cleanup, contact info and clerical tasks.

For registration or volunteer information, go to nolabbyoreunion2016.com.

Past presidents of the National Council of Jewish Women’s New Orleans Section held their Annual Luncheon recently at Antoine’s. The event was chaired by Sara Stone and arranged

by Celia Katz and Barbara Bresler. (Seated, left to right) Beth Rosenthal, Sara Stone and Susan Kierr; (Standing, left to right): Florence Schornstein, Pam Lyles, Loel Samuel, Ina Davis, Eddy Rosen, Mimi Schlesinger, June Leopold, Shellye Farber, Phyllis Nitzkin, Cynthia Farber, Celia Katz, Barbara Bresler and Joan Berenson.

14 Southern Jewish Life • January 2016

Mazel Tov on 25 Years of SJL! Amy and Martin Goldin Gulfport

Tennessee man is first U.S. soldier named Righteous Among the Nations Chris Edmonds, pastor of Piney Grove Baptist Church in Maryville, Tenn., just outside of Knoxville, knew little about his father’s service in World War II. His father, who died in 1985 at age 64, rarely spoke about his service, so his family had no idea about his heroism.

Now, thanks to a handful of people who survived because of a decision Chris Edmonds’ father made, Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds is the first United States serviceman recognized as Righteous Among the Nations for saving Jewish lives during the Holocaust.

Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority, made the designation on Dec. 2. He is only the fifth American so recognized, with Varian Fry, Waitstill and Martha Sharp, and Lois Gunden.

Chris Edmonds was in Israel at the time, attending a seminar sponsored by the International School for Holocaust Studies for Christian leaders.

Almost all of the Righteous Among the Nations have been honored for saving European Jews from the Holocaust, by hiding them or using diplomatic tricks to get them out of harm’s way. Making Roddie Edmonds’ story unique is that he saved the lives of American Jewish soldiers who would likely otherwise have been killed by the Nazis.

“Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds seemed like an ordinary American soldier, but he had an extraordinary sense of responsibility and dedication to his fellow human beings,” said Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev.

“These attributes form the common thread that binds members of this select group of Righteous Among the Nations. The choices and actions of Master Sergeant Edmonds set an example for his fellow American soldiers as they stood united against the barbaric evil of the Nazis.”

Chris Edmonds reflected that his father “was a strong man of faith, even as a 25-year-old,” and had already forged his character. “The difference between a regular person and a hero is two seconds.”

Knoxville native Roddie Edmonds shipped out as part of the 422nd Regiment, 106th Infantry Division, in December 1944, and within five days his regiment was captured in the Battle of the Bulge, on Dec. 19.

They arrived at Bad Orb, a prisoner of war camp, on Dec. 25. A month later, he and the other noncommissioned officers were sent to Stalag IX-A with over 1200 other soldiers. He was the senior noncommissioned officer among them, so he assumed the leadership position.

On the first day, an order came out over the intercom — after roll call the next morning, only the Jewish prisoners were to fall out. By then, the Nazis weren’t just exterminating Europe’s Jews, they were doing the same to captured Jewish soldiers from Allied armies.

Edmonds instructed his men that the next morning, everyone would fall out, saying that the Geneva Convention states they need give only name, rank and serial number.

Chris Edmonds said his father had seen the Jewish soldiers separated in the first camp, and “I guess he decided when he had some authority and responsibility in the second camp he was going to do whatever he could to stop that from happening.”

The next morning, Jan. 27, 1945, all of the American soldiers were standing in front of the barracks. According to those close enough to witness the exchange, the German commander, Major Siegmann, angrily went to Roddie Edmonds and insisted, “All of you can’t be Jewish!”

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January 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 15

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Edmonds replied “We are all Jews here.”

The commander ordered him to have the Jewish soldiers step forward, but Edmonds replied that under the Geneva Convention he was not entitled to that information. Siegmann pressed his gun to Edmonds’ forehead and repeated his order, to which Edmonds answered that “If you shoot, you’ll have to kill all of us, and you will have to stand for war crimes after we win this war.”

Instead of shooting, the commander put his gun away and stormed off.

It is estimated that there were 200 Jewish soldiers among the prisoners.

Paul Stern, one of the Jewish POWs who stood near Edmonds during the exchange, detailed the encounter to Yad Vashem. “Although 70 years have passed,” said Stern, “I can still hear the words he said to the German camp officer.”

Chris Edmonds said this wasn’t a risk his father had to take. He knew the Allies were making advances, and “he knew he would probably be rescued and liberated in a few weeks from that camp, but he put his life on the line anyway.”

But that wasn’t the end of the odyssey. One day the Germans told them that the next day they would be leaving and marching further into Germany. With the prisoners near starvation, Edmonds instructed them that they would not leave with the Germans on a death march — act sick, get sick, run to the barracks, just do not go with them.

Despite being threatened with being shot, they followed Edmonds’ orders, until the Germans finally threw up their hands and left the Americans behind, taking the French and British prisoners with them.

Once the Americans were alone in the camp, Edmonds had to convince them not to leave, that they could not survive on their own beyond the gates. The next day, the Third Army found the camp and rescued them.

Roddie Edmonds had two diaries he kept during that time. One had names, dates and addresses for many of the men under his command, and some notes about life as a POW. The other book had the complete plans for a restaurant, the Jolly Chef, that he and three fellow prisoners designed, including floor plans, menus and pencil drawings. “They were starving to death so it was a way to dream about better days ahead,” Chris Edmonds said.

In 2009, Chris Edmonds Googled his father’s name to see what he would find about his service. To his surprise, his father was mentioned in a 2008 New York Times article about Lester Tanner, a New York attorney who sold a home to President Richard Nixon in the 1970s, when nobody wanted the disgraced former president as a neighbor.

In the article, Tanner spoke about being a POW during World War II and how Roddie Edmonds had saved his life, and the lives of many others. Chris Edmonds said Tanner “had never told that story before.

Never told it to his family.”

That led Chris Edmonds on a journey to find Tanner and other POWs who were there. At the first meeting, Tanner told him that his father deserves the Medal of Honor. He has since met with Congressional representatives in Tennessee and the ball is rolling — albeit slowly — for that recognition.

He also met Larry Goldstein, a friend of Tanner who unbeknownst to him was gathering information on Roddie Edmonds to submit to Yad Vashem.

Chris Edmonds said it is difficult to get a Righteous Among the Nations designation from Yad Vashem, but “there was no question” in this case.

Chris Edmonds said he is not inspired solely by his father’s story. “It’s also the story of the men who were there with him. When he ordered all of the men to step out, they all had a choice and they all chose to stand up. That’s huge.”

Siegmann “could have started shooting, starting with my dad.

Thankfully, he didn’t.”

Chris Edmonds said his father “was just an ordinary, everyday allAmerican kind of guy. Loved his country, loved his family, loved his faith.

He loved life.”

A child always looks up to his father as a hero, Chris Edmonds said. “I never knew he had a cape hanging in his closet. But he did.”

January 2016 • The Jewish Newsletter 17

18 The Jewish Newsletter • January 2016

From the Jewish Community Day School Special thanks to JFS for Partnering Tot Shabbat Lunch and Play!

When agencies work together, everyone wins! JCDS is grateful to Jewish Family Service for directing a percentage of their recent Oscar J. Tolmas Foundation grant to benefit JCDS students. Thanks to this collaboration, our students now receive the benefit of a guidance counselor on campus twice a week. “The students feel listened to and supported in their continuing social and emotional development, “ said JCDS Head of School Sharon Pollin.

JCDS invites the synagogues of West Esplanade to a Tot Shabbat Lunch and Play on Jan. 9 at 12:20 p.m. at Jewish Community Day School. Families are invited to walk on over, make a sandwich or wrap in our KASH-ROOT Kitchen and play Shabbat related games and activities led by our faculty with friends and family.

Jewish Babies Club: New Year Social Hour Join your Jewish Babies Club friends and JCDS on Jan. 29 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the JCDS Beit Midrash for a New Year Social Hour with Hebrew and Shabbat inspired toys. Babies 1 month to 3 years of age join us for an hour of socializing with other Jewish parents, trading ideas and perspectives, and introducing babies to life-long Jewish friends. RSVP to Lauren Ungar at lungar@jcdsnola.org.

A short time ago, in a galaxy not so far away, New Orleans children were treated to Stars Wars characters of every ilk including Darth Vader, a Storm Trooper, an Imperial Officer and a Tie Pilot. These iconic characters, brought to the event by Bast Alpha Garrison of the 501st Legion, delighted the many children who attended the first annual Jewish Community Day School and PJ Library STEAM Discovery event held Nov. 29 at JCDS. These inquisitive 3 to 5 year olds and their family members were treated to hands-on Chanukah exploration activities which, according to Head of School Sharon Pollin, “sparked their curiosity, creativity and innovation.” The activities focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math, which are integral to the JCDS Curriculum.

Bonding with Sunrise seniors JCDS second graders have been paying monthly visits to the seniors of Sunrise of Metairie starting last October and continuing each month all year. Their activities include games, conversations, singing and craft activities with the residents. The Torah teaches us to respect the elderly; the growing friendship between JCDS students and their new friends is a joyful outgrowth of this mitzvah.

Special Chanukah Mitzvah Students at the Jewish Community Day School performed a special Mitzvah this Chanukah for fellow students in Columbia, S.C. who lost their homes or home contents during the recent flooding. JCDS students have been busily collecting new or gently used books to be donated to these students through the Jewish Federation in Columbia.

In addition to the 75 books that were sent, JCDS students made mezzuzot for the families in Columbia to replace their mezuzah or to “re-dedicate” their rebuilt homes. “Our students are learning that k’lal Yisrael is more than a concept; it is an inspiration for action,” Head of School Sharon Pollin said. “Through their acts of tzeddaka and gemilut chasadim, JCDS students are empowered to make the world a better place. We are so proud of them!”

Miles Holmes, Vincent Dyer and Rachel Naghi serenade the Sunrise Seniors during monthly visits to Sunrise of Metairie

January 2016 • The Jewish Newsletter 19

A month of celebrations at the Uptown JCC… Coats For Kids Concert (Nov. 17)

Center Celebration (Nov. 7)

Community Chanukah Celebration with Listen Up! (Dec. 13)

20 The Jewish Newsletter • January 2016

From the Jewish Community Center Open House for the JCC Nursery School and Pre-K Come visit the JCC Nursery School and Pre-K at an Open House for prospective parents on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 9:30 a.m. The JCC offers an outstanding curriculum in a Jewish environment for children ages 13 months to 5 years. As you tour the facility, see our teachers in action and watch our curriculum come to life, you’ll understand all of the things that set our nursery school apart and make it so very special!

Experience the difference certified trainers, top-of-the-line equipment, and a supportive environment can make in achieving fitness and wellness goals. Members enjoy 75 free group exercise classes each week and gain access to the day spa, massage services, registered dieticians and sports leagues, plus an array of specialty classes including boot camps, indoor cycling, TRX, Zumba, yoga, mat and reformer pilates. Babysitting services are offered in the mornings and evenings, making it easier than ever for busy parents to work out.

This offer ends Jan. 31, and applies to all new Gold memberComplete the online form at www.nojcc.org to RSVP for the ships. Stop by the JCC today, or contact Carolyn (Uptown, 504Open House. For those who cannot make the Open House, or 897-0143) and Stephanie (Metairie, 504-887-5158) to learn more would like to learn more about the program, weekly tours are of- about our joining special. fered each Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and do not require a reservation. For additional details, contact Adrienne Shulman, Director Uptown Classic 5K and Family Fun Run of Early Childhood Education, at 897-0143 or adrienne@nojcc.org.

Registration is now open for the 4th annual Uptown Classic 5K and Family Fun Run, presented by the JCC on Sunday, March 6.

This exciting race follows a scenic route along Prytania to AuduStart the new year strong and let the JCC help you make those bon Park and back to the Uptown JCC. Prizes will be awarded in fitness and wellness resolutions stick. Take advantage of our 2016 each age group. A post-race party features food, refreshments, and Membership Special and in addition to waiving the initiation fee, entertainment for all ages. Sign up as an individual runner, take we’ll give you the first month for just $16 — a savings of over $210! advantage of the family rate, or register with at least five friends Plus, you’ll receive two complimentary fitness orientations and, on to receive the team discount! Register online at www.nolarunning. joining day, will have the opportunity to purchase three, one hour com, or complete the registration form, which is available at the personal training sessions for just $90.

JCC reception desks and at many local running stores.

Turn Resolutions into Results

From the Jewish Endowment Foundation Goldring Jewish Summer Camp Experience Grant Available The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana is delighted to announce that the Goldring Jewish Summer Camp Experience Incentive Grant Program is continuing in 2016.

Funded by the Goldring Family Foundation, the program helps families provide a first-time camping experience at a Jewish sleepaway camp. It was established by JEF in 1999 and has been funded by the Goldring Family Foundation since 2001.

receives a one-time-only grant of up to $1,000 to attend a nonprofit Jewish summer camp. Programs costing less than $1,000 will be funded up to the amount of camp tuition. Each child in a family is eligible for the one-time grant.

To meet the criteria for funding, children must be first-time campers at a nonprofit Jewish sleep-away camp, currently in grades 1 through 9, and residents of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi or the Florida Panhandle.

Making S’mores at camp

Last summer, 87 grants were issued, and since its inception, 1,226 children have received incentive grants to attend Jewish summer camp.

Experts agree that one of the most effective ways to develop children’s commitment to living Jewish lives is to expose them to a camp experience where they will meet other Jewish boys and girls and savor the precious heritage of Jewish traditions while enjoying wholesome summer fun and sports activities. Participating children enjoy all of the fun and comradeship of summer camp while developing positive feelings about their Jewish identity and making lifelong friends.

The grant is available to every Jewish child in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle. Each eligible child

Grants are not based on financial need. Both parents need not be Jewish. Neither temple nor synagogue affiliation is required.

“We are grateful to the Goldring Family Foundation for their continuing generosity and their commitment to making a Jewish camping experience available to so many children,” said JEF President Richard Cahn. “This program benefits not only the individual campers, but our entire community.”

The deadline for applications is March 31. Award notification will be given by May 31, and the checks will be sent directly to the camps.

For more information and an application form, contact Ellen Abrams at JEF at (504) 524-4559 or ellen@jefno.org. The application can also be downloaded at www.jefno.org.

January 2016 • The Jewish Newsletter 21

From Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans Geriatric Family Consultation Program starts accepting clients Starting Jan. 1, our new Geriatric Family Consultation Program is available to provide valuable information specific to your needs or the needs of your loved ones. Geriatric Specialist Jennifer Schneider can help you and your family learn more about homebased services, residential care options, financial planning, health insurance, caregiver support and more.

The Geriatric Family Consultation Program is supported in part through a block grant from the Jewish Endowment Foundation and Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans. Call today for an appointment: (504) 831-8475 ext. 138.

A component of the Geriatric Family Consultation Program will include a series of new programs and events. All are free and open to the public. Reservations are recommended as space is limited.

The inaugural Older Adult Speaker Series will feature Kerri Dotson, RD, from the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Cafetorium of the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus in Metairie. “Cooking for Health” will provide information about the changing dietary needs during the aging process, healthy adaptations to favorite recipes and how to stay active in the kitchen with arthritis and other physical challenges. For more information, please contact Fran Dinehart, (504) 831-8475 ext. 134.

A Caregiver Support Group has been formed to offer a supportive environment to discuss the stresses, challenges and rewards of providing care for a loved one. Sessions are scheduled every Tuesday from Feb. 16 to April 19 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus in Metairie.

22 The Jewish Newsletter • January 2016

Solutions to Senior Hunger Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans, in partnership with MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, is now offering SNAP Enrollment Assistance for seniors. Solutions to Senior Hunger (SSH) is a year-long initiative between MAZON and the Association of Jewish Families & Children’s Agencies and is supported by generous funding from the Wal-Mart Foundation. The purpose of the program is to alleviate food insecurity and improve nutrition among low-income seniors by reducing the barriers that keep them from enrolling in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as “food stamps”). JFS is one of 13 agencies nationwide that was chosen to participate in this program.

If you or a loved one are age 50+ and would like to receive private, one–on-one assistance to better understand SNAP eligibility, please call (504) 831-8475 to schedule a free appointment today.

Counseling Services Expanding Jewish Family Service’s counseling program is experiencing incredible growth, which will enable us to assist many more clients in the coming year. As of Jan. 1, our Northshore office will be seeing clients four days per week. JFS has also added four additional internship-level positions and a part-time licensed clinical supervisor to the staff. This will provide a valuable training center for students of Social Work and Counseling Masters programs.

Also, thanks to a generous contribution from the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, JFS is expanding its partnership with the Jewish Community Day School. For the last two years, thanks to funding from JEF and Federation, Jewish Family Service has been offering workshops for parents, leading classroom sessions with students in all grade levels, and consulting with faculty and administration. The new funding will enable JFS to provide a counselor on site at JCDS for two half-days per week with additional hours at the JFS offices focused primarily on children and adolescents.

January 2016 • The Jewish Newsletter 23

24 The Jewish Newsletter • January 2016

Ramah Darom expands Tikvah, Taste programs

by Lee J. Green Camp Ramah Darom marked its Chai anniversary not just with celebratory events. Last summer, the Conservative movement’s camp, located in the North Georgia mountains, launched its successful Tikvah program to accommodate campers with autism spectrum disorders, and this year is expanding its Taste of Ramah offerings.

Ramah enrolled 10 Tikvah campers last summer. This summer, led by clinical psychologist and Ramah alumna Audra Kaplan, the program will expand to accommodate 24 campers.

“Last summer you could see how much enjoyment those kids got. It gives these kids the chance to truly be a part of the Ramah camp experience, something they have not had not been able to experience before,” said Camp Ramah Darom Director Geoff Menkowitz.

“The other campers learned more about how we all can be inclusive. I think we all got just as much out of the experience as they did,” he said. “It was really special for all of us. We look forward to growing the program in 2016.”

Menkowitz said they will be adding some new camps in 2016, especially on the sports camp side with lacrosse and baseball starting up.

A new outdoor cooking facility at Ramah with a wood-fired pizza oven will also allow the Camp to expand its cooking programs. “That is one in a series of electives that are taught all in Hebrew,” he said.

Taste of Ramah is expanding to four 12-day experiences, allowing poten-

summer camp an annual SJL special section Camp Gan Israel returned to New Orleans last summer. Story, page 26 tial campers entering grades 3 to 5 to get a sense of life at camp. Campers sample many of the same program areas offered at camp, in addition to the special focus on the first-time Ramah experience. Daily activities include a full sports program, swimming, arts and crafts, Hebrew, and all that Ramah has to offer.

Once again this summer, Ramah will bring over 40 counselors from Israel who will teach the children about Israel as well as provide their perspectives on the challenges of living there and what people here can do to help.

Menkowitz said the year-round camps at Ramah have been successful,

January 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 25

summer camp

including the women’s getaway camp this past fall, winter family camp and the upcoming Passover vacation camp, which always fills to capacity months in advance.

Ramah just launched a Camper Ambassador Program, in which counselors bring their love of camp back to their home communities through education and outreach.

“We want to bring the Ramah camp experience not just to the kids but to the parents and families out there,” he said. “The goal is to create an engaging, fun, enriching Jewish learning experience to both kids and adults at the Camp facility as well as across the region year-round.”

With Space Shuttle era over, NASA Space Camp looks to Mars Just as NASA and commercial companies are preparing for the future of space exploration, so is Space Camp. This past year saw many changes to the Space Camp program in Huntsville, from forward-thinking missions to a new look in the Mission Center Complex where students from around the world come to train like astronauts.

Space Camp also watched in 2015 as its second alumna launched into space. Samantha Cristoforetti, a European Space Agency astronaut and Italian Air Force captain and engineer, completed a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station. Her 199-day and 16-hour mission set a record for the longest spaceflight by a woman.

Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, who was a mission specialist on a Space Shuttle Discovery flight in 2001, was the first Space Camp alumna in space.

Cristoforetti and Metcalf-Lindenburger are two of five Space Camp alumni who have gone on to become astronauts, including Dr. Kate Rubins, a NASA astronaut who is scheduled to launch to the ISS in 2016.

The Space Camp mission training floor has come a long way from when those three astronauts came to camp. Instead of a shuttle-based program, Space Camp now features science and repair missions to the ISS and the lunar surface.

A new mission to Mars was beta tested last summer, and the Space Camp team continues to develop and refine that mission for the 2016 season. Also on the horizon is a manned mission to an asteroid modeled after the concepts proposed by NASA. The agency hopes to “capture” and transport an asteroid. The technology being developed for this mission will be essential to sending human beings to Mars and safely back to Earth.

Two new Space Camp simulators will help trainees learn about ISS crew exchange and resupply, joining the Orion capsule that will be used for the new moon, Mars and asteroid missions. Space Camp is working closely with Boeing and SpaceX to ensure a high degree of authenticity in reproducing the capsules.

These simulators with their touch screens and digital displays will show trainees how much has changed in the physical components of space travel.

The training floor also looks different than in times past. The large Space Shuttle Endeavor simulator that long anchored the area is now housed in another location on the U.S. Space and Rocket Center campus, clearing the way for the new simulators and the new “ISS: Science on Orbit” exhibit. This NASA grant-funded exhibit gives trainees and Rocket Center guests a true sense of what it’s like to live and work in space.

“Science on Orbit” also includes a model of NASA’s Payload Operations Integration Center, where scientists and engineers on Earth manage the complex, international science experiments astronauts conduct on the International Space Station.

With all these additions and updates, the summer of 2016 marks a new era in Space Camp that will mirror the next generation of space exploration being developed by NASA and the private sector.

26 Southern Jewish Life • January 2016

Gan Israel expanding after successful return to New Orleans This past summer, Camp Gan Israel returned to the New Orleans area after a 10-year absence following the storm, and plans are in motion for an even larger summer this year.

The camp is part of the national Chabad network of summer day camps, and is housed at the new Torah Academy facility in Metairie under the direction of Mushka and Rabbi Peretz Kazen.

Last summer there were 37 campers during the four weeks, with Mini Gan of 3 and 4 year olds, and regular Gan Israel for ages 5 to 12. A “Bring a Friend day” brought 13 additional guests.

This summer, there will be three divisions, with the addition of a twoweek Pre-Teen Extreme for boys ages 11 to 14 and girls ages 12 to 14. Mini Gan will meet from June 14 to July 29, and Gan Israel will go from June 20 to July 29. A kosher hot lunch program will begin this summer, and one may register by the week or for the whole session.

Gan Israel activities include trips to places like Sky High and the City Park amusement park, with on-site activities such as hamster ball, a petting zoo and entertainers. JD Sports supervises soccer, yoga, gymnastics and movement, while supervised swimming takes place at the University of New Orleans aquatics center.

Registration opened on Jan. 1 and there is an early bird discount through March 15.

Mushka Kazen said the key to Gan Israel’s success is “our caring staff and our fun activities infused with a love of Judaism.”

Day Camps in the Region: New Orleans JCC: Located at the Uptown and Metairie campuses, the JCC Day Camp runs from June 6 to July 29 with sports, art, drama, music, Israeli Culture, swim instruction and field trips. Early Childhood camp is from 21 months to age 4, while general day camp goes from entering Kindergarten to entering fifth grade. There is a teen camp for rising sixth to eighth graders, sports camp and tennis camp.

Gates of Prayer, Metairie: The Louise Hayem Manheim Nursery School has a summer camp, with session 1 scheduled for June 1 to 30, session 2 from July 6 to 29 and session 3 from Aug. 1 to 12.

Levite JCC, Birmingham: With an over 60-year history, the LJCC offers 11 weeks of camp each summer, from traditional Day Camp to a wide range of specialty camps and sports camps. Traditional day camp is for rising first to sixth graders and includes swimming lessons, field trips and outings, sports, music, cooking, science, nature, Shabbat celebrations and late night events. Teen camps are for rising seventh and eighth graders. Registration for 2016 starts mid-January with 2015 pricing until the end of February, then early bird discounts in March and April.

Chabad of Alabama does Camp Gan Israel for four weeks during the summer. At press time, 2016 dates were not available. Regular camp is for rising Kindergarteners to fourth grade, with a Pioneer program that began last year for rising fifth graders to age 12.

The Discovery School at Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham has a day camp for the entire summer, with full-day and half-day rates available. Groups start at 15 months and go to pre-Kindergarten. Activities include gymnastics, drumming, water adventures, field days, sports, yoga and Fabulous Friday spirit days.

Huntsville’s Temple B’nai Sholom is planning a “Vacation Torah Camp,” a week-long summer experience, likely for ages 3 to 14. Details are still being worked out, but tentative plans are for early June.

In Shreveport, the North Louisiana Jewish Federation organizes Camp Chai, a two-week program for ages 3 to 10.

Jackson’s Beth Israel Preschool holds six weeks of summer day camp each year, with different themes each week.

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summer camp

Camp Barney brings back theater program

and we have an outstanding group of mature, talented, conscientious, and enthusiastic staff, who make the Camp Barney experience even more memorable,” said Camp Barney Director Jim Now in its 54th year, Camp Barney Medintz, Mittenthal. the overnight summer camp of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, is “our Summer Place” for more than 1,200 campers from around the South each year.

Surrounded by more than 500 acres in the Last summer was a huge success at the Henpicturesque North Georgia Mountains, Camp Barney offers two-week and four-week camping ry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, and Camp Director Anna Herman said she is even more excited experiences for rising 3rd to 11th graders.

Recent additions to the camp facilities include about this year.

“Enrollment is higher than ever at this time of a new cultural and performing arts complex, new sports complex, an additional swimming pool year, interest in staff positions is incredible, and with double water slides, a Food Network-type we’ve already hired phenomenal staff members who will return in senior leadership positions. kitchen, and the new Marcus Health Center.

Construction is underway on new cabins that The future looks bright,” she said.

Adding to that feeling is the receipt of results will be ready for this summer.

Returning this summer is the popular CBM from an independent agency that does satisfacLIVE!, a specialty theater camp for those who are tion surveys of parents regarding 71 Jewish camps passionate about acting. There are also two-week from across North America. “Jacobs matched or options for campers completing second through exceeded national averages on nearly every question,” Herman said. sixth grades.

On a one to five scale, with five being the best, Camp activities include aquatics in their two lakes and two pools, creative and performing arts, 92 percent responded with a five for likelihood to high adventure, nature, horseback riding, sports, recommend Jacobs Camp, 94 percent on the cost trips, Israeli cultural programs, and much more. versus content value of camp, and 92 percent on “Each year, campers make lifelong friendships, overall enjoyment and fun.

Jacobs Camp filling faster, getting great reviews

“Bama Hillel has helped me get involved and meet new people. It has shown me the importance of staying active in the Jewish community while in college and has provided me a safe and welcoming environment to do so.”

–KERRI

On areas where she said they needed some improvements, there was a significant increase in satisfaction. “We have terrific momentum, boundless opportunity, and strong growth,” she said. “We have high hopes and expectations for the future, and we want you along for the ride.”

The camp offers rising 3rd through 10th graders a program that fosters positive Jewish identity, self-confidence, compassion and independence.

There are also overnight tastes of camp for rising first graders and a 10-day experience for rising second and third graders.

Originally formed as a place where Jewish children from small Southern communities could experience an immersive Jewish atmosphere, Jacobs now welcomes campers from almost half of the United States and several foreign countries.

Campers spend each day moving to activity to activity; developing new skills; taking part in events they can choose, and making new friends.

Campers love the 18-hole professionally designed Disk Golf course, two 100-foot water slides that plunge into Lake Gary, 50-foot climbing tower and Israeli Dodge Ball, said Herman. Jacobs Camp also offers specialty areas including Adventure, Creative Arts, Digital Media and Sports.

Because enrollment is higher at an earlier time than ever before, Herman encourages those interested to go ahead and enroll to ensure a space for this summer.

education an annual SJL special section

Auburn University Head Backetball Coach Bruce Pearl hosted the Auburn Hillel and Alpha Epsilon Pi Chanukah party at his home on Dec. 10, making latkes from his grandmother’s recipe

Birmingham-Southern salutes Goldfarb for legendary soccer career Birmingham-Southern College said goodGoldfarb also led the U.S. Maccabi nationbye this fall to retiring Head Men’s Soccer al team to its first-ever gold medal in soccer Coach Preston Goldfarb after a storied 33at the 2013 Maccabi Games in Israel. He also year career. was in Chile as the overall soccer chair for the Goldfarb left a job in hospital administraMaccabi Pan-Am Games in late December, tion to start BSC’s soccer team from scratch and is co-chair for the 2017 Maccabi World in 1983. Since then, his teams have won more Games in Israel. than 360 games, 10 regular season conferJewish life on campus ence titles and seven conference championThis past semester, BSC hosted an eduships; BSC has also made five national tourcational display about Rosh Hashanah in nament appearances. the atrium of the Norton Campus Center, Under his leadership, the program has including apple slices, honey and challah for produced 41 Academic All-Americans, 35 students. In a separate program, representaAll-Americans, nine consecutive National tives of Birmingham’s Temple Beth-El parSoccer Coaches Association of American BSC photo by Jimmy Mitchell ticipated in the college’s informational series Team Academic Awards, and two National called “Where to Worship.”

Preston Goldfarb and his wife Marie Players of the Year. In 2013, the BSC soccer The college’s library also houses the Rabbi field was named the Preston Goldfarb Field.

Milton Grafman Judaic Book Collection and the Harold Katz Judaic Mu“Preston has set a remarkable standard of excellence that has made the sic Collection.

BSC men’s soccer program one of the most respected in the nation,” said BSC’s recently-retired president, Gen. Charles Krulak, has teamed up BSC Athletic Director Joe Dean. “It has been one of the highlights of my time with the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center and the Birmingham at BSC to watch Preston’s work as a coach and ambassador for our college.” Jewish Federation. He co-chaired the second annual L’Chaim gala and The college honored Goldfarb on Homecoming Weekend, and more helped spearhead a fundraising effort for the BHEC. Krulak is leading than 70 team graduates — including his son, Sean — gathered to cele- the BJF initiative, “A Time to Respond,” a leadership training program brate his final regular season home game. designed to fight anti-Semitism, especially on college campuses.

On Oct. 31, Rhodes defeated BSC, 1-0, in the quarterfinals of the SouthThe Jewish Student Association often does joint programs with the Hilern Athletic Association tournament, ending BSC’s season at 11-5-2. lel at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

January 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 29

education

Jewish life at Auburn continues to soar Though still relatively small in numbers, the Jewish students at Auburn continue to make their presence felt on campus.

On Dec. 3, there was a joint holiday lighting on Samford Lawn, with Auburn Hillel coordinating with the Student Government Association for a program that included the lighting of a Christmas tree and a Chanukah menorah.

Elizabeth Zimmerman, president of Hillel, said this was the second year that a joint ceremony had been held, and a Chanukah display was up in the student center as well.

Every year, Hillel kicks off with a bagel brunch, and recently photos were posted from the last four years showing a steady growth in attendance, with Zimmerman recently noting activity at Hillel has tripled in the last two years.

That will continue to grow. Rob Kulick, who has been advisor for Hillel and the newly-reconstituted Alpha Epsilon Pi, noted at the campus Chanukah party that there were many freshmen in attendance.

The Chanukah party was held at the home of Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl on Dec. 10.

Though Pearl participates in campus Jewish life when he can, basketball coaches have hectic schedules, and Kulick said they are careful not to make assumptions about his availability. Noting that Chanukah is during basketball season, Kulick said it was Pearl’s suggestion to have the Chanukah party at his house.

Both Hillel and AEPi are active with Auburn’s synagogue, Beth Shalom. On Dec. 4, services at Beth Shalom included an oneg in honor of the graduating seniors.

In the coming months, many activities are planned, including Jews and Canoes on the Coosa.

For Purim they plan a ball on Saturday night followed by a Purim carnival the next morning at Beth Shalom. The students also take part in the community Passover Seder at Beth Shalom and usually build a sukkah on campus.

Kulick said Hillel and AEPi do their activities together, to strengthen both groups.

In October 2014, the Theta chapter of AEPi achieved colony status, and they hope to be fully chartered by 2017. This year there are 14 active members of AEPi, In April, AEPi had a Walk to Remember for Holocaust Memorial Day, with Pearl and other coaches participating.

Kulick said continuing to grow the Jewish enrollment at Auburn is a priority and he regularly spreads the word at high schools in the Atlanta area, especially among those looking to pursue engineering, agriculture, architecture and veterinary medicine.

30 Southern Jewish Life • January 2016

education

“Record participation” in Jewish activities at Alabama

by Lee J. Green Just like the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team, which as of press time was preparing for the College Football Playoff for the second year in the playoff ’s two-year existence, Jewish student life at the University continues to crest.

University of Alabama Hillel Director Lisa Besnoy said that Jewish student enrollment and involvement in programs have never been higher.

“We’ve had record participation numbers,” said Besnoy, who is in the middle of her fourth year in her current position with the University. “I have been very impressed with the interest. Working with the current students, we continue to come up with exciting new programs that show how vibrant Jewish student life is.”

Jewish student enrollment numbers continue to climb. It is estimated that as many as 900 Jewish students currently attend the University of Alabama.

But some of the prospective students and their parents have remarked that the levels of participation are greater than some of the schools they visited that have populations of 3,000 or more Jewish students, added Besnoy.

She said that the credit goes to the students, who have come up with many of the successful current programs and activities. “We are very much student-driven and student-led,” said Besnoy. “They take great pride in maintaining a strong Jewish identity on campus and look at ways to engage more students.”

The students have come up with some successful fundraising initiatives, such as a three-on-three basketball tournament and spaghetti dinner this past fall semester, both of which brought in excellent participation numbers campus-wide. The students also participate in fundraisers that benefit those in need in the greater Tuscaloosa area, such as Habitat For Humanity.

“We are bringing Hillel into a positive spotlight not just with Jewish students but campus-wide and community-wide,” said Besnoy.

Those outside of the Jewish community on campus who want to learn more have participated in the some of the fall holiday celebrations as well.

Besnoy said that 170 people attended the Rosh Hashanah event Hillel hosted. Sometimes more than 100 people attend weekly Shabbat dinners.

A prime focus for the spring will be on Israel Education. On March 9, Hillel will present “An Evening with Benji Lovitt.” The event will be free for all students and open to anyone in the community for a minimal fee.

Lovitt is a comedian who encourages his audience to gain a better understanding of Israel’s history and culture. A Dallas native who made aliyah in 2006, he is an expert in improvisational workshops and takes on difficult subjects such as how to discuss the controversial topics surrounding Israel.

The event will be done in a dinner-theatre style with Lovitt fielding questions from the audience after his performance.

Besnoy said they will promote the event not just to Jewish students but to all students as well as synagogues, churches and others in the greater Tuscaloosa area.

“We want to use this as a way to bring people of all faiths and backgrounds together to learn more about issues pertaining to Israel, as well as its history and culture. Educating through humor and having the opportunity for an interactive dialogue will hopefully lead toward greater understanding,” she said.

Besnoy said they are always active with new Jewish student recruitment opportunities, such as some national college outreach events she will be going to at the Jewish Community Center in Dallas this month.

“We’ve gotten great support from the University,” she said. “The administration always makes sure we have what we need on campus. They have great interest in ensuring a very strong, active, growing Jewish presence on campus.”

University of Alabama President Stuart Bell said Hillel’s “presence makes vital contributions to our campus, and we are pleased an increasing number of Jewish students are choosing to attend UA.” That sentiment is echoed by David Grady, University of Alabama Vice

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President for Student Affairs. “At The University of Alabama, we want our students to have opportunities to grow in many ways, including spiritually and morally. Our Jewish student community is a vibrant part of UA, and its positive impact on campus life is apparent,” said Grady.

Rabbi Steven Jacobs teaches “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament” and “Introduction to Judaism” using a textbook he wrote, “The Jewish Experience: An Introduction to Jewish History and Jewish Life.”

Prospective student weekend in March at Amer. Hebrew Academy The American Hebrew Academy will have a prospective student weekend from March 18 to 20.

Founded in 2000 on a 100-acre campus in Greensboro, N.C., AHA was established to provide an outstanding coeducational college preparatory program and Jewish secondary education, in a pluralistic Jewish environment. It is the only international Jewish residential secondary school, and served grades 9 to 12.

The academy currently has 137 students and 45 faculty members, with 39 percent of the student body coming from outside of the United States.

For the 2015-16 school year, new student enrollment climbed 61 percent and set a school record for largest entering class.

“Efforts to raise awareness of the Academy worldwide and increased interest among Jewish families in the United States seeking to provide innovative Jewish education for their children at one of the most formative stages in their development has certainly helped boost our enrollment,” said Glenn Drew, American Hebrew Academy CEO. “In the coming year, we look forward to expanding our worldwide reach even further.”

The academy also names an Honor Society each year, which acknowledges bright, hard-working and talented 8th and 9th graders “who have shown excellence in academics, character, leadership and community service.”

Those students are invited to the prospective student weekend to compete for five $20,000 scholarships.

The recruitment weekend includes classroom experiences, Shabbat with teens from around the world and activities in the 88,000-square-foot athletics center and student union.

Drew added: “The Academy’s mission is to educate and inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders from around the world and across all Jewish communities. This year, we are fortunate to welcome more outstanding and motivated students than ever before. As the only school of its type, the Academy was once dubbed a bold educational experiment but it is clearly here to stay.”

More information is available at americanhebrewacademy.org.

32 Southern Jewish Life • January 2016

education

Millsaps Jewish programming, participation expand

By Beverly Katz

“Problem Yards Our Specialty”

by Lee J. Green The Jewish Culture Organization continues to grow at Millsaps College, and advisor James Bowley reports record involvement in everything from regular Shabbat dinners to Jewish student participation in a couple of interfaith events held this past fall.

“Last year we started doing Shabbat dinners every week and we’ve had some of the biggest numbers we’ve ever had as far as participation goes,” said Bowley, a chair of the Religious Studies program for 14 years. He started the Hillel at Millsaps in 2005. “I have been so impressed with the leadership and initiative of the students.

Even the times I can’t be there, they take the initiative to coordinate it on their own.” Bowley also credits JCO President Alex Melnick, a senior from Jupiter, Fla. Recently, JCO members participated in a multi-religious winter festival, which shared celebrations of Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Diwali and Christmas. “The latkes they made were such a hit and ran out quickly,” said Bowley. Another multi-religious event the JCO had strong participation in was a Millsaps Better Together vigil against violence.

The JCO also helped raise funds for the Jewish Cinema Mississippi film festival, which begins Jan. 27.

The annual Purim celebration is planned, as is a campus-wide Passover Seder, at which they also expect great attendance from students who are not Jewish.

Bowley said he always meets with prospective students and their parents when they come to visit. The current students are always great hosts and are happy to show prospective students how

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vibrant Jewish student life is on campus at the liberal arts college in Jackson, he said.

Thanks to a partnership with the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, some scholarships are available to Jewish students.

Bowley is a member of the National Association of Jewish Studies and on the board of governors for Hebrew Union College. He just finished teaching a course at Millsaps on the Jewish Bible and his textbook, “Introduction to Hebrew Bible: A Guided Tour of Israel’s Sacred Library” is being used at Millsaps as well as numerous other state and private universities across the United States.

Though he will be on sabbatical in the spring, Bowley said Rabbi Debra Kassoff will teach “Introduction to Judaism” this upcoming semester.

“This upcoming semester we hope to continue to not only increase involvement in the Jewish Community Organization but to also continue playing an important role in the overall campus community,” said Bowley.

The college also has an annual speaker series in memory of Rabbi Perry Nussbaum, who fought for civil rights in Mississippi in the 1960s.

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IHSNO is a Type-2 Charter School open to all Louisiana students and operates under a charter granted by the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The IB Diploma Programme was created in 1968 and is one of the most academically challenging, rigorous academic programs that prepares students for success in college and life beyond. The program is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.

International High School of New Orleans’ mission is to educate and nurture a diverse learning community through the IB, world languages, and intercultural appreciation to succeed in a global economy. The world language program at

IHS includes Spanish, French, Mandarin-Chinese, Vietnamese and Arabic courses.

International High School is the only one of its kind for a public high school with this type of focus on global education, foreign language fluency, and diversity, while remaining reflective of and involved in the local community.

Though the school promotes an understanding of business, multicultural awareness and foreign language fluency, prior foreign language skills are not required to apply. IHSNO is currently one of the few schools in the United States offering Arabic and Mandarin, taught by native speakers.

Enrollment is open to all Louisiana residents.

Admission is limited on a first-come, first-served basis to students.

To be considered, an applicant’s parent or guardian must complete a OneAPP application.

The standard admission deadline for 2016-17 is Feb. 26.

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an annual SJL special section

OPEN

Monday-Friday 11am-9pm Saturday 4:30-9pm

Tips from Touro Infirmary Dietitian Julie Fortenberry, RD, LDN Do you recall the last five Januarys (or more) that you have resolved to lose 30 pounds, never eat sugar again or exercise 60 minutes each day?

Only to experience frustration and defeat when February comes along and you decide thrown in the towel. Perhaps you set unrealistic goals, didn’t feel motivated or simply didn’t care enough about your resolution to follow through with it after the “honeymoon phase” of the New Year.

Instead of swearing off certain foods completely or vowing to lose a certain amount of weight, make a promise this year to take better care of yourself in general. This could include a variety of things. Whatever you decide to be your cup of tea, do it for you and your future years not just because it is January 2016.

Try these few easy (and lasting) changes you can make to better yourself — not just on the scale!

Be aware of the foods you consume. Are you eating a variety? How does the food make you feel? When are you eating? Pay attention and see what naturally evolves. This is a step everyone must take before making beneficial changes in their lifestyle.

Eat real food at least once a day. This means fresh food instead of food from a box or package. Try to incorporate more fresh fruits, vegetables and salads into your daily meals.

Don’t underestimate the value of quality sleep, which is as important as eating well and exercising. If you are not sleeping, consult your physician to find out why. Sleep is essential.

Wellness is more than just exercise and eating healthy. Mental and emotional health are important aspects of our well-being that often get overlooked.

Do something just for you every day. Between work, family and other commitments, the majority of our time is spent taking care of others. Resolve to set aside “recharge” time for yourself every day to exercise, relax, reflect, cook a gourmet dinner, write in a journal, garden, walk your pet or do an activity that you enjoy.

Keep your mind sharp by taking time to learn new things. It’s easy to stay inside our comfort zones and do “the same old, same old.” Read an interesting article, discuss a new approach with a colleague or practice a new language. Opportunities for continual learning are endless!

Take yourself a little less seriously. Play with your children/grandchildren, laugh out loud, tell silly stories, smile at a stranger, enjoy the little moments. Learn to live for right now.

Learn more about making lasting health changes by attending a free Touro Living Well Seminar. To view upcoming dates and topics, visit www.touro.com/events.

Julie Fortenberry RD, LDN, is a registered dietitian at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans.

community Run: NCJW shoe drive extended to Jan. 13 Girls and the Run New Orleans and the National Council of Jewish Women Greater New Orleans Section have extended their shoe drive to Jan. 13.

The two agencies are working with Funds2Orgs on the used shoe drive. The shoes will help Girls on the Run subsidize program fees for girls who attend school at scholarship sites such as Akili Academy or Lafayette Charter. They hope to collect enough shoes to fund 33 sites. A scholarship site is a location where the program is free for majority of students and they are provided with free or reduced lunch.

Girls on the Run is a local nonprofit which uses running as a platform to educate, empower and inspire 3rd to 8th grade girls in New Orleans. The program incorporates physical activity to teach very specific and well-defined social and personal skills.

According to GOTR Executive Director Jody Portnoff Braunig, the core curriculum addresses many aspects of a girl’s development; their physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. Girls learn how to confront issues like bullying, peer pressure, unrealistic body expectations and negative self-talk. The lessons focus on self-discovery, team building and community awareness which provides girls with the tools to make positive decisions and avoid risky adolescent behaviors.

“This program builds a sense of competence

and confidence that girls carry forward in everyday life,” Braunig said. “We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. No limits or constraints, just opportunities to be remarkable.”

Funds2orgs is a fundraising social enterprise helping create sustainable funding and economic opportunity for local organizations and people living in developing nations across the globe. To sponsor a new scholarship site for a Girls on the Run Team in New Orleans, it will take 300 bags of 25 pairs of shoes, or 7,500 pairs of shoes.

Funds2orgs will pay GOTR for each bag of shoes, which will be distributed to individuals living in 26 developing nations around the world. Each person enrolled in their free microenterprise education program will receive 100 free pairs of shoes to give to family, friends and community members in need. With the remaining shoes, individuals can set up shoe stalls and start earning income. Once their business is established, individuals can return to the Funds2Orgs hubs and purchase shoes to sell at a very low cost.

Contact Jody Portnoff Braunig at Jody@ gotrnola.org about dropping shoes off at the GOTR office or NCJW’s Dana Shepard at Tennisshep@aol.com about dropping off shoes at the NCJW office.

The New Orleans Council for Community and Justice presented the 58th annual Weiss Awards on Oct. 29 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The event recognizes outstanding community leaders who exemplify civic and humanitarian contributions to the furtherance of human dignity. This year’s honorees were Robert Merrick, owner and CEO of Latter & Blum; Sonia Perez, president of Louisiana at AT&T Inc.; M. Cleland Powell, III, executive vice president, IberiaBank Corp.; Zack Rosenburg and Liz McCartney, founders of the St. Bernard Project; Warner L. Thomas, president and CEO at Ochsner Health Systems; and Jimmie Woods, Sr., CEO of Metro Disposal, Inc.

January 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 35

Happy New Year Thank you to all my friends in the Jewish community for your continued support!

Judge Paula Brown Civil District Court, Division J

community

NOLA Federation supports welcoming Syrians The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans issued a statement on Nov. 16 saying it “strongly supports” allowing “properly vetted” Syrian refugees into Louisiana.

Governor Bobby Jindal is among the many U.S. governors who have said they do not want to take in any of the 10,000 Syrian refugees until the Obama administration can demonstrate that a serious process of background checks is in place to keep out terrorists who want to take advantage of the program to enter the country.

Refugees are referred by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, after which the applicant’s potential host country does an interview, medical evaluation and background check, usually lasting 18 to 24 months. In this case, there is an additional process called the Syria Enhanced Review, which has been refined by experiences processing Iraqi refugees over the last eight years.

The applicant is then paired with an approved resettlement agency in the host country.

Thus far, the approval rate is just over 50 percent.

In response to concerns, the Federation statement said “American values are being called into question because of fear of the other, and Jewish values insist we speak up for the voiceless.”

The Federation’s statement said “We in New

Orleans know all too well what it is like to be displaced from our homes and to have to rely on the generosity and kindness of others. And we as Jews, who have long been an immigrant people, are called to provide chessed — loving-kindness — to those most in need.”

Just after the Nov. 13 Paris attacks, a report circulated online implying that 10,000 Syrian refugees were being resettled in New Orleans, with a photo purporting to show the arrival of many such refugees. It became so widespread that the online debunker site Snopes had to do a piece on it.

The photo was from refugees arriving in Hungary, and the 10,000 figure was from the total number of refugees coming to the entire United States in the next year, with Catholic Charities in 180 cities receiving Federal grants to work with the families.

According to the State Department, since the first refugees arrived in April there have been seven Syrian refugees resettled in Kenner, six in New Orleans and one in Baton Rouge.

A report also circulated that a Syrian refugee in Baton Rouge “went missing,” but he had in fact filled out Department of Homeland Security paperwork to be reunited with his family in Washington.

Day School hosting Tu B’Shevat family festival Jewish Community Day School will present its 2nd annual Living Green Family Fun Fest in honor of Tu b’Shevat on Jan. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Bart Field at the Goldring Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus.

This Jewish ecological program is designed to bring together families with children to enjoy a community celebration of the “New Year of the Trees“. There will be numerous hands-on envi-

ronmental Jewish activities in preparation for Tu b’Shevat. Each synagogue will host a table with an environmental, Bal Tashchit themed activity for families.

This family event is open to the public. Those who attend are invited to give tzedakah to support Louisiana Coastal Restoration and/or the Jewish National Fund.

Showing solidarity During the recent wave of terror attacks, Daniel Agranov, Consul of Israel to the Southwest United States, spoke at an Israel solidarity event held at the Chabad Jewish Center in Metairie on Oct. 29. There was a video presentation and remarks from Carrie Bart-Marks, who had recently returned from the Katz-Philps Leadership trip to Israel, and Psalms were recited by Rabbi Mendel Rivkin and IDF veterans Abraham Gedalia and Effie Rothschild.

36 Southern Jewish Life • January 2016

Continued from page 38

as being the home of our series of protagonists.

But then you have them all go down to Egypt. It’s possible that some readers might misconstrue this as an outright departure or abandonment, so we feel it’s critical that the next volume’s central character — and his multitude — return to Canaan, without delay.

Expectations are high for your second book.

It’s the price of success. Given that, we encourage more miracles. Creation aside, most miracles so far were rather mundane. A dream here, a flood there. Conceiving children at surprising ages.

To raise the stakes next time, and increase the image of your divine being, up the enormity of the abnormal. Widen their scope, broaden their impact, make them more supernatural.

Of course, don’t overdo it. These should be miracles that fit the story while elevating it.

Avoid going too far with farcical effects that don’t hold water.

Doug Brook is a writer in Silicon Valley who is feverishly translating the recently discovered sixth book of the Torah, Tritonomy. For past columns, other writings, and more, visit http:// brookwrite.com/. For exclusive online content, follow facebook.com/the.beholders.eye.

New Young Baby Program at JCDS full Jewish Community Day School recently announced the inauguration of a Young Baby Program, ages 3 to 15 months, and the seven openings in the program have been filled. Supported by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, JCDS will provide high-quality, year-round, full-day care for babies in a nurturing Jewish environment.

According to JCDS Head of School Sharon Pollin, “Learning at the Jewish Baby Program takes place through our developmentally-based program that values the child’s innate curiosity, ability and creativity, as teachers help to shape the curriculum around the children’s needs, developmental stages, and ideas.”

The Young Baby Program maintains a 2:7 ratio, and is inspired by the Reggio Emelia approach. Examples are providing experiences with textures, sounds, colors, shapes, patterns, and rhythms. It will also include drawing, body movement, gestures and sign language, reading with teachers, assembling and disassembling, and discovering hidden things.

The youngest JCDS members will also enjoy Hebrew singing, challah baking, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, and Torah stories. Music will be played daily and often, including Judaic music.

There is a waiting list, and those interested in the program should contact Pollin.

January 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 37

rear pew mirror • doug brook

From the publisher Thank you once again for allowing us the opportunity to publish your first book, Genesis. We’re certain it will be a bestseller for years to come.

As you start work on your second book, we’d like to give you some constructive feedback regarding your first work, in the hopes that you’ll address these minor matters in the final installment of your planned twobook series.

A lot happened in Genesis. However, the story covers a couple thousands years, leaving long periods — sometimes centuries — where readers are given little more than someone’s name and lifespan, despite all the story points throughout the narrative. We’d appreciate you focusing the action better in the next volume by compressing the timespan into, at the most, one generation’s time.

Along those lines, the first book had a fluid relationship with time. The entirety of Creation occurring in just six days stretches credulity nearly as much as the many hundreds of years that several early characters lived.

It is better to match your time descriptions to what is commonly known today as the amount of time that things actually take, and to what’s known to be a typical lifespan. Methuselah lived 969 years? Real people don’t even live to be 120.

Speaking of Methuselah, who is he?

He is one of many characters who are BECAUSE EVERY mentioned once and never referenced again. Why one would needlessly WRITER NEEDS lengthen the book beats the dickens out AN EDITOR… of us.

Regardless, there are too many primary characters throughout — so many that “primary” is a misnomer.

Adam and Eve. Noah. Abraham and Sarah. Isaac. Jacob. Joseph. We highly suggest focusing on a single protagonist in the future.

You’ve contended that the Almighty presence is the “character” that gives the story a throughline. But this is more an essential overseer above the story, rather than an active player throughout it. In short, while this presence is essential to your narrative, a divine “super-being” is, by definition, not one that the average reader can find directly relatable as a protagonist needs to be.

While we ask for greater protagonist focus, ironically you need more people. In Genesis, we read several times of descendants who will number as the stars in the sky, or sands in the beach, or the like. Isn’t it about time we see them? Not to dilute the story across them individually, but to at least know they’re finally present collectively in the narrative? Otherwise, those repeated prophecies are just a red herring, which hardly seems kosher.

Then there are the women. Now, we don’t want to seem sexist. After all, this is 1000 B.C.E., even if we don’t know yet what that stands for.

We like women just fine. But the world today is filled with patriarchal societies. We don’t feel readers are ready for women to keep playing even this significant a part in your narrative. For example, that whole thing with Isaac, Jacob, and Esau. Rebecca really seemed to be the main actor in the whole affair. What will patriarchal minds think of a people where one woman steers the course of three men?

Speaking of possible misperceptions, a word should be said about geography. Genesis does a good job of establishing the land of Canaan continued on previous page 38 Southern Jewish Life • January 2016

JCDS celebrates 20 years with Homecoming Gala A record crowd of 200 celebrated the Homecoming 20! gala for the Jewish Community Day School. Entitled Looking Back, Moving Forward, the event was held on Nov. 15 at Temple Sinai.

Head of School Sharon Pollin thanked attendees for participating in the Gala, for their strong belief in Jewish Community Day School and for giving generously.

Pollin spoke of the achievements of the JCDS academic year. These included welcoming 17 new students to the school, re-opening full Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes and instituting the monthly Jewish Babies Club for young families.

She also pointed to the upcoming January 2016 launch of the new Young Baby Program, a full-time educational child care program for infants aged 3 to 15 months, designed to support working Jewish parents.

She also announced that JCDS was recently selected as one of only 12 schools in North America to become part of the Governance and Fundraising Academy, a prestigious program of the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education.

Long-standing supporters Bill Norman and Judy and David Fried were honored. Norman is a passionate Jewish Day School advocate, current board member and founder of NOJDS, predecessor to JCDS. Judy Fried is a teacher in the school’s Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade Early Childhood program and a member of the school’s first faculty. David Fried served as JCDS treasurer for nearly 20 years.

The Master of Ceremonies was Michele Allen-Hart, co-president of the JCDS Parent Association. Rabbi Edward Cohn, Hugo Kahn and Heidi Vizelberg paid tribute to Judy and David Fried. Pearl Lerner Kane, the

David and Judy Fried, Sharon Pollin and Bill Norman at the JCDS Homecoming 20 gala on Nov. 15 president of New York City’s PLK Consulting Group, LLC, consultant for PEJE and coach to JCDS recognized the outstanding contributions of Norman.

Joan Berenson was honorary chair. Co-chairs were Lis and Hugo Kahn and Dashka Roth Lehmann and Larry Lehmann. The featured entertainer was Atlanta singer and songwriter Rabbi Micah Lapidus.

Lapidus, along with JCDS Music Teacher Lauren Gisclair, led a choir of JCDS students in arrangements of his original compositions as well as some well-known favorites. The event was catered by Casablanca.

JCDS Gala Event Co-Chairs Hugo and Lis Kahn and Dashka Roth Lehmann and Larry Lehmann

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January 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 39