SJL New Orleans, March 2016

Southern Jewish Life NEW ORLEANS EDITION

LIMMUD WEEKEND MORE RABBINIC CHANGES IN NOLA ISJL’S $1 MILLION CHALLENGE

INSIDE:

March 2016

Volume 26 Issue 3

Southern Jewish Life 3747 West Esplanade, 3rd Floor Metairie, LA 70002 Anna Haspel Aronson and James Williams, queen and king of Louisiana’s Washington Mardi Gras

As long as

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2 Southern Jewish Life • March 2016

shalom y’all shalom y’all shalom y’all Ever since Israel was founded, there have been battles over the issue of pluralism and recognition of non-Orthodox Jewish streams, mainly the Reform and Conservative movements that most American Jews belong to.

In Israel, such battles were a curiosity. For a long time, one was religious or secular, and the secular insisted they were living more Jewishly than non-Orthodox American Jews, so why bother with the non-Orthodox movements?

Issues over civil marriage, control of conversion and an increasing shift to the right by the Orthodox establishment have brought pluralism back to the fore, with the recent Western Wall compromise as perhaps the most visible issue.

Since the Wall in Jerusalem was liberated from Jordan in 1967, it has been run as an Orthodox synagogue — men and women are separate, and women don’t do things in their space that they are “not obligated” (translation: not allowed) to do, such as read from the Torah or put on tefillin.

The Women of the Wall have defied that convention, doing practices that more Reform and Conservative women are embracing, in a bid for equality.

The hard-fought compromise carves out a section of the Wall plaza where such activities can be done by women, and it also allows for men and women to pray together, something previously forbidden. Now an entire family can experience the Wall as one, especially when having a Bar or Bat Mitzvah there.

Many have hailed it as a major step forward in recognizing that different groups in the Jewish community have different practices. Others have lamented that this separation divides Clal Yisrael, the unity of the Jewish people.

Is it powerful that someone from the Deep South can go to the Wall and be there with

in the center of this issue of Southern Jewish Life

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commentary Jews of varying practice from all over the world?

Of course. I’ve put on tefillin and done many a minyan at the Wall over the years (including a 1 a.m. alcohol-assisted Shabbat dance at the Wall with a bunch of yeshiva students).

Can I “fit in” among the ultra-Orthodox at the Wall? With my Day School education and Conservative background, I can get by and enjoy it, even if I’m not completely up to speed.

But a lot of people don’t get the opportunity to have the same kinds of experiences at the Wall because of the restrictions.

Often, coming together as a Jewish community has meant making sure that the most traditional are accommodated. Should someone not feel comfortable attending a community-wide function because the event isn’t kosher? One wouldn’t want to exclude.

But in many cases, that has been used to make events or places follow the most stringent guidelines. Until now, the Wall has been run as an ultra-Orthodox shul, lest any on the right feel excluded.

But what of those on the left?

Some would argue that it should not matter — they have cast off “authentic” practices and being exposed to “correct” practices won’t hurt them. So a Reform Jew eats kosher at a function, where’s the harm?

But not all practices are like that. For example, some women embrace the mitzvah of tallit and tefillin, or read from the Torah. None of those practices are accepted on the right, but they are part of those women’s expressions of Judaism. part of their way of doing mitzvot.

And we know how many traditional groups are about promoting the doing of mitzvot.

But only on their terms?

It’s clear we aren’t one people, in terms of practice, but in this debate we keep pretending that we are. There are different practices

and expressions of Judaism. Some are mutually exclusive.

The Limmud weekend in New Orleans this month is billed as being inclusive. Yet while everyone will be under one roof to study, services will be held separately, according to different traditions (mainly over egalitarianism).

The community Purim celebration in Birmingham will do the same regarding the megillah reading.

We’re still under one roof, whether everyone is together to learn or have fun, or in neighboring rooms doing the same rituals in different ways.

Would it be nice to have everyone together in one room, or one space at the Wall? Of course. But it isn’t reality. There are women who want to participate, but men whose practice holds that they can’t listen to women participating. The only compromise is for one side to go against their beliefs and practices, and good luck with that.

If you’re Reform and you go to an Orthodox shul, you follow their guidelines while there.

But should the Wall, a symbol for all Jews, be run entirely as an Orthodox shul?

It will be interesting to see the changes at the Wall on our next Israel trip. It will be great to see egalitarian services, women able to perform mitzvot according to their practices.

And yes, there will be a bit of a twinge of “why can’t we all be together, especially here?”

In reality, we never have all been together in our practices. But we nevertheless should remain united and concerned for each other, from both ends of the spectrum.

Larry Brook EDITOR/PUBLISHER

EDITOR@SJLMAG.COM

Attorney for case leading to same-sex marriage equality to speak at Temple Sinai Attorney Roberta Kaplan will speak on her new book, “Then Comes Marriage: United States vs. Windsor and the Defeat of DOMA” at Temple Sinai in New Orleans on April 14.

The talk was rescheduled from March 13.

Kaplan, a litigation partner at Paul, Weiss LLP, has been described as a “powerhouse corporate litigator” and “pressure junkie” who “thrives on looking at the big picture” whether “in the gay-marriage legal fight or high-profile corporate scandals.”

Kaplan represented Edie Windsor in the landmark case of “United States v. Windsor” in which the Supreme Court ruled that a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act violated the

Constitution. The consequences of the Windsor decision were both rapid and profound. Dozens of courts throughout the United States held, relying on Windsor, that gay couples should be accorded equal rights under the law, including the Supreme Court in “Obergefell v. Hodges.”

In addition to representing clients like JPM Chase, Columbia University, the Minnesota Vikings, Fitch Ratings, Handy and Airbnb, Kaplan recently brought a case challenging the gay adoption ban in Mississippi.

Her talk is hosted by the Forum for Equality, Human Rights Campaign, and Temple Sinai.

There will be a book signing at 6 p.m., followed by a lecture and discussion at 7 p.m.

Southernshalom Jewish Life y’a PUBLISHER/EDITOR Lawrence M. Brook editor@sjlmag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/ADVERTISING Lee J. Green lee@sjlmag.com ADVERTISING SPECIALIST Dan Weinrib dan@sjlmag.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ginger Brook ginger@sjlmag.com

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4 Southern Jewish Life • March 2016

agenda interesting bits & can’t miss events

Students from Temple Sinai, Touro Synagogue and Gates of Prayer in the New Orleans area, Beth Israel of Jackson and B’nai Zion of Shreveport visited Birmingham the weekend of Jan. 30 for a civil rights tour. The group visited 16th Street Baptist Church, the Civil Rights Institute and the “Darkness Into Life” exhibit at Vulcan, where local Holocaust survivor Riva Hirsch related her story.

Rabbis Linden, Polsky announce departure from New Orleans A year of rabbinic changes in New Orleans continues with the announcement that Anshe Sfard Rabbi David Polsky will be leaving this summer, and that Shir Chadash Rabbi Ethan Linden will become the new director of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires.

In addition, Temple Sinai Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn is retiring this summer, meaning that three of the seven congregations in the New Orleans area will have new rabbinic leadership next year.

Temple Sinai brought in four candidates in January and has narrowed the process to the final two. Shir Chadash brought in candidates for three consecutive weekends starting on Feb. 19, and Anshe Sfard is scheduled to welcome a candidate who has previously visited the congregation for Shabbat during Polsky’s paternity leave the weekend of March 12.

In a message to Anshe Sfard members on Feb. 24, Polsky said the need for an extended family support structure with two young children led to “the difficult decision to move to Southfield, Michigan in August, after my contract ends.”

Most of his wife Mindy’s family lives in the metropolitan Detroit area, he said, including

NOLA

her parents, two siblings and many other relatives. Visiting family has given the children a different Shabbat experience, being able to play with peers within walking distance.

“As fun and fulfilling as it is to live in New Orleans, we’ve realized that we have to make sacrifices for our children,” he said. “And that nothing replaces family.”

As one who had lived in New York City just about all his life, Polsky said he has been “very fortunate to be part of the New Orleans Jewish community. I don’t know of any other American Jewish communities where every rabbi is a member of the same clergy council. I am very happy to have been spared the inter- and intra-denominational politics that goes on in too many other Jewish communities. Although New Orleans has fewer Jews and fewer Jewish resources, it comes far closer to feeling like a united Jewish community than most others.”

His interview weekend at Anshe Sfard five years ago was during Family Gras weekend, and he was struck by the warmth and hospitality of the community, and the “beauty of such a historic synagogue in such a historic neighborhood.”

Noting the Talmudic teaching that 10 measures of beauty were given to the world, with Jerusalem receiving nine of those measures, “I am confident that a sizable portion of this tenth measure was given to New Orleans.”

After their second child was born, the congregation granted him a onemonth paternity leave, but “we became even more convinced that having two young children without family support is unsustainable.”

He said his time at Anshe Sfard has been “a real blessing.” He strove to revitalize the small congregation, which as the closest synagogue to downtown and the French Quarter receives a lot of Jewish tourists and conventioneers. “I’ve had the privilege to welcome and host Jews from all over the world and from many different backgrounds. I cannot think of any rabbis whose March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 5

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walk to and from synagogue on Shabbat is as scenic as mine strolling through the Garden District.”

He has also maintained visibility in the community, such as being the rabbi for the Krewe du Jieux, a role that has brought him national attention. He has marched with the Krewe dressed as everything from a roach to Donald Trump.

Polsky said his wife will continue overseeing her Applied Behavior Analysis business in New Orleans, and he plans to visit for Mardi Gras, Purim, Krewe du Jieux activities “or other happy occasions.” Before he leaves, he said he will do as much as possible to accomplish the goal of an eruv in the neighborhood around Anshe Sfard.

He will continue to be “a member of Who Dat Nation” and will “root for my successor to continue the revitalization of Anshe Sfard.”

Gary Remer, president of Anshe Sfard, said the congregation will now embark on a rabbinic search for a replacement, though “no one will really be able to replace Rabbi Polsky.”

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Rabbi Ethan Linden came to New Orleans seven years ago to lead Shir Chadash in Metairie after serving as assistant director of Camp Ramah in New England, in Palmer, Mass.

Now, he is heading back up north to become the new director of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, in Wingdale, N.Y. He succeeds Rabbi Paul Resnick, who has been director for 25 years, having first been hired as assistant director in 1987. Resnick will become senior engagement and planning director.

Though Shir Chadash’s membership was informed of Linden’s departure on Feb. 10, his new position was not officially announced until after the camp’s board approved his hiring on Feb. 29.

Rabbi Mitch Cohen, director of National Ramah, said the camp “and the entire Ramah movement is blessed to be able to offer this position to Ethan. I have known and worked with Ethan for years, and Ramah Berkshires could not have done better.”

Hugh Pollack, president of Ramah in the Berkshires, said “I am confident that we have made a great choice in Rabbi Linden and look forward to working with him and the Board on bringing Ramah to new heights and to a grand future ahead.”

In his message to the congregation, Linden said he had a “divided soul” over the decision to leave. “I have been privileged to serve as the rabbi of this extraordinary community for nearly seven years, and it pains me to leave this place. On the other hand, I am thrilled to have been honored with the opportunity to take over the professional leadership of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It is an opportunity I feel I must take.”

He added, “It has been my honor to have this pulpit, and I know it will be an honor for the rabbi who succeeds me.”

He hopes to build on Resnick’s legacy at Ramah, and “take Ramah to even greater success. Camp Ramah in the Berkshires has a vitally important part to play in the creation of our Jewish future, and I am honored to be a part of this camp and that future.”

The Conservative movement camp has more than 300 seasonal employees serving approximately 700 campers per summer.

Linden will be introduced to the Berkshires community at an April 10 event. He, wife Liba Kornfeld and their three children, Adin, Yona, and Liav, will move to New York in June and he starts as director on Oct. 1.

“I graduated from JTS nearly nine years ago,” he said, “and if someone had told me then that my journey would take me from Palmer to Metairie and then on to Wingdale, I would have laughed aloud. But I am so very glad that it has.”

agenda

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New national ADL head to speak at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week Jonathan Greenblatt, the new national director of the Anti-Defamation League, will make his first visit to New Orleans in March for two addresses.

He will give a keynote address on March 17 at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, at 11 a.m. at The Chickory.

On March 16, he will speak on “Anti-Semitism and Justice for All: Because the Work is Not Yet Done,” at the home of Leann and Ted Moses. Because of limited space, reservations for the 6 p.m. program are requested.

Greenblatt became director of ADL last summer after Abe Foxman retired. Foxman had led ADL since 1987.

Prior to heading ADL, Greenblatt served in the White House as Special Assistant to President Obama and Director of the Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation. There, he led the Administration’s efforts to use financial innovation, national service, and public-private partnerships to accelerate economic recovery, boost job creation, and strengthen local communities.

Jonathan also founded All for Good, the open data platform designed to enable more people to serve. Launched with support from Google, AFG has emerged as one of the largest databases of volunteer opportunities on the Internet.

He also served as CEO of GOOD Worldwide, a diversified media company. He co-founded Ethos Brands, the business that launched Ethos Water, the premium bottled water that helps children around the world access clean water. Ethos Water was acquired by Starbucks in 2005, and Greenblatt then became Starbucks’ vice president of global consumer products and joined the board of the Starbucks Foundation.

As an undergraduate at Tufts, Greenblatt interned in ADL’s New England regional office in Boston, and he is a graduate of ADL’s Salvin Leadership Program. His wife is an Iranian-American who came to the U.S. as a political refugee and worked as an associate director in ADL’s Pacific Southwest regional office in Los Angeles for nearly eight years.

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NCJW announces April gala The New Orleans Section of The National Council of Jewish Women will hold its Spring Gala, “An Evening on Lake Pontchartrain,” on April 16.

The event will be held at La Maison du Lac, with live music by Eddie Veatch and his Guys. A patron party will start at 6 p.m., followed by the gala at 7 p.m., which includes dinner, dancing and celebrations.

Rollie Rabin and Ina Davis are chairing the event. Tickets are $100, with patron levels starting at $200.

Sinai, Gates of Prayer Galas on May 21 Two New Orleans congregations will hold their congregational galas on the same evening.

Temple Sinai had planned to hold its gala on April 9, but due to a conflict in the general community, postponed it to May 21. The gala will honor Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn on his upcoming retirement.

Patron levels are $275 per person, and underwriter levels range from $1000 to $5000.

Gates of Prayer in Metairie will have “A Monte Carlo Night in Metairie” from 7 to 11 p.m. The evening will include fare from local restaurants, an open bar, a 50-50 raffle and a parade of prizes.

General admission is $75. Patron levels range from $300 to $2500, with single patron tickets at $150. Each patron level includes a designated number of chips to play the table games.

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March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 7

Upcoming Events Sunday, March 13 Love Infinite concert with Bryan Hymel. Temple Sinai, New Orleans. 6 p.m.

Mitzvah Day. Gates of Prayer, Metairie.

Community Adloyadah. Uptown JCC, 11:30 a.m.

Corned Beef Sale. Beth Shalom, Baton Rouge. Through March 15.

Tuesday, March 15 Professional Jewish Ethics. Health Care. Touro Synagogue, New Orleans. 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 16 ADL Director Jonathan Greenblatt. Home of Leann and Ted Moses. 6 p.m.

Judaism and Gender. Gates of Prayer, Metairie. 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 17 ADL Director Jonathan Greenblatt. New Orleans Entrepreneur Week. The Chicory, 11 a.m.

Gary Negbaur concert. Uptown JCC, 11:30 a.m.

Friday, March 18 Limmud. Gates of Prayer, Metairie. Registration 4:30 p.m., candlelighting 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 19 Limmud. Gates of Prayer, Metairie. 9 a.m.

Sunday, March 20 Limmud. Lavin-Bernick Center, Tulane. Opens 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, March 23 Erev Purim. See page 39 for events.

Thursday, March 24 Purim Friday, March 25 Jewish Babies Club. Jewish Community Day School, Metairie. 1 p.m.

Saturday, March 26 “Son of Sam.” Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. 2 p.m.

Monday, March 28 JFS Older Adult Speaker Series. “The Sandwich Generation: Finding A Balance.” Metairie JCC, 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 31 JNOLA JNetwork. Home of John Hairston. 6:30 p.m.

Friday, April 1 LGBTQ Shabbat Service and discussion. Touro Synagogue, New Orleans. 6 p.m.

Neighbors in Faith, with Imam Abdul Rahman Bashir.

Gates of Prayer, Metairie. 8 p.m.

JFS Spring Continuing Education Workshop. Beth Israel, Metairie. 8:45 a.m.

Monday, April 4 P2G Israel Trip. Through April 11.

Wednesday, April 6 Bart Film Series. “Dough.” Uptown JCC, 7 p.m.

Friday, April 8 NFTY-South Spring Conclave. Baton Rouge. Through April 10 Women of Reform Judaism Retreat. Jacobs Camp, Utica. Through April 10 8 Southern Jewish Life • March 2016

agenda Enrollment open at Torah Academy Torah Academy of New Orleans is now accepting applications for the upcoming school year, with early bird discounts on tuition for students who register before March 18.

Under the leadership of their experienced early childhood director, Mrs. Naomi Smith, Torah Academy has grown exponentially. The early learning center has grown from 10 to 32 students since last year.

The infant class has added a new dimension to the growing school, which now offers a program starting from as early as six weeks and continuing with a full early childhood program.

“A working mother can breathe easily knowing that her infant will be in good hands when she returns to the workforce,” said Rivkie Chesney.

The infant curriculum is designed to encourage confidence and provide an opportunity for students to develop cooperative relationships with both peers and adults. “All this takes place in an atmosphere of inspiration and growth filled with joy, laughter, traditional Jewish values and academic excellence,” she said.

An infant can continue in the school as he/ she grows, since the early childhood program offers a schedule with all the up to date methods of teaching, inspired by Reggio-Emilia based

philosophy integrated with Jewish cultural education. Each child is given the attention they need and learning is geared to the level of the individual child, honing skills for real life through roleplay, the arts, and hands on learning. “Our environment gives the students an understanding of the real world in the spirit of the Jewish tradition,” Chesney said.

School hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The school opens for before-care at 7:30 a.m. and after care finishes at 6 p.m.

Chesney said a school tour “will give a prospective parent an understanding of the unique environment and the methods of learning used in our school. Many parents are concerned about what kind of education their children will be receiving. A school tour can answer all their questions and provide them with confidence that their children will be in a nurturing and educationally advanced atmosphere at Torah Academy.”

To book a tour or to register, contact Torah Academy at (347) 356-4714, email rchesney@ torahacademynola.com or visit the website torahacademynola.com. Torah Academy is also active on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/Torah-Academy. Space is limited, and scholarships are available for eligible students.

NFTYFLIX, the National Federation of Temple Youth Southern’s spring conclave, will be in Baton Rouge the weekend of April 8. About 75 out-of-town teens are expected. Activities will be at B’nai Israel on April 8 and at Beth Shalom on April 9 and 10.

and gender non-conforming. There will be a panel of activists, advocates and individuals of varying gender identities, with a discussion of how to create a more welcoming space. The program will be March 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Temple Sinai in New Orleans will hold an LGBTQ+ Interfaith Seder, celebrating Passover and “the important place this ancient Jewish festival holds in Christian faith and history.”

The Seder will be March 22 at 6 p.m., and is free but reservations are required.

The Women of Reform Judaism Southwest District will have a women’s retreat at the Henry S. Jacobs Camp, April 8 to 10. Registration, which is due by March 31, is $150.

The next session of professional Jewish ethics at Touro Synagogue will be on March 15 at 6:30 p.m. Led by Rabbi Alexis Berk, the dinner Touro Synagogue in New Orleans will host an and discussion will be on Jewish ethics in health LGBTQ Shabbat service on April 1, “an educa- care. Dinner is $10 per person. tional opportunity for our congregation and a An anonymous donor has pledged to match celebration of Reform Judaism’s commitment.“ up to $25,000 in contributions to the University The evening will include a Shabbat service that of Alabama Hillel by May 31. “lives” Reform Judaism’s warm embrace of B’nai Israel in Baton Rouge announced its equality and acceptance, followed by a panel discussion to include personal stories, guidance annual golf tournament will be on May 15 at on the issues that continue to threaten LGBTQ noon. equality, and opportunity for discussion. The At the 8 p.m. April 1 Shabbat service, Gates of entire congregation is invited to participate in Prayer in Metairie will hold an “Our Neighbors the 6 p.m. service. in Faith” program with Imam Abdul Rahman In light of the Union of Reform Judaism’s re- Bashir of the nearby Abu Bark Mosque. He and cent Resolution on the Rights of Transgender Anwer Bashi will talk about the mosque and and Gender Non-Conforming People, Gates give insights to their community. of Prayer in Metairie is holding a program on Temple Sinai in New Orleans will have a how the local Jewish community views and em- free adult mini-course on the Book of Ruth, braces individuals who identify as transgender Wednesdays at 6 p.m. from April 6 to 20.

agenda

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Ideal candidate will be a Jewish woman with previously healthy pregnancies between the ages of 21-42.

Reform Brotherhoods to hold historic conference in New Orleans Head of Conservative Men’s Clubs to address group Men of Reform Judaism will hold their national convention in New Orleans in June, and in a nod to how there is cooperation among the different streams of Judaism in New Orleans, the Conservative movement’s Federation of Jewish Mens Clubs will be involved.

Rabbi Charles Simon, who is executive director of the Conservative group, will attend the convention, and the international president is also expected. Simon will be the speaker at Shabbat dinner and will lead an open discussion on Shabbat afternoon, on ways the two groups can collaborate locally and nationally.

Another panel on Shabbat afternoon will include Roselle Ungar, executive director of Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans and president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ New Orleans chapter.

The conference will be held at the JW Marriott, starting on June 24 at 4 p.m.

Three past presidents of MRJ have come from Temple Sinai in New Orleans — Roger Jacobs, Irving Shnaider and John Shalett.

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Chattanooga Federation seeks to replace torched vehicles Two vehicles were burned in the parking lot of the Jewish Cultural Center in Chattanooga overnight on Jan. 31.

In a statement, Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga Executive Director Michael Dzik said one Federation vehicle was destroyed and another vehicle next to it was badly damaged. “These vehicles were used by the Federation’s award winning and regionally recognized social service department. This department provides a community nurse, delivered meals, case management by a social worker, and transportation for the most vulnerable citizens in our community.”

In the immediate aftermath, the Federation states it was unclear what the motive was. “Initial investigation points to this NOT being a hate crime” but a random act of vandalism, Dzik said. Authorities will nevertheless investigate “all angles.”

Dzik said they will let the authorities “investigate this incident fully before we make any comment regarding the circumstances.”

Arson investigators from the Chattanooga Fire Department and investigators from the Chattanooga Police Department are working the case, along with the ATF and FBI. After the fire was reported, police units were sent to Mizpah, the Federation, B’nai Zion and Chabad for additional security. Also as a precaution, Jewish communities in the region were alerted to the incident through a Jewish Federations of North America service.

There were no injuries and no damage to the JCC. The Federation embarked on a crowdfunding campaign to replace the vehicles, with a goal of $20,000. With insurance, $14,975 had been raised

by Feb. 23.

Program Director Ann Treadwell said “we have been able to purchase a gently-used Toyota Camry to replace the car and are seeking the remaining amount to find a used mini-van as our back-up vehicle.”

As the campaign continues, “We are humbled and appreciative of the generous support we have received from the Jewish community and the non-Jewish community,” she said.

March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 9

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Deadline nearing for first-time camper grant The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana is continuing to take applications for the Goldring Jewish Summer Camp Experience Incentive Grant Program this month.

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.

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

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

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

In funding this program, Bill Goldring stated, “These camp grants are an investment in a Jewish future for each child sent. The Jewish summer camping experience has been determined to be one of the most positive forces in both current and later Jewish identification. We are delighted to be able to provide the Goldring Family Foundation’s support for this important program.”

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. Applications are requested by 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) 5244559 or ellen@jefno.org. The application can also be downloaded at www.jefno.org.

community Alabama Legislature passes resolution condemning boycotts of Israel Reiterates state’s support for Jewish nation, referencing 1943 resolution The Alabama Legislature unanimously passed a joint resolution denouncing the BDS movement and reaffirming support for the State of Israel.

The BDS movement, which stands for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, seeks to isolate Israel economically and academically.

Senate Joint Resolution 6 was introduced by State Senator Arthur Orr from Decatur on Feb. 2. The House passed the bill on Feb. 9.

The resolution noted the common values held between Alabama and Israel, and reiterates Alabama’s recognition of and support of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.

It also mentions how Alabama unanimously passed a joint resolution and “led the nation” in 1943, five years before Israel’s independence, by supporting the establishment of a Jewish state.

The resolution said that “the State of Alabama is concerned by anti-Israel activities in this state and other communities nationwide within certain university campuses, academic and professional associations, and the cultural sector” and the overall dramatic increase of anti-Israel activity in academia.

“Alabama’s elected representatives who defend the inalienable right to free speech understand that the goals and activities of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement in this state are harmful to the State’s relationships with Alabama’s Jewish citizens, our friend and ally Israel and have a deleterious impact on the academic and educational environment,” the resolution states, going on to “unequivocally denounce and

reject the international Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement and any furtherance of this movement in this state.”

Orr said “The BDS movement has targeted the Jewish state for economic and political sanctions and with a dramatic increase of BDS activity now also reaching U.S. college campuses, our position must be clear.

Alabama sends a strong message with SJR 6 denouncing the BDS Movement and affirming we stand with our closest ally in the Middle East.”

Alabama House Speaker Pro Tem, Rep. Victor Gaston of Mobile, stated “I am proud to have had a role in the House Rules Committee assisting with the now unanimous passing of this important Resolution. The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement has no place in the State of Alabama as it harms the United States’ greatest ally and friend to Alabama, Israel.”

John Buhler, Alabama-Israel Task Force co-chair, one of many who advocated for passage of the resolution, said “we are deeply grateful for the leadership of Senator Orr, and Rep Gaston, and for the entire Alabama Legislature for the overwhelming bi-partisan support of this significant resolution.”

Additional support came from the Birmingham Jewish Federation and Foley-based Church4Israel.

Many states are passing anti-BDS bills. In April 2015, Tennessee became the first state to formally condemn BDS, by a combined 123-1 vote between the two houses. The effort was spearheaded by Laurie Cardoza-Moore, founder of Proclaiming Justice to the Nations, a Christian

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community pro-Israel group. She worked with Christian and Jewish groups to promote the bill, which was seen as a template for other states to follow.

On Jan. 25, the Indiana House passed a bill barring the state’s retirement system from investing in businesses that engage in action to boycott Israel. Florida passed a resolution requiring a state board to identify publicly-funded companies that are engaging in a boycott of Israel, and South Carolina has also passed similar anti-BDS legislation.

PJTN’s Board Chairman, Stanley Tate, stated “Alabama and Israel have enjoyed a long history of friendship and are great allies of our shared Democratic values.” Mentioning the 1943 resolution, he added, “That’s a miracle! No other state shares that unique history.”

Cardoza-Moore said the passage of Alabama’s resolution “can serve as a positive example and concrete model of a firm step that other state legislators can take as we begin to expose the malicious intent of the BDS campaign and confront it head-on! With 70 percent of Americans supporting Israel, I am calling on Christians, Jews and people of conscience to add their voices to this groundbreaking initiative.”

Eeki Elner, founder of ILI, will also speak, and Israel’s new consul general to the Southeastern U.S., Ambassador Judith Varnai Shorer, is scheduled to attend.

During the event, there will be an Israel Leadership Awards presentation to State Sen. Arthur Orr and Rep. Victor Gaston, speaker pro tem, for their recent efforts in a resolution that condemned the anti-Israel boycott movement and unanimously reiterated Alabama’s support for Israel.

Pastor David Nelson of the Rock Family Hilik Bar Worship Center and Richard Brooks, president of the Jewish Federation of Huntsville and North Alabama and former president of Temple B’nai Sholom, will also be honored.

Tickets are $100. The 7 p.m. program includes kosher heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert, and photo opportunities with the Israeli dignitaries will start at 6 p.m.

The event will be at The Epicenter on Calvary Blvd. in Tanner. It is one mile west of the Interstate 65 and 565 interchange, on the south side of Highway 20.

Established in 2014, the Task Force seeks to be a bridge and catalyst Deputy Knesset speaker, consul general to visit for stronger ties between Alabama and Israel, in both the Jewish and Hilik Bar, the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, will be the headlining non-Jewish communities. speaker at an Alabama-Israel Leadership Gala, April 9 in the Decatur A member of the opposition Zionist Union party and secretary general area. of the Labor Party, Bar heads the Knesset caucus promoting two states The Alabama-Israel Task Force and the Israel Leadership Institute in for two peoples.

Sderot are coordinating the gala, which will support the Alabama-Israel Emergency Preparedness Disaster Response Initiative with ILI. Tickets are available through aitf-web.org.

Gala promoting Alabama-Israel ties scheduled for April 9

12 Southern Jewish Life • March 2016

community ISJL has March 20 deadline on $1 million campaign for matching grant

Showing unity

On Jan. 24, Rabbi Jana De Benedetti took part in a World Religions Day event at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Shreveport.

Also participating were All Souls Rev. Barbara Jarrell, Pastor John Henson of Church for the Highlands and Imam Orsen El-Amin of Masjid Al-Taqwa.

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The Jackson-based Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life is working on a $1 million matching campaign challenge, and has a short time to get commitments.

An anonymous donor has offered a 1:2 match of $500,000, meaning if the agency raises $1 million, it receives a matching $500,000.

All pledges or donations must be received

by March 20, though payment on large pledges can extend until March 20, 2018. Pledges can be from individuals, foundations or corporations, and stock donations are welcome.

“Getting the call from the anonymous donor, out of the blue, offering this challenge — it’s such a gift,” said Macy Hart, founder and president of the Institute. “We haven’t had this sort of opportunity since 2013. We hope that this matching challenge will inspire supporters old and new to make contributions to the ISJL, so we can keep delivering all of the programs, resources, and staff support so vital to the communities we serve.”

The Institute offers a range of services to Jewish communities large and small in a 13-state region that includes Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and the Florida panhandle. Traveling rabbis serve small congregations unable to afford their own rabbis, the Institute has a standardized religious school curriculum used in about 70 congregations with support from a crew of visiting Education Fellows, does cultural programming and historic preservation, and has a community engagement wing for social action.

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community Jewish motorcyclists to converge on Birmingham to support Holocaust education National group will spend a weekend visiting Barber Motorsports, civil rights sites during Ride 2 Remember The Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance, a confederation of Jewish motorcycling clubs worldwide, will be riding into Birmingham in May for its annual Ride 2 Remember.

The Ride 2 Remember is to memorialize the victims of the Holocaust and to raise money for organizations that support and promote Holocaust education and awareness.

For the 2016 Ride, the group chose the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center, and will be in town from May 19 to 22.

In past years, rides have included the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, and Whitwell, Tenn., to visit the home of the world renowned Paper Clip Project and Museum.

The group has participated in the New York City Israeli Day Parade in support of the Israeli Magen David Adom first responders.

In 2009, they rode to Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S . C . to support Holocaust education in both cities. Other destinations have included Skokie, Ill.; Virginia Beach, Toronto and Orange County, Calif.

Last year’s ride was to Nashville, with about 200 participants from groups like The Shul Boys, Shalom Chrome and Hillel’s Angels.

Birmingham has become a tourism magnet in the motorcycling world with the Barber Motorsports Park, the world’s largest motorcycle museum. By coincidence, the weekend of the Alliance’s visit is when Barber

will host its second annual Historics Weekend, featuring “historically significant racecars of all marques from the early days of the sport through the 1980s.” There will be on-track racing, car shows, a swap meet and many additional events.

The group is planning three options for rides on May 21, the Barber Museum is one of the choices. Other options are a Birmingham to Selma civil rights tour and a Talladega National Forest ride.

The weekend will start with a dinner at the Embassy Suites on May 19. On May 20 the Ride 2 Remember will start at 9:45 a.m., concluding with a ceremony at the Levite Jewish Community Center around 11 a.m. Shabbat services will be announced at a later date, along with the keynote speaker for Shabbat dinner at the hotel.

After the guided rides on May 21, the group will have a farewell buffet dinner at Regions Field at an outfield covered patio during a Birmingham Barons game.

The Alliance’s mission is “to create a global environment whereby members of the Jewish faith who ride motorcycles can congregate physically and through the Internet to share and exchange ideas about matters of concern to the Jewish community, as well as issues concerning motorcycles.”

Registration is open at ride2remember.com.

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community Baton Rouge’s Anna Aronson reigns as Queen of Washington Mardi Gras Except for February 1899, Mardi Gras festivities in Louisiana are never interrupted by snow, but a blizzard couldn’t stop the celebrations at a historic Washington Mardi Gras celebration by the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians.

Anna Haspel Aronson of Baton Rouge, currently a first-year student at Tulane University, was named the Queen of this year’s event, and attorney James Williams became the first member of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club to serve as king, on the 100th anniversary of Zulu’s formation.

Aronson and Williams were selected by Rep. Cedric Richmond to reign over the festivities, which took place the weekend of Jan. 22 at the Washington Hilton. Krewe Captain is Sen. David Vitter.

While the event began in the 1940s as a way for Louisianians in Washington to celebrate the Mardi Gras season, as much as 90 percent of the nearly 3,000 who attend the Mardi Gras Ball come from Louisiana each year, including the year’s queens from over 25 Louisiana festivals.

Aronson is the daughter of Mark and Laurie Aronson of Baton Rouge.

Anna is the granddaughter of Richard and Susan Lipsey and Benjamin and Mitzi Aronson, also of Baton Rouge.

During the 2014-15 school year, she was regional president of the National Federation of Temple Youth — South, having served the previous term as vice president of membership. She also was recognized for her volunteerism at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center as a debutante in the Karnival Krewe de Louisiane.

At University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, she was a four year varsity cheerleader, treasurer of the National Honor Society, member of

the student council, Key Club, Spanish Club, and 2014 Homecoming Court.

She raised over $10,000 in donations for the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency and worked to get hundreds to register to become organ donors, and has also done community service projects in Israel.

Williams is a is a partner and the Head of Litigation at the law firm Chehardy, Sherman, Williams, Murray, Recile, Stakelum & Hayes, LLP. In 2009 he was appointed to serve as a temporary judge of Orleans Parish

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community Civil District Court Division J, and was the youngest judge in the state. Since then, he has been involved in numerous high-profile cases in the state.

A week before the Washington weekend, the Aronson family did what most of the queens have done in recent years — shipped an 18-wheeler with supplies, including clothes for all events, gift baskets, gifts, liquor, decorations, beads and throws, and items for their hospitality suite.

On Jan. 19, newly-elected Governor John Bel Edwards crowned Aronson at the Governor’s Mansion. The next night, events began in Washington.

On Jan. 21, Aronson and Williams laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by a Ladies of Louisiana luncheon that included the wives of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation and new First Lady Donna Edwards.

Two balls followed that evening, including the Chairman’s Dinner Dance.

The main ball, on Jan. 22, was during the peak of the snowstorm. “We watched 20 inches of snow come down outside our hotel room window,” Laurie Aronson said.

Despite the weather, the ballroom was packed as the royalty paraded in, and small-scale Mardi Gras floats made their way through the room.

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16 Southern Jewish Life • March 2016

The presentation and ball began at 7:30 p.m., with the Queen’s afterparty from midnight to 3:30 a.m.

As Laurie Aronson is president of Haspel, the company that popularized seersucker suits, the ballroom was decorated as an outdoor garden party, with a theme of “Seersucker and Sundresses.”

The concept isn’t foreign to Washington, as Haspel participates in a Seersucker Thursday on Capitol Hill every summer.

Among the thousands in attendance were many of Anna Aronson’s high school and college friends, along with other friends and family members from several states.

With almost everyone unable to travel on Jan. 23, Susan and Richard Lipsey threw an impromptu dinner party for about 50 or 60 guests who were also snowed in. Most of them were able to leave the next day after an unplanned extra night at the Hilton.

Governor Edwards was able to make his way to Charlottesville, Va., normally a two-hour drive, to fly back to Louisiana before most others were able to leave.

The weekend also included an economic development luncheon, and many state officials took the opportunity to network with Federal Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier officials.

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Kutik to perform for Pensa. Federation Yevgeny Kutik, a Masterworks guest artist with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, will perform at the annual meeting of the Pensacola Jewish Federation on March 31.

The meeting will be at Temple Beth-El at 6 p.m., with his performance beginning at 7 p.m.

His second album, “Music from the Suitcase: A Collection of Russian Miniatures” features music he found in his family’s suitcase after they immigrated to the U.S. from Belarus in 1990, when he was 5. The album debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard classical chart.

Kutik made his debut in 2003 with Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops as the 1st Prize recipient of the Boston Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition. In 2006 Kutik was awarded the Salon de Virtuosi Grant as well as the Tanglewood Music Center Jules Reiner Violin Prize.

He was a featured performer for the 2012 March of the Living observances, where he played for audiences at the Krakow Opera House and for over 10,000 people at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

He is an advocate for the Jewish Federations of North America, the organization that assisted his family as they immigrated to the U.S., and regularly speaks and performs across the country to both raise awareness and promote the assistance of refugees from around the world.

Kutik will perform with the symphony on April 2 at the Saenger Theatre. The 7:30 p.m. concert features Kutik performing Liadov’s “Kikimora,” Prokofiev’s “Violin Concerto No. 2” and Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 4.”

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Photo courtesy Graceland

Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer and his wife Rhoda inspected Elvis Presley’s Chai necklace from the archives at Graceland while touring The King’s home on Feb. 22 during a visit to Memphis. He later spoke at Baron Hirsch.

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How a Jewish Yankee Hippie Went Country, or, the Often Outrageous History of Asleep at the Wheel

by Ray Benson and David Menconi

When Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson each give your book a blurb, you’ve done well. And that makes sense, when you consider that Ray Benson, a “6’7” Jewish Hippie from Philadelphia” took Asleep at the Wheel from its start in Paw Paw, W.Va., to opening for Alice Cooper, touring with Emmylou Harris, and sharing a stage with everyone from Van Morrison to George Strait.

Plenty of funny, strange, and funny-strange stories, like the time their bus driver yelled at a plainclothes cop who admitted the only reason he was going to let them off was because he eschewed the idea of doing ‘paperwork for a month.’ A very entertaining, fast read.

If you’d like to meet Ray and the group in person, they’ll be playing in Nashville this month.

THE SHOFAR: Its History and Use

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20 Southern Jewish Life • March 2016

The parameters of Shofar blowing are simple, right?

Three types of notes, a couple varieties of shofars, and they’re used on the High Holy Days. In fact, the shofar is a much more complex musical instrument, with different communities having different styles of the notes, using the horns of different animals, with different ways of carving the ends — and that’s just the beginning.

“The Shofar” by Jeremy Montagu is a scholarly yet accessible read on the laws, traditions and development of the shofar as we know it today, by someone who has been a shofar blower since the early 1960s. Montagu is former curator of the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments and lecturer at the University of Oxford, and president of the Galpin Society, the premier international society for the study of musical instruments.

This is the first book to detail the full range of historical, musical, antiquarian and religious issues for the oldest continuously-used musical instrument in the world. It includes more than 60 photographs from his personal collection of shofars from around the world.

The book also details secular uses for the shofar, and who can blow the shofar — and why. While the cover says it is ideal for Jews and Christians, the book concentrates on the original purpose of the shofar, namely, the Jewish use. Still, with shofars becoming more popular with evangelical Christians, this work also provides them with a valuable perspective on the instrument.

LOUISIANA’S SACRED PLACES: Churches, Cemeteries, and Voodoo

by Deborah Burst

As the author made her way through the glittering mosaics and soaring steeples one might expect in a book dedicated to spiritual locales, she made sure to include the spontaneous devotions, haunted plantations, and crumbling monuments that make up our region.

A chapter on rural cemeteries includes mention of the Jewish cemetery in Clinton, and the chapter on Voodoo features a profile of Sallie Ann Glassman, who maintains her Jewish identity even as she is known as the ‘Vodou’ priestess of New Orleans.

Seen as a tour guide of architecture, folkways and unusual spaces, the book is a glimpse into the spirits behind places that are too often passed by, their significance unnoticed.

March 2016 • The Jewish Newsletter 21

22 The Jewish Newsletter • March 2016

From the Jewish Community Center Eat and Play at Adloyadah

one’s favorite Broadway tunes. The Broadway Brunch is free and open to the community thanks to a generous grant from the Bruce It’s almost carnival time at the JCC! The 47th annual communi- J. Heim Foundation. RSVP to Rachel Ruth at 504.897.0143 or raty-wide Purim celebration will be held on Sunday, March 13, from chel@nojcc.org.

11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Uptown JCC. Bring the entire family for a fun-filled afternoon of food, music, games and activities for all ages. Everyone’s favorite inflatables are back, along with some excitGrowing up the son of a highly decorated Nazi officer in post-war ing new ones. So are the “Human Hamster Balls,” which proved to Germany, Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger struggled with his father’s role be a hysterically funny and very popular addition last year. in the Holocaust. Ultimately he converted to Judaism, emigrated to Come enjoy delicious Middle Eastern delicacies and nosh on Israel and served in the Israeli Defense Forces as a medical officer.

New York-style deli items. Grab a snowball or popcorn, and do not He will share his story as the featured speaker at the Yom Ha’Shoah forget to take home a bag of the homemade hamantashen, gener- community-wide Holocaust Memorial Program. Held Sunday, May ously baked by the Young Women of Hadassah in the tradition of 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center, the the New American Social Club. program remembers and honors local survivors while educating Admission to the carnival is free and open to the community. the public about the Holocaust. Always a moving and memorable A children’s All Day Play Pass is $12, or $10 with a donation of event, the Holocaust Memorial Program is free and open to the public. nonperishable items for the Broadmoor Food Pantry.

Yom Ha’Shoah

JCC Summer Camp 2016

Broadway Brunch

Registration for JCC Summer Day Camps is now open to the New York pianist Gary Negbaur and his band return to the Upcommunity.

Camp runs June 6 to July 29 and offers a summer town JCC on March 17 for a fun-filled afternoon concert. Come of fun for children and teens from 21 months old through eighth at 11:30 a.m. to enjoy a delicious New York style brunch and everygrade. Online registration makes it easier than ever to sign up for camp and the new weekly scheduling option allows families to customize their camp experience, signing up for the weeks that best fit their needs and vacation plans.

Early Childhood and General Day Campers must enroll in a minimum of four weeks, but those weeks do not need to be consecutive. For teens entering grades 6 to 8, weekly options focus on a specific topic or activity and include the following choices: Tennis, Photography, Adventure Trips, #Art, Culinary Creations, Strength and Conditioning, Color War, Stage Combat, Creatures Great and Small, Portraits, Caricatures and Masks, Archery and Acting for the Camera! Early morning and afternoon care are also available for campers.

Applications and deposits will be accepted online. Register before April 22 to receive the “early bird discount.” Teens who register for four or more weeks receive $100 off their total tuition.

Visit www.nojcc.org to learn more about all of the fun that awaits campers during a summer at the J!

Bart Family Film Series The Bart Family Film Series returns this April with two outstanding films on consecutive Wednesdays. “Dough” will be shown April 6. In this comedy/drama by British Academy Award winning director John Goldschmidt, an old Jewish baker struggles to keep his bakery afloat until his young Muslim apprentice accidentally drops his stash of cannabis into the dough, sending sales sky high. On April 13, the award winning Israeli film “Wedding Doll” will be screened. In it, a young woman with a mild mental deficiency falls in love with a factory owner’s son, much to the concern of her overprotective mother.

Both movies will be shown at 7 p.m. in the New Orleans JCC’s Mintz Auditorium. Generously underwritten by Cathy and Morris Bart, the series is free and open to the community. Popcorn and movie snacks will be served.

March 2016 • The Jewish Newsletter 23

From Jewish Community Day School will play trivia games, juice and taste vegetables, take part in cooking demos, and get their hands dirty planting in the JCDS garden.

This in-school series runs from March 2 to 21 and is made possible through a special grant from Hadassah New Orleans.

Living Green Family Fest celebrated Tu b’Shevat The Jewish Community Day School hosted a Living Green Family Fest, a Jewish ecological family friendly celebration, on Jan. 24 on Bart Field at the Goldring Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus.

The program brought together families, students and Elizabeth Gomez, Isaac Aertker, Benny Dvorin, Teacher helper Carol Garcia, friends to enjoy a fun commuEyan Callais, Ben Shaya, Teacher Chris Clark, Rachel Naghi, Cori B. Hawkins nity celebration of the “New Year of the Trees”, with hands on environmental Jewish activities in preparation for Tu The students of Jewish Community Day School experienced their b’Shevat.

3rd Annual “deep dive” into a variety of special classes during the JCDS brought Jewish values JCDS Mom Kelly Shaya with children month of January. They chose from the following electives taught to life by sponsoring a Petting Ben, Sam and Tom enjoying the

by JCDS teachers and special guest instructors: Zoo from which chil- Petting Zoo animals as 2016 Living “Art Studio” with Ms. dren learned about Green Family Fun Fest.

Chris Clark and Hemda caring for animals.

Hockman Planting in the JCDS organic garden included a make and take-home seed surprise to reinforce the value of caring “Move Your Body” Movefor the environment. Also, eco-friendly for-purchase lunch ment Madness with Jennifer options were catered by Chef Andy Adelman.

Dally of JD Sports and Eileen Hamilton

Mid-Winter Children’s Choice

“Science Fun” with Debbie Schlackman, Jessie Posternock and Chris Laughlin

Purim Connection Project

This Purim, JCDS will proudly participate in the American Zionist Movement’s annual Purim Connection Project and sponsor several Mishloach Manot to be sent to memIn “Art Studio” students bers of the Jerusalem Border Patrol and police officers staToca, Juelz Hampton, Isaac Herzenberg, created their own “Louisi- Gabby Ms. Posternock, Noah Rapps tioned in Jerusalem’s Old City. Mishloach Manot will also ana” keepsake boxes. “Movebe distributed to Israeli children in need. JCDS students ment Madness” was full of yoga, tumbling, gymnastics, soccer, will collect tzedakah for this important cause during their Purim taekwondo, and hip hop. “Science Fun” focused on three separate Spirit Week, March 21 to 25. Each basket costs $18. topics — worms, tornadoes and crystals All the products are made in Israel and distributed by members The children, who were engaged and excited to participate in of Zionist youth movements and participants in MASA programs such unique learning experiences, presented their discoveries and affiliated with the Zionist movement. JCDS students are excited projects to parents and other friends of JCDS on the last day of to demonstrate their unity with Israel and send as many baskets as Children’s Choice. they can.

JCDS, Hadassah Partner for Healthy Hearts

Jewish Community Day School welcomes Joy Feldman, Author of “Is Your Hair Made of Donuts,” and Chef Lee Sands of the Audubon Tea Room, for a three-part nutrition education series for the JCDS student body. Students will take part in hands-on activities building their understanding of nutrition. Students will also explore nutrition’s connection to science, gardening, and the value of Shmirat Hagoof — the mitzvah of taking care of one’s body and its connection to the spirit and mind. With our experts, students 24 The Jewish Newsletter • March 2016

You can help support our student’s Purim project by donating in person or by mailing a check to JCDS, 3747 West Esplanade, Metairie, LA 70002.

Music and Play with Meredith Bradley Parents and babies are invited to attend the March JCDS Jewish Babies Club Program. Join Music Therapist Meredith Bradley for singing, dancing, playing with instruments, and special baby/parent time during this musical hour. It will be held Friday, March 25 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the 2nd floor Beit Midrash.

From Tulane Hillel It is the heart of the semester here at Tulane Hillel, and not a Blumka. The group had a week has gone by without multiple programs and events planned blast sharing ideas as they put by our student leaders. together a “Before I Leave There was no Bucket List.” Their NOLA shortage of Mardi goals for the next few months Gras spirit in the included meet Drew Brees, building this year! go on a swamp tour, and atAlmost 200 stu- tend a Mardi Gras ball! dents attended “Fat Schmooze Day,” a social networking event where they sampled king cakes from all around town, drank “faquiris” (fake daquiris), decorated shoes for the Muses Parade, and shared their Mardi Gras survival tips! Every attendee got a “Fat Schmooze Day” T-shirt designed by senior Matt Perlman, and had the opportunity to purchase a “Jews Gone Wild” fanny pack (a limited supply still available for purchase)!

Students got their hands dirty in the Jam Garden to celebrate and learn more about Tu B’Shevat. The Jam Garden is an initiative of TJL senior Aaron Friedman-Heiman, who uses compost from the kitchen at HK NOLA to grow herbs and vegetables!

Students got together to help reseed the garden, learn more about sustainable practices such as composting, and celebrate the environment from a Jewish perspective. Everyone enjoyed spending the afternoon outdoors in the beautiful New Orleans “winter weather,” all to the tunes of the jam band practicing next door (hence the name “Jam Garden”).

More events will continue throughout the semester, including weekly Shabbat dinners in partnerships with different campus orThe senior class was excited to kick off the semester with a cock- ganizations, monthly Open Mic Nights and Community Markets, tail party at the Antieau Gallery on Magazine Street, organized by Power Yoga and Krav Maga Classes, and many more initiatives that senior Tulane Jewish Leaders veterans Marissa Lewis and Millie are put on by Tulane Hillel’s awesome student leaders — stay tuned!

From the Jewish Endowment Foundation 2015 A Great Year for JEF and Our Jewish Endowment Foundation Jewish Community Annual Event – Save the Date Thank you for making 2015 a great year for JEF and our Jewish community. Contributions for the year totaled over $6 million — a record-breaking year! Our overall assets are greater than $50 million. Generous donors established donor advised, donor designated and custodial funds, a charitable gift annuity and a supporting foundation. There were many gifts to JEF’s General Fund, which are always appreciated and enable us to provide grants to Jewish agencies and projects. Our donors recommended 1,200 grants totaling over $5 million to nonprofit agencies in 2015.

The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana is pleased to announce that Betty S. Meyers will receive the Tzedakah Award, the highest honor given by JEF, at its Annual Event on April 17 at 12 p.m., at the Westin Hotel Canal Place. James M. Spiro will receive the Young Family Award for Professional Excellence, and Wendy Goldberg will receive the Helen A. Mervis Jewish Community Professional Award.

The keynote speaker will be Mike Rogers. Mike is a CNN national security commentator and a regular in major print outlets such We also held two Women’s Events that were well attended. Joan as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Cox spoke to 35 women in April on “Every Woman Can Be a Philan- Journal and the Associated Press. thropist: Everything You Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask” As a former member of the U.S. Congress representing Michand Mary Ann Sternberg addressed 50 women in December, discuss- igan’s Eighth Congressional District, member of the U.S. Army, ing her book “Along the River Road: Past and Present on Louisiana’s and FBI special agent, Mike Rogers is in a unique position to shape Historic Byway.” We will be scheduling another event in the spring. the national debate on a wide variety of issues. Mike currently uses

In 2015, JEF also changed its Annual Event to the spring; that his insider perspective gained from travelling the globe — from the time frame will continue. April 17 is the date for this year. Join us! Middle East to South America — to host the nationally-syndicated We are here for you. Whether you would like personal and con- “Something to Think About with Mike Rogers” on Westwood One. fidential assistance in developing a legacy plan or help in making a From his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he donation to our General Fund in honor or in memory of a loved chaired the powerful House Intelligence Committee and was a one, we are always available to help. Please call Sandy Levy, Execu- member of the Energy and Commerce panel, Mike built a legacy tive Director, or Patti Lengsfield, Legacy Director, or any member as a tireless and effective leader on cybersecurity, counterterrorism of our staff for assistance. and national security policy.

Again, thank you to the Jewish community for your ongoing conSave the date for our Champagne Brunch Annual Event. Plan to fidence in and support of JEF. The JEF Board and staff are devoted join us as we honor deserving members of our Jewish community to our Jewish community and Jewish values. We thank you, our and present a most engaging speaker. donors, for making so much possible in 2015.

March 2016 • The Jewish Newsletter 25

From Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans Passover Basket Distribution Program JFS is preparing for the 31st Annual Passover Food Distribution, which will take place on two dates: Sunday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 20. Co-chaired this year by Betsy Threefoot Kaston and Julie Koppman, the program is a collaboration of donors, staff, board members, synagogues, New Orleans-area Jewish agencies and dedicated volunteers who provide over 130 deliveries of Passover food and ritual objects to individuals in need in our community. Many of the recipients are elderly or people with disabilities. For some it is the only contact that they have all year with other members of the Jewish community.

tions are recommended as space is limited: Older Adult Speaker Series: “The ‘Sandwich Generation’: Finding a Balance,” March 28, 7 p.m. at the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus in Metairie. Join Pat Harvey, ACSW, LCSW-C from Rockville, Md., who will speak about the juggling act of caring for children and aging parents simultaneously. Co-sponsored by the New Orleans Jewish Community Center.

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 is a year-long initiative between MAZON and the Association of Jewish Families & Children’s Agencies and is supported by generous funding from the Walmart 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 If you know a family in need, or wish to volunteer or contribute, is one of 13 agencies nationwide that was chosen to participate in please visit our website or call (504) 831-8475 for more information. 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.

Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans is pleased to announce it will honor former Executive Director Julanne Isaacson at its annual fundraiser. The date To better serve our clients, the JFS office in Metairie is now for this year’s gala is Sunday, May 22 at the open until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. In addition, the Audubon Tea Room and will include a PaNorthshore office is receiving clients 4 days per week, Monday to tron Reception from 5 to 6 p.m. followed Thursday. by dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Aviva Bowman, JFS is now accepting BCBS HMO and PPO insurance policies Vivian Cahn and Nancy Timm will cofor counseling services. chair the event.

Save the Date! Rhythm & Soul 2016

Counseling Hours, Services Expanded

Geriatric Family Consultation Program

At the first Older Adult Speaker Series in January, “Cooking for Health” with Kerri Dotson, RD, from the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine at Tulane University, with assistants Savannah and Bernadette.

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 and caregiver support and more.

Call today for an appointment: (504) 831-8475 x 138.

The Geriatric Family Consultation Program also includes a series of new programs and events which are free and open to the public. Reserva26 The Jewish Newsletter • March 2016

Spring Continuing Education Workshops “PTSD: A Better Understanding of the Diagnosis and Treatment Options” Presented by Dana delaBretonn, LPC Friday, April 1, 8:45 a.m. to noon

“Dealing with Life Threatening Illness: Patient and Caregiver”

Presented by Edgar Guedry, LCSW-BACS, ACSW, ACHP-SW Friday, May 6, 8:45 a.m. to noon Location: Congregation Beth Israel, 4004 West Esplanade Ave. Attendees will receive Continuing Education credit for both the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA) and the LABSWE (Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners).

Pre-registration (up to 24 hours before): $60 for 1 event, $110 for 2 events Day-of Registration: $70 per event For more information or to register, email jfs@jfsneworleans.org or call (504) 831-8475

March 2016 • The Jewish Newsletter 27

simchas an annual SJL special section

Wedding at Workplay in Birmingham

Where to celebrate? Wide range of venues have ways to make your simcha unique and kosher-style meals. “We are able to accommodate any dietary or religious restrictions our guests may have,” said Barnes. “If bringing in outside chefs or equipment is required to meet the needs, we will prepare accordingly.”

Led by Executive Chef Thierry Connault, the The Ritz-Carlton’s culinary team can customize any menu and provide hosts with a tasting ahead of time.

Set within the historic 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building, the hotel opened as the Ritz-Carlton in October 2000. It closed in August 2005 after Katrina and re-opened again in December 2006.

The hotel includes 527 luxury guest rooms and suites that blend “elegant décor with modern amenities.”

Its M Bistro offers a farm-to-table dining experience and guests can enjoy live music in the Davenport Lounge every Wednesday through Saturday night. The Destination Spa offers more than 100 treatments and is the largest in the city.

by Lee J. Green For those hosting celebrations in the Southern Jewish Life magazine coverage area, options about for places to have them at.

Ritz-Carlton New Orleans For those hosting Simchas in New Orleans, it can be as easy as “Putting on the Ritz.”

The Ritz-Carlton’s “experienced team of professionals ensure that events in our New Orleans hotel are a success,” said Ritz-Carlton New Orleans Communications Director Kirsten Barnes.

The hotel offers more than 35,000 square feet of meeting room space.

Its 26 meeting rooms include two ballrooms, including the 7,500-squarefoot Grand and 3,500-square-foot Junior, one boardroom and 23 breakout rooms.

The Ritz-Carlton also includes private event spaces in its French Quarter Bar, Library Lounge, courtyard and Mercier terrace courtyard.

“But what really defines us is our professional, experienced dedicated team that can handle all the detailed planning and execution of a corporate event or special celebration in New Orleans,” added Barnes.

She said the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans hosted three Jewish weddings already within the first two months of 2016. For one of the Jewish wedding receptions they hosted, the accommodated 500 for a sit-down dinner but the Grand Ballroom can hold up to 800 guests for a reception.

The hotel does not have a kosher kitchen but has served both kosher

March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 29

simchas

B&A Warehouse, Birmingham

Weddings Birthdays Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Corporate Events Reunions School Dances Private Parties Event Production Open Houses DJ • Custom Lighting • Digital Projection Photo Booth • Karaoke • Snow and Fog Machines

(205) 508-0525 • AmersonEvents.com 30 Southern Jewish Life • March 2016

Located on the edges of Railroad Park and the Regions Park baseball stadium in downtown Birmingham, the B&A Warehouse offers an “open palate that celebration hosts can customize to their hearts’ content” for parties of 10 to more than 1,000.

On March 5, the facility was scheduled to host the McLeod-Copeland wedding and reception for 225 guests. The décor for this event features a lot of purple, with a turkey carving station, fried rice station, an egg roll station, a grits station, tater tots, chicken sliders and more.

“Those stations have become very popular in recent years. Just like people like to be able to customize an event, people at the event like to be able to customize what they want to eat,” said B&A Warehouse Sales and Marketing Manager Haley Roebuck.

The bride and groom selected the B&A because it had a “rustic, urban feel with exposed brick in downtown Birmingham.” It was convenient for the ceremony and reception, plus knowing that the B&A was “coordinating all of the details,” said the mother of the bride.

Roebuck said the B&A hosted a similar-sized Schiff-Datnoff wedding and reception a couple of years ago. “People like the convenience of bringing in a rabbi to have the wedding and reception at the same place.

It makes it easy on the guests,” said Roebuck.

Last year the B&A hosted the Cohn-Weismann Bat Mitzvah for two best friends, which featured a smores bar and a “death by chocolate” candy table.

“People like the space because it is versatile and they can use more than one room to expand the space,” said Roebuck. “Plus we can work with them to play out the theme with décor, lighting, props, whatever they want.”

She said that menus can be customized to fit an event and the culinary team has even made “grandma’s old recipes.” Some of the new menu options include antipasto picks appetizers, gluten-free meatballs, mushroom pecan bites, biscuit stations and even bacon stations that can be kosher-style with turkey bacon dipped in chocolate.

“If they can dream it, we can do it,” said Roebuck

Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham On Feb. 14 several couples said “I Do” while being watched over by the world’s largest cast iron statue high atop Red Mountain overlooking downtown Birmingham.

Among the several couples at I Do With A View on Valentine’s Day were Barbara and Stuart Royal, renewing their vows for their 44th wedding anniversary. For $500 couples got a tent at Vulcan Park and Museum, chairs for 20 people, flowers, light appetizers, an officiant and a souvenir swag bag.

“It’s really special to have a wedding up here at this historic site with such a beautiful view,” said Vulcan Park and Museum Marketing/PR Director Morgan Berney. “It’s significant to say that you got married or had a reception at Vulcan.”

Over the past few years, Vulcan Park and Museum has hosted several Jewish weddings, Bar-Bat Mitzvahs and other events for those in the community.

Last September, the “Darkness Into Life: Alabama Holocaust Survivors through Photography and Art” exhibition opened in the Museum’s gallery. It will be up until May 16.

simchas

On April 21, Vulcan presents “A Slippery Slope: The Consequences of Hate.” This 5 p.m. musical performance includes original poetry and scores by Birmingham Holocaust Education Center Vice President of Development Deborah Layman along with Alan Goldspiel, chair of the University of Montevallo’s Department of Music. Tickets are $8 for members and $10 for non-members.

The performance by The Seasoned Performers will include readings from personal testimonies of Holocaust survivors. Joining Goldspiel on guitar are violinist Marilyn Pipkin and vocalist Gabriel Tajeu. The performance is a combination of the traditional Klezmer melodies from Eastern European Jewish culture and African-American spirituals.

The music and readings together are used to parallel the struggles of Alabama’s Holocaust survivors and the Civil Rights Movement.

Next up in the Museum gallery will be an exhibition that details the revitalization of the Five Points South neighborhood in Birmingham starting in the 1980s through photography and stories. It will open May 28.

Hyatt French Quarter, New Orleans The Hyatt French Quarter hotel combines old world charm with modern elegance and a nod to the distinct flavor of New Orleans.

Daniel Henry Holmes designed and built the building in 1849 as the DH Holmes department store. In the 1980s it became a Dillard’s department store. When Dillard’s closed the site became the Chateau Sonesta in 1995, then the Chateau Bourbon. It was purchased by the Hyatt corporation, which invested $20 million in renovations before opening as the Hyatt French Quarter in 2012.

Sales and Marketing Director Gina Chimeno said that they hosted many holiday parties with their winter wonderland-themed décor. Then there was much celebrating with Mardi Gras.

“We have 10,600 square feet of meeting room space and 254 rooms. We host all types of celebrations, business meetings and conventions. Every event can be customized so it’s exactly as the hosts want it,” said Chimeno.

She said the Hyatt French Quarter’s expert culinary team can customize any menu and have increased the number of items available that are gluten-free, kosher-style and vegetarian to meet special dietary requests.

Chimeno describes the cuisine as American with a Louisiana flair.

They are currently updating and expanding their wedding menus and recently welcomed new wedding coordinator Caitlin Minor, who came from The Riverview in Connecticut, where they host more than 300 weddings a year.

Chimeno said the largest event she can remember the hotel hosting since its inception was a major business function for Cox Communications that included more than 400 people. “We can handle events large and small,” she said.

Bumper Nets, Birmingham area Children and adults can play together — everything from pool to table tennis to darts to arcade games — in celebrations held at Bumper Nets in the Riverchase Galleria.

Started as America’s first table tennis store, Bumper Nets has expanded over the years and now includes three stores located right by each other — the main store, the arcade and Bumper Nets Jr. for younger kids.

“The great things about Bumper Nets are that kids and adults can find

March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 31

simchas

things they enjoy doing and for parties everyone gets unlimited play,” said Bumper Nets Customer Service Director Hannah Waites.

Owner Homer Brown, who is one of the top senior table tennis players in the world, said they have had parties of as few as 12 people and as many as 150 enjoying special celebrations. “We have something for everyone,” said Brown. “It’s great to see kids today who were mostly raised on video games to learn how fun pool, table tennis, air hockey and pinball machines can be.”

Waites said party hosts pay a flat fee based on the number of hours.

They can bring in food and non-alcoholic drink.

“It’s a great way to bring families together and celebrate something or just celebrate life,” she said.

Bumper Nets just got a brand new “Star Wars” sit-in-and-drive arcade game based on the new movie that also harkens back to the fourth, fifth and sixth movies. They also now have a “Game of Thrones” pinball machine.

Brown said Bumper Nets is also the second largest pinball venue in the United States. They have weekly pinball and table tennis tournaments at the store.

“People can buy pool tables, pinball machines, dart boards, table tennis and arcade games from us to have at their own homes” he said.

Southern Museum of Flight, Birmingham The sky’s the limit on celebrations at the historic Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham.

On April 2 the Museum will host the Koretsky-Zonder engagement party. The event will take up the entire museum and more than 200 guests are expected to attend.

“The bridge and groom-to-be had a special helicopter flight on the

32 Southern Jewish Life • March 2016

trip during which they got engaged,” said Southern Museum of Flight Marketing/PR Director Liz Grady. “They thought the Museum was the perfect tie-in.”

In late 2014, the Southern Museum of Flight hosted a Bat Mitzvah for Raquel Wolnek. It had a gymnastics theme and featured a tattoo artist as well as a photo booth. Approximately 170 guests attended the Bat Mitzvah.

The Southern Museum of Flight can host an event for up to 400 people standing or 200 for a seated event.

Grady said that March is National Women’s History Month, so they will have several events this month honoring some of history’s great female aviators. For more information go to www.southernmuseumofflight.org.

simchas

The Southern Hotel, Covington The historic Southern Hotel, located in Covington just 40 minutes from downtown New Orleans, offers a backdrop of old world charm and modern elegance.

The hotel’s celebrated history of hospitality began in 1907 as a physical and spiritual retreat. The hotel was considered by many to be the central gathering place for community events for more than 50 years.

In 2011, the hotel’s new owners began a two-year renovation and restoration, motivated by a desire to return the building to what it once was. It reopened on June 1, 2014, 107 years to the date from its original opening.

For celebrations, the hotel offers several options for both inside the hotel and in its courtyard, which includes a flowing fountain and gardens.

The Camellia ballroom at The Southern Hotel can accommodate up to 225 guests for a reception-style event and up to 140 seated. The adjacent Camellia sunroom can seat 55 or 70 reception-style.

The Southern Hotel event menus are created by award-winning chef Jeffrey Hansell of the on-site restaurant Ok Lot 9, named after the historic Covington grid system. Guests at the hotel can also enjoy specialty cocktails at the Cypress Bar, with its backlit bar and murals of historic Covington postcards by world-renowned muralist Grahame Menage.

Workplay, Birmingham For those who want to celebrate where some of the top names in modern and classic rock play, Workplay is just the place. Located in Birmingham’s southside, Workplay offers venue space for all types of simchas.

On Sept. 26, 2015, Workplay hosted the Schulman-Campusano wedding and reception in its soundstage and canteen. More than 150 people attended.

The wedding’s color theme was red and aqua with gold accents. Branches and trees were used as a part of the décor.

“When I saw the set up for the first time on our wedding day it took my breath away,” said bride Sarah Schulman. “Everything was perfect, and I am so happy we chose Workplay as the setting in which to begin our lives together as a married couple.”

For more information about private events hosting at Workplay and for the concert calendar go to www.workplay.com.

Sheraton/Westin Birmingham Located in the thriving Uptown entertainment district next to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, the Westin and Sheraton hotels offer a combined 385,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition

March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 33

simchas

Simchas are just cooler with planes

space and 1,051 guest rooms.

Those guest rooms include outdoor patios, with plush signature amenities along with other benefits afforded to Starwood Preferred Guests.

Within the past couple of years, the hotels have hosted a couple of wedding receptions for those in the Jewish community as well as individual and group stays for those in the celebrations.

Rock n Bowl New Orleans

Call us to book your bar mitzvah, wedding reception, fundraiser, corporate meeting, or reunion.

205.833.8226

southernmuseumofflight.org

“Supporting the South’s Future in Flight” Save $200 on your rental by mentioning you saw this ad in Southern Jewish Life. Expires April 30, 2016

For those who want their celebration to have a unique New Orleans style by including bowling, some of the best musical entertainment in the city and great food, Rock-n-Bowl is up their alley.

Mid-city’s Rock n Bowl considers itself a bowling alley, music venue, events venue and a restaurant. They have hosted some Jewish wedding receptions, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, birthdays and even the Oklahoma State Cowboys football team while they were in town last year for the Sugar Bowl.

The owners of Rock N Bowl also own Ye Olde College Inn across the street and an urban farm nearby. They purchased the restaurant in 2003 and completely remodeled after Katrina. They use the farm as a resource for the restaurant. They have a banquet room on the facility grounds that they rent out for smaller parties.

Rock n Bowl has live music every Wednesday through Sunday, which ranges from cover bands to Zydeco and Cajun nights. They also go all out for New Orleans Jazzfest. This year Tab Benoit, Honey Island Swamp Band, Bonerama and many others will perform.

Recently Rock n Bowl hosted Bridge House’s 7th annual Recycled Fashion Show. “We really try to do it all here,” said Marketing Director Faye Broussard. “We are a family and we treat our customers like family.”

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The Westin Huntsville hotel, located just a couple miles from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is in some rarified air — being the only four-diamond hotel in Huntsville/Madison County and with a sales and catering team that brings much experience coordinating kosher and kosher-style events there.

With rooms for small groups and large ones up to 500 people, they have more meeting space than any hotel in the area and an experienced management team.

The hotel features 210 guest rooms and is located in the Bridge Street Towne Centre, which offers upscale shopping. All rooms feature Westin’s “heavenly beds.”

For travelers, the Westin Huntsville offers a concierge service and is happy to recommend things to do when staying at the hotel. In addition to the Space and Rocket Center, the hotel is convenient to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens and the Burritt Museum on Monte Sano Mountain.

For those who live in the area and want to have their Simchas at the Westin Huntsville, customizable opportunities abound, including experience with kosher and kosher-style catering.

simchas

Take your event to the next level

by Lee J. Green

Whiteoak Productions turns event entertainment up a notch For those who want a traditional Second Line for their wedding, Bar-Bat Mitzvah or other simchas, Whiteoak Productions is the place to call first.

“These are once-in-a-lifetime events and we want to make it special. Whatever someone wants as it pertains to entertainment, we have the experience and connections to make it happen,” said Ed White, who founded Whiteoak Productions in 1977 while he was still a musician playing in the New Orleans area.

He said the Second Lines have been popular, especially at weddings. “How cool is it to go from the synagogue to the reception with a Second Line band?” Whiteoak handles all the permits and police escorts that are required for the marches.

Over the years Whiteoak had provided the entertainment for numerous Jewish weddings, Bar-Bat Mitzvahs and other special events. Its team of creative agents can put together entertainment to match any theme for any budget, ranging from marching bands to rhythm and blues bands to Cajun/Zydeco to jazz.

Whiteoak has also booked numerous regional and national acts including KC and the Sunshine Band, The Four Tops, Bonnie Raitt and the Neville Brothers. The company has been the recipient of the Offbeat Magazine Best Booking Agency award from 1998 to 2015.

White said they have coordinated and booked entertainment for numerous music festivals locally, nationally and internationally, including events for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

“Whatever someone imagines for the special event, we can do. We have the resources to get, for example, U2, but it will cost a pretty penny,” said White.

Amerson Events enhances your theme From the David and Blair Rosen wedding this past September to the Star Wars Imax Film Celebration in December at the McWane Center, Amerson Events makes event entertainment out of this world.

“To make an event memorable and to really play out a theme, there are many options we can provide with music, lighting, interactive video presentation, photo booth with props, snow and fog machines — whatever they dream up, we can make it happen,” said Owner Chris Amerson.

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March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 35

simchas

He started doing some deejay work in 1988 to help pay for college. Amerson would earn degrees in Electrical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering, but felt like being involved with music and radio was his calling.

He worked for years at Birmingham radio stations WERC and Magic 96.7. Amerson even was the deejay for the 1996 Olympic soccer events in the Magic City.

Years later he started up his own event entertainment busi- An outdoor movie party ness. “I wanted to go beyond just being a deejay. I could see how music, lighting, effects and video projection could be interwoven to provide a more entertaining event experience,” said Amerson.

Amerson has worked numerous events for those in the Jewish community the past couple of years including the Berger Bat Mitzvah last December at Regions Field, with a “Winter Wonderland” theme; Mark Schaeffer’s 30th birthday party with karaoke, and Rabbi Steven Jacobs’ son’s wedding in November 2014 at Sweet Apple Farms.

Chaps Party Rental gives your event a unique look Chaps Party Rentals, located in the Elmwood Business District of New Orleans, brings many years of experience and knowledge of what is new and trending with a wide range of items for any celebration — from tents to tablecloths.

Chaps Owner Ken Bernard said brides and party planners are looking for unique events. “They are tired of the same old cookie cutter items of the past. They are looking for odd-shaped tents such as Chaps Party rentals’ six-sided tents. They are also looking for the natural look,” he said.

“In the wedding category, brides want professional photo booths that offer social media in them. They want their guests to be able to email pictures and post on Facebook about their wedding while it is going on.

They also want a copy of the prints to share for years to come. Our photo booths are the quickest, generating prints in less than eight seconds so there are no long lines at the booth,” he said.

Perhaps the biggest trend Chaps is seeing is the desire for customer service. “They are looking for advice as far as how big a dance floor, how many plates or glasses do I need or how large of a tent do I need. Chaps can help them and will spend the time with them planning their event,” said Bernard.

Chaps offers dance floors, staging, catering supplies, linen, china, glassware, tables and chairs in many colors and sizes. “If we don’t have it we will find it for them,” he added.

John’s Tuxedos gets you dressed for the occasion John’s Tuxedos has been helping grooms and groomsmen look their best since 1984. The locally owned and operated, full-service men’s formalwear store located in Metairie has also handled their share of Bar Mitzvahs, proms and other special celebrations.

Its team of trained professionals has years of experience assisting brides and grooms in selecting the ideal look for their wedding. They have an extensive in-store inventory and offer on-site alterations. They are in the Best of Weddings Hall of Fame for The Knot magazine.

Village Bridal offers biggest names in gowns Village Bridal turned an old mechanic shop in Homewood into a beautiful space carrying some of the biggest names and styles in bridal gowns.

36 Southern Jewish Life • March 2016

simchas Now Booking Appointments Mary Watkins, with her daughters Anna and Tracey, started Village Bridal late last year. Their goal is to offer brides a memorable shopping experience when searching for their wedding gown.

Dress styles range from Bohemian and whimsical to traditional. Some of Village Bridal’s selected designers include Rue de Seine, Truvelle, Rebecca Schoneweld and Theia Couture.

For those who need their gowns and other formal wear cleaned, Mary Watkins’ husband Johnny owns the nearby Watkins Cleaners in Homewood.

Party City expands in-house custom printing

by Lee J. Green Party City has reason to celebrate the launching of its in-store custom invitation, banner and publishing services at its Hoover and Elmwood store location in Harahan by early April.

Vic Kennison, president of Party City’s regional franchise with 18 stores in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida panhandle, said they are proud to announce the launch of the custom invitation and printing services in Birmingham and New Orleans, with other markets and stores likely to follow.

“Our experienced team will help customers to customize their invitations, party items, banners and other custom publishing on our automated, digital touch-screen systems,” said Kennison.

The addition of the custom invitations and printing department at the Hoover store on Highway 31 coincides with a major store remodeling that will be completed next month.

“This fits well with our goal to be a one-stop party shop; to allow individuals the opportunity to customize their invitations and celebrations,” he said.

Party City stores across the region have also expanded their “Color City” sections. This includes a vast array of party supplies in a wide range of colors for school spirit parties and other color-specific-themed events. That includes Candy City, which allows people to include sweets and treats in the theme colors of their party.

Kennison said the Party City stores in the region continue to grow their theme departments, and popular seasonal categories such as Mardi Gras, Luau, Costumes and Costume Accessories stay up “year-round” at many locations. During most of the year, the stores feature approximately 120 linear feet of costumes and accessories for sale. That figure increases to over 400 linear feet during the Halloween season starting in September.

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March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 37

Caring for our Community community

Full Limmud schedule announced

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The schedule for LimmudFest in New Orleans will feature approximately 90 learning sessions and programming for ages 3 to 6 and 7 to 12.

Registration will begin at 4:30 p.m. on March 18 at Gates of Prayer. Candlelighting will be at 6:30 p.m., followed by Orthodox, Conservative and Reform services at 7 p.m.

Shabbat dinner will be at 8:15 p.m. As of late February, there were only 30 seats remaining for the dinner. A Shabbat Tisch will follow at 9:30 p.m.

On March 19, a Shabbat contemplative service, Conservative service and Orthodox service will start at 9 a.m. Children’s services start at 10 a.m., along with the Reform service. Rabbi Judy Caplan Ginsburgh of Alexandria will lead a Shabbat sing-a-long at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:45 a.m.

The first set of hour-long classes will start at 1 p.m., then continue at 2:30, 4 and 5:15 p.m.

Among the 5:15 p.m. presentations is one by Southern Jewish Life publisher Larry Brook.

Each time slot has seven or eight presentations to choose from.

Mincha will be held at 6:30, followed by the third Shabbat meal at 7, a traditional Havdalah at 8, and a communal Havdalah at 8:15. At 8:30 p.m. there will be a Spoken Word performance, “I Am Jewish,” by Andrew Lustig, and a screening of Above and Beyond,” the story of the origins of Israel’s Air Force.

On March 20 the festival shifts to Tulane’s Lavin-Bernick Center, with registration at 8:30 a.m. Sessions will be at 9 a.m., then at 10:15 and 11:30. Lunch will be at 12:30 p.m., then sessions resume at 1:30, 2:45 and 4.

A closing concert at 5:15 p.m., led by Laine Kaplan-Levinson, will feature a spoken word poem created at LimmudFest, singalong with Deborah Mintz and Cantor David Mintz, some flamenco and more.

Those interested in attending can choose between purchasing a 3-day pass and purchasing a Sunday+ ticket that includes Saturday night.

There are different prices for adults, young adults, and children. Using the code SJL gives $10 off a 3-day pass.

The complete schedule of talks and presenters can be found at limmudnola.org.

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“You Can’t Stop That Spiel” at Temple B’nai Sholom

Celebrating Purim in the South Birmingham will have its first community-wide Purim-Palooza involving the Birmingham Jewish Federation and Foundation, PJ Library, Chabad of Alabama, Collat Jewish Family Services, Knesseth Israel, the Levite Jewish Community Center, N.E. Miles Jewish Day School and Temple Beth-El. Costumes are encouraged.

The event starts with a free carnival at 4:30 p.m. on March 23 at the LJCC. Dinner will be available for purchase. At 5 p.m. there will be a Children’s Megillah Storytime for ages 5 and under, facilitated by Chabad and PJ Library.

At 5:30 p.m. there will be an egalitarian megillah reading facilitated

by Temple Beth-El Rabbis Randall Konigsburg and Joseph Robinson. At 7:30 p.m. there will be a women’s megillah reading with women from the community, and a traditional megillah reading with Rabbi Eytan Yammer.

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The New Orleans JCC, on the other hand, has been doing this for years.

The 47th annual community-wide Purim celebration will be held on March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Uptown JCC. There will be food, music, games and activities for all ages. The inflatables are back, along with the “Human Hamster Balls,” which made their debut last year. Food items include Middle Eastern delicacies and New York-style deli items, snowballs, popcorn and homemade hamantashen, baked by the Young Women of Hadassah in the tradition of the New American Social Club.

Admission to the carnival is free and open to the community. A children’s All Day Play Pass is $12, or $10 with a donation of nonperishable items for the Broadmoor Food Pantry.

In Huntsville, Temple B’nai Sholom will have three performances of “You Can’t Stop That Spiel.” Director Fred Tamm-Daniels said it is the eighth in a series of “tongue-in-cheek Purim musicals telling the story of Esther through the music of Broadway.

The show is done in the style of a local theater production with live accompaniment.

This year’s production has 14 musical numbers from shows like “The Book of Mormon,” “Wicked” and “Hairspray.” The opening number is a takeoff of “Hello” from “The Book of Mormon.”

The previous show, “Chicago — the Megillah” sold out two of three performances.

Performances are at B’nai Sholom on March 3, 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. A dessert reception follows on opening night. Tickets are $10 and went on sale on Feb. 10.

Auburn’s Beth Shalom will “Shtick together and eat pizza” for Purim on March 24 at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is Elvis’ “Blue Hawaii.”

Auburn Hillel is planning a Purim carnival on March 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, reaching out to all the Multicultural and Diversity organizations at Auburn to help out and each have a carnival booth activity at the event.

Upcoming Shows:

3/23 Penny & Sparrow with Corey Kilgannon Sean McConnell 3/24 Croonin’ for Critters Do Dah Day benefit 4/7 The Mowgli’s with Boyfriend, Julia Nunes 3/26 The Cadillac Three and The Rebel Light 3/26 Anderson East with Andrew Combs 4/9 Cahaba Blues Band 3/31 Kris Allen “Letting You In” Tour with 4/10 Cash’d Out

March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 39

community Birmingham’s Temple Emanu-El will have its Purim Spiel, “The Sounds of Purim,” in the chapel on March 20 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a carnival.

The Bais Ariel Chabad Center in Birmingham will have Purim at Alabama, a Purim Tailgate Party, in memory of Shannon Hope Cogen.

Costuming will be in favorite team colors. The March 24 event starts with a megillah dedication in Cogen’s memory at 4:15 p.m., followed by the megillah reading and dinner at 5 p.m. There will be barbecue, an open bar, children’s activities and an exotic animal show. Reservations are $18 per person, $10 per child and a family maximum of $54 by March 20; $25 per person, $12 per child and $70 maximum at the door.

Chabad and PJ Library are co-sponsoring the Itty Bitty Purim Schpiel, March 6 at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham. Designed for ages 0 to 4, there will be Purim crafts, story time and a snack. There will be free play in the Itty Bitty Magic City at 3 p.m., followed by the Purim program at 4 p.m. and Itty Bitty play at 5 p.m.

You Belong in Birmingham will have a masked Purim party, March 26 at 7 p.m. at The Nest in Avondale. There will be drinks, appetizers, raffle prizes and music. Tickets are $18.

Dothan’s Temple Emanu-El will have its Purim potluck on March 25 at 6 p.m., followed by a Purim service at 7 p.m.

Chabad of Huntsville will have a Purim party with a light dinner, spirits, megillah reading and mitzvot, on March 24 at 5 p.m.

Mobile’s Ahavas Chesed will have Pizza and Purim on March 23 at 5:30 p.m., with free pizza for all who come in costume, and a competition for best costume.

Springhill Avenue Temple in Mobile will have “Purim: Beach Boys Style” on March 23 at 6

p.m., followed by a free spaghetti dinner.

Chabad of Mobile will have Purim in the Stadium, with a Super Bowl winner in attendance.

The event will be at Gallery 450 and feature a stadium-style dinner, drinks, hamantaschen, a multi-media megillah reading and guest Alan Veingrad. A member of the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXVII, he will talk about going from a skinny Jewish kid in Brooklyn to a Super Bowl champion, and his Jewish journey afterward.

Admission to the 6:15 p.m. event on March 24 is free, and autographed footballs can be ordered in advance from the Chabad of Mobile website.

Agudath Israel-Etz Ahayem and Temple Beth Or will have a joint Montgomery Purim service at AIEA on March 23 at 6 p.m., with a spaghetti dinner, costume parade and contest and megillah reading.

The Pensacola Jewish Federation will have a Purim festival on March 13 at 12:15 p.m., at Creative Learning Academy. There will be face painting, bounce houses, food, treats and games.

The event is free and is open to the community.

Chabad of the Emerald Coast will have its Royal Purim Masquerade Ball on March 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chabad Center in Destin. There will be a sushi bar, megillah reading, costumes and music.

Beth Shalom in Fort Walton Beach will have its Purim celebration on March 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Chabad of Baton Rouge will host several Purim activities, starting with a megillah reading on March 23 at 7:30 p.m., and a Purim party for Israelis at 9:30 p.m.

On March 24, Chabad of Baton Rouge will host a Purim Extravaganza at the B.R.E.C. Center at Highland Park, from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a full buffet dinner, magic show, face painting,

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prizes for all who attend in costume and a megillah reading at 5:15 p.m.

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B’nai Israel in Baton Rouge will have “One Enchanted Evening” with Persian Purim Platters and Megillah Munching on March 23 at 6 p.m. Persian dishes will be served at the “evening of fun and study.” Reservations are $10. The B’nai Israel religious school’s Purim celebration will be on March 20 at 11 a.m., while the M&Ms group will have its celebration at 10 a.m.

Beth Shalom in Baton Rouge will have its Purim service on March 23 at 7 p.m.

Temple Sinai in Lake Charles will have its Purim family night with Rabbi Barry Weinstein on March 18 at 6 p.m. The joint Purim carnival with Temple Shalom in Lafayette will be on March 20 at Temple Shalom at 9:30 a.m.

B’nai Israel in Monroe will have a Purim service with Rabbi Jeremy Simon from the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, March 18 at 6 p.m., with a dinner to follow. Tot Shabbat Purim carnival will be on March 19 at 9:30 a.m., followed by Jewish American Cuisine at 10:30 a.m.

On March 23, Anshe Sfard in New Orleans will have a Purim Second Line featuring the Panorama Brass Band. The festivities begin with a Megillah reading at 7:30 p.m.

Beth Israel in Metairie will have a Purim Super Heroes Party on March 23 with children’s programming at 7 p.m., ma’ariv with megillah reading at 7:45 p.m. and a Purim celebration at 8:30 p.m. including Breakfast for Dinner. There will also be a megillah reading at morning minyan, 7 a.m. on March 24.

Gates of Prayer in Metairie will have Purim pizza, megillah reading and “Purim Wars: The Shpiel Awakens” on March 23 at 6 p.m.

A Muppet Show-themed Purim Shpiel will be at Touro Synagogue in New Orleans on March 20 at 10 a.m. The show will feature actors, singers, pigs, frogs, chickens and dancing bears.

Temple Sinai in New Orleans will have its Purim Shpiel, “Esther — The Force Awakens,” on March 23 at 5:45 p.m., featuring Leah Esther, Han Ahashuaras, Yoda Mordecai and more. The Sisterhood Purim dinner will follow.

Temple Sinai will also have an adult education mini-course on the Book of Esthern, for three Wednesdays at 6 p.m., starting March 2. The course will explore the historical setting and the genealogy of the characters.

Chabad Uptown in New Orleans will have a Purim Eve Bash on March 23 at 7:30 p.m., featuring a megillah reading and slideshow, buffet, drinks, music and a children’s program.

Chabad will then host Purim in Outer Space, at Torah Academy in Metairie on March 24. The megillah reading will be at 5:30 p.m., with the Purim feast at 6 p.m. Cost is $18 for adults and $10 for children before March 21, higher afterward.

Shreveport’s community Purim carnival will be on March 20 at B’nai Zion, starting at 10:30 a.m.

Agudath Achim in Shreveport will have a Purim service on March 23 with a dairy covered dish dinner at 6:15 p.m., followed by the Purim play at 7 p.m. and a megillah reading.

The Purim Schpiel at Shreveport’s B’nai Zion will be “Star Wars: The EmPurim Strikes Back/The Return of the JewGuy,” during the March 18 Shabbat service, at 6 p.m.

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Greenville’s Hebrew Union Congregation is holding its Purim carnival on March 27 at 11 a.m.

Beth Israel, Gulfport, will have its Purim carnival on March 20 at 10 a.m. and megillah reading with Rabbi Akiva Hall on March 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Chabad of Southern Mississippi will have a Waffle House-themed Purim celebration, with a breakfast feast, crafts, megillah reading and more. The celebration will be March 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Biloxi Visitors Center.

Beth Israel in Jackson will have a Purim carnival and auction at 11:30 a.m. on March 20, benefiting Beth Israel Temple Youth. The Purim celebration for all ages will be March 23 at 7 p.m.

March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 41

community

On Feb. 22, Chabad of Louisiana held a workshop, “The Art of Joy and Gratitude” with Rabbi Eliyohu Rivkin of Northridge, Calif., honoring the life of Nadiv Kehaty, a Brooklyn father of four who died suddenly in March 2015 at the age of 30.

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nosh

jewish deep south: bagels, biscuits, beignets

Bags from last year’s Deli Day in Dothan

IF YOU FEED THEM: Time for area Jewish food festivals With the coming of Spring comes numerous Jewish food events at congregations around the region, including several involving corned beef just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The season began with the annual Temple Beth Or Jewish Food Festival in Montgomery on Feb. 28. The line started forming at 7:30 a.m., and by the time the doors opened at 9 a.m. there were well over 100 waiting to get in. Several items were sold out by mid-day.

The Montgomery festival included brisket, Quajado (spinach pie), corned beef, kugel, latkes, stuffed cabbage, hot dogs and matzah ball soup.

A bakery table held numerous items, including praline matzah and whole Carnegie Deli cheesecakes.

Greenville’s Hebrew Union Congregation scheduled its annual deli lunch for March 3.

In Baton Rouge, Beth Shalom will have its 32nd annual corned beef sandwich sale. There will be a making party for volunteers on March 12 at 7 p.m.

The sale will be on March 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for take-out, and March 14 and 15 for take-out from 10 a.m. to noon and deliveries to local businesses with five or more orders.

The $10 lunches include a ¼-lb. corned beef sandwich on rye, potato chips, dill pickle and homemade brownie. Tuna or egg salad sandwiches are available by request.

Gemiluth Chassodim in Alexandria will have its annual corned beef sandwich sale on March 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Packages include a corned beef sandwich on rye, cole slaw, pickle and potato chips for $8.

One may dine in, take out, or there is delivery available for orders of 10 or more. Tickets must be purchased in advance, because they sell out each year.

In Monroe, the B’nai Israel Men’s Club will have a kosher hot dog lunch on March 15. The $5 package includes a hot dog, chips and drink. Packages will be available for takeout only, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The annual Corned Beef Extravaganza at Springhill Avenue Temple in Mobile will be on March 17. The $10 lunches include a ¼-lb. corned beef sandwich on rye, a kosher pickle, New York style cheesecake and bag of chips. Prepaid orders must be in by March 14. Orders may be picked up at Springhill Avenue Temple from 10:30 a.m. to noon, or delivered for orders of 10 or more lunches.

In Jackson, Beth Israel will hold its 49th annual bazaar on March 30.

The festival menu includes matzah balls, stuffed cabbage, blintzes, bris-

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SOUTHERN SOUPS & STEWS:

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Not a kosher cookbook by any means — in fact, likely half the recipes here are anything but — “Southern Soups & Stews” is still a great addition to any cookbook library and most everything included could be made in a kosher kitchen with some accomodation (recipe calls for andouille? Beef sausage instead.

Shrimp stock? Use vegetable.).

Thing is, so much of what’s here is perfect for everyday and sometimes especially for Shabbat: dishes perfect for cooking long hours that develop deeper and deeper flavor as time goes by.

Especially tasty: Abby Fisher’s Ochra Gumbo with Beef and Rice (a recipe Ms. Fisher, a Mobile native, first published in 1881), Rufus Estes’ Brunswick Stew, James McNair’s Louisiana Duck Fricassee, Ya-Ka-Mein (with a sidebar about the Ya-Ka-Mein lady, Linda Green), and what will be gracing our table again later this week: Florence Weiland Schornstein’s Red Soup with Brisket and Creole Matzoh Balls. This is one to get.

JEWISH FESTIVAL FOOD:

Eating for Special Occasions

by Marlena Spieler

Although not quite a reference, this is more than simply a collection of recipes, with an introduction including a short history of festival foods and customs plus a glossary of terms and a resource listing for where to purchase foods. The Gourmand Book Award selected this for for Best Jewish Cookbook 2015.

It’s particularly helpful that each dish includes a picture of the final product along with images of inprocess steps. While there are recipes for foods that most of may expect, such as chopped liver and noodle kugel, more intriguing dishes such as Peruvian Whitebait Escabeche, and Mouna, the traditional continued on page 45 egg bread of the Algerian Jewish community, are nice additions.

March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 43

Proud to be the Jewish news magazine serving the New Orleans Jewish Community Dorignac’s

Southern Jewish Life

710 Veterans Memorial Pkwy Metairie 504/834.8216 dorignacs.com

Print • Online • Weekly E-News Twitter @sjlmag Mediterranean Chicken Thighs 4 lbs. chicken thighs 1 cup olive oil 1 cup sliced red onion 1-½ lbs fresh mushrooms, freshly sliced 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced ¼ cup crushed red pepper flakes 3 cups dry white wine 2 lbs. cherry tomatoes 2 cups Nicoise olives ¼ cup chopped fresh rosemary 4 tbsp. lemon zest salt and pepper

KOSHER-STYLE RECIPE

Dorignac’s

by Lee J. Green

A wide variety of kosher products? Dorignac’s Food Center “got dat!” A multi-million-dollar renovation that invigorated the store from top to bottom? Dorignac’s Food Store “got dat” too.

The neighborhood grocery store on Veterans Memorial in Metairie entered 2016 with a new look. That included exterior enhancements, new lighting, new floors and major makeovers to three of its departments — bakery, produce and deli/hot lunch.

Much thought and care went into the improvements, according to Ronald Dawson, Jr., president of Dorignac’s. “We knew from the beginning we had to proceed carefully with any changes we made to the store,” said Dawson.

“Many of our customers grew up coming to Dorignac’s with their parents and grandparents, so it was important to us to keep the charm and nostalgic look that they remember while at the same time improve the shopping experience as best as we could,” The original lighting system was replaced with modern LED lights. The well-worn linoleum floor was swapped out with a contemporaryyet-durable dark wood laminate. Changes to the exterior were also extensive.

“We replaced the logo on the left side of the building and added a silver-colored overhang that features a state-of-the-art, programmable light show. We’re able to run combinations of 44 Southern Jewish Life • March 2016

Lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and set aside. In a large cast iron skillet or pan, heat the olive oil until it is hot, then brown the skin side of the thighs until golden brown.

Flip the chicken and lightly brown the other side, then remove and place on paper towels to drain. Reduce heat to medium flame, then add onions, mushrooms, garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir often with a wooden spoon while your mushrooms saute and lightly brown.

Add the white wine and bring to a simmer for five minutes, all the while scraping the bottom of the pan with your wooden spoon to get any chicken bits unstuck and incorporated into the sauce. Return chicken thighs to the pan and add the tomatoes, olives, rosemary and lemon zest. Stir, then cover.

Bring to a simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is done. Check for seasoning. The sauce should be thickened and almost creamy.

Serve over roasted potatoes or rice.

colors that match the season,” said Dawson. “It’s a real show stopper.”

The bakery was the first to be renovated.

New cases were added and the footprint of the department was adjusted to maximize the space for preparation and baking. Dorignac’s also added a modern façade.

They freshened up the fresh produce department to provide for more square footage.

New cases were installed along the store’s western wall.

“We have been expanding the amount of local and organic fruits and vegetables we carry,” said Dawson. “We also had customers asking for more fresh-cut fruit options. That made the need to allocate more space for the department obvious.”

The deli and hot lunch areas were the final areas to be renovated. New cases were added for improved display and a sushi bar was created that includes a sushi chef preparing sushi, sushi rolls and sashimi throughout the day.

“We’re very happy with how the store now looks and how it has improved the shopping experience for our customers,” said Dawson.

“Now Dorignac’s is well-positioned to be the grocery store for the next generation of shoppers.”

Continued from page 46

people saw the pillar of smoke… (they) would each rise at their tent door and worship.”

It concludes, “there the Big G would speak to Moses face to face.”

Scholars have debated for millennia about this image, which is ever mentioned only once: amid a pillar of smoke.

For 40 years of wandering, the Israelites followed this pillar of smoke through the desert. Anyone still wondering what might have drawn them to it?

If you’ve come this far and felt this is pushing a political agenda, the writer has never touched the stuff. (Politics or cannabis.)

If you’ve come this far and feel incensed, thinking that wonders attributed to the Big G are being blasphemously explained elsewise, what are you smoking? After all, who do you think created the plant?

Doug Brook is a writer in Silicon Valley who was not mentally altered when he wrote this… any more than for previous columns. For past columns, other writings, and more, visit http://brookwrite.com/. For exclusive online content, follow facebook.com/the.beholders.eye.

>> Food Festivals

ket, knishes, kugel, chicken soup, babaganoush, chopped liver, hummus and tabouli. Desserts and casseroles will be available for takeout.

The Jackson bazaar includes a white elephant sale and silent auction.

Congregants who donate items to the silent auction will be entered into a drawing for one reserved parking spot for the 2017 Bazaar, which will be the 50th annual.

Items for the white elephant sale may be brought on March 27 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The annual “Raising of the Poles” to set up the bazaar will be on March 27 at 9 a.m.

Temple Emanu-El in Tuscaloosa will have its annual Jewish Food Festival on April 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Box lunches range from $10 to $12, and have brisket, a corned beef sandwich or falafel.

The food sampler bar, which enables one to purchase four tickets for $5 and sample numerous Jewish dishes, will be back, with items including black and white cookies, sweet kugel, knishes, matzah ball soup, stuffed grape leaves, bagel and schmear, blintzes, baklava, rugelach, and hamantashen. New for this year will be a Latke Station.

Temple Sinai in Lake Charles will have its corned beef sale on April 4, with pickup from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $8 for a ¼-lb. sandwich on rye, chips, pickle and cookie. Deliveries of 10 or more lunches is available.

An assembly party will be held on April 3.

Dothan’s Temple Emanu-El will have its Deli Day on May 4, with lunch packages going for $12.

March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 45

rear pew mirror • doug brook

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O-U must be kidding

Note: Reading of this column could result in spontaneous giggling, impaired sensory acuity, and a case of munchitis malignis (aka “the munchies”). Do not work with heavy machinery after reading this column, unless for the purpose of throwing it at the writer.

Earlier this year, the Orthodox Union made news by certifying the world’s first kosher marijuana.

As often occurs, the media’s splashy headlines misled readers to believe that smoking marijuana was now kosher.

Was it ever not? Maui Wowie is a plant. Plants aren’t intrinsically unkosher. Except mushrooms, which are well documented in the Talmud as being an enticement of evil. (Yes, regular mushrooms… One hallucinogen per column.)

What was certified as kosher is marijuana as used in medicinal consumables that, of course, must be certified like any other processed product.

People were confused. Now that the smoke has cleared, instead of rehashing it further, exploring biblical instances that sound curiously like what MARIJUANA might have happened if President Clinton PRODUCTS ARE (the First) had inhaled seems appropriate.

Or inappropriate, and therefore all the more NOW CERTIFIED tempting.

KOSHER… So, pipe down and consider whether any PERHAPS IN of the following events in the Torah bowl KEEPING WITH you over as highly reminiscent of a more VERY OLD medicinal encounter.

PRECEDENTS? In Genesis, Jacob stopped for the night, “took one of ‘the stones’ of the place, put it ‘under his head,’ and lay down there to sleep.” Then he had an odd dream of a ladder leading to the sky, with angels on it. When he awoke, Jacob exclaimed, “this is the gate of heaven!”

Joseph “tended the flocks with his brothers.” He was out in the fields, perhaps weeding? Then Genesis says Joseph had a dream of their sheaves of grain bowing to his. His brothers “hated him, and couldn’t speak a kind word to him.” Because of his dream, or because of his secret crop?

Then another dream, where the sun, moon, and 11 stars bowed to him. All this while Joseph wore an ornate robe Jacob made him, which tradition says was filled with psychedelic colors.

Then there were the dreams Joseph interpreted for the Pharaoh’s butler and baker, and then for the big P himself. He didn’t dream them, but what was the air quality index while those Egyptians slept? And how was Joseph able to tune in to the dreams and their meaning so well?

But those are all dreams from sleep. (Allegedly. Joseph never said his were from while he slept.) What about waking visions?

In Numbers, the diviner Bilaam is hired to curse the Israelites. While riding along, Bilaam loses control of his ass. Then Bilaam starts to hear his ass talking to him. Then Bilaam sees an angel blocking the road. Surely, there’s a Pink Floyd song about this somewhere on the cutting room floor.

Regardless, the most compelling instances go well beyond dreams and visions. Consider “fire and brimstone.” What else can one expect of the smoke from something with “stone” in the name?

But most significantly, as heard in a recent Torah reading, Exodus relates that Moses would go to the tent of meeting. “When Moses entered the tent, a pillar of smoke would come down.” It continues, “When the continued on previous page

46 Southern Jewish Life • March 2016

community Terezin operetta “Brundibar” coming to World War II Museum Surviving original cast member to attend “Brundibar,” a children’s operetta performed in the Theresienstadt concentration camp during the Holocaust, will be performed in May at the National World War II Museum.

Composed in 1939 for the children of the Jewish orphanage in Prague, the show premiered in a cramped attic theater in Theresienstadt on Sept. 23, 1943, to an audience of prisoners, camp leaders, and Swedish Red Cross workers who were monitoring conditions at the camp.

The following year, playwright Hans Krasa and most of the children were transported to their deaths in the gas chambers of Auschwitz.

The New Orleans production is being held in cooperation with the New Orleans Opera, and Cantor Joel Colman of Temple Sinai is the artistic facilitator. Tryouts for the show were held in late January at Temple Sinai.

Ela Weissberger, a child survivor of Thereseinstadt who played the role of “cat” in all 55 Thereseinstadt performances, is scheduled to attend. The World War II Museum is doing an educators and students webinar with her on May 13 at noon. She “will not only relate her personal story of struggle and survival, but also her casting as the role of the cat in Brundibar, and what the staging of this opera around the world means to her today.”

In 1998, J. Greg Thomas, a teacher in rural Alabama, did a tour of “Brundibar” with an entirely non-Jewish cast and using their Alabama accents to show the universal message.

The tour performed in October 1998 in Nashville, as special guests of the Tennessee Holocaust Commission’s annual Holocaust Conference for High School students, with Weissberger in attendance.

In 2014, children and adults from Ars Nova School of the Arts in Huntsville performed “Brundibar” during “Voices from Terezin” at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church,. Weissberger introduced those performances as well.

In 2006, Lake Charles native Tony Kushner did a new English libretto for a production of “Brundibar” in New York, with Maurice Sendak.

“Brundibar” will be presented on May 14 at 7:30 p.m. and May 15 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Freedom Pavillion in the World War Two Museum. Tickets can be purchased from the museum.

As an introduction to “Brundibar,” there will be a performance of the short opera, “Friedl,” a 15-minute work about Friedl Brandeis, the famous art teacher at Theresienstadt.

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March 2016 • Southern Jewish Life 47