SJL New Orleans, December 2018

Southern Jewish Life NEW ORLEANS EDITION

December 2018 Volume 28 Issue 11

Southern Jewish Life 3747 West Esplanade Ave., 3rd Floor Metairie, LA 70002 Mural on the side of Northshore Jewish Congregation, Mandeville. Story, page 36.

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

shalom y’all

shalom y’all

Look for It is sad but not surprising that the echoes of the bullets at Tree of Life in Pittsburgh had barely faded when politics, partisanship and accusations started to take over.

As is often the case in complex stories and the rush to get information out, there were plenty of errors in the immediate coverage from Pittsburgh, some of which persist on social media.

Some were relatively minor, such as the erroneous reports that the 97-year-old woman who was killed, Ruth Mallinger, was a Holocaust survivor.

It was also quickly assumed that the shooter was inspired by President Trump, but it eventually came out that he hated Trump, who he saw as a merely a puppet of “the Jews.”

That rush to judgment came back just before this issue wrapped, when a man shouted “Heil Hitler, Heil Trump” at a production of “Fiddler on the Roof” in Baltimore. After the social mediasphere declared him just another Trump true believer, it turned out he shouted that as a protest at the hatred he perceived as coming from the administration. A few glasses of wine before the show also didn’t help his judgment.

While the Pittsburgh attack was an unprecedented murder of Jews at prayer, it is far from unique. Have we forgotten the 2014 shooting at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, where three were killed (ironically, all of them non-Jews); the 2006 Seattle Jewish Federation shooting where one was killed; the 1999 Los Angeles JCC shooting — all of which predate “Trump’s America.”

Not to mention the numerous synagogue bombings during the civil rights era, including what had been the worst attack on a Jewish prayer service, in Gadsden

in the center of this issue of Southern Jewish Life

Cover Image: Courtesy Haspel

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Larry Brook EDITOR/PUBLISHER

EDITOR@SJLMAG.COM

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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community

MESSAGES

Maccabi USA leader praises Birmingham Games

I have had the honor of attending many Maccabi competitions around the world. From Israel istration eager to jump all over him on in to 1960.

Australia to South America, Europe and the JCC Maccabiwere games around the United States his insensitivity to Jews.

One of the more egregious stories after and Canada, I have logged many miles seeing howsocial sportsmedia can befor a vehicle to help build Jewish It turns out the story was much more biPittsburgh came courtesy of Ha’Aretz, which identity, especially in our young. published a story alleging that in the news- zarre. Pence and his office had nothing to do I felt honored to come to Birmingham for the first time and fell in love with not just the city paper Makor Rishon, Israel’s Ashkenazi Chief with the appearance of Loren Jacobs at the but the people. You have taken Southern hospitality to a new level with your kind and caring Rabbi David Lau refused to refer to Tree of Life Michigan campaign event — Jacobs had been approach to the JCC Maccabi Games. invited by the local Congressional candidate, as a synagogue because it is not Orthodox.

Led by the Sokol andHa’Aretz Helds, your hard-working volunteers werewho wonderful.

TheyAllpartnered Epstein, is Jewish.

Pence had The author of the piece, inciden- Lena with your staff,wrote led byaBetzy Lynch, tobeen maketold the 2017 games a hugepreshit. was JCC that Maccabi there was “a rabbi” tally, is theoutstanding same one who thoroughly I want to takepiece this opportunity as executive director of though Maccabiwhen USA to thank on behalf ent, hesay ended hisyou prayer “in the misleading in August about Birmingof everyone involved. ham’s JH Israel and the National Leadership name of Jesus,” that should have been a tipoff.

When theinbacklash began, cited Center in Ariel, which led to I had just returned from thethis 20thpublication’s World Maccabiah games Israel with a U.S.Epstein delegation ofher four-generation membership at a synagogue article correcting the record. over 1100, who joined 10,000 Jewish athletes from 80 countries. Back in July the eyes of the entire Hills,with Mich., where sheand is a past As often happens, reporting from the in Bloomfield Jewish world were on Jerusalem and the Maccabiah.

This past month 1000 athletes member Ha’Aretz piecearound about Lau was picked by the board coaches from the world being up in Birmingham, you becameand the her focaldaughter point. received her Washington Post and spread from there to the Hebrew name earlier this year. She said she Everyone Press from the community and the community at large, including wonderful invited Jacobs “because we amust unite as a Associated andJewish beyond, with commenpolice force, are to be commended.

These games will go down in history as being a nation — while embracing ourseminal religious diftators trashing Lau for his insensitivity. moment for the Jewish we build the futureafter by providing such wonderful Jewish what happened in Pittsburgh.

The story spread likecommunity wildfire onassocial me-to ferences” memories.

That the “messianic” movement exists to dia and was seen as just another example of the rabbinate denigrating the non-Orthodox Jed Margolis streams Judaism.

And how ExecutiveofDirector, Maccabi USA much worse, to do so in the immediate aftermath of such a tragedy. But anyone going to the original interview saw a completely different story.

On Charlottesville Lau sought to shut down any discussion of Editor’sflavor Note:Tree This of reaction the events what Life is,tobecause “itinhas no Charlottesville, written

by JeremyWe Newman, relevancy to what happened. are talking Master of the Alpha Epsilonbecause Pi Theta they Colonywere about Jews murdered at Auburn University, was shared by AEPi Jews… Does it make any difference which National, which it “veryoreloquent” and synagogue theycalled attended which liturgical praised “our brothers at AEPi Theta Colony at text of prayers they were reciting?”

Auburn and… the theyterm In theUniversity original Hebrew, heleadership did use the display on their campus. ” for synagogue.

He was further pressed by reports that some publications catering to the Orthodox White supremacy has been a cancer onthan world referred to a “Jewish center” rather our country since its beginning, threatening synagogue. After saying he often dislikes its hopes, its publications values, and itssay better what those andangels. “sometimes The events that took place in Charlottesville there is no connection between what they represented the reality, worst of thisreiterated nation. Those write and the ” he that “we who marched onto the streets are talking about Jews.” Whilewith he tiki saidtorches he has and swastikas did sodisagreements to provoke violence strong ideological with and other fear. Those“so who marched onto the streets did branches, what?” so He to profess an ideology thatkilled harkens to continued, “Jews were in aback location athat bleaker, more wretched time in our history. the murderer saw as having a prominent A time when men and women of many Jewish character.

A place with Torah creeds, scrolls, races, and religions were far from andwith far Jews wearing prayer shawls, aequal place from safe in our own borders.

A time where prayer books, where people came in order Americans under a constant cloud of to be closerlived to G-d.

This is why the murderer racism,specifically anti-Semitism andand pervasive hate. The came here not somewhere events took place else in that order to kill. ” in Charlottesville served as JTA a reminder of how painfully was among the outlets relevant runningthese stories issues are today. about Lau’s “refusal,” relying on the Post story, butAuburn’s Editor-in-Chief Andrew later Alpha Epsilon Pi Silow-Carroll stands with the wrote Lau did of not deserve the headlines.

Jewishthat community Charlottesville, and In another story, headlines blared that Vice with the Jewish people around the country President PenceWe hadalso invited rabbi and aroundMike the world. stand awith theto say a prayerwho for are thetargeted Pittsburgh victims, but the minorities by the hate that “rabbi” outCharlottesville. to be “messianic.

Naturally, was on turned display in We”stand those who are not of fans of the current with the minorities whom these whiteadmin6

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

try and convert Jews to Christianity, and that having people who were murdered because they were Jews memorialized by someone whose entire job is to convert Jews is at the supremacists would like to see pushed back very least insensitive, seems to be completely into a corner and made to feel lesser. We stand lost on her. with and pray for the family of Heather Heyer, In fact, she said anyone complaining about who was there standing up to the face of this Jacobs’ appearance “is guilty of nothing hate. short of religious intolerance and should be We recognize the essence of the American ashamed. ” narrative as a one two-century old struggle to rid It She is the who should be ashamed. ourselves suchthe corners, allow those is akin to,ofafter 2016 and massacre at theingay them the seat the tableasking that they deserve. nightclub in at Orlando, a so pastor who It is the struggle to fulfill the promise of the specializes in “pray the gay away” conversion Declaration of Independence, that “all men are therapy to offer a memorial prayer. created equal… by theirthe Creator Should Pence,endowed upon hearing “rabbi”with refcertain unalienable ” We know worka erence Jesus, have rights. stepped away orour caused is far from finished, weso know will not scene?

Some who but think havewebeen silent move on Billbackwards.

Clinton and other dignitaries nonchalantly sharing thewomen, stage with hater When men and fullynotorious armed, take Louis Farrakhan at Aretha Franklin’s funeral.

Is to the streets in droves with swastikas and aother funeral an appropriate to register dissymbols of hate, it isplace a reminder of how approval, either? relevant the issues of racism and anti-Semitism So much speakscall to the polarization are today. It of is this a wake-up to the work that in our society, of the “gotcha” nature of partisanneeds to be done to ensure a better, more ship, the willingness toitbelieve the come absolute welcoming country. But should not worst those on onhow the far other of the withoutabout a reflection we’veside come. spectrum.

America was bornof a slave A century The propagation falsenation. narratives — yes, into our history we engaged in a war in part one may even call it “fake news” — doesn’t to ensure we would not continue as one. should We help.

Whenever possible, such wounds found ourselves confronted by the issue of civil not be self-inflicted through the haste to point rights, and embarked on a mission to ensure fingers at “the other.” theThat, fair treatment all peoples matter their in a way, isofwhat got usno here. 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, LawrenceFew Brook, and be themselves. werePublisher/Editor met with open

December 2018 January 2018

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.

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agenda interesting bits & can’t miss events

Officers from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office joined members of Shir Chadash in Metairie for breakfast on Nov. 18, after which the congregation presented them with a wide range of treats for their office during the week of Thanksgiving, in appreciation for what local law enforcement is doing for the Jewish community in the wake of the Pittsburgh shooting.

The Rabbi David Gerber era begins at Gates of Prayer The weekend of Nov. 16, Rabbi David Gerber was installed as just the sixth senior rabbi for Gates of Prayer in Metairie.

Members of his previous congregation, Beth Or in the Philadelphia area, played major roles in the weekend, but a snowstorm kept several from attending.

The installation was schedule for the weekend when the New Orleans Saints were hosting the Philadelphia Eagles, leading to a lot of football-themed talk throughout the weekend.

Noting that some of the Philadelphia visitors were wearing green and white feather boas, he praised them for getting into the New Orleans spirit by wearing Tulane colors.

During the Shabbat service on Nov. 16, Gerber introduced the evening’s speaker, Stuart Briefer, as one who goes above and beyond for others. He described how Briefer drove for six hours to Newark in an early-season nor’easter, had a five-hour flight delay that got him into Chicago at 1 a.m., only to find out when he woke up that morning that the weather meant the airline could not get him to New Orleans until Saturday night.

“Backup quarterback” Marian Wolfert from Beth Or wound up delivering Briefer’s remarks, though she said she would be taking some license in editing.

Gates of Prayer Rabbi Emeritus Robert Loewy did the official installation, talking about how seamless the transition has been. He views the role of the emeritus as “be available as needed, but otherwise stay out of the way.”

Still, he said, he always has an interest in the congregation. While conducting High Holy Day services on a cruise ship, he said anyone looking at traffic patterns for the livestream from Gates of Prayer would notice someone in Europe watching this past September — that was him.

Loewy retired this past summer after leading the congregation since 1984.

Knowing where Gates of Prayer has been, Loewy said he looks forward to seeing where Gates of Prayer goes in the future.

At the conclusion of a ceremony that included Loewy passing the Torah to Gerber in front of the ark, Loewy whispered to him, “all yours.” Lauren Gerber shows off a 10-carat blue The reception after services included a range diamond ring from the M.S. Rau collection of New Orleans treats, and plates of decorated during the Nov. 17 reception at the gallery December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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On Nov. 17, Gerber’s childhood friend, Pastor Kennis Russell of Christ Family Church in Houston, took part in Torah study and a musical presentation during the morning service.

Gerber noted that this was the first time they had taught together, though many years ago they did stand-up together.

At the service, Russell and Gates of Prayer Cantorial Soloist Tory May presented music from the different faith traditions. He started with an arrangement of Psalm 100 that they do in church, after which May did a popular Hebrew version.

She also pointed out that by coincidence, Psalm 100 was quoted on the doors of the ark at Gates of Prayer.

They also presented their respective takes on Psalm 136.

The weekend concluded with a reception at M.S. Rau, featuring music by his favorite local group, the Dapper Dandies, who at one point broke out some Klezmer.

The next day, Gerber had his first experience as part of the Who Dat Nation in the Superdome, sporting a Saints jersey, much to the chagrin of the visiting Eagles fans, who also were not enamored of the final score.

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

After a lift to the bimah level was installed outside the sanctuary, New Orleans’ historic Touro Synagogue is undergoing a major sanctuary refurbishment.

On Nov. 19, work began to redo many aspects of the sanctuary. The old seating has been removed, the wood floors are going to be refinished and new seats and carpeting installed.

A task force was formed to come up with plans for the new seating. The task force included an architectural designer, a preservation architect, a contractor, an interior designer, and the past, present, and future presidents. National and local experts in seating for houses of worship were consulted.

Recommendations were made to the Interiors Committee, then to the executive commit-

tee and board.

The new seating will be a little wider than the old seating, which means some numbers will be lost; however, even on the High Holy Days there are usually empty seats. There will still be space for temporary seating to be added as needed.

The configuration will be mostly the same, with some additional width on the middle aisle for weddings. There will also be more spots for the disabled, including nine spaces for wheelchairs and companions. Two front rows will also be removable for special events, such as JazzFest Shabbat.

Over half of the old seats are being recycled by several organizations in need of such seating.

The project is expected to continue until early January.

pittsburgh

Photos by Rabbi Barry Altmark

Street outside Birmingham’s Beth-El filled in statement of solidarity Pittsburgh vigil one of largest events in local Jewish community history Birmingham has long been known as the Pittsburgh of the South, because of the city’s iron and steel manufacturing history.

A couple of days after a gunman opened fire at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, a crowd of over 2000 assembled for an evening memorial outside Birmingham’s Temple Beth-El on Oct. 30.

Rabbi Stephen Slater of Beth-El welcomed “people of all faiths and people of none.” He said the Jewish community was “humbled by your support at this difficult time.” He thanked the first responders and police in Pittsburgh, as well as the Birmingham police for their support.

“Something broke this Shabbat,” Slater said. “A sacred trust was betrayed. The trust that here in America we respect people of other faiths, and their right to worship, was broken. And for that, all of us are lessened.”

But the gathering was “to restore that trust. To enact our sacred commitment to each other as fellow Americans who will stand together and face down hatred when it rears its foul head.”

Slater told the interfaith crowd that “Tonight we share a single faith — the faith that the God we all serve wept over the killing of innocent Jews in Pittsburgh. Tonight we share a single hope that this must never again occur in a house of worship in our country.”

Black ribbons were distributed to those in attendance, and it was explained that those are worn “when we lose people that we love.” The ribbons are used for k’riah, the act of tearing clothes while in mourning, but the crowd was asked to “merely pin it to symbolize the rending.”

Representatives from all sectors of the local Jewish community took part in the program, which was organized by all 10 local Jewish congregations and agencies, and Faith in Action Alabama.

Rabbi Moshe Rube of Knesseth Israel said “we cannot make sense of this horrific tragedy, and we should not try.” He spoke of Jewish teachings that compare each person to the world in its entirety, and 11 worlds were lost on Oct. 27. He urged the crowds to “build the world in the name of those who can not any more.”

Each act of kindness, Rube said, “helps build the world.”

He said, “storm the heavens with our prayers,” because “our brethren could not complete their prayer, so we must do it for them.”

“Today, we look to our fellow native Birminghamians and see the faces of love,” Rube said. “The faces that prove to the world that anyone who fuels hate, evil and murder will always be outnumbered by the unified forces of brotherhood, by those that recognize and appreciate the world contained in each human being and who are ready to take up the tools to raise what was made low.”

Many representatives from the local Christian and Muslim communities were attendance, as was U.S. Senator Doug Jones. Statements of support were sent by U.S. Senator Richard Shelby and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.

In Woodfin’s statement, which Slater read, Woodfin called it “one of the most heinous hate crimes in American history.”

He was taught that “our synagogues, our churches and mosques, are supposed to be among the safest spaces in our communities, places where people of faith come together to share fellowship, receive teaching and wisdom, find support and reassurance and practice peacefully one of the core freedoms that we as Americans are guaranteed.”

By continuing to congregate, “we will be expressing the depth of our belief in the ability of our nation to meet challenges, to overcome flaws, to carry on in the face of even the most incomprehensible of tragedies.”

Birmingham’s own history makes “our city especially attuned to the pain now reverberating through Pittsburgh,” as the 1963 bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church “brought Birmingham to grips with the horrors that can be wrought by the forces of fear and hatred. But it also delivered us unto the realization that the time for constructive engagement and positive change was nigh.”

“Birmingham’s Jewish community continues to have my full support, along with my heartfelt prayers and my undying admiration and appreciation,” Woodfin said.

Rev. J.R. Finney of Community Covenant Church, clergy leader for Faith in Action Alabama, spoke of Shalom, saying “I can’t help but think those 11 Jewish brothers and sisters who I’m sure greeted each other with “Shalom” on Saturday; and my hearts breaks knowing they never had the opportunity to say “Shalom” again to each other in parting.”

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

Unity: Rabbi Yossi Friedman from Chabad of Alabama, Rabbi Moshe Rube of Orthodox congregation Knesseth Israel, UAB Chaplain Cantor Michael Horwitz, Rabbi Stephen Slater of the Conservative Temple Beth-El and Cantor Jessica Roskin of Birmingham’s Reform congregation, Temple Emanu-El, recite the Kaddish and lead “Oseh Shalom.”

His shalom is also a commitment to “stand in solidarity with our Jewish community in prayer for our country, pleading ‘How long, Adonai, how long,’ must we wait until this evil stops, until we can respect each other’s personhood, differences, and worth?”

Jimmy Krell, who grew up in Pittsburgh, lit the 11 memorial candles as the names were read by Temple Emanu-El Cantor Jessica Roskin in the middle of the El Malei Rachamim memorial prayer.

Roskin also recited an English version of the Kaddish that has been written in response to gun violence. The Hebrew version was led by the clergy from the community’s four synagogues, and Cantor Michael Horwitz, chaplain at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital.

Rabbi Yossi Friedman from Chabad of Alabama recalled playing basketball when he was at Yeshiva School in Pittsburgh. “I remember Tree of Life Synagogue. They were the only team we had a chance against,” he said. “I prefer to remember Tree of Life Synagogue that way, rather than the headlines that made it world famous this week.”

Friedman discussed what each person can do in the aftermath of Pittsburgh, saying the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Schneerson, taught of the importance to “turn hate and tears into positive action,” because then light always prevails.

“I look around tonight,” Friedman said, “and this is the America I prefer to see us as. This is who we are.”

He gave three ways to “add goodness and kindness to those around you that you know, and that you don’t know.”

A Charidy website has been set up, “respondwithlight,” to collect 1100 good deeds “in memory of the 11 souls that were taken away from us.”

He continued, “the world can’t be what it needs to be without you, so be the one to do the mitzvah.”

He also urged participation in that week’s national #ShowUpForShabbat effort, and encouraged Jews to put mezuzahs on their doors, “especially the front door, because this is America and we can.”

Sarah Metzger, music and youth director at Beth-El, led several songs throughout the program, including “Hashkiveinu: Let There Be Love,” “Olam Chesed Yibaneh, the World is Built on Love,” “Od Yavo Shalom, May Peace Come Upon Us,” “Oseh Shalom” and “We Won’t Back Down.”

After the final song, Slater said “let’s commit to coming together in new ways… I want us to dream together of a community that embraces everyone” — even those who are struggling with hate, “how can we draw them in?”

Slater referenced Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, one of the greatest Jewish philosophers of the 20th century, who marched with Martin Luther King in Selma in 1965 and said “it felt like my feet were praying.” He urged the crowd to let their feet pray in a quiet march down Highland Avenue.

Holding their phones with the lights on, the crowd then walked down the block to Temple Emanu-El and gradually dispersed.

pittsburgh

Shir Chadash overflows as New Orleans community remembers Pittsburgh congregants Vigil held just a day after the deadly attack One day after 11 Jews were murdered during Shabbat services at Tree of Life in Pittsburgh, an overflow crowd filled the sanctuary and social hall of Shir Chadash in Metairie for a community vigil.

Members of the general community joined with representatives of every branch of the local Jewish community in the Oct. 28 memorial service, which concluded with the placing of hundreds of stones on the steps of the pulpit, reminiscent of the practice at Jewish cemeteries.

Shir Chadash, like Tree of Life in Pittsburgh, is a Conservative congregation. Shir Chadash President Julie Finger said “it is tremendously touching to see such an outpouring of support from the greater New Orleans community,” with over 500 in attendance for the quickly-called event.

She continued, “let us show the world at large that love will always be greater than hate, that good can and will triumph over evil, and let their memory be for a blessing.”

Rabbi Alexis Berk of Touro Synagogue cited a Talmudic story where one is to leave space in one’s stomach so if one becomes angry, he or she does not feel distressed. “I just feel really angry right now,” Berk said. “Angry that we are gathered again as citizens and members of communities that mourn and grieve atrocities at the human hand.”

Citing a quote that anger is the deepest form of compassion, she said the anger should be used “that we may be the change we need to see in our world.”

Rabbi Deborah Silver of Shir Chadash spoke of the symbolism of the tree in Jewish lore, starting with the Tree of Life, the Etz Chaim, which first referred to wisdom, and later to Torah.

“When the congregation called Etz Chaim has been so cruelly struck, then it falls to us, each of us in this room, each of us in this community, each of us in this city, each of us across the world to be that tree, to be an etz chaim, each of us in our way,” she said.

“We have to represent the way that it is possible to grow again and we have to represent the possibility of growing deeper, growing stronger, growing more beautiful and reaching to the sky in the memory of those who have been lost.

Each of us is an Etz Chaim… we must not fall.”

Beth Israel Rabbi Gabe Greenberg led the El Malei Rachamim, reciting the 11 names. He said usually when it is recited graveside, it is for a peaceful transition for the departed from this world to the next, but in this circumstance, “I struggle.” He also urged those in attendance to focus on the 11 and consider what to do upon waking up tomorrow, to help prevent such attacks in the future.

Rabbi Matt Reimer of Temple Sinai referenced a favorite saying of Mr. Rogers, whose real-life neighborhood was in Pittsburgh. In bad situations, “always look for the helpers,” he reminded.

Reimer led an English Kaddish that was written to be recited after gun violence, then led the crowd in Kaddish in Hebrew.

Rabbi Yossi Nemes from Chabad of Metairie said everyone in the Jewish community can identify with those who were lost. “All of us have that bubbe that has been sitting in the front row for 50, 60, 70 years.”

He added, “There is a lot of work we have to do in the days ahead… both practical and spiritual.”

At a meeting earlier in the day, Nemes said, Rabbi Zelig Rivkin, who heads Chabad of Louisiana, said every Temple and Synagogue in New Orleans “should look like Rosh Hashanah, should be packed” during the coming weekend, “to show that we persevere.”

Nemes said the service “is Members of the New Orleans City Council were among the about coming together as one” speakers at the Oct. 28 event as in New Orleans “we are a

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pittsburgh very unified community.”

Though there is unity, he said the attack was still an important reminder. “An attack on the Etz Chaim, Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, is an attack not only on Shir Chadash, but on Gates of Prayer and Beth Israel and Chabad Center and all the other synagogues in New Orleans… we’re all in this together as one family.”

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto referenced Rivkin’s call, saying that on a typical weekend, “millions of us went to services and we went home safely, but it wasn’t a news story.”

Lopinto said “we can’t let evil take that” away from congregations. “We have to make sure that we can come together as people and continue to worship.”

To that end, he said, “Next week I want every synagogue down this corridor to be packed. On behalf of me and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff ’s Office and the men and women that I lead, we’ll be outside to protect you.

You come on inside and do what you have to do. We’ll be here for you.”

Rabbi David Gerber from Gates of Prayer noted that Jews are “a stubborn people. We are no strangers to the fall, but we are masters of the rise.”

That is because “we’re commanded to find blessing in every single day,” even in days where one can’t find the blessing. “God tasks us to find goodness.”

Gerber said “we are in a dark time… (but) there are sparks of light, and it is for this light that we give thanks at this moment.”

He told the non-Jewish guests “we Jews have fallen before, but never have we had so many hands reaching to help us up. Blessed is the light within you.”

Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans CEO Arnie Fielkow also spoke about the response in the greater community, “the expressions of unity and support coming from every corner to condemn the terrible acts of yesterday.”

Federation Board Chair Designate Joshua Force said the incident is a reminder of the importance of security. He said the Federation instituted a program several months ago to work on a security plan for area synagogues and Jewish agencies. Chaired by Aaron Ahlquist of the Anti-Defamation League and Irwin Lachoff, the committee is working with the Jewish Federations of North America’s Secure Communities Network “to identify and develop standardized practices to make our community safer, more resilient, better integrated and better informed.”

More information will be coming in the weeks ahead, he added.

Ahlquist, regional director of the ADL, said “we all have the right to feel safe when we are in our houses of worship. The act of prayer in a sacred place should not put one’s life at risk.”

Numerous political leaders also spoke, starting with U.S. Representative Steve Scalise, who was severely wounded last year as a gunman opened fire on a baseball practice for Republicans in Congress.

The Pittsburgh attack “was a clear display of anti-Semitism, of the bigotry that’s still out there and unfortunately still persists.”

But he continued, “What also persists, and what is more important, is in the face of that bigotry, this country shows unity. We come together.”

Scalise said there are people with evil in their hearts. “I’ve seen it personally,” he continued. “From the one act of evil that I saw — that’s not what sticks with me. What sticks with me is that out of that one act of evil, the thousands of acts of kindness, of unity, of warmth. That’s what gave me strength.”

He concluded, “We’re not going to let the Jewish community be out there on an island by themselves.”

Many members of the New Orleans City Council spoke, led by Council President Jason Williams, who reached out to ZBT brothers around the country. “There was a lot of anger,” he said.

“An attack on a synagogue is an attack on any house of faith,” Williams

pittsburgh said. “An attack on a Jewish home is an attack on my home. An attack on a Jewish person is an attack on me. And in the end, we don’t remember the words of our enemies. We remember the silence of our friends.”

Councilman Joe Giarrusso, a member of Temple Sinai, said he is “tired of having to explain to my children why they are not safe.”

As a member of the local Jewish community and “here with all my brothers and sisters on the council… if there is one thing I am heartened by, (it) is the outreach of other faith leaders who stand together with us.”

Councilor Jarett Brossett spoke of the “strength in numbers” of those at the commemoration. “We will speak out every chance we get, because we will not let evil prevail.”

Councilor Helena Moreno said “this is really hard.”

She said, “the local Catholic community actually has a prayer that we recite every Sunday — it’s our Family Prayer — and part of it says ‘Give us the perseverance to be a voice for life and human dignity’.

“By all of us coming together,” Moreno continued, “we are that persevering voice, calling for love, acceptance, peace, compassion and unity. We all strongly stand with you and we will win.”

Councilman Jay Banks took a different angle, saying he was “sick and tired of having to come to these.

“This week it was a Jewish synagogue. It’s been an African Methodist Episcopal Church.

It has been mosques. It has been far too many instances like this. The question is: ‘When will the adults in the room going to step up and say we’ve got to stop this’?”

Banks continued, “As long as we allow the gasoline of hatred to be poured on this fire, it is going to continue to blaze up… Hold the people accountable that have the ability to pump the brakes on this.”

Councilor Kristin Palmer said this is an era where words and actions can open doors to hatred. “Only us in this room, in this city and in this country, can close that door through our actions.”

In the middle of the service, Temple Sinai Cantor Joel Colman, Gates of Prayer Cantorial Soloist Tory May and Touro Synagogue Cantor Kevin Margolius led the crowd in “Heal Us Now,” a song May said was “very familiar for a lot of us in 2005” after Katrina.

The final line of the Kaddish, “Oseh Shalom,” a prayer for peace, was also the closing song, led

by Colman, May and Margolious. After the conclusion, Silver invited everyone to bring a stone and place it on the steps of the bimah before filing out.

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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pittsburgh At Emanu-El, Sen. Jones draws parallels to 1963 bombing at 16th Street Three days after an estimated 2,000 people jammed Birmingham’s Highland Avenue in front of Temple Beth-El on Oct. 30 to remember the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, who was part of the remembrance crowd that night, “Showed Up for Shabbat” at Temple Emanu-El. Jones spoke at Emanu-El during a national initiative — #ShowUpForShabbat — which was conceived as a response to the Pittsburgh tragedy.

Jews nationwide were urged to make a special effort to attend synagogue Nov. 2 and 3 as an act of solidarity, support and remembrance.

The synagogue’s large sanctuary was heavily crowded and, in addition to those who typically attend on Friday nights, included people who came to express their support and solidarity in the wake of the Pittsburgh tragedy and to hear Jones.

Jones, a Democrat who narrowly defeated Republican candidate Roy Moore last year in a bitter and hard-fought race, served from 1997 to 2001 as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, which covers Birmingham. In that role, he successfully prosecuted two of the men who perpetrated the infamous 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963, which killed four young black girls.

In his remarks at Emanu-El, Jones drew comparisons between the Oct. 27 Pittsburgh synagogue massacre and the Birmingham church bombing which took place on a Sunday morning.

He said that the message of the prayer gathering at Beth-El — “a call for unity not division, love not hate” — was the same one “heard in Birmingham in 1963” and one that has been heard more recently across the U.S. in response to violent attacks on religious and other institutions.

“We are living in a very politically toxic environment right now, it is straining families and friendships,” Jones observed, as he recounted some of the recent hate crimes and violent attacks that have occurred in America. “I am afraid we have moved into dangerous territory.”

Added Jones, “I contend we live in a very important time… intolerance is acceptable again, notions of civility have been thrown out the window.

“Some of our leaders on both sides of the political aisle promote this kind of environment using hate and prejudice and ridicule as a means to winning elections and gaining power,” he lamented. “Civility is the hallmark of a mature democracy… we can disagree without insult.

“Leaders should win by sharing a compelling vision of the future while hate and ridicule should be left behind,” he continued.

“I am not talking about one side or the other, and while I personally believe and will candidly say that I believe the president is the offender-in-chief here, he is not alone. I have seen Republican friends of mine — colleagues — harassed in restaurants, airports and in the halls of the Senate office buildings in part because of the urging of Democratic leaders,” Jones added. “We have to do better.”

He further argued that people aren’t always willing to make the connection between bigoted and inflammatory rhetoric and violent and murderous acts of hate, and, he said, in some instances where they do, they blame others, not themselves.

As someone who has studied the Civil Rights movement, Jones believes that the bigoted and racist language and culture promoted by government leaders and other civic officials at the time “empowered the Klan.”

“Let no one doubt the link” between that rhetoric and the murderous and violent attacks and attempted attacks that took place against black churches and synagogues during the darkest days of the Civil Rights era, he explained.

Furthermore, he maintained as he continued his call for civility, “the truth is that most American families, regardless of political persuasion, worry about the same things” — things that affect their family’s well-being such as paying bills and healthcare. “We have more in common than 14

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

pittsburgh all the differences that divide us.”

Jones, a native Alabamian, also believes that Birmingham and the South in general, scenes of some of the nation’s most violent and bloody incidents, can be a place “where healing can begin.” As an example, he noted there are many different denominations in the heavily religious South, “but neighbors are willing to help one another.” In a reference to the healing that has taken place in the aftermath of the Civil Rights movement, he said, “The South can lead our nation to a better place, not only because we know how to do it but because we have done it.”

America, he said as he concluded, is at a “watershed moment” and the country can get to a better place by everyone “working on the betterment of ourselves.” Americans “are proficient at the art of compromise… for 250 years we have found ways to work together.”

Rabbi Steven Jacobs speaks at the vigil in Tuscaloosa on Oct. 30, held between Temple Emanu-El and the Alabama Hillel.

Shreveport: “We’re not going to stop now” In Shreveport, Northern and Central Louisiana Interfaith held a press event on Oct. 31, featuring members of the Jewish, Catholic, Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist and Unitarian communities.

The event was at Church for the Highlands, whose pastor, Rev. John Henson, said they were standing “with our Jewish brothers and sisters… to condemn the acts of violence perpetrated this week.”

The religious leaders spoke out about the need to not teach hate, and to not be silent in the face of evil. The Tree of Life shooting “happened because of hating the other, Agudath Achim Cantor Neil Schwartz said.

“The only solution is to stop teaching hate and to stop saying hateful words.”

Schwartz, Rabbi Jana De Benedetti of B’nai Zion and Bethany Sorkey of the North Louisiana Jewish Federation wrote a joint letter to the greater Shreveport community, saying that while the pain of what happened in Pittsburgh “is almost unbearable,” the Jewish community does not lose faith.

“We are comforted by the outpouring of support from the non-Jewish community here. Our friends and neighbors here have reached out to say that they mourn with us and stand with us against hatred and violence,” they wrote.

On Nov. 2, B’nai Zion held a solidarity Shabbat service. “Hatred is not going to stop us from coming to services,” De Benedetti said. “Most of this is going to be a regular Shabbat service, because that’s the point…

We haven’t cancelled Shabbat in over 5,000 years and we’re not going to stop now, for any reason.”

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More than names on the TV screen Huntsville’s Listfield was rabbi at Tree of Life

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• December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

As congregations across the region gathered to try and sort out what happened in Pittsburgh, Etz Chayim in Huntsville had a particularly close view.

Rabbi Stephen Listfield of Atlanta, who is the monthly visiting rabbi for Huntsville’s Conservative congregation, used to be the rabbi at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life and knew six of the 11 who were murdered.

Ordained in 1974, Listfield became rabbi of Agudath Israel-Etz Ahayem in Montgomery in 2002, leaving to become rabbi at Tree of Life in 2006.

He was rabbi at Tree of Life until 2009, when he took a sabbatical year as part of an agreement as the congregation was merging with Or L’Simcha.

On Oct. 28, the afternoon after the shooting, he sat with members of Etz Chayim to give his reflections, and discuss security. He had spent the entire previous night talking with friends in Pittsburgh.

He also spoke at a community memorial service at Ahavath Achim in Atlanta on Oct. 30, talking about the six that he knew, “five of them quite well.” The others had joined the congregation as part of the mergers after he left.

The victims were “11 Jews who simply loved their synagogue, felt it was their home and wanted to worship.”

He continued, “whatever you heard about the kindness, decency, gentleness, sweetness, innocence, goodness of the people who were killed, I knew them, and it was 1000 times more than the TV could possibly report.”

Listfield said he and his wife used to see brothers Cecil Rosenthal, 59, and David Rosenthal, 54, “all the time.” They had a condition called Fragile X, which led to mental deficiencies. They were “always in the synagogue, unable to work, living in a group home,” Listfield said. “They were always greeting everyone, and they made everybody happy.”

Their parents are very elderly and living in Florida, “and they entrusted our country to take care of their sons.”

If you put the Rosenthal brothers in a room for a week with a flea, in the entire week “they would not have been able to figure out how to harm the flea, but they were murdered,” Listfield said.

For Rose Mallinger, 97, the synagogue was her second home, he said, and she was there “all the time.

“She was old, but she was young… trust me, she was younger than anybody here,” Listfield said. Her daughter was wounded in the attack.

He also remembered Sylvan Simon, 86, and Bernice Simon, 84, who were married at Tree of Life six decades ago.

“You know them because they are the bedrock of what every single community is, what every Jewish community, Christian or Muslim, Hindu or Sikh… just the best people,” Listfield said. “These people are your neighbors, maybe they are your family, maybe they are you or me.”

Among those he did not know was Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, a noted AIDS doctor. Listfield noted that Rabinowitz would hold the hands of AIDS patients, despite being urged by others to wear gloves. “I’m not going to wear a glove, I’m going to touch their hands,” he would say.

After attending a gathering at The Temple in Atlanta on Oct. 30, Listfield said he turned on the news and saw that “the blame continues,” with the “what abouters” pointing fingers at the other side and acting like 8-year-olds on a playground. He asked, “where is leadership? Where are our leaders?”

The 11 were “taken from us meaninglessly,” Listfield said. “The dearest people who lived the most serene of lives, who were nothing but kindness and gentleness… who were my friends, killed in cold blood for some maniacal reason. We saw that.”

Listfield noted that the incident is going into the record books as the

pittsburgh worst attack on a Jewish worship service in U.S. history. “Jews don’t accept that kind of record book,” he said, and they should be in the record books for a different reason.

That week’s Torah portion was about the death of Sarah, but the title is “Chaye Sarah,” the life of Sarah.

“The 11 people who were murdered… they are going to go into the record books because of life. Those people were so kind, so simply generous, so innocent, the world has no idea. We’re going to celebrate that.”

As the nation’s leaders blame and insult each other, “We’re going to say something until this country gets it, that we’re all going to be sweeter, better, kinder and gentler, and learn how to love each other better.”

On Oct. 29, a multi-faith vigil was held at the Holocaust memorial in downtown Alexandria

New Orleans Mayor Cantrell shows love at Temple Sinai As congregations across the country emphasized #ShowUpForShabbat the weekend of Nov. 2, at Temple Sinai in New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell showed up and addressed the congregation.

She spoke about combatting darkness and showing love. “The only thing that will crowd out dark will always be light,” she said. The darkness the previous weekend in Pittsburgh “touched us, but we continue to show that we are the light and we have to be the light, even in times when there are people who express their hate and try to dim our light or even extinguish it altogether.”

“Darkness is definitely among us,” she said, “but it is not us.”

She spoke of the “power of community” to be present, “touch one another and show love.”

As mayor, Cantrell said, “I want you to know that my heart was hurt just like yours… but it has given me a real passion to recommit myself, and hopefully you as well, to do everything possible to uplift the lives of all people… We have a responsibility to do it.”

She noted that the last funeral for “our 11 citizens whose lives were taken” at Tree of Life occurred earlier that day. “I’m just here this evening to show my love, in ways I can, and the best way is to be present, to touch you and show you love.”

She told the congregation, “You will always be a part of the fabric of the city of New Orleans.”

Cantrell concluded her remarks with “Thank you and Shabbat Shalom.”

An Attack Against One Faith is an Attack on All Faiths The freedom to worship without fear is a right to be fiercely protected.

There can be no tolerance for acts of anti-Semitism.

We stand together as a community in condemning religious bigotry and the cowardly act of vandalism that defaced the Mandeville synagogue.

District Attorney Warren Montgomery speaking at a solidarity gathering at the Northshore Jewish Congregation, Sept. 16.

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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Though Rabbi Barry Block of B’nai Israel in Little Rock had promised to introduce each of the politicians, candidates and clergy attending the Oct. 29 vigil, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson advised him not to — because when Block called them up to the bimah, this is how many were there. “This level of support is not taken for granted,” Block said. “We are a very blessed community.”

Interfaith gathering fills sactuary at Mobile’s Ahavas Chesed On Oct. 30, about 500 packed the sanctuary at Ahavas Chesed in Mobile for a prayer service, which was followed by a candlelight vigil in front of the building.

Mayor Sandy Stimpson called for the Mobile community to unite as an example to the world.

Ahavas Chesed Rabbi Steve Silberman said the “community turned out beautifully” for the evening, in a demonstration of that unity. “For each one of you, for each one of us to set aside time and bring caring into the broken world is more spiritually compelling than any other element of life itself,” he said.

That is much more powerful than the choice of a person “to bring wickedness and cruelty and hate and destruction into our world.”

Rabbi Yossi Goldwasser from Chabad of Mobile and Springhill Avenue Temple President Michael Pereira also spoke, along with Springhill Avenue Temple Ritual Chair Jonathan Fratkin.

Law enforcement was represented by Richard Moore, U.S. District Attorney for Southern Alabama; James Jewell, FBI Special Agent in Charge; and Mobile Police Assistant Chief Clay Godwin.

Godwin said the event “rejuvenated my faith in humanity” and said the Mobile Police Department would do everything they can to protect the Jewish community and those of all other faiths.

Moore echoed that, saying the Pittsburgh attack was “an attack on all faiths,” not just the Jewish community.

Rev. Joy Blaylock of Episcopal Church of the Redeemer spoke of “the compassion, the wisdom and brilliance of the Jewish faith,” which “changed my life and that of millions across the world.”

Photo courtesy Rob Herbst, The Catholic Week

Mayor Sandy Stimpson speaks at Ahavas Chesed on Oct. 30 She was there “as a friend, a minister, a wife, a mother, to denounce every form of racism, bigotry and hatred that is stirring or being stirred among us.”

Among the other religious representatives were Imam Ron Ali of the Mobile Masjid of Al-Islam, Buzz Wilcoxon of Springhill Presbyterian Church, Pastor Ellen Sims of Open Table United Church of Christ, and Archibishop of Mobile Thomas Rodi.

“The darkness cannot overcome the light,” Rodi said. “May we be a light and encourage others to be a light as well.”

Silberman told the crowd that “you are adding indescribable holiness to this synagogue and every synagogue, every church, every mosque, every house of worship here and beyond.”

Flynt reminds of the power of words

A diverse group of clergy from Hattiesburg attended a solidarity Shabbat at B’nai Israel on Nov. 2. Neil Solomon, president of the congregation, is from Pittsburgh.

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

In Auburn, about 300 attended a Nov. 3 vigil at Beth Shalom, with 11 different religious representatives lighting memorial candles for the 11 Jews who were murdered at Tree of Life in Pittsburgh.

Wayne Flynt, professor emeritus in Auburn University’s history department, said that though one might ask why a Baptist preacher was one of the main speakers at the event, “tonight, we are all Jewish.”

Flynt spoke about the power of words, from the Biblical notion that words carry the power of creation. He said words need to be used carefully, because “what happened in Pittsburgh did happen in Alabama half a century ago,” when individuals motivated by hate-filled rhetoric from leaders killed four girls in bombing the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, and killed another 13-year-old later that day.

“The guns that kill are fired by the people who hate, who listen to words of bigotry and misrepresentation spoken by people we elect to office, who are often unworthy of our respect,” Flynt said.

Mayor-elect Ron Anders said he would propose a city diversity task force, to “bring Auburn to its greatest place.”

pittsburgh At Mississippi State, university community turns out in solidarity On Oct. 31, Hillel at Mississippi State University held a vigil at the Chapel of Memories on campus, and the 125-seat venue was filled to overflowing.

There were 12 white roses standing individually in the front of the chapel, for the 11 who were murdered in Pittsburgh and one for all those who are murdered in hate crimes.

The vigil was coordinated by Hillel at Mississippi State, which has about 20 to 30 active members. President Tyler Daniel opened the vigil by saying “Your support means more to us than words can describe… reach out to the Jewish community, your Jewish friends. Let them know you consider this an attack on you, too.”

University President Mark Keenum spoke of the campus’ diversity, and how the different groups “are here for each other… Respect is a fundamental value here on this campus and is a value that gives us our structure during challenging times such as this.”

Myah Emerson, president of the Student Association, said she struggled with what to say. “I don’t have a word, but I am here. Your fellow students may not have words to say to you, either, but we are here. You are not alone. We are with you.”

Muslim Student Association Advisor Rani Sullivan said there is “no space” between the Muslim and Jewish communities in standing together. She said the best response to hate is to live one’s faith. “It is to be more Jewish than you have been before. It is to be more Muslim than you have been before. It is to be more Christian than you have been before.”

Seth Oppenheimer, student rabbi at B’nai Israel in Columbus, led a me-

Twelve white roses at the feet of the angel outside the Chapel of Memories morial prayer, and rejected the notion that this was an isolated incident.

Among so many groups, he said, there have been so many canaries in the coal mine that “the flock is large enough to blot out the sun.”

In an age of divisive political speech, “All of us who still believe in love and hope and recognize the divine hand of holiness in each soul must come together to fight this hatred… the only way we can get it together is together.”

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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pittsburgh

Rabbi Jordan Goldson of B’nai Israel in Baton Rouge speaks at an Oct. 29 vigil at Beth Shalom, which was attended by over 500. For Solidarity Shabbat on Nov. 2, the two congregations held a rare joint service at B’nai Israel.

Candlelight vigil in Huntsville

Hundreds attended a vigil outside Temple B’nai Sholom in Huntsville on Nov. 2, followed by a Solidarity Shabbat service.

B’nai Sholom President Ann van Leeuwen said there was a different side to the Pittsburgh tragedy. “Within hours of the tragedy, flowers appeared on the Temple steps. A local church offered to have their congregants circle the Temple on Friday so that we could worship without fear.”

In her South Alabama home town, she said a church rang their bell 11 times in memory of those killed in Pittsburgh. “I’ve lost count of the calls and emails of love and support we’ve received and the people who came by to say how sorry they were that this happened.”

B’nai Sholom Rabbi Eric Berk said the candles at the vigil “are lit for our right to worship free from fear. Our candles are candles are lit for the 11 holy souls who have ascended into the firmament.”

On Oct. 28, the night after the Pittsburgh shooting, Berk and about 40 members of the Huntsville Jewish community attended a previously-scheduled Alabama Celebrates Israel event at The Rock Family Worship Center, where about 700 local Christians expressed solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people.

Berk commented that after the events in Pittsburgh, the uplifting event was exactly what the community needed to see.

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

Rabbi Cantor John Kaplan of B’nai Israel in Jackson, Tenn., said this was a “partial view” of the floral tributes and over 100 cards and letters awaiting congregants on Nov. 2 as they assembled for Shabbat services.

Among the cards was a letter from Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist. “Truly a moving gift of outreach and love from the greater Jackson community,” Kaplan said.

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Representatives from Chabad of Southern Mississippi in Biloxi and Beth Israel in Gulfport held a Night of Unity at Jones Park on Oct. 30. The office of Mayor Billy Hewes also sponsored the event.

Overflow crowd at Pensacola service On Oct. 30, there was a Service of Solidarity and Healing at Temple Beth El in Pensacola.

Rabbi Sam Waidenbaum of B’nai Israel sang the El Molei Rachamim memorial prayer, and Beth El Rabbi Joel Fleekop recognized the overwhelming outpouring of interfaith solidarity from faith leaders in Northwest Florida.

An overflow crowd was seated downstairs.

As part of the evening, three Artists in Residence from the Pensacola Opera sang “Soave Sia Il Vento” from Mozart’s Opera “Cosi Fan Tutte,” “Gentle is the wind, calm is the wave, and every one of the elements answers warmly to our wishes.”

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Before Pittsburgh, where was the worst attack on a Jewish prayer service in U.S. history?

Gadsden, Alabama.

Gary Zola, director of the American Jewish Archives in Cincinnati, told the Cincinnati Enquirer that the Pittsburgh attack was the first time in U.S. history that Jews were murdered while worshiping.

He added that the previous high watermark was at Gadsden’s Beth Israel on March 25, 1960. Beth Israel, Gadsden The congregation was holding a Shabbat evening service to dedicate the Zemurray Social Hall, with several Christian clergy in attendance.

After Franklin Denson of First Methodist Church gave a benediction, Jerry Hunt, a 16-year-old Nazi sympathizer, threw a firebomb through a stained-glass window, but it did not ignite.

As Rabbi Saul Rubin told those in attendance not to leave the building, two members ran out to see what had happened and were shot by Hunt.

Alvin Lowi was hit in the hand, but Alan Cohn had an aorta nicked, and had a long road to recovery, requiring 22 pints of blood in the immediate aftermath.

Earlier that week, Hunt had attended a rally for Rear Admiral John Crommelin, a World War II hero who became a notorious white supremacist and anti-Semitic politician. Hunt had also recently had a confrontation with a Jewish student over a chess game.

According to reports from the time, Hunt had been interested in Nazism since seventh grade, and admitted painting a swastika on a local store a few months earlier. There had also been complaints by Jewish high school students over his wearing of a Nazi armband and helmet, so he was immediately a suspect in the case.

Hunt was captured within seven hours. That Sunday, sermons in churches throughout Gadsden condemned the attack, and a week later, Beth Israel was packed to overflowing as the next Shabbat service was also broadcast on local radio.

Days after that service, Hunt was killed when his car left the road and hit a tree. The attack was seen as an “anomaly” in an otherwise positive relationship that the Jewish community had with the greater Gadsden community.

During the civil rights era, there were several bombings of synagogues, including the bombing of The Temple in Atlanta in 1958. Other bombs went off in North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee.

An attempted bombing took place at Birmingham’s Temple Beth-El in April 1958. The bomb, which had been placed in a window well and malfunctioned just short of detonation, was three times as powerful as the one that would kill four girls at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in 1963.

Other bombings were at Beth Israel in Jackson, Miss., in 1967, and Beth Israel in Meridian in 1968.

In all the bombings, the buildings were unoccupied at the time of the blasts, but a bomb went off at the home of Beth Israel Rabbi Perry Nussbaum in Jackson in 1967 while he and his wife were inside. They were not injured.

In a statement, Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt said the Pittsburgh attack is “likely the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States.”

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

In 1977, a white supremacist randomly chose Brith Sholom Knesseth Israel Synagogue in St. Louis and killed a guest in the parking lot after a Bar Mitzvah.

In 1999, Buford Furrow Jr. opened fire in the lobby of the North Valley Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles, injuring five. In 2006, a gunman killed one and injured five at the Seattle Jewish Federation.

In 2014, a former Klan leader shot and killed three people at a Kansas City Jewish Community Center and a Jewish retirement facility. All three of the victims turned out to be Christians.

JCC bomb hoaxer sentenced to 10 years

Birmingham, New Orleans targeted The 20-year-old Israeli who was convicted of a series of bomb threats to Jewish institutions in the United States in early 2017 has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Among the over 150 bomb threats to Jewish Community Centers and Jewish Day Schools were four threats in Birmingham and one in New Orleans.

The sentence for M., whose full name has been publicly withheld, was handed down by Judge Tzvi Gurfinkel in Tel Aviv District Court on Nov. 22. The prosecution had asked for seven years.

The sentence also includes a fine of NIS 60,000, about $16,000.

As the sentence was read, M.’s father shouted “He has autism! He is sick.” His family blamed the youth’s autism and a brain tumor for his actions, a defense that was widely criticized.

The judge said the 10 years took his condition into account, as under normal circumstances he would have given 17 years. “The defendant’s condition requires considerable mitigation of the punishment,” he said, “however, it is impossible to ignore the severity of the defendant’s actions.”

He concluded that M. was responsible for his actions and understood the difference between right and wrong.

From 2015 to 2017, M. offered his services on the dark web, using a calling service that disguised his voice. Clients could hire him to make bomb threats against schools, airports, airlines, police stations and other places. He admitted to over 2,000 such calls “out of boredom.”

Some of the calls led to emergency airplane landings, evacuations and general chaos at targeted institutions. He also tried to extort a Republican state senator in Delaware.

Recently, he was also indicted for three new hoax calls made from prison.

He has also been indicted on hate crime charges in the United States.

J

An Official Publication of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans

THE

EWISH NEWSLETTER Vol. XIII No. 6

December 2018 | Kislev 5779

AMIEL BAKEHILA BRINGS ART AND SPIRITUALITY TO NEW ORLEANS Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans and the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana, Amiel BaKehila is an educational program designed to help New Orleanians feel more connected with Israel.

New Orleans is one of three cities in the South that partners with educators, artists, and rabbis who live in Israel. Through this program, which is chaired locally by David Shepard, over six visits Israeli guests come to New Orleans to spend two days working and interacting with various Jewish groups.

From November 2-4, the Amiel visitors returned to New Orleans. The focus was on spirituality, and the guests were Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider, the Community Educator, and Sheva Chaya Shaiman, a spiritual artist, whose paintings and glasswork are displayed throughout Israel.

On Friday morning, Sheva Chaya and Rabbi Goldscheider visited both the Jewish Community Day School and the Slater Torah Academy to make art projects with the schools’ upper elementary students. The project was titled “Heart Art - Inside/Outside” and focused on emotions students have in their hearts, and those they experience all around them. Over 40 students between the two schools participated in this activity. Sheva Chaya visited and worked on a project (before Shabbat) with the women of the Metairie Chabad. The event was generously hosted at Rabbi and Mrs. Yossie Nemes’ home. Later that evening, Sheva Chaya walked over to Beth Israel and joined Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider for evening services and Shabbat dinner.

On Saturday afternoon, Rabbi Goldscheider and Sheva Chaya Shaiman attended a lunch session at Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation.

Following Havdalah, JNOLA hosted an event at the Healing Center on St. Claude Avenue. JNOLA guests discussed with Sheva Chaya how her art intertwines with her spirituality.

Sunday morning, area religious school parents and community members attended a brunch at the studio of local glass artist Andy Pollack. The standing-room only crowd witnessed Sheva Chaya as she practiced her craft of glassblowing. That afternoon, Sheva Chaya displayed her work at the Garden District Marketplace where she met and talked with local art aficionados and artists.

The Amiel delegation will be returning to New Orleans January 8–10. Visitors Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider, Israeli chef and television personality Yahav Kriti, and feministic and activist Sagit Peretz Deri will be discussing the topic of Multiculturalism. To learn more about this and other Jewish education initiatives, please contact Michelle Neal at michelle@jewishnola.com.

December 2018 • The Jewish Newsletter

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End of Year Giving Reminder

As a reminder, if you have never given to the Annual Campaign before, this is your chance to truly light up the world with generosity—and to share your joy in passing on Jewish traditions to the next generation.

The Goldring Family and Woldenberg Foundations give thanks for our Jewish community each year through their generous matching program. A brand new gift to the Campaign is matched at 25%.

The impact of your recurring annual pledge is heightened by a 12% match. Raising your pledge this year? The increased amount is additionally matched at 25%.

Anyone who would like to pay any year’s pledge over the phone by credit card can do so by calling the Federation office at 504-780-5600 by Monday, December 31 at 12:00 p.m. Credit card payments will be accepted online at www.jewishnola.com up until 10:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 31.

Giving appreciated securities is a tax-wise way to pay your Campaign pledge. For securities held longer than one year, you can deduct the full fair market value of the stock, regardless of the purchase price, and avoid paying capital gains tax. To pay using stocks to Federation’s Morgan Stanley Account #575060565-239, contact Carla Marciniak carla.marciniak@morganstanley.com or 504-587-9645. Be sure to also contact Brenda at the Federation office at 504-780-5605 to notify Federation what kind of stock and how many shares have been transferred.

Without you, we could not support the incredible work of our local and overseas partners. Thank you, and Happy New Year!

Nourish

On November 1, Nourish partnered with Grace at the Green Light, an organization that provides meals to New Orleans’s lowest-income residents, to serve dinners and host a concert. Federation brought in local jazz pianist Matt Lemmler to perform, and in total 50 people received a hot dinner.

Federation also led a sock and oral care drive to benefit Grace at the Green Light, with an Amazon wish list and drop-off boxes at Slater Torah Academy, the New Orleans JCC, and the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus. As a result, we were able to donate over 100 pairs of socks, approximately 150 tubes of toothpastes, and almost 300 toothbrushes!

Next up? We’re partnering with Covenant House of New Orleans to sponsor a drive for new cold weather gloves and hats.

Covenant House’s mission is to provide support, food, clothing, and shelter to young people living on the streets. While most people may think Covenant House only serves teenagers and young adults, currently Covenant House is also serving 62 children under the age of 10, including 24 children under the age of 1. Please consider donating both adult and child sized gloves and hats. The drive begins Monday, November 19 and will run through December 1. Collection boxes will be located in the lobbies of the Uptown JCC and the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus in Metairie.

To learn more about Jewish education and social action initiatives, contact Michelle Neal at michelle@jewishnola.com or at 504-780-5604.

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December 2018 • The Jewish Newsletter

FEDERATION LAUNCHES PARTNERSHIP WITH WBOK As part of Federation's continuing focus on expanding relationships throughout the wider New Orleans community, last month we launched a formal partnership with WBOK 1230AM to highlight and explore African-American/Jewish relations monthly on the Good Morning Show with Oliver Thomas.

Representing the Greater New Orleans Jewish community as Thomas’ co-host is Lynne Wasserman.

Entitled “Shalom: A Cross-Cultural Conversation,” each dedicated segment will rotate guest speakers in the coming months. On Wednesday, November 14, the second segment aired. It featured Rabbi Emeritus Robert Loewy of Congregation Gates of Prayer and Reverend Mark Mitchell of New Hope Community Church, who engaged in a fascinating discussion about the shared history of and commonalities between the Jewish and African-American communities in New Orleans. You can download the show as a podcast on the Federation Forward page at jewishnola.com/forward.

Jewish Newcomers Welcome Event On December 4, Jewish newcomers to the Greater New Orleans area from the past 7 years will come together to connect with fellow newcomers and Federation board members. Morton and Carole Katz are generously opening their home to host this hors d'oeuvres and wine event. Alon and Emily Shaya, both Federation Newcomers, will speak about their newcomer experiences and will welcome those who are new to our Jewish community.

For more information about this event or to

RSVP, please contact Michelle Neal at michelle@jewishnola.com or 504-780-5604.

December 2018 • The Jewish Newsletter

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THE LATEST NEWS FROM NEXT GEN JEWISH NEW ORLEANS The JNOLA Board, comprised of 23 lay leaders and co-chaired by Julie Wasserman Green and Michael Finkelstein, met on Wednesday, November 7. Guest speaker Aaron Ahlquist, Regional Director of ADL’s South Central Regional Office, spoke on the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and discussed ways to address anti-semitism. Federation CEO Arnie Fielkow called in to discuss his vision for 2019 and the Federation leadership’s support of JNOLA. The Board also voted to create a committee focused on local and national politics and legislation that will work in conjunction with the Jewish Community Relations Council.

JNOLA’s annual professional networking event, JNetwork, took place on November 15 at the lovely home of Hancock Whitney Bank’s CEO, John Hairston. Hancock Whitney Bank sponsored this exciting event that connected Jewish young professionals to successful members of the community in order to grow their own networks and receive career advice. Quentin L. Messer, Jr., President and CEO of the New Orleans Business Alliance spoke about the New Orleans economic landscape and the up and coming industries, as well as ways young professionals can help themselves achieve success.

Looking forward, JNOLA is busily preparing for Shells & Shores: A Coastal Restoration Project on Sunday, December 2, and JNOLA’s signature event, the Light It Up Chanukah Gala featuring delicious food from Jewish-owned restaurants, an open bar, and more! The Gala takes place on Saturday, December 15 at Generations Hall where JNOLA will also be fundraising for Second Harvest Food Bank. Please visit jnola.com for more information or email Tana at tana@ jewishnola.com if you have questions.

JNOLA is part of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, consisting of young Jewish adults between the ages of 21–39. This program hosts a wide variety of events, centering on community connection, professional networking, social action, and Jewish life in New Orleans. JNOLA is proudly sponsored by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2019-2021 KATZPHILLIPS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CLASS The Federation’s Katz-Phillips Leadership Development Program, formerly known as Lemann-Stern, has been in existence since 1960. The program is a year and a half in length. The class meets monthly, September-May the first year and September-December the second year, with Graduation in January. The sessions deal with Jewish American history, social action, leadership, and more. Graduates of the program have served on the boards of every Jewish agency, synagogue and organization in our community, and have used the knowledge gained from the program to benefit the wider New Orleans community as well. Please nominate worthy candidates, and note that self-nominations are accepted.

Learn more about the qualifications and download the application on our website by visiting jewishnola.com/youngleadership/leadership. All applications must be fully completed before submission and are due to Sherri Tarr at sherritarr@jewishnola.com by February 13, 2019.

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December 2018 • The Jewish Newsletter

the Executive Director of the It is hard to believe that I have been isiana for 27 years. It has been an ity in the present, Jewish Endowment Foundation of Lou with you to support our Jewish commun ity, and to work incredible honor and privilege to work mun com sh Jewi our t came before us and buil to remember and cherish those who ns. our Jewish values for future generatio to secure our Jewish community and ch Committee for Sear JEF the late Buddy Jacobs and the I want to thank Leon Rittenberg Jr., the Executive Diwas I , time that At job. that I could do this rks Commission, hiring me in 1991, and for believing dma Business District Historic District Lan ge, I learned chan rector at the New Orleans and Central er care a of 16 years. When I began thinking ry. a job I helped to create and held for histo is rest The . ctor as JEF’s Executive Dire that Helen Mer vis would be retiring , learning and ul mixture of challenges, achievements ve that I e in our Jewish community and I belie The past 27 years have been a wonderf renc diffe a e mak to nity ortu opp an n sors give advi was nal I ts, professio growing. Simply put, I love my job. tees over almost three decades, presiden Trus of rds Boa our As ors, life. don my s JEF’ ched you: enri have done that because of ul people that I have met have that I have developed and the wonderf donors reach and devoted staff. The relationships this great community, so helping our of re futu and ent pres the in e stak l ona a native New Orleanian, I have a pers has been very rewarding. am and realize their philanthropic goals how kind and generous you are and I with your philanthropic goals. I know you ors of y don y man man so t too assis lost to , end ilege s priv ime a It has been seen too many lifet deeds. During my time at JEF, I have donors — constantly amazed by all of your good what the legacies that these wonderful seen also have I But rals. fune y man too through far on to live been We le. munity as a who who are friends, and I have n our Jewish community and our com gthe stren to do can left — ds frien h. who became my are all on this eart the work we do in the short time we our good deeds and philanthropy and y. Some of you served terms when your support, kindness and generosit for you k than , bers mem d boar and lenging times. We survived Katrina and To JEF’s presidents e great years, while others had more chal som ng havi were we and s, and it was because of up was ket the stock mar forward with new initiatives and idea e mov and e ever pers to d inue cont calls, giving me advice, and then thrived. Through it all, JEF nk you for always answering my phone Tha be. d coul we that best the be ys our shared goal to alwa being outstanding community leaders. in realizing their philto your clients and for assisting them JEF ing end mm reco for you k than , continue to play, a critical role in To our professional advisors and support. You have played, and will om wisd your for you nk Tha JEF. anthropic goals with to our Foundation. enough or overstate your importance JEF’s success. I could never thank you run smoothly. Your dedicaof the work that you do to make JEF all for you k than , staff s JEF’ to , n for granted. In a foundation like Last, but certainly not least for me and for our donors is not take ern conc your nate to have a and sm, nali essio prof tion to JEF, your nals means so much. I have been fortu essio prof r othe and ors don our with 90 years of knowledge and ours, length of service and relationships add my time at JEF, it is just short of you If JEF. at d bine com ice serv of staff that has over six decades do what is right. dedication. earn your trust and confidence and to to day y ever work and n tatio repu have built our reputation on Our Board and our staff value our you entrust us with your money. We n whe us give you that t trus and ty ity’s assets. While we work closely with We value the confidentiali our donors’ and our Jewish commun for ards stew good and ble served both us and our onsi resp being financially independently for 51 years and it has d acte have we JFS, and el Hill S, million. Our community and support Federation, JCC, JCD n from just over $8 million to over $62 grow have we s, year 27 last the In . continues to build on our good will Jewish community quite well essor at JEF, will do a great job as he succ my on, Gar by Bob and of, d prou ing him great success. has much to be ce. I will be supporting him and wish choi rb supe a is by Bob e. nam good and our trust in me and JEF. My initial friendships that we share, and for your and hips ions relat the for you k than footsteps. Now I try to imagine what In closing, I want to for me and if I could follow in Helen’s job t righ the was e role in the future this ther whe was concern in 1991 I hope that I can continue to play som ge. stran e quit feels it and day y ever ity. This has not just been a my life will be without being at JEF ived from JEF and our Jewish commun rece have I as h muc as n give have I of JEF. And I hope that for the past 27 years. that I have been proud to be a part of job. It has been a passion and a mission With gratitude,

Sandy December 2018 • The Jewish Newsletter

29

Jewish Community Center Bring On The Latkes!

Celebrate the seventh day of Chanukah at the JCC at our 13th annual Community Chanukah Celebration!

Beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9, we’ll light the menorah, nosh on a fried chicken dinner complete with latkes, and enjoy a live concert by bluegrass band Nefesh Mountain.

Kicking for Kids Returns…

With A Twist!

The popular tournament is back with a fun, new format. Rather than kickball, teams will compete in footgolf, which is played on a golf course with a soccer ball.

Players attempt to kick the ball into large holes, taking as few shots as possible. Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the lowest score.

Nefesh Mountain is the place where bluegrass and old time music meet with Jewish heritage and tradition. Husband and wife team Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff are the pioneers of this new blend of spiritual American music. They bring their unique knowledge and passion for these beautiful worlds to the fore with songs in English and Hebrew alike.

The Kicking for Kids Footgolf Tournament will be held Sunday, Jan. 6 at Timberlane Country Club. All ages are welcome. Adult teams will kick off at 9:30 a.m. and family teams will follow at 12:30 p.m. No experience is required to play.

The cost is $200 per team (all walking) or $240 per team with one golf cart. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are still available. Proceeds from this event will provide scholarships for the New Orleans The Chanukah Cele- JCC’s Maccabi team. bration is free and open Be part of the JCC’s inaugural footgolf tournament! Teams can registo the community, ter online at nojcc.org. Questions and sponsorship requests should be thanks to the support directed to Neal Alsop at (504) 897-0143 or neal@nojcc.org. of Cathy and Morris Bart, the Jewish Endowment Foundation and the Feil Family Jewish teens ages 12 to 16 are invited to be part of Team NOLA, Foundation/Lakeside the New Orleans JCC’s delegation at the Detroit Maccabi Games and Shopping Center.

ArtsFest, held August 4 to 9, 2019. Come have a blast at the largest Jewish youth event in the world. Teens participate in athletic activities or the arts experience, and then come together for social events, community service and fun.

Compete in the JCC Maccabi Games

Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me Sammy Davis, Jr., had the kind of career that was indisputably legendary, so vast and multi-faceted that it was dizzying in its scope and scale. And yet, his life was complex, complicated and contradictory. Learn the story behind the legend on Thursday, Jan. 10 at a screening of “Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me,” the first major film documentary to examine Davis’ vast talent and his journey for identity through the shifting tides of civil rights and racial progress during 20th-century America.

Showing at 7 p.m. at the Uptown JCC, the film features new interviews with such luminaries as Billy Crystal, Norman Lear, Jerry Lewis, Whoopi Goldberg and Kim Novak, with never-before-seen photographs from Davis’ vast personal collection and excerpts from his electric performances in television, film and concert. As part of the Cathy and Morris Bart Jewish Cultural Arts Series, this event is free and open to the community.

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December 2018 • The Jewish Newsletter

Athletes can compete in either individual or group sports. For the boys, team options include 14U and 16U baseball, basketball and soccer, and 16U flag football, ice hockey and lacrosse. Girls may participate in 16U basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Boys and girls of all ages may compete in the following individual activities: dance, tennis, swimming, star reporter, table tennis, and track and field.

ArtsFest teens may select one of the following specialties: Acting/ Improv, Culinary Arts, Dance, Musical Theater, Rock Band, Social Media Squad SMS, Visual Arts or Vocal Music.

To register or to learn more about the New Orleans delegation, please visit nojcc.org or contact Neal Alsop, Uptown Sports Director, at (504) 897-0143 or neal@nojcc.org.

Jewish Family Service Your Support Allows Independent Upcoming Programs Coping with Loss: Finding Comfort from Tradition Seniors to Remain Safe at Home Tuesday, January 8, 4:30-6 p.m.

Despite her recent fall, she was determined to maintain her inde- Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans Family Room pendent lifestyle.

3300 W. Esplanade Avenue S., Suite 603, Metairie Thelma, an elderly woman, was Join visiting Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider in a group discussion about being discharged from the hospital. finding wisdom from Judaism in loss. This event is free.

Despite her recent fall, she was de- Please RSVP to Rachel Lazarus Eriksen at rachel@jfsneworleans.org. termined to maintain her indepen- JFS is partnering with The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, dent lifestyle. Leslie, her daughter, Amiel BaKehila and the Clergy Council to present this program. wanted to respect her wishes, but having witnessed her mother’s Jewish Parenting Panel Sunday, February 3, 9:30-11:30 a.m. declining health, she didn’t feel Jewish Community Day School confident about Thelma receiving Goldring Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus Thelma’s Story timely support in the event of an- 3747 W. Esplanade Avenue, Metairie other emergency. She wanted to have a plan in place for her mom to Join in a discussion based around the book “The Blessing of the access assistance if she needed immediate help.

After doing some research on senior support systems, Leslie reached out to the JFS Lifeline program. 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 a button, she realized that Lifeline would allow to her to remain safe and independent. Lifeline also gave Leslie piece of mind, knowing her mother was safe.

Skinned Knee: Using Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children,” with Mark Sands, MD; Nancy Timm, LCSW; and Sharon Pollin, Ed.D; moderated by Mike Wasserman, MD. Free and open to the community.

Hosted by JFS, JCDS, PJ Library, Hadassah, Gates of Prayer Nursery School and the JCC Nursery School. Light breakfast served. Free childcare available by reservation. Contact Rachel Lazarus Eriksen at rachel@jfsneworleans.org.

$600 provides one senior Lifeline monitoring services for one year.

Because of you, Jewish Family Service helps clients like

Thelma stabilize their lives through Intensive Case Management including financial assistance to cover vital expenses such as rent, medical bills, and utilities. Your support of the annual Friends of JFS campaign impacts her life and so many other people for the better.

We cannot do it without YOUR help. Please make your caring contribution today.

Visit our website www.jfsneworleans.org/friends-of-jfs/ to learn more and to donate!

Nearly 300 students and community members gathered to join in commemorating the tragic loss of lives of the Pittsburgh Jewish community and the Jewish community as a whole. Alongside our student leaders, Tulane Hillel held a beautiful and memorable vigil on Tulane’s Berger Family Lawn. Hillel sought to welcome each student with open arms, to process what they have experienced, and to provide a place to grieve for those who wanted to come together with friends and community.

Students from the Pittsburgh area, including members of the Tree of Life Synagogue, helped to lead the vigil. They shared their own personal experiences and perspectives on what an attack on their own community felt like. Prayers such as the Mi Shebeirach, Mourner’s Kaddish, and the Hatikvah rang out over the hundreds of students standing together, bringing light to the dark with each individual candle, and joining along to John Lennon’s “Imagine.”

JFS now accepts MEDICARE, along with Aetna, United Healthcare, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Connect, Gilsbar, and Tricare insurance policies for Counseling Services.

Counseling for individuals, couples, families and groups is a core community service of JFS. Licensed behavioral health professionals provide guidance and support on how to cope with interpersonal and family problems. Appointments are available. Fees are assessed on a sliding-fee scale based on household income. To make an appointment, call: (504) 831-8475.

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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Jewish Community Day School JCDS Embraces ADL No Place for Hate Program Fifth and Sixth Grade Teacher Eliza Kase is thrilled to bring ADL’s empowering No Place for Hate Program to JCDS. Kase notes that while NPFH provides guidelines and resources for implementing the program, one of the things she most loves about it is its open-endedness.

“The students are really able to take on ownership of how No Place for Hate is implemented in their school. They see for themselves the impact they are making as they talk to younger students and create programming that meets the goals of the program,” said Kase, a graduate of Brandeis University’s Delet Program, through which teachers earn Master’s degrees preparing them to teach in Jewish Day Schools.

According to the ADL, with public displays of hate on the rise, it is more important than ever for schools to commit to programs that

clearly define expectations in behavior for all members of the community. Every person has a role to play in combating bias and bullying as a means to stop the escalation of hate.

What does it mean to Stand Up? To be Brave? To be No Place for Hate?

Younger children listened intently as Sophia, JCDS 5th grader, read the story, “One,” by Kathryn Otoshi. The story introduces ‘Red’ who likes to bully the other colors until ‘One’ comes along and stands up to ‘Red.’ How did the story make students feel?

“Brave”, answered Gabby (2nd grader).

Thanks to them, every JCDS student has signed The Pledge of Respect to help make What can you do if someone is bullied?

“Stand up for them!” replied Jackson (1st our school — and our world — the place we want to live. grader).

Meet Dr. Darko Sarenac Welcome to the Berenson Learning Lab! Inside the JCDS Virtual Reality Pod, JCDS students get to travel the world in Google Earth VR, draw and paint in Google Blocks and Tilt Brush. They love creating virtual environments from the inside out! Dr. Darko’s custom made 3D scanner invites students to ‘digitize the virtual and realize the digital.’ From designing and informing the matter, to digitizing and conceptualizing it, JCDS students are learning to make it all matter.

Dr. Darko Sarenac serves as JCDS’ first Director of Education Innovation and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Learning. Originally from Sarajevo, Darko holds a BA (First Class Hons.) in Philosophy and Humanities and an MA in Philosophy, both from Simon Fraser University. He earned his Ph.D in Math and Logic from Stanford University, and holds an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Prior to his arrival at JCDS, Darko created Mississippi’s first Maker Space for Children as Director of STEM Innovation and Education and was the Toyota Fellow at the Mississippi Center for Education Innovation.

Darko loves teaching at JCDS! “The kids are amazing! Smart, curious, innovative, kind and collaborative.”

According to Darko, the goal of our STEAM program at JCDS is

JCDS Open House Jan. 15 5:30-6 Free Pizza

6-6:30 Parent Orientation in Cafeteria, Complimentary Childcare in Kids Konnection 6:30-7 Student-Led Tours Head of School Dr. Sharon Pollin and Parent Association Co-Chairs Emily Dvorin and Kim Glass will be available to answer your questions all evening.

RSVP to janna@jcdsnola.org 32

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

to plant the STEM seed that will set our students on the path of becoming tomorrow’s innovators and entrepreneurs. Students’ STEAM experiences support the 21st Century Learning that permeates all of JCDS: Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking.

The program’s vision is implemented in four stages: Basic Skills; Programming Languages; Robotics, Internet of Things, and Home Automation; and Entrepreneurial, financial literacy skills as an essential part of STEAM. Darko says, “To (very loosely) paraphrase King Solomon, Set a child on a self-determined path of perpetual learning, and he or she will be able to excel at any difficulty that any possible future presents.” — Proverbs (22:6) Visitors are always welcome to check out the Berenson Learning Lab at JCDS to see for themselves what these leaders of tomorrow are designing today!

Lighting the Lights of Generosity: Stories from the Shtetl Join JCDS for Grandparents and Special Friends Day and The Annual Chanukah Musical Extravaganza on Friday, Dec. 7 at 8:30 a.m.!

Kvell as Babies through 6th Graders perform three beloved Chanukah stories with song and dance!

Shep Naches as the lights of the Chanukah Menorah are kindled Savor delicious Potato Latkes and Sweet Sufganiot to remind us of the miracle of Chanukah Play Dreidel and Sing Along with JCDS children to your favorite Chanukah songs!

community

Water, energy and security emphasized as La. Governor Edwards visits Israel At the end of October, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards spent a busy week in Israel, leading a trade mission that included meetings with companies in a range of industries, visiting government officials and seeing holy sites.

“I am honored to represent the State of Louisiana on this historic visit to Israel,” Edwards said. “Our country and our state share much with the people of Israel – in matters of faith and culture, as well as commerce.”

He explained, “this is an economic development mission, where we will look to strengthen ties with Israel in several key sectors.”

In May, Edwards hosted a celebration of Israel’s 70th birthday at the governor’s mansion in Baton Rouge, and signed an executive order barring the state from signing contracts with firms that engage in anti-Israel boycotts. During the ceremony, Gilad Katz, the consul general of Israel to the Southwest United States, invited Edwards to visit Israel.

Among the state officials on the trip were Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson.

Edwards met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Louisiana’s strong relationship with Israel, as well as trade and economic development issues of mutual importance to Israel, the United States and Louisiana.

“This long-awaited meeting is the result of many years of friendship and partnership… I was proud to share with Prime Minister Netanyahu that Louisiana stands with Israel, and we will always remain faithful to our staunch ally in the Middle East,” Edwards said.

The mission’s first day was Oct. 28, starting with an early morning Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is said to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and tomb.

At Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust memorial, Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards laid a wreath at the main memorial room.

While there, they also offered prayers for the previous day’s victims at Tree of Life in Pittsburgh. “Words are hard to come by,” he said, “but as a country, we must commit to be better.”

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Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards at signing of collaboration agreement between the Water Institute of the Gulf in Baton Rouge and Israel’s Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, at Ben Gurion University on Oct. 29.

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265 West Valley Avenue, Suite A, Homewood, AL 35209 facebook.com/All-South-Properties-Inc -402090563175023/ December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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Happy Chanukah It is an honor to serve our citizens

Judge Rachael D. Johnson Orleans Civil District Court Division B

Happy Chanukah

community They also visited the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. As is traditional, Dardenne placed a note in the Wall. He said it was an “emotional time” as his brother died in June, and his nephew died a week before the trip.

State officials received a briefing at a Ministry of Foreign Affairs luncheon. They also met with Israeli Minister of Energy Yuval Steinitz and with officials of Start-Up Nation Central, an innovation partnership that has supported such entrepreneurial companies as Vayavision, a provider of software systems for self-driving vehicles, and Skyline Robotics, which is developing automated window-cleaning systems for skyscrapers.

With recent large natural gas discoveries in Israel, energy was a key component of the trip. “Louisiana is an energy state and a global leader in oil and gas exploration and production,” Edwards said. “We have a long-established track record of exporting our technology and expertise to international oil and gas markets. We are encouraged that there could be opportunities based in Israel for Louisiana companies, and companies with ties to Louisiana, to find opportunities there to invest, generate new revenue and create good jobs through growth.”

They met with Bini Zimer, manager of Israeli operations for Houston-based Noble Energy, which has extensive operations off Israel’s coast in the Mediterranean. They also met with Yossi Abu, CEO of Delek Drilling.

Pierson said Noble and Delek “are leading the way in offshore exploration and production in Israel, and we are exploring what role Louisiana companies might play in that region. Today’s discussions were an encouraging start to what we hope will lead to meaningful partnerships in the energy sector between Louisiana and Israel.”

Dardenne noted that Louisiana has more offshore drilling experience than anyone, with widespread exploration in the Gulf of Mexico.

The group also met with officials of Delek US, which has an oil refinery in Krotz Springs. They discussed the possibility of future growth for the plant, which currently has a capacity of 74,000 barrels per day.

Another focus of the trip was water management, which at first would seem odd, as Louisiana has “too much” water and Israel has a dry climate.

At Ben Gurion University on Oct. 29, the Baton Rouge-based Water Institute of the Gulf and the Israel-based Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration on groundwater research, applications to improve farming, better utilization of drinking water aquifers, surface water and stream research, and other fields that support and enhance human life.

Thank you to the Jewish community for your support.

I look forward to serving you well as Jefferson County’s District Attorney

The Edwardses reflect at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem 34

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

community Water Institute President and CEO Justin Ehrenwerth said “the lessons Louisiana and Israel have learned through our respective decades of pioneering water research represent a strong foundation for working together to address future challenges.”

Edwards said “both of these institutes conduct water management research all over the world, and both can bring their scientists and research together to solve our biggest challenges related to water.”

Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority manages a $50 billion Coastal Master Plan that is generating private sector growth in water management as the state implements coastal preservation solutions for decades to come. The Authority, Water Institute and the LSU Center for River Studies are housed on the 35-acre Water Campus in Baton Rouge, where up to 4,000 employees eventually are expected to work. Over the next generation, as many as 45,000 direct and indirect jobs could result from Louisiana’s growing water management sector.

Adding to the fortuitous timing of the trip, Edwards is co-chair of the National Governors Association’s Resource Center for State Cyber-Security. The NGA national cyber-security conference will be held in Shreveport in May, and it is expected many of the companies the delegation met with will take part.

One of the delegation’s final visits was with Twistlock co-founder and Vice President of Research and Development Dima Stopel, Vice President of Finance Pini Karuchi and Chief Technology Officer John Morello from Baton Rouge.

The company, which opened an office at the LSU Innovation Park in April, provides automated and scalable cyber-security platforms for cloud-based computing systems. The Baton Rouge location has eight Louisiana employees, with plans to expand to 12 by January.

There were meetings with several other cyber-security companies, and a visit to the CyberSpark Industry Initiative in Beersheva.

Israel Innovation Authority chief scientist Ami Appelbaum told Edwards “It’s not every day we have a governor from any U.S. state coming here… We don’t take it for granted that you are coming here. We take it as a big compliment but also a big responsibility.”

In 2017, 16 percent of all global investment in cyber-security ventures went to Israeli companies, second only to the U.S. During their meeting, Netanyahu and Edwards discussed partnerships between Israel and Louisiana in cyber-security, including the National Cyber Research Park in Bossier City, Louisiana Tech University’s research leadership on the I-20 Cyber Corridor, and LSU’s Stephenson National Center for Security Research and the Transformational Technologies and Cyber Research Center.

On Oct. 30, the delegation visited the Golan Heights, where they could see into Syria. Edwards commented that the area they saw from a distance had been held by rebels, ISIS and the Assad regime over the course of just a few months.

Israel’s role in providing humanitarian aid to Syria civilians was discussed, as Syrians are brought into Israel for medical treatment clandestinely, as they have been taught hostility and hatred toward Israel from an early age.

The role of Friend Ships Unlimited in providing humanitarian aid to Syrians was highlighted, as the faith-based volunteer group is based in Lake Charles.

Among U.S. states, Louisiana is ninth in exports to Israel, with about $200 million annually, though that is a tiny percentage of Louisiana’s $57 billion in exports. Louisiana imports less than $150 million annually from Israel, out of a total of $22 billion in exports to the U.S. each year. Fertilizers, minerals and metals are the leading Israeli exports to Louisiana.

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Protective garden takes place of hateful graffiti at Northshore The wall at Northshore Jewish Congregation that had been spray painted with swastikas and neo-Nazi symbols in October has been spray painted again.

But this time, it’s all good.

Considering the graffiti “a domestic terror attack,” Metairie artist Laurie Alan Browne approached the congregation with the idea of painting a mural where the graffiti, which had been removed by a local businessman a day after it was discovered, had been.

Browne grew in Greenville, Miss., where her family was close friends with the Steins.

“I have Jewish friends,” she explained, and the graffiti “made me feel it was a low blow… I, as an individual citizen of Louisiana, did not feel it was warranted or justified in any capacity.”

The Jewish community belongs in Northshore, she said, but antiSemitism doesn’t.

Browne designed a mural with a sunflower as the centerpiece, with trees and a garden nearby. One of her Jewish friends suggested a hamsa, a protective hand of God amulet in Middle Eastern folklore, as the center of the flower. ““I like the idea of a protective symbol,” she said. She also placed a Star of David in the middle of the pupil of the eye.

The mural shows “this is a community that needs to be protected.”

She laid the base layers on Oct. 22, then continued work on Oct. 29 and 30. On Nov. 11, the religious school students drew the flowers and leaves along the bottom of the mural.

A mixed media artist, Browne has exhibited at the Ogden Museum in New Orleans, and in galleries in several states. This was her first work made entirely from spray paint.

Though she has drawn attention for her artistic endeavor, she does not want it to be about her, but about the congregation and their efforts to raise funds to enhance security. She has been promoting the congregation’s GoFundMe page and also urging people to contribute directly to the congregation’s security needs through their website. “We’re fortunate that we’re living in a time when it is easy to do that.”

Before the project, she did not know anyone in the Northshore congregation, “but now I do, which is wonderful.”

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On Nov. 11, students at Northshore Jewish Congregation helped complete the mural by Laurie Alan Browne

chanukah Chanukah at Temple Beth El in Pensacola last year

Below is a list of Chanukah events in the region, as of press time.

Alabama: Anniston’s Temple Beth El will have its Chanukah celebration and covered dish dinner, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. The dinner will be followed by the 7:30 p.m. service.

The Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood in Birmingham will hold its annual Chanukah luncheon on Dec. 2 at 11:30 a.m. The event has allyou-can-eat latkes, blintzes and salad, with a raffle that features a flatscreen television and many other prizes. Raffle tickets will be available at the door.

Temple Beth-El in Birmingham will have its Chanukah lunch, bake and blintz sale on Dec. 2 at noon, following the 11 a.m. religious school program. Roz Bloomston will be the featured guest, talking about her new cookbook, “You Asked For It!” Reservations are $12 for adults, $6 for ages 5 to 12.

Birmingham’s Knesseth Israel will have its Chanukah Extravaganza on Dec. 5, with dinner at 6 p.m. and Bingo starting at 7 p.m. Jeff Eliosoph of NBC13 News will be the caller. The dinner is $18 per person, $36 per family, and a dinner reservation includes one Bingo card.

There will also be a drawing during the evening for four gemstones from Kerry Whitt and Co., worth approximately $300 to $400 each.

Tickets are $5 each or 12 for $50, and will be available at the event.

One need not be present to win. Pre-orders of items like noodle kugel, blintz casserole, gefilte fish, mandel brot, latkes and more can be made

by Dec. 2 for pickup on Dec. 5.

The fourth annual Grand Menorah Lighting at The Summit in Birmingham will be on Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m. at Saks Plaza. The event is a collaboration of the Levite Jewish Community Center, Chabad of Alabama and the Birmingham Jewish Federation. The festivities will include music, street performers, a photo booth and Chanukah foods.

The lighting will be at 5:15 p.m., followed by a Gelt Drop at 5:30 p.m.

Chanukah and hatchets — there will be a Chanukah party for those in the 20s and 30s community at Civil Axe Throwing in Birmingham, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. In addition to axe throwing, there will be appetizers, latkes, an open bar and a menorah lighting. The event is a project of the LJCC, Chabad of Alabama and the BJF. Reservations are $15.

Happy Chanukah to all of my friends in the Jewish community

I stand with you in the fight against hate and intolerance Thank you for your continued support

The Levite Jewish Community Center will have a “Chopped”-style Latke Fry-Off Challenge, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m., with teams from Birmingham Jewish organizations competing. A kosher dinner will be available for $10, there will be a kids area with arts and crafts, and the Chabad Olive Oil Press.

Cahaba Ridge Retirement Community in Birmingham will have “A Celebration of the History and Traditions of Chanukah,” with Rabbi

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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chanukah

Barry Altmark, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. The event is open to the community.

Florence’s B’nai Israel is having its Chanukah celebration on Dec. 2, the time had not been set as of press time. Applications were being taken for Team Latkes, “The Few, The Proud, The Grease-Spattered.”

YEAR-END CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS If you are making end of the year charitable contributions please note that the following Internal Revenue Service rules must be followed:

Chabad of Huntsville will hold its Grand Menorah Lighting event at Bridge Street on Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m. The menorah lighting will be at 4:30 p.m. There will be latkes and doughnuts served. A car menorah parade will be held on Dec. 6, starting at 5:30 p.m.

On Dec. 2, the North Alabama Community Hebraic School will hold its Chanukah party at 10 a.m. at Temple B’nai Sholom in Huntsville. The NACHaS latke party will be on Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. at Etz Chayim.

• All mail with checks must be postmarked on or before December 31, 2018

On Dec. 8, Temple B’nai Sholom in Huntsville will have a Family Havdalah service at 5 p.m., followed by the annual Fry Fest, where anything and everything that can be fried will be fried.

• All stock transfers must be completed and in our account on or before December 31, 2018

The Huntsville community menorah lighting in Big Spring Park will be Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. at the gazebo. The B’nai Sholom choir will sing.

• To be sure your gift is complete, please don’t wait until the last minute.

Thank you for your continued support!

The Birmingham Jewish Federation & The Birmingham Jewish Foundation

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Chabad of Mobile will have two Chanukah carnivals with public menorah lightings. On Dec. 4, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson will be at the lighting of the 6-foot menorah at Bienville Square. The 6:30 p.m. event will include carnival games and snow cones, gelt and dreidels for the kids, latkes and doughnuts, raffle prizes and music. The event is open to the community, free of charge. The other carnival will be I Baldwin County on Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. at Fairhope Park.

Springhill Avenue Temple and Ahavas Chesed will have a joint Chanukah celebration, Dec. 2 at Springhill Avenue Temple at 5 p.m.

There will be a dinner of potato latkes, Israeli latke pizzas, sufganiyot and beverages. Reservations made after Nov. 22 are $15, free for ages 4 and under.

On Dec. 7, Springhill Avenue Temple is having its traditional Shabbat Chanukah Service with the Religious School students. Glen Mutchnick will conduct the service and students will perform their Hanukkah skit during the service. Dinner will include the famous potato latkes by David and Richard Rose.

Chanukah Hoopla at Agudath Israel-Etz Ahayem in Montgomery will be on Dec. 2 with doors opening at 11 a.m. and a lunch buffet starting at 11:30 a.m. The event includes Chanukah shopping and a free lunch with a purchase of $50 or more. The food bazaar includes items made by members. There are also hot dog and latke plates, and a vegetarian plate. A musical presentation will be made by students at the Rabbi Elliot Stevens Kol Ami Religious School.

Temple Beth Or in Montgomery will have its Sisterhood Chanukah dinner on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., following the 6 p.m. Shabbat Chanukah service. Reservations are $15 for adults, $7 for ages 5 to 10, 4 and under free.

Tuscaloosa’s Temple Emanu-El will have its Chanukah celebration on Dec. 2.

Florida Panhandle: Chabad Emerald Coast will hold its Chanukah celebration and Grand Menorah Lighting on Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Harbor Walk Village Stage in Destin. There will be live music, doughnuts, latkes and menorahs for everyone. The free event will also honor the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre “by spreading light vs. darkness.”

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Temple Beth El in Pensacola will have a Brotherhood Latke Making Party on Dec. 2, starting at 7:30 a.m., to make hundreds of latkes for the week’s events. The Chanukah Shabbat service and dinner will be Dec.

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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chanukah

7 at 6 p.m. PJ My Way and PARTY will have a Chanukah event on Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. at Sky Zone Glow.

Louisiana: In Alexandria, Gemiluth Chassodim will have a Chanukah birthday and anniversary Shabbat dinner, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.

Chabad of Baton Rouge is holding its fourth annual Chanukah at the State Capitol, Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m. on the front steps. There will also be a Top Chef Latke Edition at Rouse’s at Arlington Creek Center, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., with two chefs competing, a sushi bar and Chanukah treats, and a menorah lighting. On Dec. 9 at 2:30 p.m. there will be a dreidel workshop at Home Depot on Coursey Blvd., with Chanukah treats and a menorah lighting for kids.

JCRS wraps up Chanukah for region

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

With Chanukah coming early this year, the New Orleans-based Jewish Children’s Regional Service was shipping packages in mid-November to at least 250 Jewish youth and state hospital residents in a seven-state region.

Each recipient gets at least eight gender- and age-specific wrapped gifts through the agency’s Oscar J. Tolmas Hanukkah Gift Program, making sure that the youth from financially challenged families in the mid-South and those who are socially isolated are not forgotten.

The thousands of gifts were wrapped in October at a huge community event in New Orleans and at a second, smaller event in Dallas, co-sponsored with the Jewish Federation of Dallas, in mid-November.

The Chanukah program typically helps 250 to 350 individuals each holiday season, and is one of seven major programs of JCRS that annually assists 1700 unduplicated Jewish youth in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Youth who are provided overnight camp scholarships, college financial aid, and targeted subsidies to address special needs or dependency, must have families or guardians who can document their financial need, as well as the underlying need for the service. Approximately 500 unduplicated Jewish youth are funded each year for these scholarships and subsidies.

JCRS also assists close to 1100 Jewish youth annually in five states, through the nationally-heralded PJ Library program, which provides free Jewish books monthly to all children up through age 8.

JCRS also operates a Special Friends Club that communicates with approximately 50 isolated Jewish youth and recognizes birthdays, life cycle events and special achievements, by way of cards and gifts. The agency conducts special Jewish holiday outreach mailings to approximately 125 of the most socially isolated and vulnerable Jewish families in the region.

In addition to the gifts that families receive at Chanukah, families receive apples and honey for Rosh Hashanah, masks and hamantaschen for Purim, and in 2019 will begin receiving a small box of matzah from JCRS staff and volunteers for Passover.

All JCRS programs receive their primary funding from individual, family and foundation support.

chanukah

B’nai Israel’s Chanukah party on Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. will be the culmination of its 160th anniversary celebration. There will be a menorah lighting, Shabbat service, B’nai Israel birthday cake and music by the New Orleans Klezmer Allstars.

The B’nai Israel Men’s Club will hold its annual Big Buddy Shopping Spree on Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mall of Louisiana’s Macy’s. The program pairs volunteers with children in need who are then able to shop for gifts for family members.

At Beth Shalom in Baton Rouge, there will be an ISJL Camp Shabbat and Havdallukah celebration, with a dairy potluck dinner, Dec. 8 at 4 p.m.

Monroe’s B’nai Israel will have its Sisterhood Chanukah brunch on Dec. 4 at 11:30 a.m., at the home of Betsy Laudenheimer. The congregation’s covered dish Chanukah party will be Dec. 7, with the Men’s Club providing their famous latkes.

The Jewish bluegrass duo Nefesh Mountain will highlight the New Orleans Community Chanukah Celebration, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. at the Uptown Jewish Community Center. There will be a menorah lighting, fried chicken and latke dinner and live concert. The event is free and open to the community.

The annual Chanukah at Riverwalk, coordinated by Chabad in New Orleans, will be Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. There will be music, kosher food, entertainment and children’s activities. The Grand Menorah Lighting will be at 5 p.m.

Krewe du Jieux will have its annual Chanukah parade, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m., following the Chanukah at Riverwalk program.

On Dec. 8, the Mobile Menorah Parade will depart Chabad Uptown at 7:30 p.m. and continue down St. Charles to Poydras, into the French Quarter and back Uptown.

Chabad will also host a Menorah Making Workshop at Home Depot in Harahan, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. There is a new design this year, and latkes will be served.

Latkes with a Twist, declared by the Washington Post to be one of the best Chanukah parties in the country, returns on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at NOCCA’s Press Street Station. The benefit for Jewish Children’s Regional Service features Adam Biderman, chef and owner of The Company Burger, as “Latke Master,” with NOCCA students. There will be live music by the Joe Gelini Trio, an open bar with Vodka Latke Punch and Bourbon Chanukah Hi-Balls, wine and beer, and a silent auction. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door.

Hadassah New Orleans will hold a Chanukah party on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m., at the home of Bonnie Blackman.

In Mandeville, Northshore Jewish Congregation holds its Great Latke Cook-Off and Chanukah Bazaar on Dec. 2, starting at 9:30 a.m.

Rabbi Gene and Bobbye Levy will be in for the weekend and serve as judges in the contest, and prizes will be awarded.

Gates of Prayer Sisterhood in Metairie will host a Chanukah Dinner on Dec. 7 after the 6 p.m. Shabbat Chanukah service. The dinner will have open seating and participants are encouraged to bring their own Chanukiah. Gift cards will be collected for Angel’s Place, a non-profit agency caring for families of children with life-threatening diseases.

Reservations are $10 for ages 12 and up, free for those under 12.

Beth Israel in Metairie is having a Shabbat Chanukah dinner following services on Dec. 7. A special guest speaker is possible but details had not been confirmed as of press time.

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

41

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Temple Sinai in New Orleans will have its nuts will be served.

Family Chanukah Shabbat, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m., Jewish Community Day School in Metairie with the band, dreidel wars, a Chavurah@Sinai will have its Chanukah Musical Extravaganza attendance competition, “Light the Avenue” on Dec. 7 at 8:30 a.m. and more.

In Shreveport, the Jewish Community Temple Sinai will also have “Chanukah at Chanukah party, sponsored by the North ‘Home’,” a gathering for the LGBTQ communi- Louisiana Jewish Federation, will be Dec. 2 at ty, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m.

B’nai Zion, with games, music and lunch startTouro Synagogue will have its Chanukah ing at 11:30 a.m. There will also be Chanukah family dinner on Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m., with fried parties at area retirement homes. chicken, latkes, a sufganiyot bar, Chanukah At B’nai Zion, “Shabbanukah” will be Dec. games and more. The dinner will follow the 6 7, with a Chanukah potluck dinner following p.m. family-friendly service. Reservations are services. $15 for adults, $10 for kids.

Red River Radio has Chanukah programs Before Chanukah, Touro Rabbi Todd Silver- scheduled throughout Chanukah: “A Chanuman will lead the Chanukah edition of Holi- kah Celebration with Chicago a cappella,” Dec. days At Home, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. in the social 2 at 7 p.m.; “Candles Burning Brightly” on Dec. hall and kitchen. Due to limited space, reser- 3 at 11 a.m.; “Hanukkah Lights 2018” on Dec. 4 vations are requested by Nov. 26, and are $18 at 1 p.m.; “The Kabbalah of Chanukah” on Dec. for non-members, free for members.

4 at 8 p.m.; “Eternal Echoes for Hanukkah” on The New Orleans VA Hospital will have its Dec. 5 at 1 p.m.; “Hanukkah — A Great Miracle Menorah lighting and recognition ceremony Happened There” on Dec. 6 at 1 p.m.; “Chanuon Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. The ceremony will take kah — Celebration Across the Globe,” Dec. 6 at place on the first floor main concourse near the 8 p.m.; and “Chanukah: Itzhak Perlman’s ChaCanal Street entrance of the hospital. Chabad nukah Radio Party,” Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.

Rabbi Mendel Ceitlin will facilitate the lighting, and members of the Ben Katz Post 580 of Jew- Mississippi: ish War Veterans will participate.

Chabad of Mississippi will light the largest Moishe House New Orleans will have a menorah in Mississippi, Dec. 9 at 4:45 p.m. at menorah making session on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Edgewater Mall in Biloxi, behind the carousel.

On Dec. 8 at 8 p.m., the Moishe will host Vodka There will be latkes and sufganiyot, face paintand Latkes. Moishe House member Shoshana ing and “create your own Chanukah glasses.”

Madick will lead an evening of Chanukah hisB’nai Israel in Columbus will have a Chatory and Jewish learning on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. nukah potluck dinner and fundraising auction, JNOLA and Tribe from Gates of Prayer com- Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m. The event is open to membine for Shabbat Chanukah at Hibernia Tower bers, friends and students. Bring a dish to share, Apartments, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m., with dinner and an item to auction, usually under $40. Students need not bring a dish or auction item. and a latke-making contest.

JNOLA holds its Light It Up Chanukah Gala on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., at Generations Hall.

Hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be provided

by Casablanca and Saba, with live music from Eric Benny Bloom and the Oy Veys, comprised of Jewish musicians from Jon Cleary, Lettuce, New Orleans Suspects, Cha Wa, and other local bands. There will be an open bar, photo booth, sufganiyot and dreidel pinatas. After 10 p.m., the party continues at the Rusty Nail.

Tickets are $18 before Dec. 1, $30 after, with discounts for students, military and synagogue employees.

In Gulfport, Beth Israel will have its Family Fun Chanukah Party on Dec. 2.

Jackson’s Beth Israel will hold its annual Chanukah dinner on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.

The Jewish community in Oxford will have a Family Chanukah Party on Dec. 2 at 4 p.m., at The Stone Center. There will be latkes, doughnuts and activities for children.

The second annual Bubbe’s Table will be Dec. 7 at 6 p.m., at The Farmstead at Woodson Ridge. Chefs Karen Carrier, Elizabeth Heiskell and Shay Widmer will each give their takes on the latke. Dress is farm party casual, and the first drink is included with the $40 ticket.

Cocktails are sponsored by Cathead Vodka, and Bar by Best-of-Oxford top bartender Joe Stinchcomb.

Slater Torah Academy in Metairie hosts a STEAM Chanukah party, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. The Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math demonstrations include an electric Menorah, an olive oil lava lamp, an online Chanukah game, Chanukah tangram puzzles and a B’nai Israel in Tupelo will have a Chanukah dreidel scratch art project. Latkes and dough- potluck on Dec. 8 at 5 p.m.

pet care

How a scrawny, shy Jewish kid from Birmingham with an operatic voice became a wrestling star…

an annual SJL special section

Keeping pets and owners happy and safe during the holidays Seasonal suggestions from Hollywood Feed Family, friends, and food. These are some of the things that come to mind when we think about Chanukah and the holidays. Today, our pets are important parts of our family, so we want to include them in our festivities.

Especially if you have a new pet, making them a part of your holiday traditions can be intimidating.

If you know that company will be coming, have a jar of treats handy to encourage positive interaction between your pet and your guests and to discourage them from handing out table scraps. Fill it with Grandma Lucy’s Organic Biscuits. These Certified Kosher teddy-shaped cookies are made from dog-safe human-grade ingredients, and come in Cranberry, Blueberry, Pumpkin, and Coconut flavors.

It is imperative that your pet has a safe place to go if he feels overwhelmed. Make sure that any younger family members know that this area is off limits, and teach them how to approach pets in a respectful manner.

If you don’t already own a crate, now may be a good time. Put a blanket over the top to create a cave. Leave the door open and place a soft crate mat, such as the Mississippi Made Snoozepad, inside along with a favorite toy or treat. Make it a happy place.

To reduce anxiety, try offering your pet a mentally stimulating toy such as a treat-filled, frozen Kong Classic a good half-hour before family arrives.

Twenty minutes with one of these toys, filled with kibble or treats, is equal to an hour running around in the yard. Natural calming supplements like Heavenly Hounds Peanut Relaxation Bars, Dale Edgar’s Calm K9, or Vet’s Best Comfort Calm may be able to help as well.

If you are boarding your pet or if your pet seems overwhelmed, pick up a 5-pack of Prudence Absolute Immune Health. Adding this powder to your dog’s food for a few days will help boost his or her immune system and prevent stomach upset.

Food is, of course, a big part of most holiday traditions. Just like people, dogs love the smells and tastes of the holidays. While they may beg and even swipe at scraps while no one is looking, many of these foods are not good for your pet.

Cooked bones are brittle and will splinter easily, potentially causing blockages or perforations. Primal Raw Bones are a great alternative and are meant to be fed raw. They are much safer and have the added benefit of live enzymes that help get rid of plaque and encourage healthy mouth flora.

Keep any foods that contain grapes or raisins far away from pets. Grapes, in addition to being a choking hazard, contain compounds that are not easily metabolized by dogs. Mild effects can be lethargy or gastrointestinal

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pet care

distress, but for some dogs it can cause organ failure.

Meat scraps are heavenly to a dog’s taste buds, but never offer your pet seasoned meat and always remove the fatty skin. Instead, try Hollywood Feed’s Georgia Made Jerky or another of our favorites, lung bites. These healthy treats are low in calories and have a huge reward value.

With the addition of Hollywood Feed’s Fresh Bakery in Memphis there are more options than ever! The bakery is free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, colorings, sugar and refined sweeteners. Each recipe has been created by a classically trained pastry chef and hand-crafted by Hollywood Feed bakers. Biscuits in flavors like Superfood, Peanut, Oat and Flax, Pumpkin and Cranberry, as well as Apple Bacon are sold at all Hollywood Feed stores and online.

Hollywood Feed offers a wide selection of natural and holistic pet food and products, and supports local rescues through regular pet adoption and community events. The company has grown over the years to include stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas, among other states, with stores coming soon to Florida and Ohio. For more information, visit www.hollywoodfeed.com.

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

Dogs and cats are living longer today because pet owners have been made aware to treat their pet care as they would their own health care.

“For the most part, what we do to take care of ourselves applies also to pet health,” said Arthur Serwitz, co-owner and founder of Riverview Animal Clinic.

“Our pets’ wellbeing and health is a result of a combination of factors: nutrition, exercise, preventative medicine, regular check-ups, and early detection of severe and chronic medical problems and organ system degeneration. New approaches to pet health insurance is one new tool that may help afford some complicated and expensive health problems and remedies.”

Serwitz, who started the clinic in 1984, recommends that owners take their dogs out two or three times a day, whether it is on a walk, shopping, to a park or to a restaurant that allows dogs. Dogs need regular exercise and socialization and stimulation.

Cats also need regular socialization and exercise, including active play.

If a cat is primarily an indoor cat, screened in-porches and “catios” allow them to get a taste of the outdoors in a protected environment. If cats do go outdoors, they should have all their appropriate vaccinations, as well as a preventive program for fleas and ticks.

There are more specialized nutrition options today than ever before.

But that can also make decisions more confusing for pet owners. Diets are customized for life stages, size, breed, special needs, as well as acute and chronic medical conditions. It is always a good idea to partner with your veterinarian for the best choices to meeting your pets’ nutritional needs, according to Serwitz.

Good regular dental care is a very important part of pet health care. It may start with choosing some of the very good “chews” that can be recommended for aid in controlling tartar and calculus buildup; learning how to brush pets’ teeth on a regular basis, and then having a veterinarian do regular, deep cleaning.

As pets get older, new conditions require different attention and needs.

It may start with a more comprehensive health check which might include base line blood work, blood pressure measurement, glaucoma testing, tear testing, urinalysis, and possibly even special imaging such as radiographs or ultrasound. Diet changes and weight control or weight loss are also important considerations, Serwitz said.

“One of the most common medical problems we deal with in Birmingham and in the South, relates to our Southern climate and environment.

We see a lot of allergy problems relating to inside/outside environmental exposures, fleas, ticks, and even food allergies manifesting as skin allergy

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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pet care

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problems. Ear infections are all too common, and most often are another manifestation of an allergy issue,” he said.

“During these changing times we have seen many advances in the ways we deal with the ‘itchy’ dog or cat,” added Serwitz.

The first concern would be to eliminate or protect against the cause, such as protection or preventives against fleas and ticks; then to use symptomatic treatments for relief, such as antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, medicated shampoos; and protocols for dealing with secondary skin problems, such as antibiotics for infections. Programs for desensitizing a pet from its allergens might involve allergy injections, oral antigen desensitization remedies and immunotherapy.

Serwitz notes that in Birmingham there are now three veterinary emergency/urgent care clinics, and a fourth is about to open on Highway 280.

Veterinary Surgery of Birmingham should be opening their new facilities, moving from Acton Road to Highway 280, very near Riverview Animal Clinic, by the end of December. It will have three boarded veterinary surgeons, a veterinary internist, and emergency clinic services as well. Their goal is to establish a comprehensive animal medical referral facility with emphasis on the cutting edge of advanced specialty services and technology.

Riverview Animal Clinic is a full-service general veterinary practice, open seven days a week. They have nine veterinarians on staff, which includes a boarded veterinary ophthalmologist, two exotic animal veterinarians, and several veterinarians on staff capable of doing advanced ultrasound imaging and well as endoscopy services. Riverview also works with several wildlife resource groups, dog and cat rescue groups, and animal shelters.

Serwitz added that there are a growing number of new pet insurance options. He recommends doing some research online with pet insurance rating services before selecting one. “It’s advised to sign up a pet that is young and healthy without pre-existing conditions, as well as to consider insuring for major medical issues with a deductible that makes the policy affordable and customized to your needs,” he said.

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

Cindy Levy, Marilyn Martell and granddaughter Leah, Ellen Bander and Paula Samuels Hadassah Baton Rouge held “A Healthy and Delicious Luncheon, and Learn the Secrets of Good Health” on Nov. 4 at Beth Shalom. Ellen Bander, a certified health coach and Hadassah past president, talked about the dangers of excess sugar, and explained how to get and stay healthy. Paula Samuels led an eight-minute meditation session to help alleviate stress and help people “unclutter” their minds, relax and focus better. Marilyn Martell, immediate past president, talked about Hadassah and the newest Hadassah 360 initiative. A luncheon of healthy dishes prepared by Hadassah members followed. It was also a fundraiser for the Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel.

After Everyone Yells “Mazel Tov…” Marcie Cohen Ferris receives Foodways Lifetime Achievement Award The idea that there is a story to be told in how food is a vital part of the Southern Jewish experience propelled Marcie Cohen Ferris to a career in food studies, leading to her recognition in October with the Southern Foodways Alliance’s Craig Claiborne Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award is presented “to an individual whom all thinking eaters should know, the sort of person who has made an indelible mark on our cuisine and culture, set national standards, and catalyzed important dialogues.”

Earlier this year, Ferris, a Blytheville, Ark., native, retired as American Studies professor at the University of North Carolina.

Ferris was the first project director for the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in Utica. The museum, which was housed at the Henry S. Jacobs Camp until 2012, will reopen in New Orleans in 2020.

According to a release from the Alliance, Ferris did “transformative” work at the museum, “published genre-defining books, framed public dialogues about food and identity, and helped pioneer the food studies discipline.”

In the tribute video, “Marcie Cohen Ferris Does The Work,” she describes food as always being “always my lens on place and identity that went with me from when I was a little girl.”

Blytheville was “a deeply Southern space to grow up in,” with her Jewish world and the non-Jewish world. “A big part of my identity was the boundaries between Jewish foods and Southern foods and the foods of Northeastern Arkansas,” she said.

She cooked alongside her mother, especially on holidays. When she went to college in Rhode Island, it was “kind of a shock. I did look for Southerners… and felt like a fish out of water.” She made her traditional Shabbat dinner of fried chicken in her apartment “for my friends, and they loved it.”

When she took a class on folklore, she asked if it would be permitted for her paper to be about “something Southern and Jewish.” Before long, she got a call from Jackson asking if she would be interested “in this project,” the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience. “It felt like home,” she said, and “I saw the complexity of Mississippi.”

She pursued a doctorate in American Studies at George Washington University, saying “I’m going to follow this Southern Jewish food thing.”

That led to her being recruited by the University of North Carolina and the publication of her first book in 2005, “Matzoh Ball Gumbo: Culinary Tales of the Jewish South,” which was nominated for a James Beard Foundation award.

Much of the material came from a Southern Jewish Foodways survey she sent out throughout the region in 1998, and dozens of interviews.

She is also co-editor of the 2006 collection, “Jewish Roots in Southern Soil: A New History,” and the 2014 book “The Edible South: The Power of Food and the Making of an American Region.”

From 2006 to 2008 Ferris was president of the Southern Foodways Alliance, growing it into a national organization.

“Marcie is a tireless advocate and cheerleader for her students,” Sara Camp Milam, SFA managing editor, said when presenting the award.

“She has encouraged scores of emerging scholars — most of them women, and myself included — to reach further than we thought we could.

She has made us her peers.”

Milam spoke of returning to Chapel Hill last June for a surprise retirement party for Ferris, a gathering of “Marcie’s Girl Gang,” which was described as “a gang to be reckoned with, and Marcie is at its center.”

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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Is your security system behind the times?

community A new wrinkle for year-end planning

by Sally Friedman

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With the new federal tax law taking effect this year, you might want to consider new strategies for your charitable gifts. As you do your year-end tax planning, this might be the year to consider opening a Donor Advised Fund or adding to one you already have.

Charitable donations are deductible only if you itemize, which is a less likely scenario for many taxpayers given a new, higher standard deduction of $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for married couples, possibly slightly higher if you and/or your spouse is over the age of 65. If you find yourself short on itemized deductions, you might want to “bundle” a few years’ worth of charitable donations into a single year to help push you over standard deduction threshold.

The bundled amount may be put into a Donor Advised Fund, providing you with a tax deduction this year. You can make recommendations as to grants from this money over the next few years. A Birmingham Jewish Foundation Donor Advised Fund can be opened for $2,500 and can be done in just few minutes. You can recommend grants from both the earnings and the principal, as long as $2,500 is maintained in the fund. Recommendations can be made to your synagogue, other Jewish organizations and organizations in the broader community.

Appreciated stock you’ve held for more than a year may be a great asset to donate. If you donate stock and you are above the standard deduction threshold, you can deduct the full fair market value of the stock, without paying tax on the gain. The Foundation sells the stock, and you would now have that money available in the Donor Advised Fund to recommend out for charitable gifts.

An important caveat: You may only deduct donations up to 60 percent of your adjusted gross income if you are donating cash, and up to 30 percent if you are donating securities.

So how does this work in real terms?

Let’s suppose that in 2018, you are a couple with deductions of $10,000 from state and local taxes, the maximum deductible under the new tax law, and $14,000 of charitable gifts. That would add up to a total itemized deduction of $24,000, which is equal to the new standard deduction. Thus, you would not be getting any tax benefit for your $14,000 of charitable gifts.

Now imagine that instead of directly giving your $14,000 annual gifts to charity each year, you bundle two years of gifts into a single tax year by donating $28,000 to a DAF. Now, you have $38,000 of itemized deductions and that additional $14,000 reduces your tax bill, a tax savings of about $5,180 for individuals who are in the 37 percent tax bracket. You still can request that money be granted out per year to your charitable beneficiaries as you’ve done in the past, as long as $2,500 remains in the fund.

Further, let’s say that this $28,000 is stock you bought a few years ago for $15,000. If you sold the stock, you would have taxable income on the $13,000 gain. If you gift it, the fund will be credited with the full net proceeds from the sale of the stock and you won’t owe any tax on the gain.

Furthermore, this strategy is scalable. You could put several years of donations up front into a DAF as each additional dollar is deductible, as long as you stay within the 60/30 caveat mentioned above. If you did this year by year, the first $14,000 each year would not provide an extra deduction.

Money gifted sooner accelerates the timing of the tax deduction into the current year and the money in the charitable fund grows tax free, providing additional charitable assets.

Check with your tax adviser to find out if this would work for you.

Sally Friedman is executive director of The Birmingham Jewish Foundation. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax or financial advice. When considering gift planning strategies, you should always consult with your own legal and tax advisers. For more information contact Sally Friedman at sallyf@bjf.org or (205) 803-1519

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

community

Wishing you and your family a season filled with joy and light!

Happy Chanukah!

On Nov. 6, an overflow crowd of over 600 at the Uptown Jewish Community Center in New Orleans heard Eva Schloss, step-sister of Anne Frank, talk about her childhood with the famous diarist who was murdered in the Holocaust. Rabbi Yossie Nemes conducted the interview. Cathy Glaser spoke on behalf of the New Orleans Holocaust Memorial Committee, and Rabbi Zelig Rivkin wrapped up the evening by encouraging everyone to use positive thought, speech and action to affect society.

Please contact my office if we can assist you.

(504) 736-6634

District5@JeffParish.net

facebook.com/JVVJP

“Career volunteer” Susan Hess honored with NCJW’s Hannah Solomon Award On Oct. 15, 2018, the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section, honored Susan Hess with the Hannah G. Solomon Award, recognizing in her the leadership and ideological vision for which Hannah Solomon was known.

The award was presented at a luncheon at the Marriott, including a proclama- Susan Hess and Kathy Shepard tion from the city of New Orleans and a Hannah G. Solomon bust.

Hess credited the legacy of her mother and her grandmother-in-law, Edith Stern, in bringing her to this day on which she was being honored.

She recounted memories of her early days as an NCJW member, noting that “NCJW presented me with a sense of destiny and community and that being a member of NCJW pushed me toward my own best human potential.” This is her 50th year as an NCJW member.

“It is one of service to one’s fellow human beings. It is why I have led the life I have led. It is choosing important, substantive issues and making your best stab at fixing the problems that arise from those issues,” Hess said. “A wise man once said, ‘Be the change you seek in the world’ and that is what I have tried to do.”

Her volunteer journey began with an NCJW project, the Community Service Center. Her other non-profit affiliations include the Louisiana Nature Center and the University of New Orleans, on whose FoundaDecember 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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Coming soon…

from the team at Southern Jewish Life

A new magazine for Israel’s Christian friends

community tion board she has served for over 30 years.

The family love of animals led naturally to her service with the SPCA, eventually serving as president, and then on to the National Trust for Public Land.

She spoke of leading the rebuild of City Park following the devastation brought about by Hurricane Katrina.

Noting the potential impact of impending forms of Artificial Intelligence on the future workforce as well as the influence of climate change, she challenged NCJW to teach volunteers to handle these “social dislocations.”

She especially charged the younger members to follow her lead and take the path of being a volunteer.

Section President Barbara Kaplinsky said Hess always chooses projects in which she could “get in on the ground floor” and therefore have a great impact.

“Indeed, as a community, we have all benefited from what she refers to as her choice of being a ‘career volunteer’,” Kaplinsky said.

The Lost Bayou Ramblers and Aurora Nealand will headline the 28th annual Jazz Fest Shabbat at Touro Synagogue in New Orleans.

The special service will be held on April 26, which according to Reform practice is also the evening when Passover ends.

Moishe House New Orleans will host The Great Moishe House Bake Off competition, with those attending invited to bring a bread or baked good, or come and judge. Pizza will be available at the 5 p.m. program on Dec. 16.

The next Touro Synagogue Torah Project session with Linda Coppelson, the scribe writing the scroll, will be the weekend of Dec. 7. There will be a lunch and learn session with her and Rabbi Todd Silverman on Dec. 8 at noon, following the 10:30 a.m. service.

During the weekend, there will be “scribing sessions” with individuals and families who are dedicating parts of the scroll, from letters to entire books.

There will be an Interfaith Prayer Service for New Orleans Homeless, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Church on Tulane Avenue.

Rabbi Alexis Berk will lead an Israel Reading Series in January, with “The Fragile Dialogue: New Voices of Liberal Zionism,” showcasing the many views progressives have toward Zionism. The sessions will be on Jan. 9, 16 and 23 at Mautner Learning Center in Touro Synagogue, at 6 p.m. Bring a brown bag dinner, and one may attend one session or all three.

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

community World War II Museum launches Taube Family Holocaust Education Program

Left: At the Oct. 25 launch of the Taube Family Holocaust Education Program at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Sean Taube of Taube Philanthropies discusses his father Tad Taube’s experience fleeing Poland as a child on the eve of World War II in 1939, and dedicating his life to supporting programs and institutions that advance Polish-Jewish history, life and culture. Right: As part of the evening, Nancy Spielberg, executive producer of “Who Will Write Our History,” a new film telling the true story of how Polish Jewish historian Emanuel Ringelblum organized people imprisoned in the Warsaw Ghetto to secretly bury archives documenting life under the Nazis, addresses guests at a screening of the film. The film’s producer and director Roberta Grossman is at right.

On Nov. 1, DonahueFavret Contractors was recognized with three awards for Excellence in Construction by the Associated Builders and Contractors New Orleans/Bayou Chapter. One of the three was last year’s expansion of the Uptown Jewish Community Center. The awards ceremony was held at the Metairie Country Club, and all three of their projects will now compete nationally. The other two projects were First Baptist Church Covington and St. Stephen Church in New Orleans.

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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Happy Chanukah to all my friends in the Jewish Community.

Thank you for your continued support!

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

As many seats in the U.S. House of Representatives switched from Republican to Democrat, Elaine Luria was part of the trend in a narrow victory over incumbent Scott Taylor in Virginia’s second district.

Luria, a native of Birmingham’s Jewish community who also has family in New Orleans, received 139,350 votes to Taylor’s 133,335 in the Nov. 6 election.

The district was seen as a possible swing district, having voted for President Donald Trump by a 3 point margin, but in 2017 preferring Democrat Ralph Northam by 4 points in the gubernatorial election.

In April 2017, Luria retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service.

After her victory, she said she is “honored to once again answer the call to serve our country and look forward to representing Virginia’s Second District in Congress.”

She told Taylor’s supporters that “my door will be open, my phones will be on. And my job now is to work hard for all of my constituents, regardless of who they voted for on Election Day.” The hard-fought race included allegations that the Taylor campaign was supporting a third-party candidate in an effort to split the opposition, including his campaign staffers allegedly forging signatures on petitions to get the third party candidate on the ballot.

The Friday before the election, Norfolk resident Clair Berube reported that two hooded men knocked on her door and asked if she and her son were planning to vote in the election. When they replied that they were, one of them said not to vote for Luria, using an anti-Semitic slur.

“It’s very unfortunate in 2018 that we have this kind of division in the country and this hatred and polarization,” said Luria. “I feel that people know that when they go vote on Tuesday that they’re really voting for the future of our country.”

Taylor told 13News Now that “Antisemitism and hate have zero place in a civil society. The alleged behavior we were made aware of is appalling and I condemn it in the strongest possible way.”

An Indian Springs alumna, Luria graduated from the Naval Academy in 1997 with a degree in physics and history.

After being commissioned, she served aboard the USS O’Brien, based in Yokosuka, Japan. When she entered the academy, women were not allowed to serve on combat ships, but that ban was lifted in 1995, and she became one of the first women able to serve her entire career on a ship.

When she retired, she was commander of Assault Craft Unit TWO. Under her command, the unit deployed to operations in Honduras, Panama and Norway, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations following Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew.

In 2013, she also became a small businesswoman, establishing the Mermaid Factory in Norfolk, and later a second location in Virginia Beach.

The Mermaid Factory has blank mermaids and dolphins that visitors can paint and decorate.

In her victory remarks, Luria said “I have always been honest about what kind of leader I will be — an independent voice who will put country over party and lead in a bipartisan way. While I will always look for common ground, while I will always be willing to listen, I will never compromise when it comes the Coastal Virginia values of decency, community, and service to country that we all hold dear.”

continued from page 54

>> Rear Pew Mirror Daniel – two front row seats to Disney’s “The Lion King.”

Elijah – a copy of “Ten Ways to Pass a Breathalyzer Test.”

Jeremiah – a bullfrog.

Samson – a gift certificate for Super Cuts.

Ezekiel – an IOU, so he has something good to look forward to for a change.

Haman – two Scratchers from Super Lotto Plus.

The Big G – his own image consultant. …and a parchment in a palm tree.

Doug Brook apologizes to the professor of “Introduction to the Bible,” and hopes this doesn’t affect his grade. To read past columns, visit http:// brookwrite.com/. For exclusive online content, like facebook.com/rearpewmirror.

!

Season the Tis '

December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

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Since long before the Maccabees swung their first hammer, before there was a Temple in Jerusalem to rededicate, and even before there was a Jerusalem, there’s been a holiday shopping season.

The recently discovered Mishnah tractate Bava Gump suggests a Chanukah shopping guide for all your favorite ancestors from before the oil lasted for even one day. So, get some plutonium for your flux capacitor and borrow Tommy Charles’ DeLorean. Faster than you can spin a dreidel, you can go back in time and deliver these timeless Chanukah gifts to generations of Jews who don’t know a Chanuka from a Konika Minolta.

Worried about corrupting the timeline and changing history? Worry no more. If you were going to do that, history would’ve been changed before you read this. You’re reading this, so if you interfered with historic events it led us to where we are today. Thanks a lot.

So, here’s the list. You don’t even need to check it twice.

Adam – a nice fruit basket.

Eve – a copy of the fear-inducing film “Anaconda” and an iPad to play it on. Make sure it’s charged before you leave.

Cain – a certificate for a series of anger management classes.

Abel – a life insurance policy.

Methuselah – an AARP membership.

Noah – for a change of pace during his later years, tickets for a Mediterranean cruise.

Abraham – a sky atlas, so he can keep counting how many descendants he’s supposed to have, even during the day.

Lot’s Wife – a margarita glass.

Sarah – a joke book. The only time it’s recorded that she ever laughed was when she was told she’d become a mother at 90. Starved for humor, that one.

Isaac – for the least verbose forecestor of the Jewish people, a copy of “The Fine Art of Small Talk.”

Rebecca – a copy of Parents Magazine’s issue on raising twins.

Esau – an Epilady.

Jacob – to avoid all that controversy with And the his brother, a brochure for Birthright chance of any Israel.

– a Carrie Fisher action figure from of these being Leah “Star Wars.” regifted is… Rachel – an epidural.

Joseph – a royalty check from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Moses – a map. Or a laptop bag large enough to hold two tablets.

Aaron – for his priestly garments, a free consultation from “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” Miriam – capitalizing on her famous song that’s included in the best-selling book in history, a three-album deal.

Saul – nothing. It’s good to be the king.

David – an eraser for that errant silent “p” at the start of psalm.

Goliath – a gift certificate for three fighting lessons from Andre the Giant.

Solomon – an ADT security system for Solomon’s Temple.

Jonah – copies of “Whale Rider” and “Big Fish” so he can settle the misunderstanding once and for all. continued on previous page

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life

Center Celebration

The New Orleans Jewish Community Center held its annual Center Celebration, “Sweet and Saucy Night at the J,” on Oct. 20, with a kosher barbecue buffet and music by Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers.

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December 2018 • Southern Jewish Life