Southern Jewish Life, New Orleans, May 2021 by Southern Jewish Life

Southern Jewish LifeLife Southern Jewish 3747 West Esplanade Ave. P.O. Box 130052 3rd Floor Birmingham, AL 35213 Metairie, LA 70002 Volume 31 Issue 5

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shalom y’all As this issue hits mailboxes, parents throughout the region will be pinching themselves to make sure it’s real — yes, the kids are indeed going to camp. We think. Now that a decent percentage of the population is fully vaccinated against Covid, many congregations around the region have started opening their doors somewhat, with capacity restrictions and other tentative steps along the road to normal. It feels odd to be among others, something that was rarely considered before the world shut down 14 months ago. Who knows, eventually the big Shabbat morning luncheons will return, there will be crowds without masks, and dare we say, even hugs? Will the High Holy Days be normal this year? Part of the fun for us is being on the road, sharing in community celebrations and learning about interesting people and their stories. It is hard to fathom that for a year, our road trips were on hold. In the past, there were occasions when we could not be at an event in person, but it was at one of the few congregations that streamed services, and we could still do an article. One nice aspect of this past year is that since everyone had to put everything online, we could easily cover a wider range of events despite not being on the road. Now, organizations and congregations have a decision to make. As we get back to the “real world,” how much will remain online? After a year of very successful virtual galas, do organizations go back to more costly in-person dinners and events? Or were the past year’s events so successful because everyone was finely tuned in to the circumstances and wanted to be supportive, and in future years virtual events will not be as successful because of a lack of community atmosphere in everyone’s living rooms? Do adult learning sessions continue having an online option, making them accessible to a much wider audience? Or is learning better in person, with the free-flowing discussions? continued on next page

SJL Online: sjlmag.com Southern Jewish Life is an independent Jewish periodical. Articles and columns do not necessarily reflect the views of any Jewish institutions, agencies or congregations in our region.

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May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

MESSAGES commentary

Maccabi USA leader praises Birmingham Games

I have had the honor of attending many Maccabi competitions around the world. From Israel Certainly, some things will be worth keepto Australia to South America, Europe and the JCC Maccabi games around the United States ing, whether or not they are done as regularand Canada, I have logged many miles seeing how sports can be a vehicle to help build Jewish ly as during the past year. The Alabama small identity, especially in our young. communities Havdalah, for example, builds I felt honored to come to Birmingham for the first timeamong and fellfive in love with not just the city unity or six smaller communities. but the people. You have taken Southern hospitality to a new level with your kind and caring And there has been a partnership with Gemiluapproach to the JCC Maccabi Games. th Chassodim in Alexandria taking part in seronlinewere withwonderful. Temple Sinai in New Orleans. Led by the Sokol and Helds, your hard-working vices volunteers They partnered Are in-person book talks and scholar in hit. reswith your outstanding staff, led by Betzy Lynch, to make the 2017 JCC Maccabi games a huge idence presentations going to you bring I want to take this opportunity as executive director of Maccabi USA to say thank onlecturers behalf in virtually rather than physically? of everyone involved. As these questions are pondered, it must be I had just returned from the 20th World Maccabiah games in Israel with a U.S. delegation ofand remembered that Judaism is participatory over 1100, who joined 10,000 Jewish athletes fromcommunity 80 countries. Back in July the eyes of the based. While much of what weentire do is Jewish world were on Jerusalem and the Maccabiah. This past month with 1000 athletes and family-based, such as Passover Seders — though coaches from around the world being in Birmingham, the focal evenyou thatbecame was quashed bypoint. Covid — Judaism is meant to beatpracticed as a community, from celEveryone from the Jewish community and the community large, including a wonderful ebrations to in comforting mourn. police force, are to be commended. These games will go down history asthose beingwho a seminal Jews,by weproviding are calledsuch to assemble a commoment for the Jewish community as we build to theAs future wonderfulasJewish munity. To echo a phrase, may we be able to memories. assemble as in days of yore, bim’heira b’yamJed Margolis einu (speedily in our day). Executive Director, Maccabi USA And we hope to see all y’all, throughout the region, in person, soon. supremacists would like to see pushed back On Charlottesville into a corner and made to feel lesser. We stand with and pray for the family of Heather Heyer, Editor’s Note: This reaction to the events in who was there standing up to the face of this Charlottesville, written by Jeremy Newman, Lawrence Brook, Publisher/Editor hate. Master of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Theta Colony at Auburn University, was shared by AEPi National, which called it “very eloquent” and praised “our brothers at AEPi Theta Colony at Auburn University and… the leadership they display on their campus.”

White supremacy has been a cancer on our country since its beginning, threatening its hopes, its values, and its better angels. The events that took place in Charlottesville represented the worst of this nation. Those who marched onto the streets with tiki torches and swastikas did so to provoke violence and fear. Those who marched onto the streets did so to profess an ideology that harkens back to a bleaker, more wretched time in our history. A time when men and women of many creeds, races, and religions were far from equal and far from safe in our own borders. A time where Americans lived under a constant cloud of racism, anti-Semitism and pervasive hate. The events that took place in Charlottesville served as a reminder of how painfully relevant these issues are today. Auburn’s Alpha Epsilon Pi stands with the Jewish community of Charlottesville, and with the Jewish people around the country and around the world. We also stand with the minorities who are targeted by the hate that was on display in Charlottesville. We stand with the minorities of whom these white

We recognize the essence of the American narrative as a two-century old struggle to rid ourselves of such corners, and allow those in them the seat at the table that they so deserve. It is the struggle to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence, that “all men are created equal… endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” We know our work is far from finished, but we know we will not move backwards.

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May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

January 2021 May 2021

Southern Jewish Life PUBLISHER/EDITOR Lawrence M. Brook editor@sjlmag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/ADVERTISING Lee J. Green lee@sjlmag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Richard Friedman richard@sjlmag.com V.P. SALES/MARKETING, NEW ORLEANS Jeff Pizzo jeff@sjlmag.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ginger Brook ginger@sjlmag.com SOCIAL/WEB Emily Baldwein connect@sjlmag.com PHOTOGRAPHER-AT-LARGE Rabbi Barry C. Altmark deepsouthrabbi.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rivka Epstein, Louis Crawford, Tally Werthan, Stuart Derroff, Belle Freitag, Ted Gelber, E. Walter Katz, Doug Brook brookwrite.com BIRMINGHAM OFFICE P.O. Box 130052, Birmingham, AL 35213 2179 Highland Ave., Birmingham, AL 35205 205/870.7889 NEW ORLEANS OFFICE 3747 West Esplanade, 3rd Floor Metairie, LA 70002 504/249-6875 TOLL-FREE 888/613.YALL(9255) ADVERTISING Advertising inquiries to 205/870.7889 for Lee Green, lee@sjlmag.com Jeff Pizzo, jeff@sjlmag.com Media kit, rates available upon request SUBSCRIPTIONS It has always been our goal to provide a large-community quality publication to all communities of the South. To that end, our commitment includes mailing to every Jewish household in the region (AL, LA, MS, NW FL), without a subscription fee. Outside the area, subscriptions are $25/year, $40/two years. Subscribe via sjlmag.com, call 205/870.7889 or mail payment to the address above. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from the publisher. Views expressed in SJL are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff. SJL makes no claims as to the Kashrut of its advertisers, and retains the right to refuse any advertisement.

Documenting this community, a community we are members of and active within, is our passion. We love what we do, and who we do it for.

agenda interesting bits & can’t miss events The Success Story Ensemble performs for the Jewish Children’s Regional Service virtual Jewish Roots Jubilee on April 11, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the social service agency’s current form. Pianist Joshua Sadinsky is from Fayetteville, Ark., and studies at the California Institute of the Arts. Bassist Caroline Samuels is from Baton Rouge, and studies at Boston University. Violinist Basil Alter is from Memphis, studying at the Manhattan School of Music. Trumpeter Joshua Dolney is from Deer Park, Tex., and is at the University of Illinois. Drummer Bruce Miller, a tax attorney in Metairie, is a past president of JCRS.

Local organizations hit new heights with GiveNOLA Day GiveNOLA Day was held on May 4 this year, and with a Star 1,832 donors. Wars theme, the force was strong with the Jewish FederaJewish Community Day School came in 77th, with tion of Greater New Orleans. $21,093 from 138 donors. The Museum of the Southern Overall, the 24-hour online fundraiser coordinated Jewish Experience made its $18,000 goal, placing 89th by the Greater New Orleans Foundation raised $8.15 with $19,007 from 113 donors, and the Anti-Defamamillion through 67,990 donations to 910 organition League raised $18,152 from 70 donors to place zations. There were 17 organizations in the Jewish 95th. community that participated, raising $336,422, up Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans from last year’s $236,000. raised $13,606 from 76 donors to place 146th, and Once again, the Federation was one of the top earnJewish Children’s Regional Service made the top 200 ers, coming in third overall with just under $222,000 with $9,448 from 96 donors. in donations from 221 unique donors. The agency had The New Orleans Jewish Community Center raised originally set a goal of $150,000 for the day, and 250 do$6,114 from 85 donors, placing 288th. In 305th place, Gates nors. of Prayer led the congregations with $5,758 from 81 donors. Last year, the Federation raised $133,766 from 282 donors. Tulane Hillel raised an even $5,000 from 20 donors, placing As the third-place Large organization, the Federation earned a $2,500 339th. The National Council of Jewish Women was 342nd with $4,882 from bonus. The Louise McGehee School placed first overall, with $324,380 55 donors. from 922 donors, while perennial frontrunner Ogden Museum of SouthAvodah raised $3,934 from 31 donors, Temple Sinai raised $2,859 from ern Art came in second, with $300,630 from 85 donors. 45 donors and Hadassah attracted $1,244 from 21 donors. The Team Gleason Foundation placed fourth, with $189,939 from Shir Chadash had 22 donors contribute $1,220, while Northshore Jewish Congregation raised $1,143 from 15 donors. Beth Israel Menorah Institute raised $578 from 12 donors, Torah Academy also had 12 donors On Our Cover: Part of the Merchant Store exhibit at the for $472. Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, featuring the cash All organizations will also receive a bonus from the Lagniappe Fund, register from Galanty’s Store, in Lake Providence, La., along with where funds from the day’s sponsors are allocated to the participating reproductions of various newspaper ads for 19th and early 20th organizations based on how much they raised. century Jewish-owned stores across the South. May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

agenda “Hedy!” show at World War II Museum

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Hedy Lamarr, a Jewish immigrant who became a movie legend and was considered “The Most Beautiful Woman in the World,” had much more than acting in her repertoire. The remarkable story of the Vienna-born star will be told through the one-woman show, “Hedy!”, at the National World War II Museum’s BB Stage Door Canteen in New Photo by Al Foote III Orleans, May 21 to 30. Broadway actress Heather Massie will return to live performances with the first full live theatrical production at the museum since the pandemic hit over a year ago. Lamarr was married to a Austrian arms dealer, Friedrich Mandl. She learned about munitions from him before fleeing from him in 1937, and then used that knowledge to help the U.S. Navy during World War II, collaborating with composer George Antheil to invent The Secret Communication System. What became known as frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology made torpedoes more accurate, but after the war became the underpinning of today’s cell phones, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth and many other wireless systems. Massie, who studied astrophysics, explored the “unexpected genius” of Lamarr “to empower women, to inspire audiences to find ways each day to make the world a better place, and to encourage young women in endeavors of science and technology.” During the show, she also plays 33 other characters who were influential in Lamarr’s life. The show will run from May 21 to 30, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $40, $37 for members, and dinner reservations can be made at Rosie’s on the Roof. Covid protocols, including masks, will be observed.

Chabads co-host evening with “The Ballerina of Auschwitz”

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An evening with ‘The Ballerina of Auschwitz,” Edith Eva Eger, will be presented by the Chabads of Louisiana, Metairie and Baton Rouge on June 3 at 6:30 p.m. “The Choice: Embrace the Possible” is Eger’s internationally best-selling memoir, and she has since published The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life.” After the war, Eger became an eminent psychologist specializing in post-traumatic stress disorders. She was a teen when she and her family were sent to Auschwitz. Her parents were immediately exterminated, but she and her sister were kept alive. A 16-year-old trained ballet dancer and gymnast, Eger just hours later would be forced to dance for the infamous Josef Mengele, who gave her a loaf of bread that she wound up sharing with fellow prisoners. She and her sister survived several death camps and eventually wound up in Austria, where on May 4, 1945, an American soldier noticed her hand move slightly among a pile of dead bodies. She was rescued and brought back to life, and moved to the United States in 1949. For decades, she had survivor’s guilt and kept quiet about her experiences. Eger said she eventually found that “true freedom can only be found by forgiving, letting go, and moving on,” and she “made the choice to heal” rather than be a permanent victim, and now helps others along that same path. The event will be held online. Reservations are $20 before May 25, $25 after, and can be made at jewishlouisiana.com/editheger. Sponsorships start at $180.

agenda ISJL plans regional summer programs The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life announced its summer lineup of virtual programs for its 13-state region. All organizations and congregations are welcome to sign up as partners and make them available for their memberships. In recognition of LGBTQ Pride Month, Rabbi Denise Eger will present “Where Pride Dwells: A Celebration of LGBTQ Jewish Life,” June 17 at 7 p.m. Eger, who grew up in Mem- Rabbi Denise Eger phis, is past president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and editor of the book “Mishkan Ga’avah: Where Pride Dwells, A Celebration of LGBTQ Jewish Life and Ritual.” For Independence Day, The Braid will present “Jews in America,” a theatrical storytelling of unsung Jewish heroes from American history. Formerly Jewish Women’s Theatre, The Braid will explore stories going back to the very first Jewish immigrants in the 15th century. The program will be on July 1 at 7 p.m. On Aug. 19, as the High Holy Days near, Ron Wolfson will lead “The 7 Questions You’re Asked in Heaven,” questions about how one lived life on Earth as imagined by rabbis through the ages. Wolfson is president of the Kripke Institute and Fingerhut Professor of Education at American Jewish University.

SJL columnist takes on legacy of Shakespeare’s “Shylock”

In the theatrical world, one of the most notorious and troubling characters is Shylock from “The Merchant of Venice,” a grubby money-lender who is seen as the embodiment of a Jewish trope, ready to be embraced by antisemites. What does one do with the character in the 21st century? Southern Jewish Life “Rear Pew Mirror” columnist Doug Brook, a longtime veteran of the Bay Area theatrical scene, takes on the controversy with the provocative one-man show, “Shylock,” which will be performed from the stage of the Tabard Theatre Company in San Jose and streamed live as a multi-camera production from June 4 to 20. Written by Mark Leiren-Young, “Shylock” provokes conversations about censorship, history, representation, cancel culture and problematic classics. Brook plays the role of Jonathan Davies, a Jewish actor who has been cast in a production of “The Merchant of Venice” and plays the character as an outright villain. The show meets with heated controversy, forcing a shutdown of the remaining run, and the play depicts Davies doing a talkback session with the audience to defend his work. The Jewish Community Relations Council of Silicon Valley is partnering with the production. JCRC Director Diane Fisher said the show raises For information on partnering with ISJL for these events, contact Ann issues over “the current debate over definitions of antisemitism, lack of Zivitz Kientz at akientz@isjl.org. knowledge on what antisemitism is, general biases of all kinds baked into

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society that are historical and need to be unlearned and are often held without thinking, the lack of open discussion and listening to lived experiences of discrimination, antisemitism and other; how theater... and art can provide pathways of learning about bias due to their big platform and ability to open minds.” The production is being presented in collaboration with Silicon Valley Shakespeare, from which Brook recently stepped down after six years as executive director. He has directed numerous shows, and performed as Boolie in “Driving Miss Daisy,” Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof ” and Mitch in “Tuesdays With Morrie,” among others. Brook, who grew up in Birmingham, also directed Theatre Chevruta at the Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos and was longtime vice president for the Alliance for Jewish Theatre. A playwright, he wrote the Muppets Purim that was done at Gates of Prayer in Metairie in 2020. Tickets are available at tabardtheatre.org, and a standard ticket is $35. Friend tickets “for anyone who needs a little help” are $15, and patron tickets are $50. Evening shows are 8 p.m. Pacific time, but several of the matinee performances are regarded as “Central time zone friendly.” Jewish Community Day School in Metairie will hold its sixth grade graduation ceremony on May 26 at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Recently, New Orleans’ Dave Davis starred in what was being billed as the first all-Jewish themed horror movie, “The Vigil.” Several organizations in the New Orleans Jewish community will have a special screening of the film and a talk with Davis about the experience. The film is set over an evening in the Hasidic Borough Park neighborhood of Brooklyn. JP NOLA, JNEXT and JNOLA are partnering with IFC Films and Tamar Simon from Mean Streets Management for the May 25 screening, at 7:30 p.m. at The Broadside. The event is free, but a $5 donation is suggested for continued programming efforts. As programs of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, JP NOLA serves the Jewish community’s LGBTQ+ population; JNOLA is for ages 21 to 39; and JNEXT serves those aged 40 to 59. Moishe House in New Orleans has three openings for the coming year. Moishe House is a national initiative for Jewish young adults where the residents receive a rent subsidy, programming budget and support from national staff to provide innovative Jewish programming at a community’s Moishe House for young adults. Applications are now being accepted for the coming academic year, at moishehouse.org/apply. After an absence of a year, the South East Chavura is resuming in-person Torah study. The next meeting will be on June 19 at 11 a.m. at the Comfort Inn in D’Iberville, Miss., discussing Parshat Chukat. The community is welcome, and lunch follows. The North Louisiana Jewish Community is planning a mission to Israel, Feb. 14 to 24. The itinerary includes two nights at Kibbutz Hagoshrim, two nights at the Renaissance Hotel in Tel Aviv and six nights at the Dan Panorama in Jerusalem. Over 20 have already expressed interest in the trip. Details will be available from the North Louisiana Jewish Federation. Chabad in Baton Rouge is planning to participate in the JLI Israel Experience, The Land and the Spirit. Interest is being assessed for the trip, which will be March 20 to 28. Registration is not open yet, and pricing has not been announced. On June 14, there will be a Zoom presentation in the Morris Bart Sr. Lecture Series at the Uptown Jewish Community Center. “The Statues Tell The Story” will be presented by Robert Freeland, vice president of Friends of the Cabildo. The online presentation will be at 11 a.m.

May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

At Home in New Surroundings Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience opening late May in New Orleans, celebration in October The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience is opening on May 27, though the celebration will wait until this fall as the Covid pandemic continues to fade. “We are excited to announce an opening date after a pause as a result of the pandemic,” said Jay Tanenbaum, museum chair. Located in the museum district of New Orleans, the museum explores over 300 years of Jewish history and involvement in the South, focusing on 13 states. Multi-media exhibits will illustrate how Jewish immigrants and succeeding generations adapted to life in the South. The museum will also address issues of race and antisemitism, and the many ways that Southern Jews navigated them at different times. Understanding through education is a primary goal. While May 27 is being billed as a “soft opening,” Executive Director Kenneth Hoffman said it really means “we’re open, there’s no ‘not open’.” The mezuzah affixing ceremony and family celebration will be on Oct. 3, “in order to allow more people to travel to New Orleans to be with us, because we think it will be even better with people feeling comfortable traveling,” Hoffman said. Details of the October events are yet to be confirmed. Hoffman said a group of hotel rooms will be announced, and the weekend will include “opportunities for doing Jewish tours of New Orleans, on the Sunday I can imagine music, food, lots of kvelling.” There will also be a special event for founding donors. As the opening nears, Hoffman said “It’s a vision that a lot of people have been working very hard toward. It will be an exciting day for New Orleans and the Southern Jewish community, the museum community, and I hope everyone can come this summer, learn something and enjoy themselves.” While Hoffman has been in his position for three years, “members of the board have been working on this for much longer,” Hoffman said. The museum began at the Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, Miss., in 1986 as small communities in the region closed or downsized their congregations, sending their memorabilia to the camp. Some of the ritual items, such as an ark, were used by the campers during the summer. Jacobs Camp Director Macy Hart continued to grow the museum, which soon had its own building. Photographer Bill Aron doing a series of “Shalom Y’all” photography tours of the Jewish South. An “Alsace to

America” exhibit was held in Jackson and then was permanently installed at the museum. In 2000, the museum spun off into the Jackson-based Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, which provides an array of services to Jewish communities in 13 Southern states. After three decades of leading the camp, Hart became the founding executive director of the Institute, which had the museum under its umbrella. By 2012, with the camp needing space and the museum being located in an area where it was difficult for tourists to access, the museum shut down temporarily and a new home was sought. The Institute, which had grown out of the museum, then spun off the museum as a separate entity, and New Orleans was announced as the museum’s new home. A $10 million campaign was launched in 2017 and is ongoing. In 2019, the museum’s collection of artifacts was moved to New Orleans from Mississippi. Due to space, a small fraction of the items will be displayed at any particular time. Some of Aron’s work will be in the new museum, and the first special exhibit will recall Aron’s original 1990s tours. “As we move forward in this new iteration of the museum we want to pay respect to what came before,” Hoffman said, adding that Aron and Vicki Reikes Fox, who also worked on the original exhibit, are helping curate the new exhibit. Another link to the past came as Hoffman led Macy and Susan Hart on a tour of the new museum in late April. Hoffman, a Baton Rouge native who grew up at Jacobs Camp, said he has “very big shoes to fill” in leading the new museum. He said the museum’s new incarnation isn’t just geographic, it has an expanded mission and expanded storytelling. “Outreach to non-Jews is a major preoccupation of the museum. This isn’t just for Jews, this is for everybody, we’re telling universal stories through a particular population, we want everyone to see something of themselves in the stories we are telling.” Tanenbaum said “Jews in the South formed bonds of deep friendship and community-building with their non-Jewish neighbors. These stories May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

Macy and Susan Hart check out the museum’s interactive quilt activity

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show how people of different backgrounds come together to create the American experience. This can be a bridge to a better understanding and future for all of us.” The museum’s exhibits were designed by Gallagher and Associates, which has also done exhibits for the National World War II Museum and the Sazerac House in New Orleans, the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia and the National Archives Museum in Washington. Located on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, the museum is close to the National World War II Museum, Ogden Museum and the Contemporary Arts Center, and near the Oretha Castle Haley cultural district. After entering through the storefront, visitors will view an introductory video. Exhibits begin with the small Jewish communities of the Colonial period, through the Revolutionary War and the first major wave of Jewish immigration in the decades leading up to the Civil War. Hoffman notes that the museum will not “shy away from uncomfortable history,” and topics such as Jewish involvement in slavery will be explored. The first area will include how Jews so often became small-town merchants and, for the most part, integrated into Southern communities, including becoming mayors and other civic leaders. The middle area, formerly an open-air atrium, contains exhibits about Judaism, including ritual items from around the region, life cycle events, holidays and texts. From the ceiling, there will be images of stained-glass windows from synagogues around the region. The third section will explore 20th-century topics, from the spread of Jewish communities throughout the South, to how Southern Jews responded to the Holocaust and the establishment of Israel, to the civil rights era and the decline in smaller, rural communities in favor of larger cities. For those who want to dive deeper into a particular community or state, video screens will be available with access to a wide range of historical resources, including items from the museum’s collection. At the end, there is an interactive video quilting station, where visitors can explore their own stories. Of course, there will also be a gift shop featuring regional art and Southern Jewish-themed items. Tickets will be available on the museum’s website and will be for a particular day, but not a particular time. Walk-up tickets will also be available. Hoffman said that “depending on how busy we get, how popular we are, there may be some waits,” and if capacity is reached, the museum will put “the health and safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers above all else.” The museum is following state mandates for capacity and CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of Covid. The museum is open daily except for Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is also closed on New Year’s, Mardi Gras, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is $15, $13 for seniors, students and active military, and $10 for ages 6 to 17. Children under 6 are free, as are museum members, and the membership plan will be announced soon. Group rates are available.

community Antisemitism levels remain high, with numerous incidents in region While antisemitic incidents declined by 4 percent after hitting an all-time high in 2019, 2020 was still the third-highest year for incidents against American Jews since the Anti-Defamation League began its annual audit in 1979. The 2020 audit was released on April 27, the second anniversary of the deadly white supremacist attack on the Chabad of Poway, Calif. It recorded a total of 1,242 incidents of harassment, an increase of 10 percent from 2019. At the same time, reported acts of vandalism and assault declined by 18 percent and 49 percent, respectively, and there were no antisemitic fatalities reported in 2020. ADL’s South Central Region, serving Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi, increased from 24 reported incidents in 2019 to 34 reported incidents in 2020, including a significant spike in Mississippi from 4 to 17 between 2019 and 2020, with reported incidents of harassment increasing from 2 to 16. ADL noted a slight drop in Arkansas from 10 to 7 reported incidents, and numbers held steady in Louisiana at 10 reported incidents, eight of which were harassment and two were vandalism. In ADL’s Southeast Region that covers Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, incidents of antisemitic vandalism increased by over 50 percent. While the total number of antisemitic incidents across these four states only saw a slight increase, 2020 was a year marked by many horrific vandalism incidents in the Southeast, including the desecration of multiple synagogues and Holocaust memorials across the region. The Southeast region also recorded 30 incidents of antisemitic harassment in 2020, a 16 percent decrease from 36 in 2019, including seven incidents of antisemitic Zoombombing. There were no incidents of antisemitic assault recorded in 2020 after recording one in 2019. In all, Alabama reported six incidents in 2020, five of which were vandalism and one was harassment. In 2019, there were no vandalism incidents, but all six incidents that year were harassment. Tennessee had 14 incidents, up from nine, and Georgia had 21, down from 29. Florida had 127 incidents, up from 91 the previous year. The swastika graffiti at Etz Chayim and Chabad in Huntsville during Passover, and swastikas found on the street outside a Jewish cemetery in New Orleans in June, were among the incidents highlighted in the national report. In Alabama, Chanukah decorations were vandalized at a Jewish home in Mountain Brook, and a swastika and “White Rights Matter” were spray-painted on an overpass in Huntsville. In September, Zoombomb-

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Members of the Autonomous National Socialists, a neo-Nazi group, posed next to the Holocaust memorial outside of the Gordon Jewish Community Center in Nashville. May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life 11

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May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

ers interrupted the Alabama small communities Havdalah with antisemitic insults. The other incident was swastikas and “KKK” etched in a bathroom at Rogers High School near Florence. ing or Din Outdonear — incidents ingthree ter Cathe Out — Of Florida’s total, only the panhandle were in Take Tallahassee, where oneFrie harassment incident was deemed confidential. A n Fridays d Chicke Sushi and mailbox was vandalized with a swastika in October, and in March 2020 ays, 10am-7pm; s-Thursd n Monday Ope pro-Israel students at Florida State University reported harassment by m-3pmfor Justice in Palestine. days 10a and Sun members ofFrid the ays stridently anti-Israel Students The Mississippi incidents were two clumps of harassment. One group r To You!in several MisYour Orde was by? We neo-Nazi Folksfront Will Shipgroup Orleans Area ide the Newdistributed Outsliterature sissippi suburbs of Memphis. At Delta State University and in Cleveland, Moonkrieg Division distributed swastika-laden and Holocaust denial propaganda at several venues from February to April, with the phrase “Me and the boys on our way to the local synagogue.” In Louisiana, a man circled a New Orleans synagogue while shouting antisemitic slurs in September. A November harassment incident in Arabi is classified as confidential. In August, a Jewish high school student in New Orleans was harassed on Snapchat, including a message that the student should be sent back to Auschwitz. A woman in New Orleans found a swastika in her apartment building’s elevator, a Harahan business posted a flyer calling Covid a “communist criminal hoax” from “Jewish Bolshevik filth,” and a New Orleans business negotiation included one party refusing to “let you or your client Jew me down.” In February 2020, a threatening voicemail was left at the Jewish Community Center in New Orleans, a Jewish individual in New Orleans received a harassing antisemitic message on NextDoor, and an unknown group distributed flyers saying Jews are the root of “Communism, debt and war.” “In a year marked by incidents of hate impacting all vulnerable communities, this year’s Audit illustrates the ongoing hatred directed at the Jewish community remains near an all-time high, and increased in the South Central Region, particularly in Mississippi,” said Aaron Ahlquist, ADL’s South Central Region director. “These findings demonstrate that even in the midst of a global pandemic, antisemitism continues to plague our communities across the Southeast,” said Allison Padilla-Goodman, ADL vice president of the Southern Division. “Vandalism impacts communities tremendously as they are often witnessed by many, causing the pain to reverberate throughout communities. However, while physical displays of hate found on Jewish institutions make a lasting impact on the community, we continue to be inspired by the resilience and collaboration of people from all backgrounds who respond with outpourings of support.” As the Huntsville vandalism occurred at the start of Passover, members of several churches immediately flocked to the affected congregations to clean up the graffiti, despite it being Good Friday. The year was dramatically impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led in some cases to Jews and other marginalized communities being blamed or scapegoated for spreading the virus. After the pandemic became more widespread starting in March, incidents of antisemitism at schools and colleges dropped precipitously as learning moved online. This led to an increase in incidents of antisemitic “Zoombombing” — the intentional disruption of live videoconferences. In 2020, ADL recorded 196 incidents of antisemitic videoconferencing attacks. Of those incidents, 114 targeted Jewish institutions such as schools and synagogues. “While any decline in the data is encouraging, we still experienced a year in which antisemitic acts remained at a disturbingly high level despite lockdowns and other significant changes in our daily lives and interactions with others,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and national director. “We can’t let our guard down. As communities begin to open up and people spend more time in person with others, we must remain vigilant.”

An Official Publication of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans

THE

DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by Southern Jewish Life belong solely to the publisher. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of any other person; or the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, its constituent and beneficiary agencies, or any other entity.

JEWISH NEWSLETTER May 2021 | Sivan 5781

Vol. XVI No. 3

Together, but virtually.

Thank you for being a force for good. We wanted to say thank you. Our community’s support for the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans on Give NOLA Day was overwhelming - and our staff wanted to share our gratitude (so please visit our homepage at jewishnola.com for a special video from us to you). Our goal was to raise $150,000 from at least 250 household gifts during Give NOLA Day’s 24-hour timeframe. Because of you, we eclipsed our primary goal, with $221,912 from 221 donations. We placed third overall in amount raised. Because of this, we anticipate receiving an extra $2,500 from the Greater New Orleans Foundation, which we can use to further our efforts here in our community. The Jewish Federation is also grateful to our power hour sponsors: Dr. Marc Behar, Arnie and Susan Fielkow, Joshua and Mara Force, Brian and Lisa Katz, Morton and Carole Katz, Joshua Rubenstein, and Dr. Matthew and Sherri Tarr. For more than 100 years, we’ve stood at the forefront of social justice advocacy and philanthropy here in New Orleans - because of you. You make our work possible. Thank you. May 2021 • The Jewish Newsletter

Kassie Cosgrove joins Federation team Kassie Kissinger Cosgrove joined the Jewish Federation in April 2021 as our Chief Development Officer. She is responsible for developing and overseeing the execution of the organization’s high-level strategic plan for fundraising - and her impact was immediate, with the success of GiveNOLA Day. Born and raised in the area, Kassie has a deep passion for and pride in the local New Orleans community. Prior to her role with the Federation, Kassie worked in Advancement and the School of Liberal Arts at Tulane University. As the Director of Development for the school, Kassie helped to build relationships with prospective donors, alumni, parents and friends and worked closely with school leadership and Advancement colleagues to share the mission and vision of Liberal Arts and Tulane, benefitting numerous programs, faculty and students. Among the major gifts and strategic priorities that Kassie helped to achieve is her important work with the Department of Jewish Studies. ollaborating with school leadership and colleagues in Advancement, Kassie helped develop a strategy that led to great success for the growing department including the creation of the Suzanne and Stuart Grant Center for the American Jewish Experience. During this time, Kassie built strong relationships with donors and a great appreciation for the Jewish community and she is eager to continue her work in helping to advance the mission and vision of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans. Kassie has a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Loyola New Orleans and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. She completed the Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM) program from Indiana University’s Lilly School of Philanthropy and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). She is also an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) New Orleans chapter. Connect with Kassie at kassie@jewishnola.com.

An Evening with Shelly Goldstein Join singer, actress, and comedienne, Shelly Goldstein, for a special event on Wednesday, May 26 at 7:00 p.m. CT, open to Lemann-Stern/Katz-Phillips alumni and members of JNEXT. Shelly Goldstein is a dynamic performer who has been compared to Liza Minelli and Bette Midler! Her JEWISH BROADWAY, an ever-evolving one-hour-show where she sings some of the amazing Jewish contributions to the “Great American Songbook,” featuring favorites like Irving Berlin, the Gershwins, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb, Carole King, and many others! Shelly is a writer-actress-musical comedy performer whose one-woman shows have played to sell-out crowds throughout the US and UK. She has written for such artists as Steve Martin, Stephen Colbert, Jay Leno, Barbra Streisand, Lily Tomlin, Sharon Stone, Hugh Jackman, Jane Fonda, Liza Minnelli & Yoko Ono. Onscreen she costarred opposite Sir Derek Jacobi & Vanessa Redgrave in the British thriller THE RIDDLE; and opposite Vinnie Jones in the Irish film ASSAULT OF DARKNESS. This event is sponsored by Touro Infirmary/LCMC and presented by the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life. It is open to current members and alumni of our Lemann-Stern and Katz-Phillips Leadership Development program, as our Lemann-Stern/Katz-Phillips Leadership Development Meyers Alumni Event. Members of JNEXT are also invited. JNEXT offers programming for those between the ages of 40-59 in the Greater New Orleans Jewish community. There is no charge for the event, which is open exclusively to our Greater New Orleans Jewish community. Questions? Please contact Sherri Tarr at sherritarr@jewishnola.com or Caitrin Gladow at cait@jewishnola.com. Register at forms.gle/hJsLpEpuyV5nd19PA. 14

May 2021 • The Jewish Newsletter

Join the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans for a series of virtual missions this spring and summer, designed to help you explore Jewish stories around the world from the safety and comfort of your home over one-hour sessions on three Sunday mornings. There is no cost, and these missions are open to everyone. Zoom links will be sent to participants in advance. Jewish Federation Virtual Mission to India | June 13 | 9:30 a.m. Chef Moshe Shek grew up in India in a Jewish community. At the age of 20, after training to be a pilot, he took a year off and travelled to Israel, where he lived on a kibbutz and developed a passion for cooking. Upon returning to India after time spent working in London and Tel Aviv, he opened several successful restaurants before starting an organic farm and culinary school called A World Away in Alibaug. Join Chef Moshe along with Jewish guide, Joshua, for a "Taste of India." Attendees will also learn about Jewish Indian history. Jewish Federation Virtual Mission to Budapest | August 8 | 9:30 a.m. How are Tony Curtis, Theodor Herzl and the Rubik's cube related to Budapest? Guide, Agi, will take participants through the Jewish Quarter - once the Jewish ghetto which enclosed 70,000 Jews in a space less than a square mile. This captivating tour of what was one of the centers of Jewish life in Central Europe begins at the Dohany synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. Participants will admire the world-famous street art, including the famous Weeping Willow, Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park and the Carl Lutz Memorial. Please visit jewishnola.com to register. The Mission Committee Co-Chairs are Stacey Lutz and Ben Swig. Questions? Please contact Sherri Tarr at sherritarr@jewishnola.com.

Save the Date Jewish Federation’s Super Sunday

August 1, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus Jewish Federation’s 108th Annual Meeting

October 6, 2021 | 7:00 p.m. | Audubon Tea Room May 2021 • The Jewish Newsletter

The Vigil Screening Join JP NOLA, JNEXT, and JNOLA in partnership with IFC Films and Tamar Simon from Mean Streets Management, to watch a film described as a “richly atmospheric supernatural horror from a deep well of religious traditions,” on Tuesday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. at The Broadside (600 N Broad St · near The Broad Theater). “The Vigil” is steeped in ancient Jewish lore and demonology set over the course of a single evening in Brooklyn’s Hasidic Borough Park neighborhood. You won’t want to miss this thriller staring New Orleans’ own Dave Davis, who will be with us to answer your questions when the movie is over! This is a free event, but we are suggesting a $5 donation to allow us to continue offering programs such as this. JP NOLA, JNEXT, and JNOLA are all programs of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans. JP NOLA serves our Jewish community’s LGBTQ+ population; JNOLA serves those between the ages of 21-39; and JNEXT serves those aged 40-59. JNOLA is generously supported by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. Learn more and register by contacting Aaron Bloch at aaron@jewishnola.com or by visiting jewishnola.com/multicultural or facebook.com/cjmanola. C U L T U R E | M U S I C | F O O D | H I S T O R Y

Ethiopian Jewry in Rosh Ha'ayin

J U N E

1 3 T H ,

2 0 2 1

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT 7:00 PM Israeli Time Via Zoom

Join our sister city of Rosh Ha'ayin, Israel, for a fun and interactive celebration of Ethiopian culture on Sunday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. CT. This event will be held in English, and is part of our ongoing series on Jews of Color. This event is jointly hosted by the Rosh Ha'ayin Partnership2Gether Steering Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, and the Birmingham Jewish Federation, in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel's Partnership2Gether program. Register at tinyurl.com/ p2gethiopian. Questions? Contact Cait Gladow at cait@jewishnola.com. Watch the replay of our April event on Yemenite Jews here: vimeo.com/538441633.

16 May 2021 • The Jewish Newsletter

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May 2021 • The Jewish Newsletter

Jewish Community Center Beat the Heat and Join the J It pays to beat the heat! Join the JCC as a new member between May 18 and June 14, and receive a gift card for the value of the joining fee on your six-month anniversary. That’s a reward of up to $125, depending upon the membership category, just for being part of the JCC. Gift cards can be applied to personal training, TRX, reformer Pilates, swim lessons, JCC merchandise, and more! Visit nojcc.org/may21promo for details, to contact the membership directors or to schedule a tour.

Teens On The Move Get your 12– to 15-year-olds out of the house and help them stay active this summer with Teens on the Move, the JCC’s new program designed to create healthy habits and instill a sense of comfort and confidence in a fitness environment. In a fun group setting, teens will learn simple fitness physiology and gain a better understanding of physical and mental health benefits of exercise. Staff will teach them to safely and properly use the equipment in the fitness center and, over the course of the week, will introduce them to various forms of exercise including weight training, core training, HIIT, Pilates, yoga, TRX and more. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive their Teen Fit card, which allows teenage JCC members under the age of 16 to work out in the fitness center without adult supervision. The first session of Teens on the Move will be held June 21-25. Spaces are limited, so register today at nojcc.org!

JCC Summer Camp is Almost Here!

Basketball is Back

Basketball is back at the J with the return of pick up games and league play Summer is around the corner and that means it is almost time for this summer. JCC Summer Camp. Mellowball is a half-court three-onThe Goldring-Woldenberg JCC in Metairie has a limited number three basketball league for ages 30 and of spaces still available for children ages 3 to grade 5. They offer an older. However, do not let the name action-packed summer filled with swimming, sports, arts and crafts, fool you; it’s fast paced and the compeand more. Camp runs June 7–July 30. tition is as fierce as it is good-natured. Registration is customizable, allowing families to sign up for the YABL, the young adult basketball weeks that best fit their needs. Campers must enroll in a minimum of league open to ages 18 and older, offers four weeks, but those weeks do not need to be consecutive. full court, five-on-five competition. Both Applications and all payments are accepted online. Visit nojcc.org/ leagues plan to have a 10-game regular camp for additional details and the registration link. season culminating in a single-eliminaTo learn more about what makes the Metairie camp so special, or tion playoff. to check on availability for specific weeks, contact Camp Director Phil Details are still being finalized and Smith at phil@nojcc.org. will be posted at nojcc.org/adultsports. Until games return, members can reserve gym time to practice their shots or play one-on-one with a family member. 18

May 2021 • The Jewish Newsletter

Jewish Endowment Foundation Charitable Gift Annuity: Offering Certainty in Uncertain Times As we continue to navigate our way through challenging times, it is only natural to seek out security. When considering a gift to the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana, you may want to consider a Charitable Gift Annuity. This safe and reliable tool can be a great way to set aside valued assets today for guaranteed payments tomorrow — it is an excellent opportunity to support your community while also providing lifetime income for yourself!

SAMPLE RATES* FOR A $20,000** CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY ON A SINGLE LIFE 65 70 75 80 85

Annuitant Age Annuity Rate Annual Payment

4.2% 4.7% 5.4% 6.5% 7.6% $840

Tax-free Portion

$940

$1,080

$1,300

$1,520

$687.38 $784.30 $911.95 $1,109.98 $1,337.47

Charitable Deduction*** $6,321.10 $7,529.70 $8,691.84 $9,566.19 $10,905.24

The terms of your gift agreement define the rate, amount and timing A CGA is a lifetime contract between you and JEF. You make a contribution using cash or marketable securities and JEF, in turn, pays of all payments that you will receive. The table provides sample rates you a fixed monthly amount guaranteed for life. After your lifetime, for a $20,000 CGA on a single life. JEF receives the remainder of the CGA. If you are 60 or older, please contact Bobby Garon (bobby@jefno. org) or Debbie Berins (debbie@jefno.org) to discuss how a CGA can A CGA may offer: provide you, and another person if you so choose, with secure, tax-faSecurity: vored payments for life. As always, if we can be of assistance to you or • A reliable, fixed income stream for you or a loved one your advisors, please call us at (504) 524-4559 to have a confidential • Guaranteed payments backed by the full faith and assets conversation. of JEF Tax benefits: • Immediate income tax deduction • A portion of each payment may be income-tax-free • Capital gains tax may be deferred on donated appreciated property Enhanced retirement income with immediate payments or choose to defer to a later date with a Deferred Charitable Gift Annuity A legacy to your Jewish community

Now is the perfect time to plan your gift and commit your financial resources today to secure your community’s future.

* Rate schedule from American Council on Gift Annuities became effective on July 1, 2020. ** Minimum gift amount $10,000. *** Deductions will vary with the IRS Discount Rate at the time of your gift. Assumed rate of 0.8%. Charitable Gift Annuities are not investments and are not regulated by the insurance department of any state.

JEF does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your personal financial advisor.

Tulane Hillel Shop for Good Art Market This spring, we welcomed back one of our most popular Tulane Jewish Leaders initiatives, the Shop for Good Art Market, featuring 16 Tulane students and community entrepreneurial artists and vendors. Their art consisted of handmade jewelry, clothing, screen prints, drawings, and more! With the program taking place outdoors, all were welcome and students stopped by to enjoy some good food and beautiful artwork made by their peers. In order to give back to the community, each vendor donated approximately 30 percent of their profits to a non-profit of their choice. Ella Schumaker, pictured here, is a Sophomore at Tulane University and owns a small jewelry business called Bonsai Beads. She sells her handmade bead and resin jewelry on Instagram and joined the Hillel art market this semester. According to Ella, “The art market was such a welcoming and inspiring experience! I loved being able to share my work with the Tulane community and get a chance to share a space with such creative student artists! Being able to donate to a charity of my choice (The Sunrise Movement) was my favorite part because I felt

like it gave me a platform to raise money for something I feel strongly about.” At Tulane Hillel, we are excited to provide students with a platform to express their creativity and share their passions with the community. The art market has been an student favorite program throughout the years and we cannot wait to continue hosting them! For more information on upcoming student events, follow us on social media at Instagram.com/tuhillel and Facebook.com/tuhillel. May 2021 • The Jewish Newsletter

Jewish Community Day School Students recognized in ADL’s Fighting Hate for Good contest Three JCDS students placed in ADL’s Fighting Hate for Good Art and Poetry Contest. Mazel Tov to Cece P. for her artwork winning Second Place (3rd-5th), Zoey P. for her artwork winning Third Place (3rd-5th), and Benny D. for his poem winning First Place (3rd-5th)! The eighth annual “Fighting Hate for Good Art and Poetry Contest” included students from designated No Place For Hate schools across three states in grades Kindergarten through 12th. Students created art and poetry works supporting ADL’s mission to create a world that respects and encourages diversity. JCDS teachers Eliza Kase and Liz Amoss could not have been more proud of their students!

A Mess of Trouble In our classroom, We separate recyclables By color, shape, size Green whirly applesauce caps Blue staticy gift wrap Metal San Pellegrino tops King cake babies Black soda screw tops Red ribbon spools Green spice box caps Blue detergent caps, It occurred to me that we keep people Like recyclables In clear, segregated bins I would like to make a mess of them Unseparating the bins Interlacing citizens as unique as recyclables Collaging a community of colors Mingling the sizes, intertwining the shapes Bonded together in One multi colored skin Not apartheid in plastic bins -Benny D.

JCDS Remembers Jody Hart It is with great sadness that we report that Joseph “Jody” H. Hart, IV, parent of JCDS alumni Avery and Harry Hart, husband of Michele Allen-Hart, prominent New Orleans attorney, and member of the Executive Committee of the JCDS Board of Trustees, passed away suddenly on April 28. If it is the duty of an attorney to be a zealous advocate, then no better does than term apply than to Jody. He did everything with zeal. That applies to the love he showed for Michelle and the kids, his passionate support of the school, and the caring he showed his friends. Not only did Jody care incredibly deeply about others, he was free in expressing his appreciation for others. Never could his friends doubt, even in the middle of heated disagreement, the great respect that he had for them. He took joy in every moment with his family and constantly spoke of Michele, Avery, and Harry lovingly. Despite how hard he worked for his clients, Jody was always giving of his time with others. He took immense pride in the joy his wondrous house float brought to passersby, and ever the tinkerer, even more joy in talking about how the big project came together. Jody Hart managed to pack more life into his fifty-five years than many of us could pack into twice that many. Our hearts and our thoughts are with Michele, Avery, Harry, and the rest of Jody’s family at this time. May his memory be a blessing. 20

May 2021 • The Jewish Newsletter

Roll Out the Barrels! JCDS students said goodbye to two rain barrels they painted over the past few months. This meaningful art project is a partnership with Green Light New Orleans, a non-profit organization that strives to provide sustainable solutions to environmental issues in the New Orleans area. The rain barrel distribution program installs rain barrels near people’s houses to collect rainwater. In addition to contributing to water conservation, the collection of water also serves as an environmental tool to address issues such as flooding, subsidence, and reducing the carbon emissions released from the pumping stations in New Orleans. Using Japanese Magnolia trees as inspiration, JCDS students — and staff — painted two barrels on Bart Field when the weather cooperated. To prepare, children studied the lines and shapes of the Japanese Magnolia trees and created color studies with oil pastels. They began by painting the barrels’ base coats in cool shades of blues then got to work on their beautiful branches and flowers. Everyone will be on the lookout for these amazing (and important!) pieces of art.

summer travel

an annual SJL special section

At the Fairview Inn in Jackson

Fairview Inn an ideal getaway in Jackson When Peter and Tamar Sharp were looking to fulfill a long-held dream of owning a bed and breakfast, not only were they looking for the right property but also a welcoming Jewish community. They found that when they acquired the historic Fairview Inn in Jackson in 2006, an 18-room inn with a spa and lounge that also attract from the local community. When they took over the Fairview, the Sharps already had a long history in the hospitality industry. A native of Kent, England, Peter began bussing tables at age 14 and worked his way up. At Florida International University he switched his major from pre-law to international hotel management. Tamar, who majored in Jewish studies at Ohio State University, also has a background in room and food and beverage departments with Hyatt and Radisson hotels, and they met while both were working at a Hyatt in Columbus, Ohio. While living in the Bahamas, Tamar brought a newfound Jewish community together and organized arrangements for a Torah and rabbinical services. A local Jewish Bahamian donated a the store front where a Jewish fellowship was formed. When the Sharps returned to the U.S., their children were in first grade and they settled in Celebration, Fla. Rabbi Valerie Cohen, who was at Jackson’s Beth Israel at the time, had a large impact on the Sharps moving to Mississippi. Constructed in 1908, the Fairview is one of the only architecturally designed homes of that period remaining in Jackson. Designed by the Chicago architectural firm of Spencer and Powers, it was originally built for Cyrus Warren, vice president of Warren-Goodwin Lumber. Spencer was an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright, and Fairview is his only known example of the Colonial Revival style. Fairview changed hands twice more before 1930, undergoing several renovations and expansions, and by then only the library was as it was in 1908, which is still the case today. In 1930, D.C. and Annie Belle Simmons purchased the home, which went to their son, William Simmons, in 1972. William Simmons founded the Citizens’ Council in Jackson, which opposed racial integration during the civil rights era. Upon his retirement, William Simmons turned Fairview into an inn, constructing a major addition in 2000 to add 10 luxury bedrooms. After the Sharps bought the property from Simmons, they turned part of the mansion int a restaurant, did extensive renovations to the guest rooms and public areas, and included a beautiful Victorian gazebo on the Magnolia deck. Next to the gardens, they also opened nomiSpa, one of the only holistic

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summer travel

spas in the area. Part of the spa’s local appeal is packages for brides-to-be and their entourages. The spa’s name is a reversal of their son’s name, Simon. He died in 2007 at the age of 15, after battling leukemia. In 2012, the Sharps turned the original 1908 library into the Library Lounge, with drinks named for Mississippi literary figures. Dinner service has since been added to the lounge, after numerous guest requests. The inn also has a Southern farm-to-table restaurant, 1908 Provisions. The 18 rooms and suites are individually decorated, and many have in-room whirlpool tubs and working fireplaces. The four-diamond property has won numerous awards and has seen plenty of celebrities come through over the years, including Mick Jagger, Matthew McConaughey, Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Olivia Spencer, Renee Zellweger, Jon Voight and Prince Andrew. The facility has also hosted numerous events in the Jewish community, including a 2015 reception with Israel Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer, Governor Phil Bryant and a wide range of dignitaries for an Israel Meets Mississippi summit. The Fairview Inn is also ideally located for a parents’ getaway each summer after dropping off or before picking up the kids at the Henry S. Jacobs Camp, just 40 minutes away.

Discover your story at L’Auberge Baton Rouge Life along the Mississippi is captured in every exquisite detail of the guest experience at L’Auberge Baton Rouge Casino and Hotel. A contemporary interpretation of the classic lodge, the casino is a thrilling homage to the beauty, tradition and energy of Baton Rouge. Featuring the latest greats and classic favorites — 1,400 exhilarating slots grace the casino floor, combined with over 50 of the area’s most exciting table games and a smoking and gaming veranda with 3,000 square feet of open air and sweeping views of the Mississippi River. Experience the best cuisine in the region at one of the distinct restaurants. Feast on eclectic cuisine and Southern comforts, featuring the allnew Red Lotus Asian Kitchen. Dine in on prime cuts of beef and perfectly paired wines at 18 STEAK, or take in a game while enjoying outstanding, colossal wings at Stadium Sports Bar & Grill. Dance the night away with DJs and rock out to area bands or see top-name entertainment at the 1,500 seat Event Center. Experience the epitome of fine Louisiana living and revitalize at the AAA Four-Diamond hotel. Each gracious guest room and lavish suite tells a story, steeped in tradition of the South and inspired by the journeys of world travelers. All rooms include views of either the Mississippi River or the city of Baton Rouge. After a night’s rest, be sure to take a dip and soak up the breathtaking views of the mighty Mississippi at the unique rooftop pool.

May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

summer travel

Space and Rocket Center reopens for exploration A year ago, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville was closed to the public — like so many other venues around the world — because of the global pandemic. This year, this showcase for America’s space program is open and ready to welcome visitors for an awe-inspiring experience that includes new exhibits, planetarium programs and fun. The Rocket Center has long been Alabama’s top paid tourist attraction, with visitors from around the world coming to see its world-class collection of artifacts, including the National Historic Landmark Saturn V Moon rocket and other mind-boggling achievements in space exploration. As the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the Rocket Center shows how a small Southern agricultural town became the hub for space, defense and biotech research and development it is today. Along with telling the story of the “Rocket City,” the Rocket Center brings in traveling exhibitions that provide visitors with a new experience each time they come. This summer’s exhibit, “Drones: Is the Sky the Limit,” will examine the modern phenomenon of drones, how they are being used today and the future role these unmanned aerial devices will play. Developed by subject experts from the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum and produced by Imagine Exhibitions, “Drones” includes indepth label paneling and rich audio-visual content to explore one of the most intriguing and sometimes controversial topics today. A visit to the Rocket Center isn’t complete without seeing a show in the INTUITIVE® Planetarium. This state-of-the-art planetarium provides stunning visuals of the universe and beyond. The planetarium’s staff puts together original programming based on the latest images available, including from the Perseverance rover that landed on Mars in February

2021. Since it touched down in Jezero crater, the rover has sent back tens of thousands of images that will help us understand the planet better and assist in planning future missions, including ones with humans one day. The Rocket Center has also added many new ways to explore the museum, which opened in 1970. Primarily reserved for attendees in the Rocket Center’s famed Space Camp program, the Underwater Astronaut Trainer is now open for visitors to try out a DIVR+ or Sea TREK experience. DIVR+ is a virtual reality snorkeling system with sensory feedback that provides a realistic VR experience for ages 7 and older, while Sea TREK is a fully guided underwater walking experience suitable for swimmers and divers of all skill levels, ages 10 and older. Both these activities take place in the heated Underwater Astronaut Trainer, so participants should prepare to get wet! Other extras include testing skills in an F-18 Super Hornet flight simulator, taking a spin on a Multi-Axis Trainer or walking in the moon boots of astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin in a virtual reality recreation of the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Every Friday and Saturday, families can also sign up for IDEAS Lab and explore the universe through this hands-on learning lab. With the closure of the museum for almost three months and the suspension of its Space Camp programs, the Rocket Center’s future was uncertain in 2020. It will be some time before the shadow the pandemic and the economic challenges it created for cultural and entertainment destinations is fully in the past, but the Rocket Center is ready to soar again in the spirit of exploration. For more information about visiting the Rocket Center, visit rocketcenter. com.

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May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

summer travel Spend a day in the beauty of Bellingrath Gardens Guests at the Bellingrath Gardens and Home step out of time to stroll through a vibrant, ever-changing 65-acre estate Garden and tour the historic Bellingrath Home, built in 1935 and filled with the original antiques and collections of founders Walter and Bessie Bellingrath. The oldest public garden in the state of Alabama, Bellingrath first opened to the public on April 7, 1932. It takes most guests about 45 minutes to walk through the Gardens on their self-guided tour. The Bellingrath Home tour is a 30-minute visit led by veteran tour guides; on this tour, guests hear the Bellingraths’ story and view their original possessions. The Home, built in 1935, offers a unique look at life on the Gulf Coast in the 1930s and 1940s. Walter Bellingrath was Mobile’s first Coca-Cola bottler. In 1919, overworked and under a great deal of stress, he purchased this property, which featured a rustic fishing camp, with the idea of using it a weekend retreat. His wife decided to plant old-growth azaleas and camellias to beautify the property, which they called “Belle Camp.” A few years later, the Bellingraths hired architect George B. Rogers to design their Gardens and give them a formal look. As the Gardens were developed, their reputation grew as well. In April 1932, Mr. Bellingrath placed an ad in the Mobile Register, inviting the public to come and see the Gardens. According to some estimates, more than 4,700 Mobilians thronged to see Belle Camp. Life at the idyllic Fowl River retreat would never be the same. In 1934, the Bellingraths decided that the Gardens needed to be open year-round and hired Rogers to design a permanent home at Belle Camp. After the Home was completed, Mrs. Bellingrath began collecting fine antiques to furnish it, traveling around the South as well as to New York. She bought the finest quality antique silver, porcelains, furniture and crystal.

Dealers knew that she wanted the best and was willing to pay high prices when other wealthy customers were more interested in making a deal. Bessie Morse Bellingrath died on Feb. 15, 1943, at the age of 64. She is buried at Magnolia Cemetery with her parents and other family members. Mr. Bellingrath died 12 years later and is buried beside his wife. Bellingrath Gardens and Home is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Bellingrath, and the foundation created by her husband directs that the property is to be maintained as a suitable memorial to this generous and talented lady. The Home, which Mrs. Bellingrath took such a delight in furnishing, has been open to the public since Jan. 1, 1956. Bellingrath Gardens and Home is in south Mobile County on the Fowl River, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Mobile. The Gardens are a 20-minute drive from Dauphin Island, which has beautiful beaches and charming restaurants. The Island also offers regular ferry service to Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores. It’s easy to make a day of it at Bellingrath! Lunch is served daily in the Magnolia Café, which has room for up to 80 guests, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. After visiting the Gardens and Home, the perfect souvenir can be found in the well-stocked Gift Shop. Bellingrath Gardens and Home is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year, closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Guided tours of the Bellingrath Home are offered hourly beginning at 9 a.m., with the last ticket sold at 3:30 p.m. For details, visit bellingrath.org, or call (251) 973-2217.

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May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

community

The Perfect Place… Missing Louisiana, first Israeli Arab in top Israel Basketball league excels

to say I do.

By Richard Friedman “There is no difference between us when we are on the court,” says 25-yearold Shahd Abboud, the only Arab on Israel’s national women’s basketball team, and a former player at Northwestern State in Louisiana. Abboud was one of three professional female Israeli basketball players who highlight- Shahd Abboud at the 2021 FIBA Women’s ed a recent online pro- EuroBasket Qualifiers gram on the impact of sports on race and religion. The Maccabi USA program was sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League, Center for Jewish-Multicultural Affairs at the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, the Jewish Federation of Milwaukee, and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans. New Orleans Federation CEO Arnie Fielkow, a former president and CEO of the National Basketball Retired Players Association, was one of the moderators. Abboud’s basketball prowess has taken her all over Israel while growing up, to play with Jewish teams; to junior college in Texas, to Louisiana where she became a widely-admired star at Northwestern State, and back to Israel where she’s made a name for herself as one of the country’s top female basketball players. Most young Arab women, be they Muslim or Christian, like Abboud, don’t have the chance to pursue sports careers. That’s because the emphasis in their culture is mostly on academics and developing professional skills. Women’s sports are not promoted. Abboud, however, was cast in a different mold. Both of her parents are educators and basketball coaches, and progressives compared to their general culture. So they supported their daughter’s basketball pursuits. Her parents would drive her all over Israel from their home in Nazareth so she could play on Jewish teams, which offered a higher level of competition.

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Trust and Dreams Allowing her to come to the U.S., first to play basketball at a junior college in Texas, then at Northwestern State, was another big show of support for her. “I was just 18 and didn’t speak much English. Yet they trusted me and let me follow my dreams.” In high school, Abboud already was a part of the Israeli national team. After a game in Europe, she was approached by an American who asked if she’d be interested in playing college ball in the U.S. That led to her playing two years of junior college basketball at Jacksonville College in east Texas. Her success there led to a scholarship offer from Louisiana’s Northwestern State University, located in Natchitoches. Abboud has been back in Israel for four years where, as the first Christian Arab Israeli to play in the First Division League, she plays for Maccabi Haifa. Last year, she was named the league’s domestic MVP. Versatile on the court, Abboud at 5 feet, 11 inches, can play guard or forward. She can hit three-pointers, handles the ball well and plays with May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

ExtErior DEsigns, inc.

By Beverly Katz

community On the recent online program, Abboud was impressive and poised. She acknowledged that living in a region where religious and ethnic tensions are ongoing is a challenge. Israel is 75 percent Jewish. Of the remaining 25 percent, most are Arabs, though Muslims vastly outnumber Christians. As an Israeli sports pioneer, Abboud receives media attention. She’s often asked about politics, a subject she doesn’t discuss publicly. On social media, about half the comments directed toward her are positive and half are negative. However, she says, that does not faze her.

Respected and Admired

Same Opportunities Now that Abboud is back home in Israel, advocating for women athletes, particularly in the Arab community, is important to her. “I’m trying to do whatever I can in my community to have more female athletes have the same opportunity,” she said during the online program. “We need to use our voices. I go to different schools and communities and tell younger Arab women that they can get to where I am now and they can do it,” she said. “I think society will appreciate and respect women in sports when we stand up for what we believe in and voice what we deserve. I think the change is coming.” As a result of the country’s preoccupation with security, being an Arab in Israel is not always easy. When the national team travels abroad, Abboud often is the only member airport security pulls aside for extended questioning. “It is not a good feeling. But my teammates never treat me differently, and at the end of the day that’s all that counts. I remain true to my identity and proud of who I am.” She also doesn’t hesitate to dialogue privately with her Jewish teammates about issues that at times cause tension between their two communities. “We get along great. We love and respect each other in every way possible.” Abboud doesn’t know how much longer she’ll play professionally. But she already knows that post-basketball she wants to work with athletes. Meanwhile, her Louisiana legacy continues. The Northwestern State community loved her, said Stoehr, a love that continues to this day. “When a young man or woman puts on a jersey, our fans fall in love with these athletes — and they loved Shahd.” And she, in turn, loved them. Playing professional basketball is great, she says from her home in Nazareth, but playing at the college level, especially for the Northwestern State Demons, was something special. She loved her teammates, she loved her school and she loved Louisiana, especially the people, their warmth, and the food. “I miss it very much. I’m grateful to God for the opportunity I was given.”

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Northwestern State’s athletic director Greg Burke and Brooke Stoehr, who coached Abboud for a year, rave about her. They say she was a serious and determined student-athlete, a fierce competitor who practiced good sportsmanship, and someone who was respected and admired by all who knew her. Not only was she a winner, they agree, but she won over countless fans because of the way she carried herself on and off the court. “She was an incredible teammate — one of the most selfless people you will meet,“ said Stoehr. “She wanted to be part of something bigger than herself.” In addition to making her mark on the court, Abboud was involved in the community. “She got to know people, in the program and beyond. They loved her personality. They appreciated how grateful she was, how respectful she was,” said Stoehr. “Shahd sacrificed to go to college in the U.S. and have an experience outside of her normal upbringing. When you have players who do that it shows a lot of courage and commitment. There was a desire to represent her family and country well.” Abboud’s uniqueness gave her the chance to make an impact beyond the basketball court, a role she welcomed. “It was unusual to have a player from Israel, especially an Arab,” Stoehr recalls. “As we got to know Shahd, we got to know things we didn’t know — about her family, culture and country.” This was a great experience for the team, says Stoehr. “It doesn’t happen very often. It was great for us to listen.”

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May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

Three more virtual visits are planned for Re-Discovering the Land of Israel, a series of free virtual Israel tours, led by tour guide David Sussman. The series is coordinated by the Atlanta Israel Coalition, in partnership with the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern U.S., the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Herut, and the Evans Family Foundation.

On May 23, the tour will be of the Artist Colony of Tzfat, the winding alleys of the city of Kabbalah. June 6 will be the Old and New in Tel Aviv and Jaffa, and June 27 will be a visit to the Golan Heights, one of Israel’s most scenic areas. The tour will include a discussion about the politics of the Golan, with Major Ya’akov Selevan. All tours are at 9 a.m. Central. Register at bit.ly/TourIsrael-AIC

counselor’s corner a monthly feature from Collat Jewish Family Services

Thinking About How You Think By Cynthia Bryant, LICSW The Covid pandemic has obviously impacted everyone’s life. Just when you think you have adapted to the current reality, new information and recommendations emerge. Every day there seems to be a new report about vaccine effectiveness, mask guidelines and daily totals for active cases and mortalities. In addition, we hear of new Covid variants which may be more dangerous or contagious than previous strains. For many of us, being exposed to wave after wave of new information about this frightening virus has added stress and uncertainty to daily life. How does one continue to cope in a healthy way? By now, you have likely heard how important it is to talk to others regularly, as well as getting fresh air, exercise and sufficient sleep — and all of these are vital to our well-being. However, In times of stress, it is also important to think about the way we think. The pandemic has put many of us in a state of “high alert,” which may cause us to assess every situation through a filter of caution, worry and fear. Interpreting daily life through such a negative lens can lead to depression and/or anxiety. So how can we prevent these thoughts and concerns from damaging our mental health? Through the framework of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, a person can learn how to identify ingrained assumptions and negative thoughts. Once we have identified these assumptions, we can then “challenge” them with alternative interpretations of the same events. Here are a few simple questions you can ask yourself to defuse “automatic negative thoughts” related to the pandemic or other troubling situations in our live: • Am I making assumptions about the situation? Am I assuming the worst? • Is there a way to look at the positives in the situation? What can I accept about the situation? • Is the way I am thinking helping the situation? Or making it worse? • How much of the situation is in my control? • Do I have a trusted friend with whom I can check in about my anxious/depressed thoughts? • How can my religious or spiritual beliefs help me with this? • How have I made it through stressful times in the past? Asking ourselves these questions may enable us to: • Release matters that are beyond our control. • Feel empowered in the things we can control. • Gain a sense of balance rather than becoming mired in “all or nothing” thinking. • Accurately assess a stressor and recognize our own strengths and resiliency. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help individuals find a healthier way to respond to many of life’s challenges, past or present. The Licensed Clinical Social Workers of CJFS offer CBT as well as other approaches to overall wellness and improved mental health. To learn more or make an appointment, contact Clinical Director Marcy Morgenbesser, marcy@cjfsbham.org or 205.879.3438. May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

community NCJW holding year-end program in person

is a live and interactive tour of all things Mars. Join us as we explore the latest imagery and data from the Red Planet.

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The Greater New Orleans Section of the National Council of Jewish Women will hold its annual Closing Event and Installation on May 23 at 2 p.m. at Gates of Prayer in Metairie. With the increased vaccination rate, they are confident that an in-person event can be done, but there will also be a Zoom option for those who wish to attend remotely. The event will be in the sanctuary with masks and distancing required. There is a $10 admission for those attending in person, for the reception that will follow the meeting. The reception will be in indoor and outdoor spaces, and “goodies to go” will be provided. Gail Fenton Pesses will be installed as the new president. She most recently served in the role of executive vice president. Over the last few years, she led the Section’s work in membership and then community service. Active with the Section for decades, Pesses served as president of Moonlighters, the evening branch, from 1984 to 1986. Outgoing President Susan Hess will present the President’s Award to Dana Shepard and Kathy Shepard.

Avodah honors Partners in Justice on June 6

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May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

Avodah New Orleans will hold its annual Partners In Justice jazz brunch virtually on June 6 at 11 a.m., on Zoom. Honorees will be Marc Behar, Ana and Juan Gershanik, and Joseph Kanter. Avodah first came to New Orleans in 2008, and each year has 10 to 12 corps members living communally and providing services to non-profits that fight poverty and advocate for social justice. A large proportion of the corps members stay in New Orleans after their oneyear commitment ends. A Detroit native, Behar has been active on the Avodah advisory council. In 1987 he started the American Chiropractic Clinic in New Orleans, and has been active on numerous community boards. He chairs JP NOLA, which serves the Jewish LGBTQ community. The Gershaniks are longtime community leaders, active in combating drug addiction, promoting local music and culture, advocating for children with disabilities, and celebrating the New Orleans Latinx community. Kanter spearheaded the state’s response to Covid, and previously led the state’s comprehensive opioid mitigation strategy. Single virtual tickets are $100, and there is a young professionals rate for those under age 36 at $40. Sustainer levels start at $500 and go up to Underwriter at $7,500.

community >> Rear Pew

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what was once sacrificed for the stage and how we continue to sacrifice for it even today. In ancient times, men performed all the roles. Even today, some traditional, non-egalitarian services still follow that custom. We are an egalitarian establishment, so women are allowed and encouraged to play women’s roles. In some instances, you might find women performing roles originally intended for men as well. As mentioned before, much of our service is done facing the location of the First and Second Globe Theatre in our ancient capital, London. Of course, the First Globe burned due to a cannon accident during Henry VIII. The Second Globe was built on the old foundation, but it too was razed after too short an existence, forcing worship of the Bard to scatter throughout the diaspora. Hundreds of years later, in the latter half of the 20th century, the remaining Globe foundation was made accessible again. With a replica now built on those same grounds, hundreds of thousands flock to this spiritual and cultural hub every year. If you are here in the fall, you might see a special hut outside. It’s part of an annual holiday celebrating the small temporary shelters in which traveling actors had to perform in the days before The Globe was built. The hut has a special thatched roof similar to those temporary shelters of old and to that which topped The Globe itself. If you have any questions, feel free to ask the people around you. While fair is foul and foul is fair, no fair question will be treated as foul. Even if you ask about the annual rite of spring: The Passover Satyr Play. Doug Brook appears live in the one-man play “Shylock” online June 4 to 20, including Central Time-friendly matinees. For tickets, go to https:// www.svshakespeare.org/our-season/shylock/. To read past columns, visit http://brookwrite.com/. For exclusive online content, follow facebook.com/ rearpewmirror

Leadership alumni and JNEXT to hold Jewish Broadway online celebration Alumni of the Lemann-Stern and Katz-Phillips leadership programs in New Orleans and members of JNEXT will have a “Jewish Broadway” event with Shelly Goldstein, May 26 at 7 p.m. In the ever-evolving show, she performs some of the Jewish contributions to the “Great American Songbook,” featuring favorites like Irving Berlin, the Gershwins, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb, Carole King and many others. Goldstein’s one-woman shows have played to sold-out crowds across the United States and Britain. She has written for such artists as Steve Martin, Stephen Colbert, Jay Leno, Barbra Streisand, Lily Tomlin, Sharon Stone, Hugh Jackman, Jane Fonda, Liza Minnelli and Yoko Ono. Onscreen, she co-starred opposite Sir Derek Jacobi and Vanessa Redgrave in the British thriller “The Riddle,” and opposite Vinnie Jones in the Irish film “Assault of Darkness.” The free event is sponsored by Touro Infirmary/LCMC and presented by the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, and registration is required. JNEXT is the group for Jewish community members ages 40 to 59.

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May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life

The Bard Mitzvah Reimagined after 13 more years training b’nai mitzvah and six years leading a Shakespeare company… Welcome to this morning’s Bard Mitzvah celebration. This guide explains the service you are about to experience, and the fundamentals of its underlying faith system. You’ve already noticed that people are wearing unusual head coverings and pieces around their necks. These are traditional garments, similar to those worn since the beginning, in the Sixteenth Century along the River Avon. Many people find the language you’re about to experience cryptic and difficult to understand. You should still be able to follow what’s going on even if you don’t understand every word. Also, with a little attention and study, the language comes to people in time. The books in front of you will help guide you, providing translations into modern English as well as commentary on the original text. This service is divided into five parts. The preliminary service, or Prologue, sets the mood for what’s to come. It includes the reading of numerous Sonnets. The Sonnets are a collection of the Bard’s 154 poetic renderings that, in many varied ways, express love and devotion. The second part of the service is a devotional. When we rise to our feet, we face northeast, the traditional direction from the Americas and lower England toward the original center of our worship: the sacred Globe Theatre in London. Included in this part of the service is an expression of monothespism, the belief that there is only one true Shakespeare (referred to informally as HaShakes). This communal declaration denies any theories that there was no single Shakespeare, or that his mastery was the work of other hands. The third part is usually cut, except on holidays. It contains several more Sonnets, reserved for extra praise on those special days. The fourth part of the service is the main event: a reading from scripture. A particular script is associated with every week of the year. Originally written on papyrus, many of the scripts recount historical events and the lives of kings, while others are more allegorical on social themes. Some readings are lighter or philosophical, while others demonstrate war and intrigue at levels some consider surprisingly graphic. The scripts include the 37 commonly attributed to Shakespeare, plus three others previously considered lost. These plus the 11 scripts in the Shakespearean Apocrypha comprise a full year of readings. Traditional establishments read an entire play every Saturday. Some newer movements follow a quintennial cycle, in which one act is read each year. This way, all plays are read in their entirety after five years. For example, a popular mid-fall reading is best known for the pivotal role of a great storm and the people on a boat that weathered it: The Tempest. The readings themselves have a special rhythm and cadence in which they are performed. Every Bard Mitzvah student must learn an excerpt, but it often takes years of study to master the skill for all texts. Even more difficult is that the script itself does not include notation of the rhythm or cadence, and sometimes little more than paragraph breaks. The final part of the service is reminiscent of the sacrifices made in ancient times, figurative and sometimes literal, for the craft. While we don’t indulge in the same practices today, this service is a reminder of continued on previous page

May 2021 • Southern Jewish Life