Southern Jewish Life NEW ORLEANS EDITION
INSIDE:
October 2018 Volume 28 Issue 9
Southern Jewish Life 3747 West Esplanade Ave., 3rd Floor Metairie, LA 70002 Window in the chapel at Ahavas Chesed, Mobile
5,000 YEARS OF CIVILIZATION REBORN
Mahalia Jackson Theater December 26, 2018 800.380.8165 ShenYun.com/New-Orleans
Shen Yun’s unique
artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, deeply moving journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture. 2
October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms—classical Chinese dance— along with innovative multimedia effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a glorious civilization of unrivaled beauty, artistry, and inspiration.
We invite you to a world where philosophers and poets alike sought harmony with the Dao, or “Way,” of the universe. Where maidens danced with ethereal grace and generals fought with explosive athleticism. Where timeless tales of valor and virtue were born. Where heaven and earth intersected, and even magic was possible.
shalom y’all It’s a staple of sermons — the story of a man who was in his home during a tremendous rain. A police officer came by to urge him to leave, and he said God would keep him safe. As the waters rose, he was on his porch when someone came by in a boat — probably a member of the Cajun Navy. He refused to leave, God would protect him. Soon the waters rose to where he was on his roof. When a helicopter came by, he refused to leave, same reason. After he drowned, he confronted God. “How could you let this happen? I was faithful and trusted you!” God responded, “who sent the policeman, the boat and helicopter?” As there is an election coming up, politicians have similarly been wearing their faith on their sleeves, waiting for divine rescue instead of rolling up those sleeves. There are tremendous issues in schools and in society, problems with the breakdown of families, poverty, low expectations, violence… the list seems endless. Some point to when God was “kicked out” of schools (such a weak God, to be pushed around like that!) as the point when the slide began. In Tennessee, there is now a requirement for schools to prominently display “In God We Trust.” In Alabama, there is an amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot to place the Ten Commandments in schools and public buildings. Mississippi considered a bill this year that would have required teachers to either recite or have someone else recite the Ten Commandments each day at the start of school, and also required the display of “In God We Trust.” That bill died in committee. The complicated issues we face require hard work over a long period of time. These public expressions of the majority faith in what are supposed to be secular institutions are little more than feel-good measures. God will protect us, we need not get on the boat and actively participate in our rescue. Since Alabama’s amendment speaks of historical displays and no state funds being used, perhaps someone in the Jewish community can step up and supply all schools with the Ten Commandments — in the original Hebrew. Now that would be quite a lesson!
shalom y’all
Cover Image: Courtesy Haspel
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MESSAGES Sukkot Around The Region Maccabi USA leader praises Birmingham Games I have had the honor of attending many Maccabi competitions around the world. From Israel to Australia to South America, Europe and the JCC Maccabi games around the United States and Canada, I have logged many miles seeing how sports can be a vehicle to help build Jewish identity, especially in our young. I felt honored to come to Birmingham for the first time and fell in love with not just the city but the people. You have taken Southern hospitality to a new level with your kind and caring approach to the JCC Maccabi Games. Led by the Sokol and Helds, your hard-working volunteers were wonderful. They partnered with your outstanding staff, led by Betzy Lynch, to make the 2017 JCC Maccabi games a huge hit. I want to take this opportunity as executive director of Maccabi USA to say thank you on behalf of everyone involved. I had just returned from the 20th World Maccabiah games in Israel with a U.S. delegation of over 1100, who joined 10,000 Jewish athletes from 80 countries. Back in July the eyes of the entire Jewish world were on Jerusalem and the Maccabiah. This past month with 1000 athletes and coaches from around the world being in Birmingham, you became the focal point. Everyone from the Jewish community and the community at large, including a wonderful police force, are to be commended. These games will go down in history as being a seminal moment for the Jewish community as we build to the future by providing such wonderful Jewish memories. Jed Margolis Executive Director, Maccabi USA
On Charlottesville Editor’s Note: This reaction to the events in Charlottesville, written by Jeremy Newman, 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 4
October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
supremacists would like to see pushed back into a corner and made to feel lesser. We stand with and pray for the family of Heather Heyer, who was there standing up to the face of this hate. 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 Clockwise from top left:” Gates of Prayer in certain unalienable rights. We know our work Metairie; Lunch at Touro Synagogue; At Beth is far from finished, but we know we will not Israel Gulfport, there are palm, willow and move in backwards. myrtle on the property, so Sunday School When men and women, fullytheir armed, take students harvested and made own to the streets in droves withatswastikas and in lulavim; Hoshana Rabbah Shir Chadash other symbols of hate, is a Uptown reminderJewish of how Metairie; Sukkot insideit the relevant the issues of racism and anti-Semitism Community Center; Chabad at LSU; Sukkah are today. It is a wake-up dining at Kosher Cajun call to the work that needs to be done to ensure a better, more welcoming country. But it should not come without a reflection on how far we’ve come. America was born a slave nation. A century into our history we engaged in a war in part to ensure we would not continue as one. We found ourselves confronted by the issue of civil rights, and embarked on a mission to ensure the fair treatment of all peoples no matter their skin color. Although we’ve made great strides, it is a mission we’re still grappling with today. America was also born an immigrant country. As early as the pilgrims, many groups and families found in the country the opportunity to plant stakes, chase their future, and be themselves. Few were met with open
October 2018 January
Southern Jewish Life PUBLISHER/EDITOR Lawrence M. Brook editor@sjlmag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/ADVERTISING Lee J. Green lee@sjlmag.com V.P. SALES/MARKETING, NEW ORLEANS Jeff Pizzo jeff@sjlmag.com ADVERTISING SPECIALIST Annetta Dolowitz annetta@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 14 Office Park Circle #104 Birmingham, AL 35223 205/870.7889 NEW ORLEANS OFFICE 3747 West Esplanade, 3rd Floor Metairie, LA 70002 504/432-2561 TOLL-FREE 866/446.5894 FAX 866/392.7750 ADVERTISING Advertising inquiries to 205/870.7889 for Lee Green, lee@sjlmag.com; Jeff Pizzo, jeff@sjlmag.com; or Annetta Dolowitz, annetta@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 2018. 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.
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agenda interesting bits & can’t miss events
Students at Slater Torah Academy sing to Rosina Slater at Sept. 13 ceremony
Slater Torah Academy celebrates new name, landmark gift Torah Academy in Metairie honored Rosina Slater as a woman of valor at a Sept. 13 ceremony as the school was officially renamed the Joseph and Rosina Slater Torah Academy. Slater made the $1.8 million gift toward the school’s Burn the Mortgage Campaign, on behalf of herself and her late husband, Joseph. She and her husband never had children, but Rabbi Mendel Rivkin of Chabad of Louisiana said “through this act of kindness she has gained many spiritual children.” At the ceremony, Rabbi Yossi Chesney, director of development, related a story from the Baal Shem Tov, who found a town filled with children who had similar names. They had all been named for a childless couple who, a century before, endowed Jewish education in the town, enabling all to attend. The students performed for Slater, singing a takeoff of “Oyfn Pripetshik,” describing how students hold the future in their hands. Longtime Torah Academy teacher Nechama Kaufmann composed the song. Sarah Attias emceed the program, which began with Rabbi Zelig Rivkin talking about the history of Torah Academy and Jewish education in New Orleans. Henry Miller, president of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, spoke on behalf of the Federation. Linda Waknin and Matt the Sushi Guy catered the event, and the Panorama Jazz Band provided the music. The Magic YoYo was performed for children. Slater’s gift is part of a $3.5 million campaign to retire the mortgage from the school’s post-Katrina facility, which was dedicated in 2014. At the time, there were 27 students in the school, now enrollment is around
70 in pre-K to eighth grade. Rabbi Mendel Rivkin noted that Slater would visit Chabad for holidays, and he would visit her in Lambeth House. “She would often express herself to me that she wants to do something for the community,” he said. While he does encourage people to leave bequests in their wills, “the downside of a bequest is that a person does not have the benefit of enjoying the fruits of their bequest during their lifetime… But the beauty of this gift is that Rosina has the pleasure of seeing the direct benefit to these children with her own eyes.”
Nov. 2 installation for Touro Cantor Margolius Touro Synagogue will officially install Cantor Kevin Margolius on Nov. 2 during the 6 p.m. Shabbat service. As is Touro’s weekly tradition, a dinner will follow. Rabbi Emily Mathis of the Tremont Street Shul in Cambridge, Mass., will officiate. Until 2017, she was rabbi of Temple Beth Shalom in Peabody, where Margolius was music director and cantorial intern while attending cantorial school at Hebrew College. Margolius began at Touro in July, after serving Temple Beth Tikvah in Madison, Conn., for five years. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Margolius graduated with a degree in quantitative economics from Tufts University, then attended Hebrew College, where he was ordained as a cantor in 2013. He is a member of the Reform movement’s American Conference of Cantors and the Guild of Temple Musicians, and the Conservative movement’s Cantors Assembly. October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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agenda Jewish Community Day School receives major grant for scholarship assistance Greater financial assistance for students to attend Jewish Community Day School will be available, thanks to a large grant the Metairie school just received. The Charles Zucker Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana has awarded the school a $250,000 grant. According to terms of the grant, the purpose is to establish a permanent endowment for the benefit of the school. Annual distributions from the fund will be used to support scholarships for those who otherwise would be unable to attend JCDS. JCDS Board President Carole Neff noted, “This is an important day in our community. The Zucker Fund represents both stability and access, helping to provide an outstanding Jewish day school education to all children for many years to come.” According to JEF Executive Director Saundra Levy, Charlie, as he was known to his friends, was a totally self-made man. With only a high school education, his charming personality and his gift for never having met a stranger, he became a very successful businessman. He went from being a tie salesman to a designer of fine men’s clothing. Along the way he made close friends everywhere. Sharon Pollin, JCDS Head of School, said “The legacy of Charles D. Zucker will live in our students, as we teach about the example he set for a life rich with optimism, friendships, and deeds of kindness.” The school intends to acknowledge the gift at its upcoming “Butterfly Ball” on Nov. 18 at 5:30 pm. The school currently serves students from grades Pre-K to 6, along with a Young Baby Program. A new full-day Early Childhood Education division opens next August.
JCC event helps parents navigate elementary school choices Kindergarten readiness forum also part of evening The Uptown Jewish Community Center in New Orleans is once again presenting its annual Kindergarten Readiness Forum and School Fair, in partnership with the Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital and Jewish Community Day School. On Oct. 24, the fair will be preceded by the Kindergarten forum. Both events are free and open to the community. Beginning at 6 p.m. in the Grant Board Room, the readiness forum is designed to demystify the kindergarten enrollment process, which can often be confusing and stressful for families. It features panelists from the public and private school realm who will talk about all areas of the kindergarten enrollment process. Topics include the New Orleans Public School OneApp process, faithbased school choices, private school admissions testing and kindergarten readiness. After the presentation, panelists will be available to answer individual questions. The school fair follows at 6:30 p.m. in the Mintz Auditorium, where representatives from various local elementary schools — public, charter, religious and independent — will be available to speak with parents. While the forum and school fair are designed for those currently looking at kindergarten options, the information will be useful to all families of young children who have questions about the application and enrollment process. 6
October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
agenda Walter Isaacson to speak at Temple Sinai Temple Sinai in New Orleans will host New York Times bestselling author Walter Isaacson during the 6:15 p.m. Shabbat service on Oct. 26. Isaacson will speak on the importance and impact of creativity and diversity. This event is free and open to the public. A New Orleans native, Isaacson is currently a history professor at Tulane and the author of “Leonardo da Vinci,” “Steve Jobs,” “The Innovators: How a Group of Inventors, Hackers, Geniuses and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution,” “Einstein: His Life and Universe,” “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” and “Kissinger: A Biography.” After working for The Sunday Times in London and the New Orleans Times-Picayune, he joined Time magazine, becoming the magazine’s editor in 1996. In 2001 he became chairman and CEO of CNN, then became president and CEO of the Aspen Institute in 2003. In 2017 he joined the faculty at Tulane. Following Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco appointed him vice-chairman of the Louisiana Recovery Authority. In 2007 he was appointed by President George W. Bush to chair the U.S.-Palestinian Partnership, looking to create educational and economic opportunities in Palestinian areas. He has co-chaired New Orleans’ tricentennial celebrations, and cochaired Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s transition team. Rabbi Todd Silverman of Touro Synagogue will offer a “Jewish History 101” class tracing from Mount Sinai to St. Charles Avenue. The course, which meets Tuesdays at 6 p.m. from Oct. 16 to Nov. 13, will explore lesser-known pivotal moments in Jewish history, exploring “how and why did we get from there to here,” and a history of “innovation, adventure, oppression and celebration.” Participants are urged to buy a copy of “A Short History of the Jewish People” by Raymond Scheindlin. There is no charge for Touro members, $50 registration for non-members. Temple Sinai in New Orleans will have Jacobs Camp Shabbat on Oct. 19 at 6:15 p.m. The evening will include a camp-style dinner oneg, sing-along with Charlie Cox and the summer 2018 video. Retired educator Ann Zivitz Kientz will also be honored. Gates of Prayer in Metairie will also have a visit from Jacobs senior staff on Oct. 21. Shir Chadash in Metairie will hold a 10-session course on “Ten Paths to God,” starting Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. The curriculum is based on traditional sources and the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Rabbi Deborah Silver will facilitate the discussions. Rabbi Alexis Berk of Touro Synagogue will lead “Literature and Libatons,” a dinner and discussion of “Letters to my Palestinian Neighbor” by Yossi Klein Halevi. The dinner will be Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. A $10 donation is suggested, and reservations are requested. Hadassah New Orleans and the National Council of Jewish Women will have a study group on Oct. 30 at 11:30 a.m., “Well Being Plans: End-of-Life Tips and Tools for Our Families and Ourselves.” Panelists include Carole Neff, Rabbi Deborah Silver and Stephanie Marquet. The meeting will be at Ruth’s Chris in Metairie. Reservations are $36 and are due by Oct. 20 to Kathy Shepard or at the NCJW New Orleans website. The New Orleans Jewish Community Center Nursery School and Pre-K will have an Open House for prospective parents on Oct. 30 at 9:30 a.m. The open house is an opportunity for families to see teachers in action, instilling the curriculum in a Jewish environment for children ages 13 months to 5 years. Parents should complete the online form at nojcc.org to reserve for the Open House. For those who cannot make October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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agenda the Open House, or would like to learn more about the program, weekly tours are offered each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and do not require a reservation. For additional details, contact Adrienne Shulman, Director of Early Childhood Education, at (504) 897-0143 or adrienne@nojcc.org. Gates of Prayer Brotherhood and Sisterhood in Metairie are jointly presenting a health series this year. The first session will be Oct. 21 at 9:45 a.m., with Homeyar Dinshaw presenting a discussion of cardiovascular health. A breakfast precedes at 9 a.m., and donations are appreciated.
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Movie Day at the Uptown Jewish Community Center in New Orleans will be Oct. 25 at noon, with a free screening of “Free State of Jones,” a mixed-race free state in Mississippi during the Civil War. Movie snacks will be served. Movies in Metairie at the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus in Metairie will be on Oct. 29 at 12:30 p.m., with “The Book Club.”
TRIBE at Gates of Prayer in Metairie, the group for 20s and 30s, will have Tiger Shabbat on Oct. 20, meeting in Baton Rouge for a tailgate before the LSU-Mississippi State game. Carpools can be arranged. Contact the Gates of Prayer office for information. The New Orleans Moishe House will have “Murder at the Juice Joint: A Murder Mystery Birthday Party,” Oct. 13 at 8 p.m., to celebrate Kara’s 24th birthday. On Oct. 28 from 1 to 4 p.m., they will host a Beer Pong Tournament fundraiser, which will have a $5 buy-in. Slater Torah Academy in Metairie is hosting “From Bullies to Buddies,” empowering students with the tools for conflict resolution, Oct. 10 at 7:45 p.m. Speaker will be “Izzy” Kalman, a nationally certified school psychologist who has devoted his life work to finding a solution to the “bullying” problem that 1 in 3 U.S. students say they have been victims of. His unique approach is based in positive psychology and the Golden Rule. Reservations are $10.
The Jewish Babies Group will meet at the Jewish Community Day School on Oct. 7 at 9 a.m. The free program is co-sponsored by Jewish Family Service and PJ Library. Register to Pj.jennette@jcrs.org.
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October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
JNOLA, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans’ next generation initiative, is partnering with the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society for a candidate forum, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at Dillard University’s Slater Torah Academy will have its Wine Georges Auditorium. The event is free and and Chocolate Curriculum Night on Oct. open to the public. 17 at 4:30 p.m. The event, rescheduled from Gates of Prayer Brotherhood in Metairie is September, details the curriculum and educa- selling Green’s homestyle babka in chocotional opportunities at the school. Babysitting late or cinnamon. Babka are $18 each, with a is available for $5. 10 percent discount for a case of eight. PJ Library is hosting PJ in the Garden, fall planting in the Faubourg Saint John Neighborhood Garden at the corner of Saint Philip and North Dupre Streets, Oct. 21 at 3:30 p.m. Garden steward and educator Jessica McNally will do a presentation at the free event, which is geared toward ages 3 to 8.
Rabbi Matthew Reimer of Temple Sinai will be this month’s speaker at the Uptown Jewish Community Center’s Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi, Nov. 1 at 12:30 p.m. A light lunch will be served. Reservations are $3 for members and $5 for non-members, and are due by Oct. 29.
Because there are thousands of gifts to wrap… Jewish Children’s Regional Service will have an additional day of gift wrapping for the Oscar J. Thomas Hanukkah Gift Program. The original wrap-a-thon was Oct. 7, the additional day is Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus in Metairie. There will be door prizes, pizza and refreshments.
PJ Our Way and JewCCY will have a Gaga tournament, Oct. 14 at 3:30 p.m. at the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus in Metairie. Pizza and refreshments will be served at the free event, which is geared for ages 8 to 12.
JNOLA is partnering with six other organizations for the New Orleans Chamber’s Young Professional Networking Night, Oct. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at YNOT Dock. There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drink specials, and music from “The Voice” season 13 contestant Adam Pearce. The event is free but registration is required at the New Orleans Chamber website.
“Expedition Jew Orleans: A Jewish New Orleans Bus Tour” will roll on Oct. 14. Julie Schwartz will be the tour guide for the air conditioned, mimosa-filled tour of the city’s Jewish history. The tour will depart at 10 a.m. from The Fly at Audubon Park, and there will be a bagel and mimosa spread starting at 9:30 a.m. While the event is initially for JNOLA members, it will open to the entire community on Oct. 5. The cost is $10, and reservations are required by Oct. 12. Reservations can be made online through the JNOLA site.
agenda Engel leaving New Orleans to open Israeli restaurant in Chicago James Beard Rising Star Chef Zach Engel is leaving New Orleans to open an Israeli-inspired restaurant in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Engel was executive chef at Shaya restaurant in New Orleans, during which the restaurant won the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in the U.S. He became culinary director at Alon Shaya’s Pomegranate Hospitality Group, which Shaya formed last year after he was forced out of the restaurant Shaya for speaking out during a sexual harassment controversy involving John Besh and his restaurant group. This year, Pomegranate opened two Israeli restaurants, Saba in New Orleans and Safta in Denver. In a social media post, Pomegranate said they “could not be any happier or more proud” of Engel, as “this has been a dream of his for years and he is more deserving of this opportunity than anyone. He has taught us all invaluable lessons through the years with his natural ability to connect with people and cook incredible Israeli food.” Engel, the son of a rabbi, is partnering with Andres Clavero, a Cuban-Palestinian. They became friends while studying at Tulane University. The restaurant will be called Galit, Engel’s daughter’s nickname. It is expected to open early next year.
Bama ZBT holding Second Century event in Atlanta The University of Alabama’s Psi Chapter of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity will hold a “Championing Our Second Century” alumni gathering in Atlanta, with keynote speaker Eli Gold, voice of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. The event will be held at the Hudson Grille in Sandy Springs on Oct. 24, with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., dinner and speaker at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, $25 for couples. ZBT is the oldest Jewish fraternity at Alabama, forming in 1916. The chapter had a centennial celebration in March 2016. The Oct. 24 event will “celebrate a rich history and promising future for Psi Chapter of ZBT, the University of Alabama and Bama football.” In recent years, ZBT has grown with the resurgence of Jewish enrollment in Tuscaloosa.
Birmingham’s Emanu-El hosting national URJ Leadership Learning
Birmingham’s Temple Emanu-El will be one of approximately 40 sites nationwide for the Union for Reform Judaism’s Day of Leadership Learning on Oct. 28. Currently, there are no host sites in Mississippi, Louisiana or Tennessee. Congregation Emanu-El in Houston is hosting, as are Children of Israel in Augusta, Ga., and Kol Emeth in Marietta, Ga. “Finding the Joy in Board Service” will teach congregational leaders “to cultivate their boards to be productive, motivated, and joyful.” Each site will have a URJ community lay leadership team and URJ staff, running the same program. Joan Garry, noted non-profit consultant and author of “Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy,” will be the key presenter for the day. Her presentation will be streamed into the event’s various host sites throughout the day. Registration is $10, and is required by Oct. 25. The program is intended for executive committee members, clergy and professional staff or their equivalents from congregations of all sizes. At Emanu-El, the program will run from 2 to 5 p.m.
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Art • Jewelry • Books Jewelry designed by New Orleans Artist Marla Jean Clinesmith October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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agenda AJC launches Jewish Voters Guide On Sept. 13, the American Jewish Committee launched a 2018 Jewish Voters Guide, with details about Senate candidates in each state that has a Senate race this year. Mississippi has two Senate races this year, Florida has one. Dan Schori, AJC executive director, said with the 2018 elections being pivotal for the country and a wide range of views being cited as motivating voters, “one element has not been explored: How do these elections impact the Jewish community and what are the candidates’ positions on the issues that matter to our community?” The website, ajccandidates.wpengine.com, does not endorse candidates “but aims to serve as an educational tool for its users to learn more about the positions of candidates on issues that affect the wellbeing and interests of the Jewish community.” The website also has a listing of the nine “worst candidates of 2018,” those who have expressed white supremacist, Holocaust denial or virulently anti-Israel views.
New JLI class wrestles with faith The next class from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute will explore questions of faith in the 21st century world. “Wrestling With Faith” will be offered at Chabad Centers around the region, with Baton Rouge recently being approved to offer the international courses. According to the course overview, “most people, even the devout, struggle with beliefs about G-d. It is easy, for example, to affirm the basic tenets of Judaism during a prayer service, but when it comes to trusting G-d with our daily decisions, many share a secret, painful fear that G-d isn’t really looking out for them.” Also, there seems to be a polar argument of science versus faith, with an assumption that the two are incompatible. “The course acknowledges the often unspoken doubts and fears that all people share,” and invites digging deeper for answers. The first session is entitled “I Have Trouble Believing In G-d,” which also explores why people should bother having a relationship with the divine. Other sessions deal with whether G-d really cares about Jewish observance, the seemingly-primitive Jewish notions of a “chosen nation” and gender roles, how to relate to G-d when there is suffering and tragedy in the world, how a scientific mind can reconcile unprovable beliefs with compelling scientific evidence that seems at odds with a literal reading of the Bible, and how a finite person can relate to in infinite G-d. JLI courses “are intellectually rigorous, yet highly accessible to beginners in Jewish studies,” Rabbi Peretz Kazen from Chabad of Baton Rouge said. Bais Ariel Chabad Center in Birmingham will offer the course on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. starting Oct. 24, or Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. starting Oct. 25. Registration is $89. For Wednesday sessions, there is a 25 percent discount with two or more registrations. The Chabad Jewish Center in Metairie offers the class on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. or 7:30 p.m., starting Oct. 23. The first week of November, class will be that Wednesday, Nov. 7. Registration is $70. In Baton Rouge, classes will be held at the Main Library on Goodwood, on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. starting on Oct. 23. Registration is $89, with a 15 percent discount for couples. Next year, “Crime and Consequences” and “With All My Heart,” about the world of prayer, will be offered. As of press time, there were no details on classes at Chabad of Mobile. 10
October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
“This is the day that love won” Community rallies around Northshore Jewish Congregation after anti-Semitic graffiti discovered days before Rosh Hashanah The High Holy Day season usually brings capacity crowds to synagogues, but on Sept. 16, the Northshore Jewish Congregation in Mandeville had a standing room only, overflow crowd the weekend between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. An interfaith and multiracial audience heard a wide range of speakers discuss the need for demonstrating that the community stands together, after a Sept. 5 anti-Semitic graffiti attack on the Northshore’s only Jewish congregation. Jeremy Shalett, president of Northshore, said “today that evil is being replaced by a community of people.” He called the gathering “an amazing show of support,” saying it was “not to acknowledge the hate… this gathering is to show what this community is all about.” The spray-painted graffiti had two swastikas in red and black, a red cross, the phrase “synagogue of Satan” and the term 14/88. The number 88 represents “Heil Hitler,” as H is the eighth letter of the alphabet. The number 14 references a 14-word white supremacist slogan about securing a future for white children. Shalett recognized 13-year-old Cager Bloom, who attended the gathering. He and his friend David Hill, 15, skateboard through the Northshore parking lot every day and first discovered the graffiti. “It was horrible someone would do that,” Bloom said afterward. They went to his house and got his mother, and they came back to the synagogue and went inside to report the vandalism. Rebecca Slifkin, the congregation’s administrator, was inside. Slifkin said the door is usually locked, but she had been taking things to the dumpster. Upon finding out what was outside, she contacted local police. The morning of Sept. 7, the graffiti was re-
moved by Stephen Landeche of Absolute Pressure Washing. Landeche said he was scrolling through Facebook on Sept. 6 when he saw photos of the vandalism posted by the Slidell and Mandeville police. “This is really racist and really hateful,” he thought, and went out to his truck. He didn’t have the proper chemicals for graffiti removal, so he had to wait until the next morning, when a friend’s store opened. He told his friend, “the Jewish center got tagged, I’m going to go and clean it off,” and his friend said “take what you need, go do it.” Landeche had hoped to just show up and remove the graffiti without being noticed, but WWL-TV was there, setting up a camera for a story about the graffiti. He has been tickled by the “nice reaction for so many people” to his deed, especially online where “you see so much negative, hateful garbage.” Landeche said he did not know anyone who attends Northshore, but “it made me mad” to see the vandalism. “I figure if it made me mad, it really made them mad,” and since he had the time and expertise, showing up “seemed like a no-brainer.” Denunciations of the graffiti poured in. Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans CEO Arnie Fielkow and Federation Board Chair Henry Miller commented jointly, “Our community remains unified in opposition to white supremacy. Hate for one is hate for all, and as such, we condemn all forms of bigotry and discrimination.” They thanked those who have denounced the graffiti, and “call upon our Greater New Orleans community at large to do the same.” Rabbi Gabriel Greenberg of Beth Israel in Metairie, chair of the New Orleans Clergy
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Council, said “The Jewish community, and all of its rabbinic and clergy leadership, stands together with our brothers and sisters at the Northshore Jewish Congregation. We must rededicate our actions moving forward towards teshuva, tefila, u’tzedakah: repentance, crying out against injustice, and continuing to create holy and righteous communities here in southern Louisiana and the world.” Rep. Steve Scalise issued a statement standing with the congregation. “Hatred and bigotry have no place in our society. This cowardly act of anti-Semitism is disgraceful, and I hope the criminal who perpetrated it is brought to justice.” Tammy Savoie, who is running for Congress, said “I strongly denounce this vile expression of hatred in our community… it is shocking and repugnant and beneath any Louisiana resident any time to use a swastika in committing a crime.” Louisiana’s two U.S. senators, Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, issued a joint statement on Rosh Hashanah. “The anti-Semitic symbols painted onto the Northshore Jewish Congregation synagogue are hateful and unacceptable,” they said. “There can be no tolerance for religious bigotry in our state or the country. We are encouraged by the community’s unified condemnation of the vandalism, especially as our Jewish friends are in the midst of celebrating Rosh Hashanah.” The seven members of the New Orleans City Council issued a joint statement, in which each councilor made an individual comment. They said the council is “extremely troubled by the anti-Semitic graffiti,” and stands with the congregation and the ADL to “strongly condemn these acts.” The New Orleans Human Relations Commission also issued a statement, strongly condemning the attack. “Greater New Orleans is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the South, and this attack, days before the celebration of Rosh Hashanah… is deeply troubling.” In the 2017 Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents compiled by the Anti-Defamation League, Louisiana’s total jumped from three in 2016, all vandalism, to 10 in 2017, seven of which were harassment and the rest were vandalism. In March 2017, fliers and stickers were posted on the two local synagogues and at a mosque in Shreveport. Also last March, there was anti-Semitic harassment reported in Metairie, aimed at a Shabbat service. In New Orleans, a synagogue received an anti-Semitic phone call, a swastika was posted in front of a Jewish home, a Jewish city council candidate’s signs were defaced with swastikas, and anti-Semitic content and threats were posted on social media by middle school students.
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October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
The Sept. 5 graffiti at Northshore Jewish Congregation
Ruby Bridges speaks to students in the religious school at Northshore Jewish Congregation The Sept. 16 event began with Amanda Shaw playing “God Bless America” on violin after local Boy Scouts presented the U.S. and Israeli flags. At the conclusion, Michael Hertzig blew a shofar. Many at the event spoke of turning the evil of the vandalism into an opportunity for good, compelling a wide range of races and faiths to stand up and unify. Maureen O’Brien, who represents the area on the Parish Council, said “this is the day that love won.” Rabbi Alexis Pinsky, who is the High Holy Days rabbi for Northshore this year, said “You never want something to happen like what occurred, but I have been blown away by the expressions of kindness and support.” She cited the High Holy Days as a “time to repair, to build bridges” and also related the gathering to Sukkot, with the community’s support weaving a shelter. For the congregation’s sukkah, there were large pieces of blank fabric on tables, where those in attendance could write statements of support and unity. Though the event was on the day when synagogues have memorial services at their cemeteries, a few rabbis from New Orleans were able to attend. Rev. Jimmy Owens, executive pastor at St. Timothy United Methodist Church, said he would like to believe “such as this is a one-off event that does not reflect the hearts of our community,” but he said over the years a Jewish friend has confided in him “things that have been said along those lines.” For this, he said, “we must repent as a community” and respect the truth that anti-Semitism exists. Father Emile “Buddy” Noel, ecumenical and interreligious officer of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, expressed the hope for change in the soul of the person responsible for the vandalism. Noel related how he had been invited to participate in an interfaith Seder by one of Northshore’s previous rabbis, and one of the most beautiful events in his life was holding an unrolled Torah there. “I spoke about that in a sermon, just two days before the vandalism took place.” Noel hoped “at some point God would move the person or persons responsible… to walk in that door and learn the same things I did.” Hamid Hussein said “when we heard the news, we were all shocked,” and he read a statement from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemning the graffiti. Aaron Ahlquist, ADL regional director, told the crowd that while “voices of hate are emboldened” these days, “you are sending a powerful message that this hate will not be tolerated.” Citing other recent anti-Semitic attacks on synagogues around the country, 17-year-old Savannah Cutliff said her congregation has been changed by the incident. “We must be the voices of reason,” she said. “We must take pride in our faith and we must speak up.” Despite the vandalism, she said “we are not broken. Oppressors have been trying to eliminate us for 3,000 years. A few idiots with a can of October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
13
community spray paint don’t stand a chance.” Because some of the congregation’s religious school students expressed fear about going to class, Ruby Bridges was brought in to speak with the children about overcoming the fear that can come in facing racism. Bridges knows all about the topic. A 1964 painting by Norman Rockwell, “The Problem We All Live With,” depicted a 6-year-old African-American girl being escorted to school by four U.S. marshals as she integrated the New Orleans elementary schools in 1960. Bridges was that girl. Racism is a grown-up disease,” she said, “and we need to stop using our kids to spread it.” Noting the title of the painting about her, she said the hate behind the vandalism “is the problem. We are still living with it.” Teri Gross said when the congregation purchased a church building in 2002 and turned it into the current synagogue, there was a debate over whether to have a sign with the congregation’s name, as Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke lived nearby. “What’s the point of having a synagogue if you can’t put up a sign and say there is a synagogue in Northshore,” she asked. Gross said she knew if something were to happen, the greater community would rally
around the congregation. “Hateful acts do not represent this community,” she said. “You have shown this.” Warren Montgomery, St. Tammany Parish District Attorney, said “we’re going to do everything we can to identify” the perpetrator “and prosecute that person.” Referencing the gathering, he said “God turns bad things into good things,” and emphasized Bridges’ message to the congregation’s students, quoting Isaiah’s admonition to “be strong, fear not.” Mandeville Police Chief Gerald Sticker said they were following every lead they receive, but graffiti is usually hard to track down. In this case, there were no witnesses, no surveillance footage and no spray paint cans left behind. “We are working this as a hate crime,” he said, and will charge the perpetrator accordingly. While graffiti is usually a juvenile crime, “the specificity” in the message “leads us to believe there is some education, some indoctrination.” Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish president, was out of town when the vandalism occurred, and said she “would hope most people had the same revulsion I did” at the “cowardly” act. She said it is important to demonstrate that ing, “we send an unequivocal message that we, there is no place for hate. By joining the gather- all of us, reject the sentiments that were scrawled so cowardly in the night on these walls.” Covington Mayor Mike Cooper expressed “disdain for the horrific act” and said he was there “representing love and peace, and ask that we all join in.” Rep. Reid Falconer, who represents the area in the State Legislature, spoke to the congregation during Shabbat services on Sept. 14, saying on behalf of the state of Louisiana that “you are not alone. We stand with you.” He said elements of the state seal include a mother pelican and several chicks, with the pelican representing the state. “That mother pelican is here for all those chicks,” which he said represent “all races, all ethnicities, all religious traditions.” O’Brien said she was “very shocked and disappointed at what we saw” because “we all feel we are better than this.” “An attack on one faith,” Montgomery said, “is an attack on all faiths.” Bridges said it is unfortunate that it takes events like this to bring people together, “something we should be doing a lot more.” The only thing that Alice J. Forrester - Mickey Whitaker can “stave off evil is the love between us.” Brokers/Owners Pastor Donald Burris of Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church said “the more we get together, the happier we’ll be.” 45 Sugar Sand Lane, Suite D Ahlquist said “this is the Louisiana we can Seagrove Beach, Fl 32459 work toward… we show up for each other and work for each other.” Looking out at the overflow crowd, Shalett said “this is everyone’s congregation today.”
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October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
A new Torah for Touro Synagogue On Sept. 16, Linda Coppleson sat under a canopy in the sanctuary of New Orleans’ Touro Synagogue, and wrote the Hebrew letter “bet” on a clean sheet of parchment as students from the religious school looked on. With that, the writing of a new Torah scroll for the congregation was underway. This is the fifth Torah that Coppleson has written, and it is “the first one written by a woman here in New Orleans, at least I am assuming so.” The Torah is being dedicated in memory of Julian Good Sr., who died in 2013. His son, Julian Good Jr., said because of how much his father loved the synagogue, “the family wanted to offer a gift to the synagogue in his memory, which would always be used, always be loved and always connect us to this place.” As president of the congregation, his father “was interested in attracting new members and in particular young families.” He was “looking to the future, not maintaining the status quo, looking to new ideas.” As part of her weekend visit, Coppleson examined the congregation’s existing scrolls, looking at their history and checking their condition. “They are historic and they are beautiful,” she told the students. “They range from the early 19th century to the 20th century. Some of them are really tall, and some are teeny tiny. Some have short pages with three columns, some big pages with six or seven columns on a page.” She added, “despite the different outward appearances of the scrolls in your aron kodesh (ark) — inside they are all the same.” The new Torah will be a smaller one for regular use, one that congregants can carry more easily. Between letters in the first word of the Torah, Coppleson explained the process for writing a Torah, showed all of the implements used by scribes — and explained a handful of the many rules. Touro Rabbi Alexis Berk spoke about her time as a student rabbi, when she would set the Torah before Shabbat alone in the sanctuary when visiting a congregation for the weekend. “it was in these intimate times between me and the Torah that I truly became a rabbi,” she said. Berk ascribes human traits to each scroll, and asked “what will be the sole of this new Torah scroll? What will be the personality?” Over the coming year, Coppleson will visit during the weekend of Dec. 7 and the last weekend of March. Members will be able to have “scribing sessions” with Coppleson, holding her hand as she writes a letter or word. Families or groups can do a chain of hands. Every Touro member is encouraged to participate in a scribing session — women, men, children, seniors, non-Jewish members. No Hebrew knowledge is needed. Dedication opportunities are available, starting with letters at $18 and words at $30. Significant stories start at $900 and go to the receiving of the Torah at Sinai, at $7,200. “Torahs are not written very often,” Good said. “My family is honored to give this moment to the members of Touro Synagogue.” October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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• October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
Eva Schloss, step-sister to Anne Frank, will speak in New Orleans and Tennessee in the coming weeks. Her Nov. 6 talk in New Orleans is presented by Chabad of Louisiana and Chabad Jewish Center in Metairie, in conjunction with 80 years since Kristallnacht and 70 years since the first publication of Anne Frank’s diary, and will be hosted by the Uptown Jewish Community Center. The 7 p.m. event is open to the public. When Germany invaded Austria in 1938, among the Jewish families who fled was 8-year-old Eva Geiringer, who moved to Belgium and then Holland with her brother and parents. She became friends with a neighbor, a German Jewish girl who was the same age, named Anne Frank. In 1943, both families went into hiding, but both families were ultimately discovered by the Nazis and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau. As is well known, Anne Frank died at Auschwitz, but Eva Geringer survived, as did her mother. Her brother and father did not. Returning to Amsterdam following the war, they met up with Otto Frank, who was dealing with the loss of his family, and the discovery of Anne’s diary. In 1953, Eva’s mother married Frank, making her Anne’s step-sister. Since 1985, Schloss has devoted herself to Holocaust education and global peace. She has recounted her wartime experiences in more than 1,000 speaking engagements. She has written two books and has had a play written about her life. A co-founder of the Anne Frank Trust in Britain, in 1999 Schloss signed the Anne Frank Peace Declaration along with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and the niece of Raoul Wallenberg, a legendary figure who rescued thousands of Jews in Budapest. Tickets to the New Orleans talk are $18, with an Oct. 30 deadline, $25 after. Tickets can be obtained at jewishlouisiana.com/evaschloss. Sponsorships begin at $100, and signed books are available for $20. The event is also endorsed by the New Orleans Holocaust Memorial Committee. Rabbi Mendel Ceitlin said “This is a special opportunity to hear a firsthand account from someone whose life intersected with one of the most compelling figures in our history.” Schloss will also be speaking in Tennessee, coming from Illinois and then going to New England before her New Orleans appearance. On Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m., Schloss will be at the Nashville Music City Center, hosted by Chabad of Nashville. Tickets start at $35, $25 for students, military and seniors for general admission, $90 for reserved seating and $150 for a VIP experience. On Oct. 14, she will speak at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium at the Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for groups of 10 or more. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. (Eastern) talk. Her Memphis talk will be Oct. 16 at the University of Memphis’ Michael Rose Theatre. Sponsored by the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, Memphis, the talk is also presented by the Unknown Child Foundation, which is working to build a children’s Holocaust memorial in northwest Mississippi. The memorial is an outgrowth of the “Pennies Project” effort by Horn Lake Middle School to collect 1.5 million pennies to represent the 1.5 million Jewish children murdered in the Holocaust. Diane McNeil, coordinator of the Unknown Child Foundation, said Schloss “is extremely important to us because Anne Frank is one of our pennies.” Also co-sponsoring are Facing History and Ourselves, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel and FedEx. Tickets to the 7 p.m. Memphis event are $25 in advance, $35 at the door, $10 for students. A $180 VIP ticket, $250 for couples, includes a VIP ticket to the event, a reception with Schloss and a personalized signed book.
2018 Impact Report October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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OuR MIssIOn
Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans is a social service agency dedicated to preserving, strengthening, and enhancing the well-being and selfsufficiency of individuals and families at every stage of life. Jewish Family Service is a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans and a community impact partner of United Way Southeast Louisiana.
OuR HIstORy
Jewish Family Service (JFS) was initially created when the Jewish Children’s Home closed in 1948. JFS became a separate organization, with its own 501(c)(3) status granted in 1976, and opened its doors to people of all faiths in 1982. JFS now serves everyone in Greater New Orleans regardless of race, religion, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. Services are available through private insurance and on a sliding fee scale, based on household income. Jewish Family Service is a “whole person environment.” JFS strengthens the community by helping families and individuals reach their full potential through various programs and services. These include providing individual and group counseling, educating our young people about depression and suicide prevention, promoting independence for the elderly, providing case management, and assisting in adoption homestudies and therapeutic counseling.
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OuR BOaRd President
Laurence Manshel First Vice President
second Vice President
Betsy Threefoot Kaston
Ian H. Zlatkiss, MD
treasurer
secretary
David A. Dulitz, MD
Ashley Merlin Gold
immediate Past President
Julie Wise Oreck
Bradley Bain
Joshua Friedmann
Henry M. Rosenblat
Allan Berger
Mike Gertler
Julie Schwartz
Gilbert N. Braunig
Susan Green
Louis Shepard
Lauren Bombet
Barbara B. Greenberg Rabbi Deborah Silver
Vivian Cahn
Allison Kupperman
Ben Swig
Sue Daube
Sanford Pailet, MD
Patty C. Ungar
Rochelle Adler Effron
Debbie Pesses
Judge Miriam Waltzer
Mara Force
Gail Pesses
Lynne Wasserman
Rachel Frank
Rabbi Matt Reimer
Arthur S. Waterman
JFS Past Presidents were honored at the 2018 JFS Fundraiser, DVASH: a Celebration of Modern Israeli Cuisine.
Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans I 2018 Impact RepORt
October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
LetteR FROM tHe PResIdent & eXeCutIVe dIReCtOR deaR FRIends, Thank you for your partnership with Jewish Family Service (JFS) this past year. together, we impacted the lives of more than 5,272 individuals, families, seniors and teens that needed help! After 70 years of operation, JFS proudly continues to provide compassionate care at affordable rates to everyone. The core community services JFS offers include Counseling, Case Management, Teen Life Counts (TLC), Homemaker, and Lifeline. Notable accomplishments of this past year include: senior services were consolidated into one department. Lifeline and Homemaker are now managed by one supervisor allowing the Agency to provide a seamless provision of services to seniors with the goal of aging in place Due in part to partnerships with Jewish Community Day School and the JCC, JFS therapists saw a great increase in the number of child clients seeking counseling. The Agency began accepting medicare expanding the number of clients we serve while reducing their out-of-pocket expenses. JFS staff welcomed 4 new babies to their families! As we enter this next year, the Agency looks to optimize our programs and services with a greater focus on seniors working toward the goal of aging-in-place. We also look to respond to the increased need for mental health support, by increasing affordable access to counselors. JFS also looks to enhance client-cost efficiency, which will augment the value of client-counselor experience. Your confidence in JFS services, exemplified by your continued support, will give hope to those fighting to find solace and stability. On behalf of those vulnerable families and individuals, who are overcoming overwhelming barriers, thank you for your support of Jewish Family Service.
PRESIDENT
ExECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Laurence Manshel
Roselle M. Ungar
2018 Impact RepoRt I Jewish Family Service of Greater New orleans
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October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
3
FInanCIaLs 11%
cHanGe in net assets
Investment Income $179,716
Change in Net Assets
$(23,373)
Beginning of Year (1/1/2017)
$2,308,215
3%
End of Year (12/31/2017)
$2,284,842
United Way $40,786
28% Program Service Fees $450,465
assets Cash and Cash Equivalents
$95,377
Accounts Receivable
$10,454
Grants Receivable
$38,158
Unconditional Promises to Give
$17,500
Prepaid Expenses
$32,922
Notes Receivable
$14,483
Funds Held by Jewish Endowment Foundation
$2,105,410
Israel Bonds
$6,000
Property and Equipment, Net
$6,181
TOTAL ASSETS
$2,326,485
reVenue & suPPort $1,588,591
25% Grant Income $404,108
22% 10% Jewish Federation Allocations $161,152
liaBilities and net assets
12%
liabilities Accounts Payable
$2,667
Accrued Vacation
$24,493
Jewish Federation Loans Payable
$14,483
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$41,643
net assets
General & Administrative $192,542
11% Fundraising $169,895
Functional exPenses $1,611,694
Unrestricted - Undesignated
$136,932
Unrestricted - Board Designated
$2,105,410
TOTAL UNRESTRICTED
$2,242,342
Temporarily Restricted
$42,500
TOTAL NET ASSETS
$2,284,842
78%
$2,326,485
Program Services $1,249,257
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans I 2018 Impact RepORt
2
Contributions $352,364
4 October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
IndIVIduaLs seRVed
8
142
Case Management
Senior Care Planning
Paul’s story
581 Lifeline
3,153
443
Counseling
134
TLC Students and Adult Gatekeepers
Homemakers
215
Victims of Human Trafficking and Refugees
358
238
Information & Referrals
CEU Workshop Participants
5,272 Total Number of People Served
Paul, an elderly Jewish man, lives alone. His chronic health conditions and financial difficulties have prevented him from maintaining his home and life. During a recent visit, the landlord was shocked at the state of disarray in Paul’s unkempt home. Desperate for help & under threat of eviction, Paul spoke with his Rabbi about his difficult situation. The Rabbi referred Paul to JFS. A JFS Social Worker met with Paul and assessed his needs. The Social Worker found that Paul was a fitting candidate for support from the Financial Resource Center, as well as the Homemaker Program. After being approved for a small grant from the Financial Resource Center, Paul is able to keep up with his monthly expenses including his Homemaker visits. Paul’s Homemaker now helps with the chores he is physically unable to do. His Homemaker also helps him run errands, clean the kitchen and bathroom, as well as conduct routine housekeeping. Paul is happier and healthier now that he lives in a clean environment and has peace of mind knowing he’s able to manage his expenses.
2018 Impact RepoRt I Jewish Family Service of Greater New orleans
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October 2018 • The Jewish Newsletter
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PROgRaMs & seRVICes COunseLIng JFS has licensed, professional staff specialized in working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Counselors provide guidance and support on how to cope with interpersonal and family issues. Counseling services are offered in Metairie and on the Northshore through private insurance and on a sliding fee scale, based on household income
tHe BeHaVIORaL HeaLtH InteRn tRaInIng CenteR
Michael’s story Michael unexpectedly lost his fiancée in a tragic accident. He felt lost, angry, and unsure of what his future would look like. Michael came to JFS and began working with a JFS counselor and attended a group for those dealing with grief. Working with both his counselor and participating with others in a group, he has been able to process grief and verbalize his progress with others. Slowly, but steadily, Michael has started to return to his daily routine and engage again with his social life.
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This training center allows JFS to serve additional clients by training masters-level Social Work and Counseling students from area universities. A full-time Intern Supervisor manages the program which trains between 3-7 interns per semester.
Case ManageMent General Case Management staff assists clients and their families with medical, psychological, legal, financial, and crisis intervention issues.
InFORMatIOn and ReFeRRaLs JFS provides current information and referrals regarding a wide variety of mental health resources and social services available in our community.
LIFeLIne Lifeline is a personal emergency response system providing subscribers assistance 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. This system is easy to use and designed to reduce the risks of living alone. In the event of a fall or an emergency, immediate help is available at the push of a button. The subscriber is able to delegate initial points of contact (a neighbor, family member, friend) as opposed to immediately triggering EMS, avoiding unnecessary trips to the ER.
Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans I 2018 Impact RepORt
October 2018 • The Jewish Newsletter
PROgRaMs & seRVICes
(COntInued)
HOMeMakeR The JFS Homemaker program provides in-home assistance for disabled or older adults. JFS homemakers help people with tasks of daily living, such as housekeeping and transportation. This program ensures both the safety and independence of individuals aging in their home. The cost for this service is on a sliding fee scale, based on household income.
senIOR CaRe PLannIng This program assists families with older adults who are facing transition and possibly in need of specialized care. Clients meet with a Senior Care Planner who provides information and resources for home-based services, caregiver support, financial planning, residential care options and more.
senIOR CaRe assessMents This service was launched to determine the unmet needs of senior clients and provide helpful information and referrals. Professional staff conducts assessments during on-site home visits which includes a questionnaire, discussion, and observation of a client’s ability to complete daily activities. Appropriate information and referrals are provided when a health or safety concern is identified.
u.s. COMMIttee FOR ReFugees and IMMIgRants (usCRI) Post Release Service to Unaccompanied Minors. The USCRI program serves foreign-born children who are fleeing dangerous situations in their home countries and arrive in the United States as unaccompanied minors. Clients are referred by USCRI, and are typically in need of services such as securing school placement, counseling, legal support, and caregiver evaluation.
Jordan’s story Following the death of a beloved family member, Christina and Justin’s 10-year old daughter, Jordan, was irritable, distant, and despondent. At a loss about how to reach her, Christina & Justin sought out JFS for counseling. By reading books about love & loss with Jordan, a JFS Counselor was able to discuss different ways a loved one can still live on with us, through memories and special skills that are passed down. A few weeks later, Christina called to say that Jordan had begun verbalizing her grief. She said that instead of lashing out or distancing herself, Jordan had now started sharing her feelings and healing through communication.
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PROgRaMs & seRVICes
(COntInued)
tRaFFICkIng VICtIM assIstanCe PROgRaM (tVaP) The TVAP program serves foreign-born victims of sex and labor trafficking. Clients are self-referrals or referred by USCRI. They are provided comprehensive case management including legal support, housing, clothing, food, safety, medical services, ESL, and counseling.
teen LIFe COunts
Lindsey’s story Lindsey had recently taken part in the JFS Teen Life Counts program. Through this training, she learned how to spot the warning signs of suicidal ideation and depression, as well as how to reach out to a friend you are concerned about. When her close friend Grace distanced herself socially, emotionally, and withdrew herself from their normal activities, Lindsey reached out to her. She discovered that Grace was seriously considering suicide and had prescription drugs from a relative’s medicine cabinet in her possession. Lindsey reacted calmly and quickly, by calling both her Mom and Grace’s. She stayed until the adults arrived and helped Grace communicate how she felt to the adults. Grace’s mom was able to get her immediate professional help.
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Established in 1984, Teen Life Counts (TLC) is a school-based suicide prevention and awareness program. Experienced mental health professionals and trained volunteer educators teach students how to identify warning signs of depression and suicide, how to talk to a troubled friend, and where to go to get help. TLC goes into public, private, parochial, and charter schools in the Greater New Orleans area.
adOPtIOn suPPORt seRVICes JFS provides adoption home studies, pre-adoption counseling, and post placement studies. The service educates families about the adoption process and the special issues that adoptive families face. Services also include therapeutic counseling during the adoption process.
COMMunIty gROuPs JFS Counseling Groups provide support and education to attendees. JFS has expanded the variety and frequency of groups offered. Groups held this past year include Girl Power, Caregiver Support, and Bereavement. In addition, JFS has held Counselor-in-Training Sessions at the Jewish Community Centers in Uptown and Metairie.
COntInuIng eduCatIOn WORksHOPs (Ceus) JFS offers high quality continuing education workshops on relevant and innovative topics for social workers, counselors, and mental health professionals in the community. These sessions are open, but specifically offered for the benefit of colleagues and peers who are required to receive educational credit hours to stay apprised of current practices and modalities
Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans I 2018 Impact RepORt
October 2018 • The Jewish Newsletter
WORk In tHe JeWIsH COMMunIty Bikur Chaverim
Literally meaning “visiting friends,” Bikur Chaverim is a volunteerbased program designed to bring support and companionship to those who are isolated.
CatCh-a-CaB
Through the generosity of the Adele Cahn Catch-a-Cab Designated Fund at the Jewish Endowment Foundation, the Catch-A-Cab program is designed to supplement the cost of transportation for members of the Jewish community who are 65 years of age or older. Participants receive discounted coupons for use with local taxi companies.
FinanCial resourCe Center
The Jewish Family Service Financial Resource Center (JFSFRC) offers small grants to Jewish individuals and families in crisis.
Jewish Community Day sChool PartnershiP
Jewish Family Service offers workshops for parents, classroom sessions with students in all grade levels, one-on-one sessions with students, and consults with faculty and administration. Thanks to funding from the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, a JFS part-time counselor is on site at the school three days per week.
Passover FooD Basket DistriBution
In celebration of Passover, JFS organizes the annual Passover Food Basket Packing and Distribution. Dozens of eager JFS volunteers come together during this event to sort food items, pack boxes of kosher-forPassover food, and deliver them to over 300 members-in-need in the Jewish community.
thelma’s story Thelma, an elderly woman, was being discharged from the hospital. Despite her recent fall, she was determined to maintain her independent lifestyle. Leslie, her daughter, wanted to respect her wishes, but having witnessed her mother’s declining health, she didn’t feel confident about Thelma receiving timely support in the event of another emergency. She wanted to have a plan in place for her mom to access assistance if she needed immediate help. After doing some research on senior support systems, Leslie reached out to the Lifeline program at JFS. The program manager discussed which plan Thelma’s lifestyle could fit. After a plan was in place, a home installation was scheduled for the next day. Thelma had previously resisted the idea of a help button, but with the certainty of receiving emergency assistance at the push of button, she realized that Lifeline would allow to her to remain safe and independent. Lifeline also gave Leslie peace of mind, knowing her mother was safe.
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OuR suPPORteRs $50,000 and aBOVe
$2,500 - $4,999
Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Baptist Community Ministries Burkenroad Foundation Sue & David Daube Judge Jacob & Vicki Karno Jeffrey & Betsy Kaston Sanford Pailet, MD Debbie & Leon Pesses Henry & Susan Rosenblat Joshua L. Rubenstein Judge Miriam Waltzer and Mr. Bruce Waltzer Art & Martie Waterman
$25,000 - $49,999 The Cahn Family Foundation Goldring Family Foundation Pratt-Stanton Manor Fund United Way of Southeast Louisiana Woldenberg Foundation
$10,000 - $24,999 Bissinger-Timm for the Benefit of Jewish Family Service Donor Advised Fund Adele Cahn Catch-a-Cab Designated Fund Ella West Freeman Foundation GPOA Foundation Joe W. & Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation Jewish Endowment Foundation Bruce Levy Family for the Benefit of Jewish Family Service Donor Advised Fund Sara Matile Schwarz The TJx Foundation, Inc.
$5,000 - $9,999 Marjorie Bissinger Ferber Family Foundation of Houma Institute of Mental Hygiene Keller Family Foundation Max Nathan, Jr. Harold Wainer
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$1,000 - $2,499 Anonymous (1) Mr. & Mrs. Jack Benjamin, Sr. Allan & Nikki Berger Shelly & Benay Bernstein Burkedale Foundation David & Kristen Dulitz Leslie & Jonathan Fawer Marcy & Mike Gertler Howard & Susan Green John Haspel & Amy Gainsburgh-Haspel Mrs. Robert B. Haspel Andrea & Jeffrey Huseman Hugo & Lis Kahn David Kerns Betty & Ira Kohn Foundation Betty & Harry Lazarus Jonathan & Fran Lake Renee & Rusty Levy Rabbi Robert & Lynn Loewy Ellen & Stephen Manshel Mr. Richard S. Margolin Julie Grant Meyer Shelley Middleberg NGCF Donor Advised Fund Marshall & Julie Wise Oreck Julie Schwartz & David Radlauer Dr. & Mrs. Gary Rich
Kathy & Hal Shepard Leopold & Karen Sher Stephen & Nancy Timm Stanley & Roselle Ungar Guy & Dale Williams Carol Wise
$500 - $999 Anonymous (3) Diane Africk Paul & Arlene Barron Cathy & Morris Bart Vivian & Richard Cahn Pam Davis Friedler Mark & Rochelle Effron George & Laura Fuhrman Bobby Garon & Robin Levy Ana & Juan Gershanik Dr. & Mrs. Harley Ginsberg Cathy & Charles Glaser Scott & Ashley Gold Wendy & Julian Good Barbara Greenberg Sandra P. Heller Maury A. Herman & Cristina Wysocki Susan & William Hess Julanne Isaacson Celia L. Katz Susan B. Kohn Dr. & Mrs. Rene Koppel Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kullman Andrea & Terrence Lestelle Ruth & Joel Loeffelholz Marrero Land and Improvement Association Laurence & Elizabeth Manshel Mr. & Mrs. Sanford R. Maslansky
Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans I 2018 Impact RepORt
October 2018 • The Jewish Newsletter
Ted & Leann Moses Richard & Carole Neff Dr. Bennie P. Nobles Sarah & Joe Pasternack Jr. Rochelle Pearl Isaac Pinhas Jill & Lee Plotkin Joyce & Sidney Pulitzer Dr. & Mrs. Gary Reiss Resource Management, LLC Mr. & Mrs. William Richards Edie & Paul Rosenblum Emily Schoenbaum Florence & Richard Schornstein Dana & Louis Shepard Robert I. Shepard Dr. Ivan Sherman Robert & Pamela Steeg Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home Dr. & Mrs. Henry Threefoot Rabbi Alexis Berk - Touro Synagogue Patty & Randy Ungar Bernard Van der Linden Ellie & Bruce Wainer Lynne & Michael Wasserman David & Rella Zapletal Dr. Ian Zlatkiss
$250 - $499 Anonymous (1) Jack & Phyllis Alltmont Sabina Altman Hertha Bart Marvin & Marilyn Bernstein Brook Bissinger Bonnie & Harris Blackman
Joe & Lee Blotner Sue Rae Brown Dr. & Mrs. Aden A. Burka Dr. & Mrs. Alan Burshell Sandra Burstein Dr. & Mrs. Lester Dulitz Emily & Evan Dvorin Brad Egenberg Fagan Family Charitable Fund Leslie & Nathan Fischman Professor Robert Force Scott & Rachel Frank Mr. & Mrs. George Freeman, III Reuben & Marlene Friedman Deena Y. Gerber Mr. & Mrs. Louis Gertler Hon. Robin Giarrusso Mr. & Mrs. Jan Glade Mr. & Mrs. David Greenberg Eric & Jillian Greenberg Harriet Handleman Amanda Hembree Mitchell J. & Susan Hoffman Jewish Federation of Greater Baton Rouge Mark & Barbara Kaplinsky Richard & Lisa Karlin Beverly Katz Herman Kohlmeyer Allison Kupperman Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Kupperman June P. Lestelle Drs. Walter & Laura Levy Mrs. Carol Marx Marjorie McCants Mary McCormick Dr. & Mrs. Alvin Merlin
Jan & Henry Miller Robert Mintz Andree K. Moss Paul Pechon M.E. Polson Provident Aid Designated Fund Sue & Fred Preis Sarah A. Rabin Rabbi Matt Reimer Beth B. Rosenthal Robert Salus Barbara Samuels Nanette Shapiro Rabbi Deborah Silver Karen & Eddie Soll Stephen & Caroline Sontheimer Lisa Stahl Rob Steinberg Eric & Jayne Stillman Rick & Ann Streiffer Congregation Temple Sinai Touro Infirmary Foundation Karen Westall Lorraine Lake Williams RenĂŠe Zack Marilyn Pailet Zackin Gilbert & Jody Braunig
$100 - $249 Anonymous (5) Mr. & Mrs. Richard Adler Ms. Harriet Aguiar-Netto Ava Alltmont Mrs. Tiki Axelrod Bradley & Daniela Bain Joan & Gerald Berenson Clara Berry Kelley & Guy Brenner
Caroline & Bob Brickman Daniel & Melanie Bronfin Betty Chidester Dr. Marvin Clifford, PhD, LCSW Dr. Gerald Cohen Gregory & Joan Cox Kyle & Kerry Daly Mr. & Mrs. Richard Davis Josie DeGrusha Martin Drell, MD Drs. Kenneth & Melanie Ehrlich Mr. & Mrs. Alan Emerman Mr. Max & Dr. Jei Jei Feinberg Arnie & Susan Fielkow Drs. Leron & Julie Finger Dr. & Mrs. Elliot Finkelstein Michelle Foa Marc & Susan Friedman Congregation Gates of Prayer Mr. John E. Gilcrease Dr. Leonard Glade Shira Glazer & Matthew Rosenthal Lev Glotser Dr. & Mrs. Mel Gold Ned & Wendy Goldberg William E. & Sandra Chass Goldsmith Mark Goldstein & Peggy Usner Jeff & Linda Green Leon Greenblatt II Lauren Haas Mark & Lisa Heller Lisa & Mike Herman Daisy & Ron Heumann Dr. Jack Hudson & Ms. Sybil Kline Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Jacobs
Dr. & Mrs. Ben Jacobs, III Mr. & Mrs. Terry Jacobson Mimi Jalenak Jesuit High School Jay & Andrea Joseph Mr. & Mrs. Keith Katz Charel W. Katz Ellen Katz Ellen & Stan Kessler Susan Kierr Dr. Kenneth L. Klein Steve & Pat Klein Kathy Kornman L. Spencer Krane Leo Krasnozhon Monty Kreiger Mrs. Mildred Krieger Dr. Ellen Kruger Rene Lehmann Dr. & Mrs. Samuel Lehrer Irene Levinson Saundra K. Levy Donald I. Levy Harry Lowenburg Daniel Mayer John & Susie Meltzer Elaine Mendel-John Mr. & Mrs. William Mimeles Harry & Marion Mohre Michael Morris & Deborah Heller James Morse Mr. & Mrs. Ellis Murov Barbara & Robert Namer Hisham Nasr National Council of Jewish Women New Orleans Jewish Community Center
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OuR suPPORteRs Susan Norwood Mr. & Mrs. David Oestreicher, II Mr. & Mrs. Randy Opotowsky Morgan Otto-Berglund Mr. & Mrs. Russell S. Palmer Mrs. Toby Feibelman Carly Plotkin & Nicholas Conable Sharon Pollin Valerie & Alan Posner The Post Foundation Lisa Preminger Ms. Natalia O. Ramer Grace Rogers Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Rosenberg Ricky & Laurie Rosenberg
Meryl Rosenbloom Mark K. Rosenbloom Candy & Wally Rosenblum Mrs. Ruth Rosenthal Mr. & Mrs. Frank Royerre Laurence Rudman Nita-Joan Sams Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Samuels Charles & Reda Scher Mr. & Mrs. David L. Schlakman Stanley Schwam Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Seelig Helen Siegel Mr. & Mrs. Harold Singer Betty & Ed Smith Joy L. Stahl Edgar & Kay Starns
State of Israel Ministry of Finance Mr. Edgar Stein Melissa & Jerry Steiner Dr. & Mrs. Louis H. Stern Susan Sternberg Jon B. Strauss Ben Swig Matthew & Sherri Tarr Mr. & Mrs. Peter Title Hal & Lauren Ungar Mr. & Mrs. Steven Usdin Jonathan & Sarah Villien
Lee Vorisek Vickie Wakefield Beverly Wainer Jeffrey Waller Wegmann Dazet & Company Dr. Nathan Wexler & Mrs. Helen Katz Marie & Robert Wolf Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Yaillen Moises & Martha Yoselevitz Dr. Jack Zoller Gary Zoller & Lisa Pulitzer
New Orleans Jewish Community Center Northshore Jewish Congregation Religious School Octavia Books Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Osem USA and Howard Sanders Rob Kopman & 30 minute-Seder Sasnak Farms Shir Chadash Religious School
Sterling Events Temple Sinai Religious School Tom Fitzmorris Touro Infirmary Foundation Touro Synagougue Religious School Torah Academy WGSO 990 AM
sPeCIaL tHanks tO: Alan & Diane Franco Audubon Nature Institute Betsy & Jeff Kaston Congregation Anshe Sfard Congregation Gates of Prayer Congregation Gates of Prayer Religious School Congregation Temple Sinai Doris Metropolitan Fred Preis, Senior Partner, Labor/Employment Section, Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P.
Jewish Community Day School of Greater New Orleans Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans Kim Starr Floral Events Kosher Cajun Deli & Grocery Larry Manshel & ITC4 Promotions Mike Gertler, Gertler Law Firm National Council of Jewish Women
This list represents contributions of $100 and above to Jewish Family Service from July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018. We regret any errors or omissions in this publication. Please contact the Development Office to update your records so that we may recognize you appropriately in the future.
tHank yOu tO aLL OuR JFs suPPORteRs! 2
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October 2018 • The Jewish Newsletter
Ways tO suPPORt JFs BeCOMe a FRIend OF JFs
Make a gIFt In HOnOR OF sOMeOne
You become a Friend when making a general or designated gift. Your contribution enables JFS to offer our sliding-fee scale, keeping our programs and services affordable and accessible to everyone. You may designate your gift to support: General/Unrestricted Fund Senior Services Children and Families Other programs as specified
You can make a difference for someone in our community with a meaningful gesture that will be appreciated by both the gift recipient and the person served by JFS.
gIVe a stOCk dOnatIOn OR IsRaeL BOnd dOnatIOn Updating your portfolio? Consider donating shares of stock or an Israel Bond to benefit JFS. Call 504-831-8475 for more information.
Make a gIFt In MeMORy OF sOMeOne Pay tribute to loved ones who were an important part of your life with a beautiful expression of remembrance.
dOnate yOuR VeHICLe Jewish Family Service accepts charitable donations of vehicles through CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), with sale proceeds dedicated to support a variety of JFS program. CARS will help you handle all of the details of your automobile (or other motor vehicle) donation. Receive a tax credit, and avoid the hassle of advertising or haggling with a car salesman. Visit the “Support Us” page on the JFS website to learn more.
aMazOn sMILe Make shopping meaningful by making your Amazon purchases through the AmazonSmile Portal. Go to Smile. Amazon.com and select Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans. Amazon will donate a portion of the proceeds from select purchases to JFS.
thank you Volunteers JFS recruits dedicated volunteers who work closely with staff to ensure the best care for the people we serve. Volunteer opportunities are available for the following programs: Lifeline, Teen Life Counts (TLC) , Bikur Chaverim, and Passover Food Baskets. interested in giving your time and talents? Call (504) 831-8475 or send an email to jfs@jfsneworleans.org.
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OuR staFF
*Former JFS Staff as of June 30, 2018
eXeCutIVe staFF
LIFeLIne
Roselle M. Ungar, CFRE Executive Director
Jane Levine Lifeline Community Liaison
Rachel Lazarus Eriksen, LCSW-BACS Director of Clinical Services
Jan Miller Lifeline Office Support Staff
Julie Finkelstein Steinhaus Director of Business Services
Kim Nonemacher Lifeline Program Manager
COunseLIng/Case ManageMent
Harrison Wool, RTA Lifeline Field Support Staff
Amy Alvarez, LCSW-MPH* Licensed Clinical Social Worker
teen LIFe COunts
Stephanie Crowder, LPC, LMFT Licensed Therapist Fran Dinehart, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Case Manager Andrea Garcia, BA Bilingual Case Manager Katherine C. Godshall, LCSW-BACS Intern Program Supervisor Laura Kulick, LCSW* Licensed Clinical Social Worker Bethany Linville, BA, MA Bilingual Program Manager Lisa Preminger, BA* Bilingual Case Manager Natasha Ramer Resettlement Case Worker Candice Rosenblum, LCSW Clinical Social Worker, Northshore Office; Certified Parenting Coordinator Ludmila Talley Resettlement Case Worker
Melissa R. Stewart, LMSW Teen Life Counts Coordinator
gRants & COMMunICatIOn R. Sofya Spector, MA* Grants and Communications Coordinator Lauren Rudzis, BA Communications and Development Coordinator
adMInIstRatIVe staFF Erin Grauel, MFA Administrative Assistant Sarah Villien, BA Client and Donor Services Specialist
HOMeMakeRs Melinda Ferrell* Shirleen Jefferson Valerie Vaughn
2017-2018 BeHaVIORaL HeaLtH InteRn tRaInIng CenteR InteRns Ida Ansell, Katherine Cantwell, Jennifer Keith, Jeffrey Kugler, Melanie McClellan, Harter March, Irina Sleptsova, Cara Zajac
COntaCt InFORMatIOn 3300 W. Esplanade Ave., S., Suite 603, Metairie, LA 70002 (504) 831-8475 l jfs@jfsneworleans.org
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October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
ExtErior DEsigns, inc.
By Beverly Katz
“Problem Yards Our Specialty” DRIVEWAYS POOLS LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
COURTYARDS PERGOLAS CARPENTRY/ PAINTING
women’s health an annual SJL special section
Tulane goes from 2D to 3D surgery by Lee J. Green A revolutionary new robotic GPS system employed by Tulane Health System provides surgeons with enhanced real-time visualizations of a patient’s anatomy, leading to more minimally invasive surgical options for several complex spinal, orthopedic and neurological conditions. Earlier this year, Tulane became the first New Orleans area hospital to offer the ExcelsiusGPS system. “This gives us the most pinpoint accuracy during surgery,” said Dr. Chris Maulucci, vice chair of clinical neurological surgery at Tulane University School of Medicine. “Seeing that trajectory on the screen in real-time lets us make minor adjustments that match each patient’s unique anatomy.” The improved optics of the ExcelsiusGPS allows for more minimally invasive procedures, resulting in less blood loss, muscle damage and potentially faster recovery than traditional surgeries. “Prior to this technology we depended upon X-rays, which didn’t provide us the same degree
of accuracy we have now,” said Dr. Maulucci. “This is taking 2-D surgery and converting it into 3-D surgery.” Another benefit of ExcelsiusGPS is that it reduces the radiation exposure to patients and staff. Traditional spine surgeries, for example, require multiple X-rays throughout the procedure. But the improved imaging of the new robotic navigation system greatly reduces that need. Maulucci said the new technology would especially benefit people who need a lumbar, thoracic or cervical spinal fusion, as well as anyone who has endured degenerative disc disease or traumatic spinal injuries. He said some new software for the system will be coming out soon that will allow for greatly enhanced optics on the brain, especially key when working with Parkinson’s and brain tumor patients. “This is the way things are going globally,” said Maulucci. “The ExcelsiusGPS is the first real-time instrument that has applications across the entire spectrum of neurosurgery.”
(504) 866-0276
exteriordesignsbev.com
Health Screenings to Help Women Prevent Disease from Touro Infirmary Don’t let heart disease, stroke and other serious health conditions sneak up on you. Instead, prevent them by seeing your doctor for a yearly well-woman checkup. At your checkup, your doctor will likely suggest health screenings. These tests can help spot potentially deadly conditions before they become life threatening.
American older than age 20 have chronic high blood pressure — 130/80 mmHg or greater. Getting your blood pressure checked and changing your lifestyle or using medication, if necessary, can reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease.
CHOLESTEROL: The simple blood test measures levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol), as well as triglycerides. BLOOD PRESSURE: Nearly half of all These fats in your blood can affect your risk for heart disease and stroke. October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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TOURO INFIRMARY FOUNDATION GALA NOVEMBER 10, 2018
MARDI GRAS WORLD RIVER CITY BALLROOM
CELEBRATING A GAME CHANGER, ALLAN BISSINGER Join the Touro Infirmary Foundation as we celebrate a true “Game Changer.”
Allan Bissinger will receive the 2018 Judah Touro Society Award at the Gala on November 10, 2018 at Mardi Gras World. Allan has spent many years working towards the betterment of New Orleans through tireless work on numerous non-profit boards and organizations. Allan’s impact on Touro Infirmary and the Touro Infirmary Foundation will be recognized at the vintage Las Vegas themed Gala that will benefit the Family Birthing Center and Women’s Services at Touro Infirmary.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information on the Touro Infirmary Foundation Gala, visit www.Touro.com/Gala
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I N F I R M A R Y
Illustrations by
women’s health
Make Clinical Trials
BLOOD GLUCOSE: This simple blood test helps detect type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, which can increase the risk for heart disease and other complications. It’s recommended for adults ages 40 to 70 who are overweight.
a Care Option for Your Patients
MAMMOGRAM: This breast X-ray can find breast cancer in its early, most treatable stages. Talk with your doctor about the schedule and imaging that are right for you. PAP TEST: This test, as part of a pelvic exam, takes a sample of cells from the cervix to check for cervical cancer. Women ages 21 to 29 should get a Pap test every three years. Women ages 30 to 65 should get screened every three to five years. Cervical cancer, in the beginning stages of the disease, is treatable if caught early. COLONOSCOPY: The doctor will examine your colon and small growths that can become cancerous, which can be removed during the test. Experts recommend people at average risk should get a colonoscopy every 10 years, starting at age 45.
From infrastructure to compliance and day-to-day operations, Iron Horse Research is your partner in developing and growing your clinical trials program
UAB Vein Clinic advances treatment for women By Lee J. Green Women tend to develop venous disease earlier and more often than men. But through advanced diagnosis and treatment at the UAB Vein Clinic, coupled with preventative care and a healthy lifestyle, women can attain vascular wellness. “Spider veins and varicose veins are much more common in women,” said Marc Passman, director of the UAB Vein Program and Clinic and a member of the Birmingham Jewish community. “Women need to consider that family history and lifestyle can play significant roles in their vascular health.” Though venous issues become more common as women age, pregnancy can also lead to certain problems such as flow issues when the uterus expands. Hormonal therapy can also lead to enhanced clotting risk. For spider and varicose veins, non-operative treatment includes compression, medication and life-style measures. The UAB Vein Clinic also employs minimally invasive treatments such as endovenous ablation, injection treatments and Veinwave, which uses heat to treat surface veins. Passman said the UAB Vein Clinic also evaluates for venous clotting issues such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms. Knowing one’s risk factors for clot, including prolonged sitting, bed rest and travel; advanced age, hypertension, smoking, complex surgery, lower body trauma, obesity, congestive heart failure, hormonal changes and family history is important. Passman said in the past few years, technology and research have led to more options to remove clots through the use of venous stints, as well as medicines and catheters that dissolve clots. More common today are catheter-based procedures for both vein clot and flow issues. “We are able to use catheters in places we were never able to before. That has allowed us to make some of these treatments more minimally invasive,” he said. The UAB Vein Program, which combines outpatient care at the UAB Vein Clinic with more intensive treatment available at UAB Hospital Highlands, is “the only program of its kind in the state designed to take care of a wide range of problems that were previously underserved in this region,” said Passman. “We know women lead busy lives and they can’t be slowed down by venous health issues,” he said. “We’re here to help them return to wellness as soon as possible.”
IronHorseResearch.com
Info@IronHorseResearch.com
Since 1994, “NewLIFE” has provided high-quality, lower-cost and patient-friendly fertility care on the de-stressing Gulf Coast. Barry A. Ripps, MD & Meaghan A. Delaney, MD Fellowship-trained and Board Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
www.FertilityLeaders.com Pensacola • Panama City • Tallahassee Mobile • Dothan • Destin • Biloxi Recognized by Best Doctors, Inc. Best Doctors in America THE TOP DOCTORS IN AMERICA October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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women’s health
The Elms Mansion Iron Horse Research making clinical trials more accessible
…one of the most sought-after private party venues in New Orleans
Wedding Receptions & Ceremonies Rehearsal Parties 3029 St. Charles Avenue
504.895.9200 • www.elmsmansion.com
Your Destination for all Life’s Celebrations
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October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
Many physicians don’t know the benefits that facilitating clinical trials for their patients can bring, or if they do, they don’t have the time and staff to deal with the maze of requirements. Enter Chad Eriksen and Iron Horse Research. After working in clinical research for over a decade, Eriksen recently partnered with a New Orleans physician to start Iron Horse Research. Eriksen is a Henry S. Jacobs Camp alumnus, and that is where he met his future wife, Rachel Lazarus. An Alabama graduate, Eriksen started in the field in Jackson, and then moved to New Orleans to be clinical research coordinator at Ochsner Clinic. He then became director of operations at GuideStar Research, which works with hospitals, health systems and physicians, serving as the administrative back office for their clinical trials programs. He said Iron Horse’s goal is “to create and help sustain clinical research programs for physicians.” Any drug that gets approved by the Food and Drug Administration has to go through a rigorous process, Eriksen said. The testing has several phases, including testing on patients with certain diseases. Eriksen said a study may have 1000 participants, and that study could have those participants at as many as 100 sites around the country. Each site has to have ongoing contact with the pharmaceutical company, a budget with that company and routinely report on progress. “There are a lot of moving parts,” he said. To deal with that, hospitals typically have a dedicated clinical trials administrative office, but physicians at private practices usually don’t have that. Often they don’t know how to find the resources to participate, Eriksen said. “A lot of patients and a lot of physicians don’t even know it is an option,” Eriksen said. The ultimate goal of clinical trials is to provide new cutting-edge treatments to patients. Clinical trials help get drugs to market quicker. Eriksen said it is remarkable to see the progress in hepatitis C, for example. Patients who have been dealing with that condition for decades sometimes find, through participation in a clinical trial, a new therapy that quickly clears up something they were resigned to living with. Often, patients in small towns have to drive very far to find advanced treatments for their conditions. Eriksen said clinical trials enable physicians in small communities to offer cutting edge treatments. The patients “are not traveling for hours for treatment, they’re going down the street to their physicians they know well.” For those small practices, clinical trials can be an additional source of revenue, and also help attract patients to the practice. There is an education process about clinical trials, Eriksen said. Many people view participants as guinea pigs, and Eriksen said they don’t understand everything that is involved in clinical trials. If a treatment is not working, they are switched to one with better prospects. “It’s exceptional care,” he said. Patients participating in these trials get access to cutting edge treatments not widely available, often paid for by the pharmaceutical company, including follow-up and sometimes the treatment itself for a time after the trial ends. Because the study has to be monitored, they also get to see their physician more often than they normally would. Ongoing results from trial sites around the country are uploaded to a common database so it is very easy to spot trends quickly, including reports of side effects. That information also goes to the FDA to help them determine whether to approve a drug. For many participants in clinical trials, it isn’t necessarily about themselves. Eriksen noted a survey where 98 percent of participants would do a clinical trial again, and one of the main reasons cited was helping others. “It’s because of patients and physicians in clinical trials that these drugs are available to the public,” Eriksen remarked.
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women’s health
New Hillel initiative addresses mental health on campus Continuing its efforts to adapt to the changing needs of the students it serves, Hillel International, the world’s largest Jewish student organization, last month announced the launch of HillelWell as part of the Hillel U professional development program during the 2018-2019 school year. With initial support through a $1 million gift from Stephen J. Cloobeck, founder of Diamond Resorts International, Inc., HillelWell will provide resources and training to campus professionals to better prepare them to serve the student body, regardless of religious affiliation, on their campuses with increasing rates of depression, anxiety and other mental health and wellness concerns. “Our goal is to create an integrated Jewish approach to mental health, focused on giving young people the knowledge and skills to balance their spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational and emotional wellbeing,” said Rabbi Sherre Hirsch, senior rabbinic scholar for Hillel International, who is overseeing HillelWell. “This approach seeks not only to normalize mental health and wellness and remove its current stigmas, but also to promote it as a way to enrich the Jewish people and the world.” This issue is not new to Hillel. In recent years, Hillel professionals on campus have identified stress and anxiety as well as mental health and wellness among their greatest concerns for Jewish and non-Jewish college students, and one of the highest priorities for skill development and programmatic resources. Research shows that one in three college freshmen will report a mental health disorder, and 1 in 12 college students will make a suicide plan. Researchers also believe even these statistics underrepresent the issue. Barriers to effective prevention and treatment include lack of campus resources, stigma and fear — causing many young adults to suffer in isolation. HillelWell will address the mental health and wellness crisis on campus in tangible ways, including: The launch of a HillelWell lab with five to seven campus participants that will each pilot an innovative, scalable wellness initiative. Providing in person and online training for at least 400 Hillel professionals during the 2018-2019 school year. Collaboration with Hillel International’s student cabinet to ensure HillelWell is integrated into all programming and addressing the needs of students. Development of resource guides for campus professionals to create their own wellness strategies, including through deep campus partnerships that support the whole student. “I am honored to support Hillel International as it seeks to address mental health and wellness for a generation that is more in need than ever of this type of support,” said Cloobeck. “Through my own struggles with dyslexia, I know firsthand how isolating and difficult it can be as a young person dealing with something others might not understand. I know that HillelWell will make an incredible difference to the students and the wider Jewish community.” HillelWell will incorporate longstanding practices including “unplugging” for Shabbat, the intentionality of Jewish tradition, mindfulness of prayer and meditation, all while providing highly relevant and modern training for professionals and equipping the next generation of Jewish leaders with the resources they need to live in a complicated and demanding world. “Students have told us what they need from Hillel and we are listening,” said Rabbi Hirsch. “With the support of Stephen J. Cloobeck, HillelWell will allow us to respond to the changing needs of our students and professionals and promote proactive steps toward wellness on campus.” 36
October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
simchas a semi-annual special section
Capturing memories at simchas by Lee J. Green Sherri Arias puts the art in heart, capturing memories at weddings and other celebrations with live event art. And at some of the events where the former Homewood art teacher has painted, her daughter Brittany Arias Sturdivant has worked her own art through Love Be Photography. After teaching art for 25 years as well as doing her own artwork on the side, Sherri Arias retired in 2013, about the time Brittany got engaged and started planning her wedding. “She and I looked into live event art and there were very few people in the region doing this,” said Arias. “Most of those doing it used acrylic or oil but I didn’t think anyone else was doing watercolor. It has a soft, romantic feel that really fits a wedding.” Arias booked her first wedding in 2015 and the business grew quickly. “I started promoting on Instagram and spreading the word with those in the wedding planning industry. This is a unique niche, but people are excited once they learn about it,” she said. The first meeting with the wedding party, or those involved in other celebrations, usually comes four to six weeks before the event to learn more about what they most want to capture. Closer to the event, Arias will take photographs and do some pre-planning. “It’s important to prepare, but the inspiration comes from being at the event itself,” said Arias. “I look for those little moments, those moments that are just so unique to the wedding or other celebration.” At times, Arias has to take some “artistic license.” She said, “there are certain things that are so important to capture, such as the first dance. But in one case the groomsmen weren’t close enough so I added them in.” Arias and her daughter can share their visions as well as perspectives when working together. Sturdivant said she started Love Be Photography because “I wanted work and a business that would reflect the qualities I love so much about life as well as photography. I want someone to look back on their images and remember how they felt. I want them to see the love, bliss, emotion and pure joy of the day.” In 2015, they opened Studio Birmingham in West Homewood, across from Patriot Park. The event space can accommodate seated celebrations of 25 people and 50 people standing. “We take the setup and prep out of the clients’ hands so they can enjoy the event. We do everything but the catering,” said Sherri. “We help create memories here.”
After Everyone Yells
“Mazel Tov…”
Turn the shards into a one-of-a-kind keepsake
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504-366-3602 Email info@rosetreegallery.com for more info October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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simchas
Where to celebrate? Bellingrath Gardens
This Week In Southern Jewish Life The South’s Most Comprehensive Weekly Jewish News Email To Subscribe, send an email to subscribe@sjlmag.com
Experience the picture-perfect wedding of your dreams at Bellingrath Gardens and Home in Mobile, where there are blooms and beauty every day of the year. Weddings and receptions can be scheduled from May through October on Saturdays, with events starting no later than 2 p.m., as the grounds close at 6 p.m. The Great Lawn has a capacity of 500, while the South Terrace holds 150, and the chapel holds 24. The Magnolia Room is available for groups of up to 80 during daylight hours, with additional capacity possible through the use of rentable tents. More information is available at bellingrath.org.
Ramah Darom Retreat Center Many people meet their future spouse at summer camp, and many choose to return to camp to get married. The Kaplan Mitchell Retreat Center at Ramah Darom near Clayton, Ga., is a first-class, full-service facility surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest. The property includes a lake, 70-foot waterfall, a variety of lodging options and state-of-the-art recreational facilities. The center’s award-winning chef prepares menus in the facility’s kosher kitchens. In addition to celebrations, the retreat center hosts a variety of year-round events, from corporate team building on the ropes courses, Shabbatons, weekend educational retreats and conferences. As the property houses the Conservative movement’s summer camp, the center is available for group rentals from mid-August through May.
Ace Hotel New Orleans Ace is in its name so it is no surprise that the hotel is an Ace at hosting celebrations and accommodations for guests. Ace Hotel Sales and Marketing Director Dawn Ledet said that they have hosted Jewish weddings, movie premieres and “special events from eight people to 1,000 people. Our space is so flexible and plentiful. It can be transformed into anything,” said Ledet. The hotel includes the James Beard Award-winning Josephine Estelle Restaurant and Bar as well as the Alto Rooftop Bar and Grill. She said the restaurant specializes in Italian with a Southern U.S. twist but “we can customize a menu for any event. We have done kosher-style, vegetarian and vegan,” said Ledet. The Ace Hotel offers more than 6,000 square feet of space for events. Ledet said part of the 38
October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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wedding package is a complimentary honeymoon suite for the bride and groom. Located on 600 Carondelet Street in the Warehouse District, the 1928 art deco building housed Barnett’s Furniture Store until the 1970s.
The Elms Mansion, New Orleans History meets modern elegance at The Elms Mansion on St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Built in 1869 for industrialist Watson Van Benthuysen, the mansion is situated on more than one-quarter of an acre of grounds in the Garden District. Architect Lewis Reynolds designed the house using a blend of Italianate and Greek revival. The Elms Mansion can accommodate up to several hundred guests inside and outside on the courtyard. They offer packages that include customized catering with specialties including a Pasta Station, Salmon Brulee and herb-crusted beef tenderloin.
Because they’re family: Including dogs in wedding ceremonies MaryMac’s Doggie Retreat is New Orleans’ first dog daycare and boarding company that specializes in reducing stress, anxiety and depression in dogs while their owners are away. They also specialize in helping make “your fur baby” part of a wedding celebration, with Bridal Pawties. They offer three levels of bridal services. The highest level, the platinum package, includes transportation to and from the venues, a Pet Nanny to increase warm smiles and wags while caring for them during the engagement pictures, the wedding rehearsal, and as they walk down the aisle. It also includes dancing and more photo opportunities during the reception. A spa treatment, including grooming, coloring, and polished nails, and tailored bridal clothing, such as a bridal gown, tux, or flowered collars, are also included. Mary Mac’s also offers slumber pawties, house pawties, day pawties, and for visitors to New Orleans, hotel pawties. Their online store sells a range of calming treats and calming bath bombs. October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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community Trinity Heights redevolpment cancelled The massive redevelopment of the Trinity Medical Center campus near the Levite Jewish Community Center in Birmingham is a no-go, Berman Enterprises said last month. The Maryland-based firm had the 79-acre property under contract, and was doing several months of due diligence before deciding whether to buy the property. The firm had been planning Trinity Heights, a “mixed use development with many asset types,” including luxury apartments, condos, townhouses, office space, an upscale hotel, retail and an upscale senior living community, according to Ben Berman. The property, which has 1 million square feet of space in its buildings, has been vacant since the hospital moved to Highway 280 in October 2015.
Center Celebration will smoke the town Barbecue theme for Oct. 20 event
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Monday-Friday 11am-9pm Saturday 4:30-9pm
Kermit Ruffins and the Barbeque Swingers highlight the festivities at this year’s Center Celebration, the New Orleans Jewish Community Center’s annual fundraiser. Held Oct. 20 at the Uptown JCC, the poolside party includes an open bar, signature drink and kosher barbeque buffet by Kansas City grill master Adam Glass. Tickets are $150, $75 for ages 35 and under. Patron levels start at $250 and go up to $10,000. Center Celebration tickets may be purchased online at nojcc.org or by calling (504) 897-0143.
WRJ district gathering in NOLA
Women of Reform Judaism’s Southwest District is hosting its 6th biennial convention from Nov. 1 to 4 at the Doubletree by Hilton in New Orleans. The convention will focus on pressing challenges facing the Jewish community in the 21st Century and advance women’s leadership. The district comprises Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and western Tennessee. The District Biennial is open for registration through Oct. 10. The keynote speaker is Madi Hoesten, WRJ vice president of affiliate services and an active member of Kol Tikvah Sisterhood in Parkland, Fla. Victoria “Tory” May, cantorial soloist for Gates of Prayer in Metairie, Louisiana since 1987, will serve as the spiritual and song leader for the convention.
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October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
Advocate cartoonist hopes to draw a crowd at Uptown JCC The Uptown Jewish Community Center in New Orleans will have “An Evening with Walt Handelsman,” Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. Handelsman is the editorial cartoonist at The Advocate, which recently released his newest book, “I’m Drawing As Fast As I Can!!!” which is a collection of his cartoons from 2013 to the present. Handelsman has won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning twice, once with the Times-Picayune in 1997, and in 2007 with Newsday. He returned to New Orleans in 2013. The event is free and open to the community, and books will be available for purchase.
community Touro Infirmary Foundation honoring Allan Bissinger at Vegas-style gala Las Vegas may be the theme for this year’s Touro Infirmary Foundation Gala, but this year’s Judah Touro Society Award speaks more to “from generation to generation.” A Touro Governing Board member since 2002 and former Governing Board chair, Allan Bissinger will receive the same award his father, Roger Bissinger, received in 2001. The award is the hospital’s highest honor and is voted on by previous award recipients. It is given annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the welfare of Touro Infirmary. Bissinger is the president of Electrical Sales Corporation, a family-owned New Orleans telecommunications business. As Governing Board Chair, Bissinger facilitated resolutions on a variety of issues to help finalize the formation of a two-hospital, not-forprofit healthcare system between Children’s Hospital and Touro Infirmary. Under his guidance, in 2010, Touro Infirmary leased the St. Charles Campus to the LSU Health Network, which consolidated LSU’s private patient clinics to one location. Long after being born there, Bissinger has served in various roles at Touro, including chair of the Finance Committee, Audit and Corporate Compliance Quality Care, and Strategic Planning. He continues to advocate for better healthcare in New Orleans through his service on both the Touro Governing Board and the LCMC Health Board of Trustees. The gala will be at the Mardi Gras World River City ballroom on Nov. 10. A patron party starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by cocktail hour at 6 p.m. The dinner and presentations will be at 7 p.m., and the Speakeasy After-Party will start at 9 p.m. Individual tickets to the cocktail hour, gala and after-party are $200. Patron tickets are $500, or two tickets at the Game Changer level includes recognition as a member of the Judah Touro Society. Sponsor levels start at Aces High for $2,500 and go to High Rollers at $10,000. For just the after-party, early bird tickets are $50, or $75 for a couple. Ticket purchases can be directed to support Women’s Services and the Family Birthing Center. Funds will go toward expanding educational services such as safe sleep, and continue other educational services such as infant and child CPR.
JEF holding program on donating after the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana is holding “Tax-Wise Giving Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017,” Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. at the Uptown Jewish Community Center. Edward Beckwith will facilitate the discussion. He serves as the national leader of BakerHostetler’s tax-exempt organizations and charitable giving practice. He is nationally recognized for his skill and commitment as counsel to families and charities across the country. He will talk about charitable giving techniques that can be used to benefit a favorite non-profit, and provide important tax-wise information. His talk will be non-technical and directed to donors. Reserve to Patti Lengsfield at patti@jefno.org. There is no charge for this program, and refreshments will be served. October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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culture
Telling stories in a different way After years with NBC News, Martin Fletcher writing historical novels; “Promised Land” is the newest Working for a national television news department isn’t conducive to being a novel writer, but that is something longtime NBC News reporter Martin Fletcher always wanted to do. He visited New Orleans for an Oct. 3 program at the Uptown Jewish Community Center, to discuss his new novel, “Promised Land.” The 7 p.m. program kicked off this year’s Cathy and Morris Bart Jewish Cultural Arts Series. Southern Jewish Life interviewed him before the event, as he took a stroll around Central Park in New York City. Described by former NBC News AnPhoto by Chelsea Dee chor Tom Brokaw as picking up where “Exodus” left off, “Promised Land” is the story of a love triangle that involves a woman and two brothers, set during the first 20 years of Israel’s existence. The story begins with Peter, who at age 14 was sent to America to escape Nazi Germany. The rest of his family winds up in the death camps, and only his younger brother, Arie, survives. When they reunite in the newly-formed Israel, Arie becomes one of the country’s richest businessmen, while Peter becomes a top Mossad agent. They also both fall in love with the same woman, a Jewish refugee from Cairo. “Promised Land” is the first in a trilogy that Fletcher is planning. The three novels will encompass the whole history of Israel in 20-year segments, he said. “The struggles of the brothers mirror the struggles of the newly founded nation.” One goal of the book is to “make the story of Israel accessible to people who may not normally read about Israel.” Many of the readers have seen him There hasn’t been report on Israel. He was an NBC correspondent in Israel for 26 years, ina single Jewish cluding 15 years as bureau chief. community event He won five Emmys for his coverage, three in Israel and one each for where he hasn’t Kosovo and Rwanda. He also was the been asked about only television reporter to join up with the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, coverage of Israel the only reporter to enter the American embassy in Iran when Americans were being held hostage for 444 days, and walked through the mountains of Pakistan and Afghanistan with the Mujahideen for three weeks to report on the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. “When you work for an American television network,” he explained, “most of what they cover is conflict, so you get sent to those places.” He said those areas are “the most challenging places to be” and “that’s where the best stories are.” By being in those situations, he was able to relate the stories of people caught up in tragic circumstances. He finished his first book around 1987, and then a second book a few years later, neither of which were published. “I always knew I wanted to write books, and I always wanted to write novels,” he said. His first book was a professional memoir, “Breaking News,” which came out in 2008. When he was writing it, he considered why he went 42
October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
culture into journalism and did so many stories from dangerous locations. “I didn’t really have an answer” when he was asked that question, so he looked deeper into his experiences. Fletcher grew up in London, the son of Holocaust survivors. His grandparents on both sides, and most of his extended family, were killed in the concentration camps. “The fact my family was murdered… left me with the feeling of wanting to tell the stories of people who can’t tell their stories.” “As a journalist I gravitated toward stories of people who were in similar situations.” He saw echoes “all over the place” such as when he saw 50,000 refugees in a field in Kosovo. His second book was “Walking Israel,” also non-fiction. Those books required a great deal of research. He switched to novels figuring “it’ll be easier,” but” that didn’t work out at all. It’s actually a lot harder to write fiction.” For “Promised Land” he said “I did so much research I could have easily written a nonfiction book about Israel.” But “I didn’t want to tell the history of Israel, I wanted to tell the story.” Novels, he added, do a better job of “transporting the reader to a time and place.” “Promised Land” is his fourth novel. His first two, “The List” and “Jacob’s Oath” are set in Europe in the immediate aftermath of the Holocaust, while the third, “The War Correspondent,” is set in Sarajevo. Over the years, Fletcher has done about 150 Jewish community events, and he remarked that there hasn’t been a single event where he was not asked about the media’s relation to Israel. “It has never not come up.” At first, the complaint was that the media spend too much time covering Israel, but today, Fletcher said, the question is “why don’t you cover Israel more.” He added, “you can’t win.” Fletcher does believe the media is biased against Israel, but not out of anti-Semitism. For the most part, the Palestinians do a much better job of presenting their case, and the Palestinian narrative “is easier to make to an uninformed audience than the Israeli case.” The Israeli narrative speaks to the mind, while the Palestinian narrative appeals to emotions, he said. “They are taking our land and we want justice” is an easy slogan to report. He said Israel has been lacking “an emotional story” and one problem playing into the Palestinian narrative is the issue of settlements in the territories. Fletcher has 30 years of experience reporting from Israel, has lived in Israel for 35 years, his wife is Israeli and their children were born there. ”Obviously, I’m on the Israeli side,” and while he did not want that to be evident in his reporting, “I’m quite happy if it comes out in my writing” of novels.
Coming soon…
from the team at Southern Jewish Life
A new magazine for Israel’s Christian friends
israelinsightmagazine.com
October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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community WWII Museum hosts film on Warsaw Ghetto archive
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WYES IT’S 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE! Inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s relaxed mantra, don’t miss WYES’ next big event on the Northshore at one of the largest houses in Louisiana - the home of Allyson and Mike Sanderson. Don’t miss JIMMY BUFFETT: BURIED TREASURE, airing all month long on WYES-TV/Channel 12. Check your local listings.
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The National World War II Museum in New Orleans is hosting a Holocaust education symposium and screening of Roberta Grossman’s new documentary, “Who Will Write Our History,” on Oct. 25. The film, executive produced by Nancy Spielberg, is about the resistance organized by a band of journalists, scholars and community leaders after 450,000 Jews were sealed into the Warsaw Ghetto in November 1940. Led by historian Emanuel Ringelblum and known by the code name Oyneg Shabes, this clandestine group vowed to defeat Nazi lies and propaganda not with guns or fists but with pen and paper. The group gathered thousands of testimonies about the fate of Polish Jews, sealing them in metal boxes and milk cans buried underneath the ghetto. The 35,000 pages are housed at the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw, and are available digitally at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s archives. The documentary is the first time the story has been told in film. It mixes writings from the archive with rarely-seen footage, new interviews and dramatizations to show what the reality was in the ghetto. The film recently won the audience award for best documentary feature at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. The screening will be at 6 p.m., with a 5 p.m. reception. Seats are very limited. The symposium starts at 10 a.m. with a keynote address from Samuel Kassow of Trinity College. He wrote the 2007 book, “Who Will Write Our History? Rediscovering a Hidden Archive from the Warsaw Ghetto.” A 1:30 p.m. panel on contemporary issues in Holocaust studies will be moderated by Daniel Greene of Northwestern University. Panelists will include Sarah Cramsey of Tulane, and Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett of New York University. Check-in for the symposium begins at 9 a.m. The program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is requested. The day’s events are presented by Jordan Bleznick in memory of his mother, Rozlyn Bleznick. Additional support is provided by The Cahn Family Foundation and The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana.
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>> Rear Pew Mirror game so play was suspended after a scoreless ninth. Even then, there were no lights at Wrigley Field. After darkness lifted, Pharaoh decided to end things quickly and resolutely. To break the deadlock that led to extra innings, he sent out a bunch of older players to ensure the tenth inning would be the last. It was. They got slayed. The conclusion was inevitable. After all, baseball plays through the dog days of summer. Hebrew reads from right to left. Therefore, whose days of summer are these? Next month: The rush to the Red Sea finds the Israelites trying to stay ahead of the tacklers. Will they be forced to make a goal line stand? Doug Brook had nothing to atone for last Yom Kippur, so he decided to start early this year. To read past columns, visit http://brookwrite.com/. For exclusive online content, like facebook.com/ rearpewmirror.
Federation, JEF annual meeting on Oct. 30 The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans and the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana will hold their 105th annual meeting on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Uptown Jewish Community Center. The Federation will have its annual election, and Federation and JEF leadership will each present a status report to members. Bradley Bain will be recognized with the Herbert and Margot Garon Young Leadership Award. As the recipient of this award, he will attend the 2018 Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly in Israel in October. The meeting is open to all members of the Federation. A member of the Federation is defined as a donor to the 2018 Annual Campaign, and who is a member of a Jewish household. All members are eligible to vote.
Panel explores unanimous jury amendment The Jewish Community Relations Council, JNOLA and Moishe House Present “12 Angry Men: A Panel Discussion and Screening,” Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Uptown Jewish Community Center. The event highlights an amendment that will be on the Louisiana ballot in November. Louisiana and Oregon are the only two states that require that only 10 of 12 jurors agree before rendering a verdict — whether guilty or not guilty — in felony cases. Voters will be able to decide if this Jim Crow-era law should be overturned. October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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rear pew mirror • doug brook
The Game’s the Thing
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October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
In speaking of the Bible, William Shakespeare (that is to say, Christopher Marlowe) once wrote, “the play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.” In stealing this line from Star Trek, as the Bard often did, he actually intended something deeper than what was in his play that popularized the Danish. Working further back in time — remember, it started with Star Trek, which sometimes indulged in time travel — the Talmud explains that Shakespeare actually used “play” to mean an action in a sporting competition, and that “the King” referred to the one almighty who some still hold in even higher esteem than Elvis or Saban. Thus, the Bard meant, “the game’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of The King.” What’s more, he originally meant this as an introduction to a monumental — some would say game changing — new look at the Exodus from Egypt. This perspective takes a saga that crosses not only nations, generations and religions, but also leagues and divisions. It’s increasingly common to consider whether parts of the Bible should be taken literally or metaphorically. The ten plagues are a perfect example because they were the first miracles in baseball, later surpassed only by the 1969 Mets. Moses and Pharaoh agreed to settle their fight over the fate of the Israelites in a baseball game. Extrapolating from the Torah, this is how it went. In the first inning, one of Pharaoh’s men was hit by a pitch. The resulting bloody nose was one that Pharaoh and his entire people would not soon forget. The second inning was a pitcher’s duel on both sides, with nothing to show for it but a seemingly endless barrage of one-hoppers. In the third, several insidious birds circled high above with the potential to harm the Pharaoh’s players harvesting runs this inning. In fact, one fly ball hit a bird, preventing it from leaving the park. Tensions were high by the fourth inning. The sun was high, nobody had scored, and Pharaoh’s people were afraid that they could lose and might have to start working for a living. A fight broke out and soon the field was overrun by players acting like animals. The fifth inning saw a round of player Many of the “In the Big Inning” players substitution. who fought in the fourth were injured, and in the fifth their isn’t the only beastly behavior was rewarded by Biblical mention coping with the physical inflictions they incurred. of baseball… In the sixth inning, the mid-afternoon sun caught up with Pharaoh’s folks. The Israelites were prepared, being used to outdoor labor for generations as part of their enslavement, but Pharaoh’s folks were more indoorsy. This far into the game, their skin was suffering from sun exposure so much so that thousands of years before and one inning earlier than William Howard Taft, they stretched out the mid-inning break far longer than normal. In the seventh, play was delayed due to inclement weather. Specifically, unseasonal hail arrived, pelting the players and periodically driving them to the dugouts. Unconfirmed reports said the hail was the size of baseballs. The eighth inning was abuzz with a swarm of instances of the infield fly rule, which is as incomprehensible then and now as the Bible itself. Thanks to the delays in several earlier innings, darkness fell upon the continued on previous page
Celebration 2 r e 01 nt 8 e C
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 7:00 PM, NEW ORLEANS JCC KOSHER BBQ BUFFET BY KANSAS CITY GRILL MASTER ADAM GLASS AND OPEN BAR WITH SIGNATURE DRINK MUSIC BY KERMIT RUFFINS AND THE BARBECUE SWINGERS TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT NOJCC.ORG/CENTERCELEBRATION2018
New Orleans JCC October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life
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October 2018 • Southern Jewish Life