March 2011
ISSN 2158-0189
קהילה
Eat, Drink, Give and Be Merry!
קהילהKehila Issue No. 5 March 2011/5771 Editor & Publisher: Talisha A. Harrison Published By: Talisha A. Harrison P.O. Box 520392 Longwood, FL 32752 (407) 388-8216 Printed by: Talisha Harrison Editor: Talisha Harrison Design: Talisha Harrison Cover Photo: Photograph courtesy of http://www.ohnuts.com/blog/2010/01/purim_2010.html, Oh Nuts.com KEHILA is a monthly magazine that gives a voice to Jews of Color while educating and informing the Jewish and non-Jewish community as a whole. © Talisha Harrison 2011 Printed in the USA, all rights reserved. KEHILA welcomes comments from our readers. Please send comments to: Email: Kehila23@yahoo.com
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Table of Contents
4 From the Editorâ€&#x;s Desk
The Best Hamentashchen Recipes
Chai-Life
Top Purim Wines
Purim Party Ideas
Spirituality
Health News
Discussion Series: Maimonides 13 Principles
Whatâ€&#x;s Going On?
Community Happenings
Hot Topic: Schvartze & Other Derogatory Words
Announcements
In the News
Misheberakhs
Culture
Yahrzeits
Fashion Inventions
Kehila News
Funky & Fun Purim Costumes
Resources
Techno Gizmos: The iComfort App
Upcoming Events
Top 10 Quotes from the Grammys & the Oscars Coming Soon: The Upcoming Films for Spring & Summer 2011
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From the Editor‟s Desk Shalom and welcome to issue number five! We are in the midst of a seasonal transition from winter to spring and as the snow begins to melt and the new life begins to be born and grow, Kehila keeps growing. We welcome our new readers and are blessed to have a readership that spans from Israel to Alaska, from New York to Los Angeles, and we hope beyond. This month is Purim and this issue is stuffed like a hamentashen with wonderful Purim goodies! From Purim party ideas in our Chai-Life section to funky & fun costumes in our Fashion section. Of course food and wine are a festive part of a Purim celebration and we have some of the best hamentashen recipes and the top Purim wines in our Food section. This issue also has the news for you the reader. From the latest health news in Chai-Life, to Jewish and non-Jewish news from around the country and the globe in the What’s Going On section. We also have another Hot Topic for you to think about. This month, we‘re discussing Schvartze and other derogatory terms. In Fashion, the newest fashion inventions are revealed, while in Music & Film we count down the top 12 quotes from the Grammys and Oscars as well as preview some of the upcoming movies for spring and summer 2011. This issue marks the debut of the Technology section with the iComfort app. In Spirituality, we continue our discussion series Maimonides 13 Principles with the fifth principle. Finally, in Community Happenings, we make this month‘s community announcements, misheberakhs and yarhzeits. You‘ll also find out the latest Kehila News-such as our upcoming first annual Kehila cookbook-and in Upcoming Events you can find out the events going on in your community for the month of March. And of course we got your back in Resources. ―Eat, Drink, Give, & Be Merry!‖ is the theme for this month. We hope that not only during Purim you‘ll do all of these things, but you‘ll do them with friends and family (and if you drink, please do so responsibly). We also encourage you to give-not just your money-but your time, your love, your patience, your compassion to yourself, your loved ones, and to those you do not know. Have a wonderful month and a happy Purim. Chag Sameach! Tali Adina
Family & Friends
Purim Party Ideas It‘s that time again! It‘s Purim and having a party is a must! So here are a few ideas to get your party started in a silly, fun, and fabulous fashion! Purim is one of the most fun holidays ever! It‘s somewhat a combination of Halloween and Madi Gras in the since that you have a carnival atmosphere and costumes are worn. Here are the items that you need to get started: Food : If you don‘t have this, then well you might as well not have a party! There are wonderful Purim recipes out there. From easy chicken wings to gourmet cream of chicken soup, the list of food is endless. Chabad.org, About.com, and JewishRecipes.org, are a few of the many websites that have Purim recipes for you to try out. Hamentashen: These are a must! Hamantaschen is the most well-known Purim food because its shape is reminiscent of Haman's triangular hat. While hamantaschen is often filled with preserves and chocolate, poppy seeds were the traditional filling. There are plenty or great recipes out there and you can check out our best hamentaschen recipes in this month‘s Food. Drinks: Whether non-alcoholic or alcoholic, they are must. The drinking of alcoholic beverages is not only suggested but encouraged. In the Talmud, Rava said at Purim that people should drink to the point of not remembering whether it is Mordechai or Haman they are praising or cursing. If that degree of drunkenness is not appealing, a Seudat Purim is an occasion to serve your best wines. Take a look at the best Israeli wines for Purim in Food. Groggers-noise makers: You need these to make noise anytime during the reading of the Megillah when Haman‘s name is read. You‘re supposed to boo and make a heap of noise anytime you hear his name. Plus they‘re just a part of the celebration!
Megilla: The Megilla is the complete story of Esther. If you don‘t have a Tanakh or a Megillah, then you can go online to listen to it or you can download a free copy of it.
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Family & Friends Masks & Costumes: Whether or not you can't afford a costume, party masks –whether bought or homemade-are a good idea. Costumes are a MUST. You have to put some thought into it. Then you can go and have a contest for who has the best costume. You can also have a costume parade. Get creative. COSPLAY web sites often have some great ideas. Awarding prizes is great. Take a look in the Fashion section for some great Purim costume ideas. Gifts-Shalach Manos (Giving of Food): It is a mitzvah to give or send food and drinks to other. The giving of these gifts is called Shalach Manos, and many people will go around visiting friends and family with baskets of food. It is also customary to give to the poor. A lot of people will send gift baskets to others. Other gift ideas include: Hammentashen Gift Basket of Candy, Sweets & Alcohol Costumes for the Kids Religious Articles Games: There are many games that you can play during the course of the party. Hang the Hat on Haman is a fun throwback to Pin the Tail on the Donkey, it‘s also well-suited to play Truth or Dare , and you can play Purim Jeopardy.
Photos courtesy of Google Images
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Health News
„Round-the-Clockâ€&#x; Lifestyle Could Disrupt Metabolism, Brain and Behavior ScienceDaily (Feb. 26, 2011) In Civilization and Its Discontents, Sigmund Freud argued that modern society was hard on human psychology, forcing people to get along in unnaturally close quarters. Now newly published research from The Rockefeller University points out a different discontent in the developed world, namely, the disruption of our natural sleep cycles, thanks to the ubiquity of electric lighting. Experiments on mice, published this month in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that throwing off their evolutionarily ancient circadian rhythms by artificially altering the length of their days has a substantial impact on the body and the brain. The work suggests that our modern, roundthe-clock lifestyle could disrupt metabolism, interfere with learning and impact behavior in ways that we're just beginning to understand. Researchers led by Ilia Karatsoreos, a postdoc in Bruce S. McEwen's Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, housed mice for 10 weeks in 20-hour light-dark cycles, at odds with their natural 24-hour circadian cycle. They found that after six weeks, the disrupted mice got fatter, showed less mental flexibility and were more impulsive than mice kept on their natural schedule. The findings were originally presented at a Society for Neuroscience's conference in 2009. Looking ahead, Karatsoreos says, a main goal is to understand how this environmental disruption works at the biochemical level. "We are interested in how the light cycle changes affects 'clock genes' -- the actual molecular gears of the circadian clock within cells -- in different brain regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex, and how this translates to changes in the functioning of the cells in that region." At the same time, the researchers are working to understand the changes at the cellular and molecular level of peripheral tissues, especially those involved in metabolism and energy usage, such as the liver and the adipose tissues. "The circadian system is a 'web,' with rhythms at the molecular level driving rhythms at the cellular level, which results in rhythms at the tissue level," Karatsoreos says. "This can lead to a cascading set of effects throughout the whole organism, and we want to understand how exactly that happens." The researchers believe that this cascade may affect how an individual, whether animal or human, responds to additional challenges to the immune or metabolic systems, such as infection or high fat food, both ubiquitous realities of modern life. They are also working on models to understand the impact of different kinds of light-dark shifting such as those experienced by flight crews, shift workers, military personnel and medical residents. "We want to know how different patterns affect the brain and body, and if they share similar mechanisms of action," says Karatsoreos.
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Health News
Ore. congressman explains mental health issues By JONATHAN J. COOPER The Associated Press Sunday, February 27, 2011; 9:15 PM PORTLAND, Ore. -- An Oregon congressman whose erratic behavior has recently prompted calls for his resignation said Sunday that some of his actions could be attributed to a reaction to a mental health drug. U.S. Rep. David Wu told The Associated Press, however, that it does not explain the behavior documented in reports over the last month, which included sending his staff photos of himself wearing a tiger costume. Wu said he was hospitalized after his 2008 campaign for symptoms that were later diagnosed as a reaction to a common mental health drug. He said he felt dizzy and confused on Election Day that year, when his staff and family reportedly were unable to locate him. "It came up that afternoon, and it knocked me off my can," Wu said, referring to the symptoms. The AP interview in his Portland office was the most detailed public account yet of Wu's psychiatric treatment since reports of his erratic behavior first surfaced last month. Six staff members quit after his 2010 re-election campaign during which the congressman gave angry speeches and talked his way inside the secure portion of Portland International Airport. The congressman said last year's episodes were the culmination of a period of mental health challenges that began in 2008 as marital issues led toward his separation from his wife. He declined to detail the problems in his marriage but said they had nothing to do with his health. In 2008, Wu was treated with a prescription mental health drug that he declined to name but described as "very common." Wu said he reacted to an enzyme in the drug, and that after the election he was hospitalized for two days. He said he continued to feel unwell until summer 2009, when doctors linked his symptoms to his medication. The drug component he reacted to is common in many medications, he said. Still, despite his allergy, Wu acknowledged taking two tablets of an unknown painkiller from a campaign donor in 2010. "That is what a combination of pain and bad judgment will do, and I shouldn't have done it," Wu said. He said he was experiencing severe neck spasms from an old football injury and left his prescription painkillers in Washington, D.C. Wu said he did not experience any side effects from taking the medication. 8
Health News He declined to discuss his specific diagnoses, but said he has never been treated for substance abuse. Wu attributed his outbursts in 2010 to stress from a tough campaign, a dissolving marriage and taking care of his children, ages 11 and 13. Asked whether he can handle the stresses of Congress and of a future campaign, Wu said his October episode happened during a period of such extreme stress that wouldn't occur again. "Anyone who has known me over a period of time has said that I handle a wide variety of things very well," Wu said. "Last October was an atypical period for anybody." Wu said the staff departures were a wakeup call that he had been a "hard boss" - curt with his staff when he's short on time and impatient when there was no need to be. Wu said he would not step down, despite calls for his resignation from Republicans and from some Oregon newspapers. "I can do this job, and I can do this job well," he said.
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Hot Topic
Schvartse & Other Derogatory Terms Schvartze. Cushi. We have had these words directed at us personally, at our friends and loved ones, and even at people we don‘t even know but who look like us. These words and others like them are derogatory terms used to describe people; these two terms are used to specifically describe at black people in derogatory ways. What do they mean and what‘s the history behind them? Schvartze is a term used to denote black people; can be used derogatorily. Cushi/kushi‘s definition according to Wikipedia: ―Cush is the name of an ancient ethnic group who come from the land of Cush (Today's Sudan, and practically the entire southern Egypt, though some scholars point to the Beta Israel Ethiopian Jewry as remnants of the 'Cushite' tribe). In the Tanakh, Cush was the eldest son of Ham, the son of Noah. Canaan, the other son of Ham, was cursed by Noah: "Cursed be Canaan; he shall be a slave among slaves to his brethren." (Book of Genesis 9:25). ― Though there is no biblical evidence that Ham was the "father" of African peoples, various Jewish, Christian and Islamic writers came to believe that he was, and their association helped to justify centuries of African enslavement. A book entitled The curse of Ham: race and slavery in early Judaism, Christianity, and Islam By David M. Goldenberg goes into detail about this. Now let‘s look at the word Cushi used as a pejorative term of race also from Wikipedia: ―Initially in Modern Israeli Hebrew, the term "Cushi" was not used as a pejorative term. At times, it was even used to refer fondly to a person of dark skin or a red hair, as King David was red headed. Other words were used to describe dark skin as a pejorative term, for example, the word "Schwartz" (Yiddish: )ע, taken from its similar meaning in the Yiddish language –- black. In the last decades of the 20th century, the word "Cushi" became a racist slur, some claim as a result of the identification of its terms in English, "Nigger" and "Negro". However, this scenario has never been proven.‖ Whether or not ‗Cushi‘ became a racist slur as a result of the identification of the English terms doesn‘t matter. It‘s a derogatory term and it should not be used to describe a group of people. Another common slang used in Israel is ‗cushi mamzer‘ which means black bastard. In reading the verdict that dealt with a bus driver calling a security guard in a university ‗Cushi‘, Judge Yitzhak Milnov wrote the following: ―The term ‗Cushi‘ is considered, by the Israeli society as a whole, to be a Pejorative term and an insult usually meant to defame a person for his dark-skinned color and to mark him as an ―exceptional,‖ and as an inferior person to a lighter-skinned individual. It is a racist slur, meant to humiliate and degrade the receiver, solely because he belongs either to the Falasha ethnic group. This accordingly falls into the fourth alternative category of the definition of ―Defamation‖ in provision 1 of the law (an expression meant to ‗defame a person for his race, descent, religion, residence or sexual orientation‖). 10
Hot Topic A lot of white Jews who use schvartze say that it only means black and it‘s not a derogatory term. If that‘s true then why do you use it in a such a negative, mean, and racist way? Remember two years ago when Comedian Jackie Mason called President Obama a "schvartze" during a performance in New York, angering some audience members? His defense for using the word was: ―I'm an old Jew. I was raised in a Jewish family where 'schvartze' was used," Mason told TMZ. "It's not a demeaning word and I'm not going to defend myself.‖ Well Mr. Mason, let me ask you if a person says the same thing that you said but for their use of the word ‗Kike‘ would you think that‘s okay? I didn‘t think so. To say ―oh that‘s the way I grew up‖ is a poor excuse and a copout. I want to ask you another question: When you describe your black coat or pants or even your car or pet who happen to be the color black, do you say ―Where‘s my schvartze coat? Who‘s seen my schvartze pants? Or I have a schvartze car and that‘s my schvartze cat?‖ As Mike Kyle from My Wife and Kids would say, ―Ah...no.‖ These words are derogatory and hurtful to Jews of Color and people of color in general. These words schvartze, cushi, shechorim, and other words like them do not and will not define me or people who look like me. We will not accept you using these terms. Stop using them.
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In the News
Birthright Gets Record Number of Applicants Thursday, February 24, 2011 The Jewish Week NEW YORK (JTA) -- Birthright Israel said it has received a record-breaking number of North American applicants for its free, 10-day trips to Israel. The organization, which provides all-expense-paid trips to Israel for Diaspora Jews aged 18 to 26, received 40,108 applicants during the seven-day registration period ending Tuesday. Israel's Minister For Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs, Yuli Edelstein, called it "the most successful project in the Jewish world.‖ Currently, demand for the free trips far oustrips the resources available to pay for them. Birthright says it can send 15,000 of the applicants on trips between May and August, part of a larger total of 33,000 young adults it will bring to Israel from all over the world in 2011. The Israeli government announced in January it would be increasing its contribution to the program to $100 million between 2011 and 2013. The money will only come through, however, if American philanthropists can raise $222 million over the same period. Birthright hopes to bring 51,000 Jews to Israel in 2013.
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In the News
Looming Block Grant Cuts May Stun Community Jewish leaders see ‗absolutely different‘ atmosphere to Hill budget talk this time around. Wednesday, February 23, 2011 James D. Besser Washington Correspondent The Jewish Week For years, the start of every new congressional session has sparked cries of alarm from Jewish health and human service providers about the possibility that campaign talk about taming the runaway budget deficit would produce slashed appropriations and decimated programs. And for years those fears proved largely baseless as lawmakers gave in to the political reality that for all their talk about the deficit monster, voters hate cuts to programs that serve their own communities. But William Rapfogel, executive director of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty in New York, is pretty sure things will be different this time around. That‘s because federal block grant funding — crucial to some Jewish service providers, especially those in big cities — are likely in peril. ―In the past we‘ve talked about a perfect storm affecting federal, state and local funding,‖ Rapfogel said. ―It‘s different now; it‘s a perfect storm on top of a tsunami on top of an earthquake.‖ New York agencies serving vulnerable populations — including the swelling population of the Jewish poor and elderly — have in the past seen the impact of local and state budget cuts ameliorated to a degree by federal programs. ―But that‘s not going to happen this time around,‖ Rapfogel said. ―I‘m not using scare tactics when I say people will die because of what‘s happening.‖ As the new Congress tries to pass a continuing resolution keeping funds flowing for the current fiscal year and starts jousting over next year‘s budget, numerous Capitol Hill observers agree that last year‘s electoral upheaval and this year‘s opening skirmishes in the budget battle portend a war that will be different from anything the nation has seen in the past. ―It‘s absolutely different,‖ said Mark Pelavin, associate director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, a group with a strong social justice focus. ―The new House leadership means what they have said; they are very serious about reducing the size of government almost everywhere.‖ Note the word ―almost.‖ Neither lawmakers in both parties nor the Democratic president are calling for substantial cuts in the immense defense budget or serious entitlement reforms. That, Pelavin said,
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In the News means that there‘s more anti-government ideology at work here than a real desire to shrink the deficit. The unfolding battle is ―the most dramatic display yet of differences over the role of the government,‖ he said. Adding immeasurably to the likelihood of painful cuts is a Democratic president who seems to be using domestic budget cutting to veer to the political center in advance of next year‘s elections. Shadowing the budget debate and driving much of the agenda for congressional Republicans is a Tea Party movement that wants to see solid evidence of change on the budget front, not just the usual huffing and puffing. ―Everybody is looking over their shoulders and wondering just how far this will go,‖ said a congressional staffer involved in the budget debate. ―The Republicans are scared the Tea Partiers will make them irrelevant if there isn‘t blood on the floor; the Democrats are afraid voters will turn them out for Republicans next year if there aren‘t really big cuts. The question is, are people here more afraid of the Tea Parties — or more afraid of the backlash when constituents realize the programs getting cut are ones that help their neighbors, maybe even themselves?‖ Last week the Republican- controlled U.S. House passed a stopgap spending measure to fund federal programs for the rest of the year that cuts some $61 billion from current spending levels, with the biggest cuts to social, health, education and environmental programs. The Senate, where the Democrats retain a thin majority, is unlikely to go along, setting the stage for a possible government shutdown after the March 4 deadline for approval of the continuing resolution — although this week there were whispers of yet another temporary extension. But with the Obama administration signaling a strong willingness to cut even programs dear to the hearts of the Democratic base, Congressional Republicans are likely to get much of what they want, most analysts say. That signal came in the form of President Obama‘s $3.73 trillion budget proposal for the next fiscal year — a proposal that includes big cuts in a popular home heating assistance program for the poor and the Community Service Block Grants program which, if the administration has its way, would be cut in half. That‘s a $350 million reduction — the cost of only two F-22 Raptor stealth fighters — but it is a critical element in community-based human service programs, according to Met Council‘s Rapfogel. ―Block grant funding plays a major role for the Jewish Community Councils, and provides money for a variety of the services,‖ he said. ―Any sizable reduction will have a huge impact on their ability to provide services economically and effectively. There‘s no doubt that if these cuts are implemented, we‘ll see the results.‖
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In the News William Daroff, vice president for public policy of The Jewish Federations of North America, is the point person for the Jewish Federation system as the budget wars begin in earnest on Capitol Hill. He agreed that even more modest cuts in the block grant programs will be a big problem for Jewish service providers across the country, especially those in big cities. So will the administration‘s proposed big cut in the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, created in 1983 in a partnership between the federal government and what was then the Council of Jewish Federations (CJF). ―That‘s one of our signature programs, and it‘s on the cutting block in the administration‘s budget plan,‖ Daroff said. B‘nai B‘rith International, a pioneering provider of senior housing, expressed concern that the administration‘s proposed five-year spending freeze ―could eventually jeopardize a range of aging services programs, especially as the baby boomers begin to retire, and older Americans continue to have a difficult time finding work.‖ Compounding the problem Jewish agencies could face is the administration‘s proposal to raise revenues through changes to the tax code — and in particular to cut itemized deductions. According to JFNA, that would ―definitively reduce tax incentives for charitable giving'‖ in an environment in which religious charities and other nonprofits will be called on to pick up the slack for reduced government services. ―Our institutions are extremely active in trying to address the needs of the community, but we can do so only in partnership with the government,‖ said Rabbi Abba Cohen, vice president for federal affairs of Agudath Israel of America. ―That framework has worked; if it doesn‘t stay in place, you‘re going to see a whole new set of problems.‖ Cutting charitable deductions ―would make it harder for faith based and non-faith based charities to address these issues,‖ he said. Jewish leaders who have become accustomed to perennial threats of big budget cuts say the political and fiscal environments really are different this year, leading to the prospect their most dire predictions could finally come true. ―The overwhelming message that came out of that election is that the electorate really is concerned about government spending,‖ said the JFNA‘s Daroff. ―Part of the change we‘re seeing is that President Obama is trying not to be tone deaf to that message; there‘s some triangulating going on as the president talks about budget cuts to show his ear is to the ground.‖ While the fact the Republican-led House seems driven by the Tea Party movement to move for unprecedented cuts in human service, environmental and regulatory programs, what really worries some Jewish leaders is the fact the Obama administration, gearing up for 2012, has abandoned traditional Democratic positions on human service spending. 15
In the News Met Council‘s Rapfogel cited President Obama‘s State of the Union promise to veto any spending bill that includes earmarks. ―Instead of standing up and saying, ‗there are good earmarks and bad earmarks,‘ he just caved in to the Tea Parties and said ‗no earmarks,‘ ‖ he said. ―The reality is that earmarks are perhaps the most efficient way to help local, community-based organizations to develop basic services, from food pantries to job counseling.‖ In private, several Jewish activists expressed concern that the unprecedented pressure on federal spending, while almost certain to produce drastic funding cuts this year, is still more a matter of politics than serious deficit reduction. So far, both Congressional Republicans and the Democratic administration are talking only about cuts in discretionary spending — mostly leaving the much bigger defense and entitlements budgets alone. Without substantial cuts in a bloated Pentagon budget and serious entitlement reform, there is suspicion in some Jewish quarters that the looming cuts are still more about politics than sound budgeting. ―There are very Draconian cuts being discussed,‖ said Jane Ramsey, executive director of the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, a Chicago social action group that works closely with other community organizations. ―They‘re putting out some pretty daunting numbers, and if they come to pass cities across the country will be very hard pressed to deal with the results. Right now it‘s a game of chicken.‖
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In the News
Jews joining union showdown in Wisconsin over gov‘s proposal By Sue Fishkoff · February 22, 2011, JTA SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) – A growing number of Jews in Wisconsin are joining the protests in Madison against a budget-cutting proposal by the governor to eliminate most collective-bargaining rights for public-sector employees. ―Judaism has long stood for the rights of the worker, beginning with the biblical injunction of Deuteronomy: ‗Do not take advantage of the hired worker who is poor and needy,‘ ‖ said Rabbi Bonnie Margulis. Margulis joined two other Madison rabbis on Tuesday at a news conference at the state capitol building organized by the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice to protest Gov. Scott Walker‘s proposal. This is the second week of protests against the bill, which prompted the 14 Democrats in the state Senate to flee the state on Feb. 16, two days after the bill was introduced. Under Wisconsin legislative procedure, their continued absence effectively blocks any vote on the matter in the Republican-controlled state Senate. Rabbi Bruce Elder of Glencoe, Ill., was one of two clergy members to offer the Wisconsin Democrats sanctuary, via an initiative of Interfaith Worker Justice. He said he has not heard back from the legislators. ―We don‘t know where they are, but we assume they are OK,‖ he wrote in an email. ―Our offers of sanctuary remain open and standing.‖ In a ―fireside chat‖ Tuesday night, Walker, a Republican, defended his proposal, saying it has nothing to do with curtailing workers‘ rights. ―The legislation I've put forward is about one thing,‖ he said. ―It's about balancing our budget now and in the future.‖ Some Wisconsin rabbis and Jewish rights groups disagree, saying the proposal is an attempt to break the unions, who have agreed to take an 8 percent pay cut but refuse to give up their bargaining power. Similar battles between unions and state government have spread to Ohio and Indiana. Rabbi Jonathan Biatch of Madison‘s Temple Beth El, who is Margulis‘ husband, told JTA this is ―absolutely‖ a Jewish issue. ―For years in America, the Jewish community has supported workers‘ right to organize, to bargain collectively, and for other purposes,‖ he said. ―These rights are now in danger in Wisconsin because of Gov. Walker‘s proposal to eliminate collective-bargaining agreements with public sector employees.‖
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In the News Arguments have focused on the effect Walker‘s proposal will have on teachers, but it also would impact sanitation workers, bus drivers and other municipal and state workers, Biatch and Margulis said. Police, firefighters and other public safety employees are exempt. Rabbi Renee Bauer, director of the Interfaith Coalition, says Madison‘s Reconstructionist and Jewish Renewal congregation, Shaarei Shamayim, is drafting a letter opposing the governor‘s bill and hopes to get the city‘s three other congregations to sign on. The Jewish federations of Madison and Milwaukee have decided not to take a position on the issue. ―It‘s really due to the diversity of our donor base,‖ said Jill Hagler, executive director of the Madison federation. ―This is a very important issue, and we have a number of diverse opinions.‖ The Jewish Community Relations Council of Milwaukee also is refraining from taking a position, and for the same reasons, according to director Elana Kahn-Oren. She noted that the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the umbrella body representing 14 national and 125 local federations and JCRCs, put out a resolution several years ago supporting the right to collective bargaining and that the American Jewish community ―has deep roots in labor.‖ But, Kahn-Oren pointed out, not all Wisconsin Jews oppose the governor‘s bill. ―There are Jews who support Walker and those who have joined the protests,‖ she said. Hagler said she had not heard of any rabbis or Jewish organizations that have come out in support of the governor‘s bill, called Senate Bill 11. The president of the local chapter of the Zionist Organization of America, Warren Jacobson, said he voted for Walker but opposes the bill. ―I‘m basically conservative and I vote Republican across the board, but the fact that he wants to get rid of collective bargaining was a big surprise to me,‖ Jacobson said. Jacobson retired two years ago after 18 years as a public school teacher, and he says teachers need the protection of collective bargaining. ―I‘ve tasted anti-Semitism and discrimination, and I want someone supporting me,‖ he told JTA. ―I paid $800 a year to the union. They let me down on a number of occasions, but we still need them.‖
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Happy Purim!
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Fashion
The Hottest Fashion Inventions Here are the newest inventions from the fashion world that were first shown on The View! The Skinny Shirt The crisp, school girl trend of a white collared shirt was seen all over the spring ‘11 runways. The Skinny Shirt gives you the look of a collared button-down shirt. It‘s a new twist on a classic look that can update any wardrobe without the bunchiness and bulk when layering. The shirt comes in four styles-classic, mama (maternity), shaper, and teen. Cost: $68-$76; www.skinnyshirt.com CitySlips This invention is a pair of foldable ballet flats that fit in your purse for when you‘re out on the town and your feet start aching. CitySlips conveniently fit into most purses and handbags and they have a double-soled structure for added durability and elastic backing for extra comfort on the heel. The carrying case expands to a larger bag for those ―killer‖ heels. Cost: $24.95 ; www.cityslips.com Footzyrolls Here‘s another pair of slippers for those achy feet! Footzyrolls was founded by two sisters who wanted to look fashionable, but couldn't take the pain of the heels they insisted on wearing. Footzyrolls allow women to wear high heels and keep a fashionable street walkable shoe small enough to fit in any hand bag. These slippers come in a variety of styles and colors. Cost: $19.99-$30; www.footzyrolls.com Bootights Are you tired of layering socks with tights and boots during the winter? Now you don‘t have too! Introducing Bootights, the first tight made exclusively for boots! They are a premium tight attached to a moisture-wicking performance sock at the mid-calf (for tall boots) and ankle (for ankle boots and booties). There are two collections and five styles to choose from. Cost: $30-$32; www.bootights.com
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Fashion The OverBra As the shapewear market and its audience continue to grow, the Overbra fills a void in the market as a competitively priced product with multiple shape-enhancing benefits for its wearer. This fashion invention is worn over your bra (hence the name Overbra) in order to accentuate your cleavage, deliver a level of comfort rarely seen with other shapewear thanks to its exclusively BreezyMesh Comfort Fabric technology and soft microfiber, and improve posture due to the OverBra‘s racerback design. The Overbra comes in five different styles: the original, midriff, longline, slip, and body shaper styles. The Overbra is also available in three colors-black, nude, and pink and are available in sizes medium to 2XL. Cost: $25-$55; www.theoverbra.com The Racktrap Tired of carrying purse around and don‘t want to carry a wallet in your pocket where it can be easily stolen? Then you require the Racktrap. The Racktrap is an undetectable one-size-fits-all personal bra pocket that holds everyday essentials including license, cash and credit cards conveniently in your bra in one safe place, giving you the freedom to go purseless. This fashion invention is designed to fit comfortably in any size or style bra and is designed for women on the go. $7.95-$15.95; www.theracktrap.com Pursfection Deluxe Expandable Purse Organizer with LED Light Looking in your purse can often feel as though you‘re trying to find a needle in a haystack considering how messy and unorganized a purse can be! Thankfully, there‘s the Pursfection Expandable Purse Organizer with LED Light. This fashion invention holds everything and can be easily transferred from bag to bag so nothing's left behind! It features 100% polyester satin fabric including coordinating print full lining; 11 pockets, two loops, 1-1/2" zip expansion on both width & length; plus a clip-on LED purse light allows you to see in the dark. The organizer comes in four colors. Cost: $24.75; www.qvc.com
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Fashion
Funky & Fun Purim Costumes When Purim comes around each year, it‘s time to get funky and fun. Whether bought or homemade, here are some costume ideas that you can try out. Queen Esther: No Purim party would be complete without little girls dressed as Queen Esther. Remember, Queen Esther was chosen by King Achashevrosh for her modesty. A simple white poofy dress with very little or no makeup will do. A tiara and jewelry from the dollar will show that she is a Queen. Women can also dress up as Queen Esther or even Queen Vashti. Clown: You can quickly create a great clown with sweat clothes that are a bit to large decorated with fabric paint or markers. Sew on some pom poms, use an inexpensive wig with a large, colorful hat, and you could even stuff the clothing with tissue. Cookie: Cut two large circles out of brown posterboard (or paint it brown). The circles should cover your child's entire abdomen. Cut out circles out of black felt or posterboard (for the chocolate chips). Cut two equal pieces of brown ribbon. Glue or staple it to each of the cookie circles. Make sure the circles are both facing outward with the painted side. Your child can wear the two cookie halves like a backpack or "sandwich board." Adjust the ribbon to fit accordingly. You can make different types of cookies by changing the color of posterboard you use and how you decorate your cookie. Optional: Add an OU to show it's kosher! Kitten: Dress your child in the turtleneck and leggings. Cut four triangles out of dark colored felt or posterboard. Glue two each together. Cut two smaller triangles out of lighter color felt or posterboard. Glue one on each of the larger triangles. Glue or tape the ears to a headband. Put the headband (with the ears) on your child. Use face paint to draw a black nose on your kitten, then use eye liner to draw whiskers. Tzedakah (Charity) Box Cut a hole in the box for the child's arms and head. Wrap the entire box with silver wrapping paper. Write "Tzedakah" on the front with the Sharpie Marker. Make "Coins" out of gold paper, and glue on the front for extra emphasis. Flower Cut large flower petals out of posterboard and glue them to the headband. Cut large leaves and pin them to your child's sleeves or leggings. Add face paint if desired. 22
Fashion Ladybug Have your child wear the turtleneck and leggings. Cut wing shapes out of red posterboard. Draw or paint some large black circles on them. Add two holes to each wing and thread the cord through it. Have your child wear the wings like a backpack. To make the antennae, take two pipe cleaners and wrap one end around the headband. Glue a pompom on the other end of each of the pipe cleaners and you have antennae. Hippy You can become a hippy from the 1960's with a tie-dye shirt and faded jeans with holes in the knees. Combine this with a headband, a ponytail wig, and a jacket or vest covered in fringe and you will have the most authentic looking hippy costume of all time. The list of costume ideas is endless! Take your pick and enjoy yourself!
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Techno Gizmos
The iComfort App When a person passes away, there are many emotions that rise to the surface and there are many questions that cannot be answered. Judaism recognizes our confused emotions and sets us on a path on how to express them in clearly defined stages of mourning. It presents us with a highly structured series of rituals that can help us through our grief and ease us back into the rhythm of life. Have you lost a loved one or know someone who has and either of you don‘t fully understand the Jewish process of mourning? Do you know where to start and what to do? If your answers are all a resounding ―No,‖ there‘s now an app to help answer your questions. The iComfort app from Behrman House is a newly developed app for the iPhone and the iPad. It was released last month and costs $1.99 to download. Behrman House, a leading publisher of Jewish and Hebrew teaching materials ranging from books to software for religious after school programs, is the creator of iComfort. But why create an app about mourning? Jessica Gurtman a representative from the publishing company explains: ―We thought that this would be a useful app because lifecycle events are usually when people turn back to Judaism and take comfort in the rituals that their religion dictates. We are trying to reach any mourner or friend of a mourner. We wanted to provide information to anyone who needs help being comforted or needs help comforting someone.‖ iComfort teaches and describes all the Jewish traditions, rituals, blessings, and prayers for mourning. In using the app, one can learn how to make a shiva call, understand Keriah-the ritual of tearing one‘s clothes-and learn Hamokom-how to greet a mourner. iComfort uses Touch-and-Read technology for learning how to recite the Mourner‘s Kaddish. The technology lets you hear every word individually as you read along while providing transliteration for each word in the prayer. The transliterated text appears when you touch the corresponding Hebrew word. There‘s an auto-record feature that allows the learner to hear themselves practice. iComfort can also calculate future Yahrzeit dates automatically. With this app, many more people who are distant to Judaism and who may have lost a loved one or have family and friends that they need to reach out to during a tragedy now have a new tool. iComfort is another way to learn more about death and how Judaism helps us deal with it.
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Music & Film
Top 12 Quotes from the Grammys 1.
This is my first time at the Grammys. I‘m having a spectacular time so far. I‘ve seen things I‘ve never seen before, and heard things I never heard before, and that wasn‘t even watching the show, that was backstage getting high with Miley Cyrus.‖ — Seth Rogen introducing Eminem.
2. ―I take this honor to heart so sincerely and I‘ll do my damnedest to make great music for all of you.‖ — Esperanza Spalding accepting the award for best new artist. 3. No. 4: "The Academy president finally explains the difference between record of the year and song of the year."-One of David Letterman‘s top ten Grammy surprises 4. "Lindsay Lohan seen leaving the Staples Center with a Grammy-shaped bulge in jacket."-One of David Letterman‘s top ten Grammy surprises 5. ―I wanted to thank Whitney because when I wrote ‗Born This Way,‘ I imagined she was singing it, because I wasn‘t secure enough in myself to imagine I was a superstar.‖-Lady Gaga, giving a shout-out to Whitney Houston after winning best pop vocal album for ―The Fame Monster.‖ 6. ―Thanks Justin Bieber, for not being a duo or group.‖ -- Train lead singer Pat Monahan, after Train won the Grammy for best pop performance by a duo or a group for ―Hey, Soul Sister‖ 7. "I had this past Monday the pleasure of having sex with her – on TV, no less. It left me exhausted, aroused and more than a little confused."-Neil Patrick Harris introducing How I Met Your Mother guest star Katy Perry to the Grammy stage. 8. ―Will Justin Bieber overcome his elders?‖ –Female announcer while going to commercial break 9. "I think I just dropped my heart somewhere between Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, so if anyone sees that, please give it back to me." - Glee star Chris Colfer, after winning his award for best supporting actor in a TV show. 10. ―Justin Bieber? Hairpiece.‖ — David Letterman revealing the top Grammy surprises. 11. "I'd like to give a shout-out to my beautiful, pregnant girlfriend over there."-Dad-to-be & Muse frontman Matthew Bellamy, paying tribute to Kate Hudson after winning the best rock album Grammy 12. ―Jay-Z revealed ‗Empire State of Mind‘ was really about Trenton.‖ -- One of David Letterman‘s top ten Grammy surprises
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Music & Film
Top 12 Quotes from the Oscars 2011 Here they are! My top 12 notable quotes from Oscar night! And in the spirit of Purim and gift-giving, I give you four bonus quotes from the evening! Enjoy. 1.
―When I watched Kate [Winslet] two years ago, it looked so f*****g easy.‖ — Melissa Leo, dropping the F-Word while accepting her gong.
2. ―You‘re much more beautiful than you were in ‗The Fighter.‘‖ — Presenter Kirk Douglas to Best Supporting Actress Melissa Leo.
3. She‘s gorgeous, wow, where were you when I was making pictures?‖ – Kirk Douglas, 94, makes host Anne Hathaway blush. 4. "You're pretty good-looking yourself. What are you doing later on?" – The Fighter's Melissa Leo, propositioning presenter Kirk Douglas after her Best Supporting Actress win
5. "I just saw Marky Mark." – James Franco's grandmother, sharing a celeb sighting (Mark Wahlberg!) from her seat in the audience 6. .That's gross." – Cate Blanchett, commenting on The Wolfman's graphic transformation before presenting the movie with the Oscar for Best Makeup 7. "Jeff, dude, dude ... How much is enough? Huh? Think about it," Sandra Bullock speaking to Jeff Bridges, nominated for "True Grit" after winning last year for "Crazy Heart." 8. I'd like to thank Her Majesty the Queen for not putting me in the Tower of London for using the Melissa Leo f-word.‖ – David Seidler, who used the word in his script for The King‘s Speech. 9. ―Bloody hell, what a room full of talented inspirational people, and what am I doing in the midst of you?‖ – Oscar winner Christian Bale. 10. ―My father always said I would be a late bloomer, I believe I am the oldest person to win this award,‖ he said. (He was born in 1937). David Seidler of The King‘s Speech after winning Best Screenplay.
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Music & Film 11. ―I have a feeling my career's just peaked. I have to warn you I am experiencing stirrings somewhere in the upper abdominals that are threatening to form themselves into dance moves.‖ – Colin Firth accepts the Oscar for Best Actor 12. ―With this tonight, I honour you, and the moral of the story is: Listen to your mother.‖ – Tom Hooper after winning Best Director for The King‘s Speech. 13. ―Just have fun and find the bar as quickly as you can." — Kevin Spacey‘s advice for tonight‘s nominees. 14. ―Your closest association with a superhero would've been in 2001 when you got busted in a cheap hotel with a woman dressed as Batgirl." – Best Visual Effects co-presenter Jude Law, reminding Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. where he'd be without technicians – and ribbing him about his infamous 2000 arrest, when he was caught with cocaine and a young lady in a Wonder Woman costume 15. "Yo. My Oscar-winning performance as a queen was much more realistic than Colin Firth's as a king." – Presenter Russell Brand, jokingly translating Helen Mirren's French comments into English 16. ―I just got a text message from Charlie Sheen.‖ James Franco dressed in drag as Marilyn Monroe.
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Music & Film
Coming Soon: The Upcoming Films for Spring & Summer 2011 Last month, we just enjoyed the Oscars and now we have a bunch of films coming out this spring and summer. Whether or not they will be Oscar worthy is yet to be seen, but here are the films that we can all enjoy, hate, and just talk about in 2011. Coming soon to a theatre near you! March
Apr 1
Mar 2 Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives
DAM 999 Mother's Day Hop Super Source Code Trust Insidious The Princess of Montpensier The Last Godfather Rubber The Mighty Macs In a Better World
Mar 4
Apr 8
Beastly Rango Take Me Home Tonight The Adjustment Bureau The Imperialists Are Still Alive! Happythankyoumoreplease Old Cats I Saw the Devil The Human Resources Manager
Soul Surfer Your Highness Arthur Hanna Ceremony Meek's Cutoff Born to be Wild Henry's Crime Meet Monica Velour Apr 15
Mar 11
Scream 4 Rio The Intruder The Conspirator Atlas Shrugged Part 1
Battle: Los Angeles Mars Needs Moms! Jane Eyre Red Riding Hood Kill the Irishman Certified Copy Forks Over Knives
Apr 22 Water for Elephants Born to Be a Star Haywire African Cats Apollo 18 Incendies Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen Intent POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
Mar 17 The Butcher, The Chef and The Swordsman Lord of the Dance 3D Mar 18 Limitless Cracks Paul The Lincoln Lawyer Win Win Desert Flower Winter in Wartime
Apr 29 Fast Five Prom Cave of Forgotten Dreams
Mar 25 Sucker Punch Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Miral
May TBA
Apr TBA
May 6
Daydream Nation
The Edge Last Night Hesher
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Music & Film Thor Something Borrowed Jumping the Broom The Beaver Everything Must Go There Be Dragons
Jun 10
May 13
Jun 17
Priest Bridesmaids The First Grader
Green Lantern Mr. Popper's Penguins Homework
May 20
Super 8 Judy Moody The Troll Hunter
Jun 24
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Midnight in Paris
Cars 2 Bad Teacher A Better Life
May 26
July
The Hangover 2
Jul 1
May 27
Transformers: Dark of the Moon Monte Carlo Larry Crowne
Kung Fu Panda 2 The Tree of Life June Jun 3 X-Men: First Class Beginners The Last Mountain Jul 15
Jul 8 One for the Money Zookeeper Horrible Bosses One Day Jul 13 Rapt Cowboys and Aliens Crazy, Stupid, Love
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II Winnie the Pooh Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
August
Jul 22
The Whistleblower
Captain America: The First Avenger Friends with Benefits
Aug 3
Jul 29 Aug 5 The Darkest Hour The Change Up The Sitter Aug 12 Don't Be Afraid of the Dark 30 Minutes or Less The Help
Aug TBA
The Smurfs Aug 19 Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World Fright Night The Mistaken Conan 3D Aug 20 Amigo
Music & Film Aug 26 Final Destination 5
Sep 23
Aug 31
Abduction Moneyball Dolphin Tale
The Debt
Sep 30
September
What's Your Number? Anonymous Dream House Courageous
Sep TBA The Loop Sep 2 Colombiana Untitled 3D Shark Thriller Sep 9 Warrior The Apparition Sep 16 Piranha 3 DD Straw Dogs Johnny English Reborn Drive
March 10-16th, 2011 Films to be Shown: I Had a Dream Five Brothers Jubanos: The Jews of Cuba Next Year In Bombay Zohra Elfassia And Much More! For More Information about the Festival and the Films, visit: http://www.sephardicfilmfest.org/ To Purchase Tickets: http://smarttix.com
Food
The Best Hamentaschen Recipes Here are great Hamentashen recipes for your enjoyment! Eat, Drink, Give and be Merry this Purim Holiday! Hamentashen with Yeast Dough 1 package (2-1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast 1/3-cup sugar 1-teaspoon salt 4 cups flour 1-cup warm water 1/3-cup vegetable oil 1 large egg Egg Wash: 1 large egg 1-tablespoon water Filling Purchased filling of your choice! Combine all dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together all liquid ingredients. Gradually add dry ingredients to the liquid to form a dough. Knead dough for 5 – 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Spray a large mixing bowl with Pam and place dough inside. Spray Pam on dough and cover loosely with a towel until dough doubles in size. Punch down dough. Divide into thirds on a lightly floured surface. Roll out each piece until it is Ÿinch thick. Cut out 3 -inch rounds. Reroll scraps. Place filling in the center of each dough round. Fold three sides up to form a triangle, leaving some filling exposed in the center. Place hamentashen 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Cover again and let rise at room temperature until nearly double, about one hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush tops of the hamentashen with the egg wash. Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
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Food Hamentashen with Chocolate Cookie Dough 1/2 cup margarine 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 1-teaspoon vanilla 1-1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup cocoa 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt Suggested fillings: One small Reese's peanut butter cup (dairy) One-tablespoon marshmallow fluff (pareve [non-dairy]) One large Hershey's kiss (dairy) Several chocolate or butterscotch chips (pareve [non-dairy]) Chocolate spread (pareve) In a large mixer combine margarine, sugar, egg and vanilla until fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add to mixer and mix briefly to blend. Chill for 1 hour. Divide dough into quarters. Roll into 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured board. Cut out 3-inch rounds. Reroll scraps. Place filling in the center of each dough round. Fold three sides up to form a triangle, leaving some filling exposed in the center. Place cookies 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until crisp. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Debby's Friend Freda offered this recipe: More Traditional Hamentashen 3 eggs 1-cup oil 1-cup sugar 1-teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1-teaspoon baking powder 3 cups flour Filling Suggestions:
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Food Freda Small's Filling: 1 jar lekvar 1 teaspoon grated orange peel 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup currants Mix in a saucepan over low heat until combined. Karen Rhodes' Great Grandmother's Filling: 1 cup chopped walnuts 1/4 cup honey 1 dash cinnamon orange water to taste Mix in a saucepan over medium heat until blended. In a large mixer, beat together the eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla and almond extract. Add baking powder and flour until you get a workable dough. If dough is too wet, add more flour. Divide dough into quarters. Toll to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 3-inch rounds. Reroll scraps. Place filling in center of each dough round. Fold three sides up to form a triangle, leaving some filling exposed in the center. Place cookies 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush with egg wash if desired (see yeast dough recipe). Bake for 15 – 17 minutes or until crisp. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Hamentashen with Tofutti Cream Cheese 2 cups flour 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup margarine, cut into pieces 1/2 cup tofutti cream cheese 1 large egg yolk 1-teaspoon vanilla Filling of your choice In the bowl of your food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, margarine and cream cheese until mixture resembles crumbs. Stir together egg yolk and vanilla and add to mixture in processor (with a few short pulses). Flatten dough into a disk, cover with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour. Divide dough in half. Roll to ¼-inch thickness on lightly floured board. Cut into 3-inch rounds. Reroll scraps. Place filling in center of each dough round. Fold three sides up to form a triangle, leaving some filling exposed in the center. Place cookies 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. 35
Food Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake hamentashen for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool briefly on cookie sheets, then transfer to wire racks to finish cooling. Healtlhier Hamentashen This recipe, created by Maida Waldner Genser, has no eggs and no trans fats. Dough (more may be needed, depending on how thick you like the hamentashen dough): 2 cups unbleached flour 3/ 4 tsp sea salt 1 Tbs soy lecithin flakes* 1 Tbs Sucanat or other raw sugar 2/3 cup non-hydrogenated shortening (Spectrum brand is available in health food stores) 1/ 2 cup chilled almond milk Filling: 1 cup poppyseeds 1/ 2 cup almond milk 1/ 4 cup agave syrup (low glycemic sweetener from cactus) 1/4 cup Sucanat pinch of salt 1 Tbs ground flax seeds 3 Tbs water 2 tsp lemon juice grated peel of 1 lemon Other ingredients: About a 1/3 cup of almond milk for brushing the cookies and sealing the edges. Flour for the surface where you roll out dough and for on the rolling pin. Spray oil or more shortening to grease the cookie sheets. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare two cookie sheets with oil spray or a little of the shortening. Put all filling ingredients in a food processor and blend. Pour into a sauce pan. Heat and stir until thick. Set aside. In a small bowl mix flour, salt, Sucanat, and lecithin until evenly distributed. Add shortening and cut into flour mix with 2 knives. Add and mix in almond milk little by into the flour/shortening mix and combine thoroughly until all the dry mix is pulled into the ball of dough. Roll out the dough on a floured board or on waxed paper. Cut circles of dough, eg. with the tops of coffee mugs. Cut out the circles and place on a the cookie sheets. Put about a tablespoon of the filling on each circle. (Here is where you have to decide whether to make more dough. If you made the dough circles thick, you will probably need more. The hamentashen can be made thick or thin.) 36
Food Moisten your finger with some almond milk and pinch three corners of a circle around the filling to make a hamentashen triangle. Repeat for each cookie. Brush each cookie with almond milk. Bake for about 15 - 20 minutes cookie is hardened and slightly browned The Best Ever Cherry Hamentashen Ingredients: Serves: 12-18
3/4 cup margarine, softened (not tub margarine) 3/4 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (I often just use a squirt of lemon juice) 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 drop water 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling sugar, for sprinkling 2 1/4 cups flour
Directions: Prep Time: 1 hr Total Time: 1 1/4 hr 1 Cream margarine in mixer bowl. 2 Add sugar and beat till fluffy. 3 Beat in egg, lemon peel, and vanilla. 4 Add in flour and salt. 5 Beat in water a few drops at a time until dough starts to come away from sides of bowl. 6 Place dough in a 2-quart size bag and form into a flat disk. 7 Refrigerate for a minimum of 2-3 hours and maximum of 2-3 days. 8 Roll out dough flat about an 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. 9 Using a round cookie cutter or the top of a cup, cut out circles. 37
Food 10 Spoon 2 cherries and a little bit of filling onto the dough circles. 11 To fold into the shape of a hamentashen (a triangle) use both thumbs and the two first fingers on each hand. 12 Slide two fingers from left hand under left side and two fingers from right hand under right side and two thumbs under the bottom of circle. 13 Bring all fingers (with dough) together to form a triangle and try to pinch close. 14 Repeat this process with remaining circles and dough. 15 Place on a cookie sheet lined with baking paper. 16 Sprinkle a small amount of sugar on top of each one. 17 Bake at 350째F for 12-15 minutes or just starting to turn pale golden. Apricot Hamentashen Filling (No-Sugar Added Apricot Sauce) Ingredients: 2 lb. dried CALIFORNIA apricots (this is important--turkish apricots are MUCH sweeter!) 4 tsp. lemon juice (optional) sugar (optional) Place apricots in a large saucepan. Add water until apricots are just barely covered by the water (err on the side of less, not more, you can always add more later.) Bring pot to a boil. Put on a low heat and simmer on very low heat. Put cover on pot just askew a little, so pot is almost covered, not quite. Every 20-30 minutes or so, stir up the pot, then recover loosely. Keep doing this until the apricots have fallen apart, all the water is absorbed and you've got kind of a thick apricot sauce. Especially for using with hamentashen, thicker is better, but it should still be spreadable and not burnt. Add lemon juice or sugar to taste.. Prune Hamentaschen Filling Ingredients: 2 lb. dried pitted prunes (or 24 oz. box) 4 tsp. lemon juice and grated rind of one lemon chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
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Food Soak prunes overnight. Cook until soft, then drain. Chop until smooth (or run through food processor). Add lemon juice, rind and nuts to taste. Vanilla Maple-Walnut Hamantashen Filling Ingredients: 2 c. chopped walnuts 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. vanilla extract orange water to taste Mix everything in a saucepan over medium heat until blended. Cherry-Vanilla-Walnut Hamentashen Filling Ingredients: 2 cans cherries 1 c. chopped walnuts 1 tsp. vanilla extract dash of cinnmon or nutmeg (optional) orange water to taste Mix everything in a saucepan over medium heat until blended. Decadent Chocolate Hamentaschen Ingredients: 3/4 cup granulated sugar 4 ounces butter substitute, softened 1 egg 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 3-4 Tablespoons heavy cream or soy creamer Filling: 8 1/2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped 8 ounces heavy cream or soy creamer Dash salt Rum to taste (optional) Chopped cherries, cranberries, nuts, or toffee (optional) Cream butter, sugar, and salt if using until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix until incorporated. Combine flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Add to butter mixture in two stages, alternating 39
Food with the heavy cream. More or less cream might be needed depending on the consistency of the dough. Turn dough out onto plastic wrap, and form a flattened disc. Chill for at least one hour. To prepare filling: Over a double boiler (or Pyrex bowl over small pot of simmering water), heat cream and chopped chocolate. When chocolate is mostly melted, lightly whisk until ganache-filling is smooth and shiny. Whisk in rum and salt. Chill for several hours. To form hamantaschen: Roll chilled chocolate dough to slightly more than 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cutter or glass rim dipped in flour, cut circles of about 3 inches in diameter. If adding dried fruit or nuts, sprinkle a small amount in the center of the cut discs. Remove ganache from fridge, and using either a small ice-cream scoop or by hand, form about 1 inch round balls and place in center of circles. Carefully fold in the edges to form a triangular shape, and pinch the corners to seal. Ensure there are no gaps or tears in the dough, to prevent filling from oozing out during baking. Bake hamantaschen on greased cookie sheets at 350 F for about 15 minutes, until crust is baked through. Ganache will liquify during baking, but will set as hamantaschen cool.
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Food
The Top Purim Wines Not only should you enjoy food and hamentaschen on this celebratory holiday, you should also enjoy wine. The drinking of alcoholic beverages is not only suggested but encouraged. In the Talmud, Rava said at Purim that people should drink to the point of not remembering whether it is Mordechai or Haman they are praising or cursing. We here at Kehila would like for you to please drink responsibly and don‘t drink and drive. Here are the wines that are being recommended on the web. Segal Merom Galil (―Special Reserve‖ for international audiences) Fusion Red 2006
Tzuba Port Style Wine Tzuba Ha‘mayan, Belmont Red 2006
Segal Merom Galil Fusion White 2006
Tzuba Ha‘mayan, Belmont White 2007 Tel Tzuba, Sangiovese-Nebbiolo 2006
Segal Merom Galil Cabernet Sauvignon Single 2005
Tel Tzuba Chardonnay 2006
Segal Merom Galil Merlot Single 2005
Tel Tzuba, Chardonnay Dessert Wine N.V.
Segal Merom Galil Syrah Single 2005
2004 Four Gates Pinot Noir Rishona (375 ml)
Carmel Private Collection 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot
2006 Herzog Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve, Napa Valley
Carmel Private Collection 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Baron Herzog Cabernet/Zinfandel/Syrah Special Reserve
Carmel Private Collection 2007 Merlot
one that is probably at or close to its peak. 2006 Hagafen Merlot, Napa Valley
Editor‘s Pick:
2007 Barkan Classic Petite Sirah 2007 Backsberg Pinotage
I‘m no expert on wine, but I want to reccomend Revah Pomegranate Wine. It‘s a fruit wine and it‘s from Aremina. It has an exquisite taste.
2006 Rashi Select Barbera d‘Alba Golan Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Golan Merlot 2006 Golan Chardonnay 2006
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Send in your wacky, cute, fashionable, silly Purim pictures for to be in next issue for Purim Celebrations Around the Community! Email them to Kehila23@yahoo.com Chag Sameach! Have a wonderful, fun, and safe Purim! From the Kehila Staff
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Spirituality
Discussion Series: Maimonides‘ Principles The Fundamentals of Jewish Faith This month we focus on the fifth principle which is chapter five in Rabbi‘s Aryeh Kaplan‘s book Maimonides‘ Principles: The Fundamentals of Jewish Faith. To obtain a copy simply sign up at www.FreeJewishBooks.com and order a free copy of the book from the site (shipping & handling are free). If you do not have a copy of the book, a copy of the hymn Yigdal is just as useful. The discussion questions will come from Rabbi Kaplan‘s book.
The Fifth Principle I believe with perfect faith that it is only proper to pray to G-D. One may not pray to anyone or anything else. Yigdal He is the Lord of the world, and all things created, Display His greatness and His majesty. Discussion Questions: 1. Why is idolatry forbidden? 2. Why is it forbidden to worship an angel if one still believes in G-D? Why is this an error? 3. Christianity teaches that one can only approach G-D through Jesus. How would this principle apply to that belief? 4. How does belief in idolatry diminish our concept of G-D? 5. How does the verse in Yigdal relate to this principle? 6. An earthly king depends upon his subordinates to help him rule. Is this true of G-D? How does this relate to this principle?
Photo Courtesy Google Images
Community Happenings
Announcements Birthdays יום הולדת שמח Gerry Gilstrop Ellie Ohiso Morgan Dack Tasha Peavy Ruth Cortez Michael Ramsur J.B. Brown Heshimu Allen Dowid Mosha Nechemyah Davis
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Misheberakhs May G-d who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, bring blessing and healing to all those who suffer illness within our community. May the Holy One mercifully restore them to health and vigor, granting them physical and spiritual well-being, together with all those who are ill, and strengthen those who tend to them. We hope and pray that healing is at hand. And let us say: Amen. -From Siddur Sim Shalom Rep. Gabby Giffords The other victims of the Arizona shootings Talisha Harrison Alicia Cline Members of the U.S. military and the Israeli Defense Forces
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Yarhzeits In love we remember those who no longer walk this earth. We are grateful to G-D for the gift of their lives, for the joys we shared, and for the cherished memories that never fade. May G-D grant those who mourn the strength to see beyond their sorrow, sustaining them despite their grief. May the faith that binds us to our loved ones be a continuing source of comfort, as we invite those who mourn, and those observing Yahrzeit to praise G-D's name with the words of the Kaddish. -From Siddur Sim Shalom Members of the U.S. military and the Israeli Defense Forces whom have passed during the month of March
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Community Happenings
Kehila News Coming Soon: Shalom everyone! I have a wonderful announcement to make. Coming soon will be the first annual Kehila Cookbook! I need recipes submissions from everyone to make this book a reality! The cookbook will be available for free as a digital download. The types of recipes that I‘m looking for are the following:
Appetizers, Salads, Brunch Cocktails and Beverages Soups & Sandwiches Meat Poultry Fish & Seafood Vegetable Side Dishes Potatoes, Pasta, Grains, & Rice Sauces, Dressings, Pickles, & Condiments Biscuits, Breads, & Muffins Desserts Noodles, Kugels, Pancakes
Here are the requirements:
I need your name and where you hail from Category of the dish that you‘re sharing The name of the dish List of ingredients The steps in preparing and cooking the dish A picture of the dish if possible
I haven‘t set a date yet for when the cookbook will come out. It all depends on the amount of recipes that I receive. Please send them in asap to Kehila23@yahoo.com Thank you! Tali Adina
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Community Happenings Advertising: Advertising in throughout the magazine is also available. A whole page is just $5.00, ½ a page is $2.50, and anything smaller is a $1.50. 3 Options For Reading Kehila: For reading the magazine, there will always be three options available for you to choose from. 1. Read the magazine online each month. You can read the latest issue of Kehila monthly on our website for free. 2. Read back issues on the magazine at my profile on Issuu.com. 3. Purchase a copy of Kehila. Every issue will also be available to purchase for only $5.00. The issue are digital downloads onto Adobe Digital Reader (a free program that you can download if you have Adobe Reader). We need your help! We need someone to volunteer to help manage Kehila‘s Twitter account @KehilaMag. You would be tweeting Kehila news, news from around the world that is important to our readers, and also re-tweeting news or comments from our followers, etc. This magazine is currently being created with limited resources. If you would like to contribute to this magazine monetarily or by writing articles, taking pictures, etc. it would be appreciated. Misheberakh and Yahrzeits: If you have person who is sick and would like to have the community keep them in prayer, please send their names to us or also if you have a yahrzeit you would like to be mentioned, please email us at kehila23@yahoo.com and we will have it listed on the website and in the magazine.
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Community Happenings
Resources Here is some helpful information to help you stay connected to the JOC Community. If you know of any more resources please contact me so I can add them to the resources section each month. This month we focus on YouTube! 92ndStreetY AnneFrank Bechollashon Becomingjewishorg ChabadNewsOnline Ehav4Ever JewcyMag Jewinthecity MaNishtanaTV matisyahuTV mrshausman PunkJews Punktorah TheJewishChannelTJC TheJIDF Jews4Judaism MurasakiTali Shemspeed
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Community Happenings
Upcoming Events 1 Soulico Free Show The Empty Bottle 1035 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by The Empty Bottle Hebrew (Biblical) Level III Sponsor: Congregation Beth Shalom 7:00pm This year long course with instructor, Jeremy Alk, is offered for students who already have some foundation in basic Hebrew grammar. This will build on Hebrew II (not a pre-requisite) using First Hebrew Primer for Adults starting with Chap. 15. During the year you will review Qal and Pa‘al and learn the remaining binyanim along with other basic grammar and vocabulary. Cost and Registration info is available on our website. Location: Congregation Beth Shalom 6800 35th Ave NE Seattle, Washington 98115 Event Contact: Carol Benedick Phone: (206) 524-0075 ext. 4 carolbenedick@bethshalomseattle.org
Hebrew (Prayer) Level IV Sponsor: Congregation Beth Shalom 7:00pm This year long course with instructor, Beth Huppin, is for students with basic Hebrew grammar/vocabulary knowledge. This class will focus on understanding Siddur Hebrew. We will look at both literal and theological ways to understand and translate the t‘fillot. Basic grammar rules and vocabulary will be reviewed and expanded throughout the year. The use of words in modern Hebrew as well as the echoes from Biblical Hebrew will be explored. Learn Hebrew, discuss theology and 50
Community Happenings understand what you‘re saying when davening in Hebrew. Cost and registration info is available on our website. Location: Congregation Beth Shalom 6800 35th Ave NE Seattle, Washington 98115 Event Contact: Carol Benedick Phone: (206) 524-0075 ext. 4 carolbenedick@bethshalomseattle.org 2 Live From New York‟s 92nd Street Y™ presents Arianna Huffington and Joseph E. Stiglitz: The Way Forward. BROADCAST LIVE VIA SATELLITE at te Sabes JCC. 7pm. Cost: $8 General Public; $5 Premium and Community Members. Box office: 952.381.3499 or tickets@sabesjcc.org "The Matchmaker" Screening at Jewishfilm.2011 NCJF's 14th Annual Film Festival National Center for Jewish Film Co-Sponsors: CO-PRESENTED BY: Schusterman Center for Israel Studies, SPONSORS: Israel Campus Roundtable; Jack and Ziva Paley Cost: $10.00 07:00 PMto09:00 PM Where: Wasserman Cinematheque, Brandeis University, 415 South St. , Waltham, MA02453 Special Features: MASSACHUSETTS PREMIERE Opening Night Film In the summer of 1968, Haifa teenager Arik learns about life, love and loyalty when he gets a job working as a detective for the mysterious Yankele Bride, a Holocaust survivor who works as a matchmaker promising clients ―what you need, not what you want.‖ From his seedy office in the back of a movie theater run by Romanian dwarfs (also survivors) that screens only love stories, Yankele introduces Arik to a new world built on the ruins of an old one. Arik falls for a girl just returned from America, full of talk of free love and rock & roll. From the director of Turn Left at the End of the World (Jewishfilm.2005). Nominated for 7 Israeli Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Israel | 2010 | 112 min | Hebrew w/ English subtitles | 35mm | Director: Avi Nesher
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Community Happenings Talmud Berachot Sponsor: Seattle Kollel 11:45am Studying Talmud Berachot - a fascinating repository of the Talmudic discussions relating to prayers and blessings. This tractate is also renowned for containing many stories, parables, homilies, and moral lessons of the Sages. Our discussion group is interactive and engaging and endeavors to penetrate the inner meaning of the Talmudic text. Most participants follow along using the Artscroll Schottenstein edition of the Talmud. Location: Tullys Westlake Center 1601 5th Ave Seattle, Washington 98101 Cost: Free Event Contact: Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus Phone: (206) 718-2887 rabbipinkus@seattlekollel.org Newcomer Contact: Marilyn Leibert (206) 722- 8289
Women's Jewish Learning Sponsor: Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle 7:15pm This is a session of the Jewish Living room Learning Special Interest Group of the Women's Philanthropy Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Please RSVP for details on topic and location. Location: Private Residence Seattle, Washington RSVP Event Contact: Anna Brown Phone: (206) 774-2226 AnnaB@JewishInSeattle.org 52
Community Happenings 3 Film & Discussion: Race to Nowhere 7:00PM - 10:00PM Join us for a special screening of the powerful film: Race to Nowhere Race to Nowhere is a call to action for families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens. Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Space is limited. To purchase tickets go to: http://rtneastendtemple.eventbrite.com/ Sara Blumstein East End Temple 245 East 17th St New York, NY 10003 (212) 477-6444 educator@eastendtemple.org
Cholent Shiur Sponsor: Seattle Kollel 9:00pm Join us for Cholent and a Shiur with guest speakers each week Thursdays (call to verify calendar. No program on Holidays). Free of charge. Location: The Seattle Kollel 5305 52nd Avenue S Seattle, Washington 98118 Event Contact: Rabbi Yehuda Bresler Phone: (206) 331-8767 info@seattlekollel.org Newcomer Contact: Marilyn Leibert (206) 722- 8289 53
Community Happenings 4 Michael Showalter 2501 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Hosted by Casbah Shabbaton with Yishei Fleischer Sponsor: Congregation Ezra Bessaroth 5:00pm Shabbaton with Yishei Fleischer 3/4 (shabbat dinner) & 3/5 (shabbat lunch). More info to be posted at a later date. Advance reservation and payment will be required. Location: Congregation Ezra Bessaroth 5217 S. Brandon St. Seattle, Washington 98118 Event Contact: Susan Jensen Phone: (206) 722-5500 office@ezrabessaroth.net Newcomer Contact: Albert Israel (206) 250- 1148 5 “Goats� by Alan Berks at the Minnesota Jewish Theatre. An Area Premiere Production. A solo performance with Ryan M. Lindberg. Backpacking overseas, a 20-something guy from Chicago takes a job tending to 160 goats for a farmer in a secluded area 45 minutes outside of Jerusalem. Each day he treks into the mountains where he must wrestle and wrangle with the goats, and each night he struggles to understand the language of a cheesemaker who barely speaks. Colorful characters contribute to the backdrop of this nearly unbelievable yet true, poignant, coming-of-age story. A hit in a shorter version at the Minnesota Fringe Festival in 2004, this solo piece is a story not-to-be-missed. Student rush is just $12. Michael Showalter 1822 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Hosted by The Echo The Sway Machinery 54
Community Happenings The Bell House 149 7th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by The Bell House 6 Adam Levy: 416 Club Commissions, at the Cedar Cultural Center. 7pm. $5. The Cedar has commissioned seven local artists to compose, practice, and perform new music pieces in collaboration with other local musicians. One of them is MOT ADAM LEVY, singer/songwriter, guitarist, and member of local bands The Honeydogs and children‘s music group Bunny Clogs, who on 3/6 will perform new pieces in collaboration with experimental group Liminal Phase, and with Pavan Allalaghatta (tabla) and Pooja Goswami (vocals and tamboura). Best-Selling Novelist Ayelet Waldman: Lecture, Book Signing and Reception. 6-8pm. Minneapolis JCC. Waldman will discuss her relationship with Judaism and how it informs her writing; being a fearless and sometimes outspoken feminist; and her involvement in the Women in Prison project. She will explore the recurring theme of loss that is present in much of her work, and will discuss both her past writing and her most recent critically acclaimed novel, Red Hook Road (2010). Copies of Bad Mother and Red Hook Road will be available for purchase after the lecture. Cost : $12 General Public; $10 Premium and Community Members $8; Students. Box office: 952.381.3499 or tickets@sabesjcc.org Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Film Screening and Discussion. 3pm. John B. Davis Auditorium at Macalester College. Panelists include Hy Berman, Liban Ali, and representatives from the Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en La Lucha. On March 25, 1911, fire broke out in New York City‘s Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and 146 workers, mostly young Jewish and Italian immigrant women, died. Exit doors had been locked, elevators failed, fire escapes crumbled, and the fire department‘s ladders did not reach high enough. In the aftermath of this disaster, the owners were acquitted of responsibility by a jury. But immigrant women garment workers across the city built up the International Ladies‘ Garment Workers‘ Union (ILGWU) and negotiated economic and physical security, while the city government enacted new regulations about workplace safety and inspections. FREE! For more information, contact Lauren atlauren@jewishcommunityaction.org or (651)632-2184. “How Divergent Voices of Zionism Created the Israel of Today”. 10:15 am-12 noon. Adath Jeshurun Congregation, 10500 Hillside Lane West, Minnetonka, MN. Join us for brunch: U of M Professor Ofer Ashkenazi provides historical context of the Jewish people‘s relationship with the Land of Israel, Rabbi Yonatan Sadoff explores what it means today, and Rabbi Harold Kravitz is host and moderator. For details. TribeFest - The National Jewish Event of the Year 7:00AM - 7:00PM What is it? TribeFest 2011: Las Vegas is THE event for young Jewish adults. Over 1,800 young Jews will come together to explore why it matters to be Jewish, how they connect to their Judaism and the larger community, and to have an amazing time. TribeFest will offer inspiring programming, music, food, arts, and entertainment, all celebrating the richness of our Jewish culture and heritage. TribeFest will be THE place for networking, mingling, and finding peers and friends with which to create deep and meaningful connections. TribeFest attendees will engage in hands-on community service and develop a deep
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Community Happenings understanding of the value of giving back, not just to the community, but to themselves. Watch the TribeFest Video http://www.tribefest.org/ and go to the TribeFest Facebook Page to see who else from around the county will be there. What are the details? TribeFest will run officially from March 6- 8th 2011 at The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the likelihood of pre-event. Saturday night programming for those who choose to arrive early. Registration dates Registration is open now, early bird registration runs until January 26, however if you are interested in applying for a subsidy, please wait to register until you have been approved for a subsidy. Who will be there? TribeFest will include over one thousand young Jews, ages 22-45. We expect a very diverse group – people from all across North America, from many backgrounds, involved in a myriad of professions and volunteer activities, married and single, with and without children, and of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Who are the speakers/entertainers/performers? TribeFest will feature top speakers in the fields of religion, art, entertainment, sports, politics, business and more! See who is confirmed as of today! New speakers being added $300 Subsides Are Available NOW YAD has $300 to invest in future leaders of our Jewish Community. If you are interested in applying for a subsidy (not based upon financial need) please fill out the online application. Abra Annes Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino 3950 Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas 415-512-3539 AbraA@sfjcf.org YCT Rabbinical School's Annual Dinner 12:00PM - 1:00PM Save the date for our annual gala dinner! Sunday, March 6, 2011 Location and honorees to be announced. Stacey Apter TBA sapter@yctorah.org
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Community Happenings 7 Why Some Ask Why: Jews, Psychology, and the Reaffirmation of Moral Judgment with Earl Schwartz. 7:30pm at Temple Israel. Center for Jewish Studies Annual Lecture Series. Co-sponsored by the Talmud Torah of St. Paul and the Sabes JCC. 8 Michael Showalter 216 Union Street, Seattle, WA 98101 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by The Triple Door The Sway Machinery El Rey Theater 5515 Wilshire Blvd. , Los Angeles, CA 90036 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by El Rey Theater Introduction to Talmud 6:30PM - 7:30PM The Talmud's narratives, legal debates, and philosophical challenges animate impact every aspect of Jewish history, ritual and modern culture. No previous knowledge of Talmud is necessary. Join us for this three-session introduction led by Rabbi David Adelson. Call for more information. Sharon Shemesh East End Temple 245 East 17th St New York, NY 10003 (212) 477-6444 info@eastendtemple.org
9 Michael Showalter 1624 Northwest Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97209 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by Mission Theatre The Sway Machinery Great American Music Hall 859 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, CA 94109 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by Great American Music Hall Modern Hebrew Literature 57
Community Happenings Sponsor: Congregation Beth Shalom 7:00pm This course will look at the themes and aesthetics of modern Hebrew and Israeli literature. With aspirations of creating an inspiriting involvement with the subjects before us; we hope to provide historical and political context, insight in to the evolution of literary style and expressions, and above all the characteristic ways poets and writers working principally in Israel have addressed the human condition as reflected in their unique circumstances. It is a course that in a short period will be less led than guided, hopefully eliciting everyone‘s engagement, involvement and excitement for the varied topics and vivid personalities we will certainly encounter. Usually the 1st Wednesday of every month. No charge. RSVP appreciated. Location: Congregation Beth Shalom 6800 35th Ave NE Seattle, Washington 98115 Event Contact: Carol Benedick Phone: (206) 524-0075 ext. 4 carolbenedick@bethshalomseattle.org Film: Yoo-Hoo Mrs. Goldberg! 7:00PM - 9:00PM $10/$8 members The funny and surprising story of radio and television pioneer Gertrude Berg. Creator, star and writer (12,000 scripts!) of the hit sitcom The Goldbergs, Berg was a beloved trailblazer, the Oprah of her day. Berg‘s blend of comedy and social commentary—with Jewish characters at the center—endeared audiences and made her an American cultural icon. Deborah L. Bobrow, Mandel JCC Jewish Film Festival Coordinator, leads a post-viewing discussion. Lynda Bender Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage 2929 Richmond Rd. Beachwood 44122 216.593.0575 info@mmjh.org 10 New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival At the Center for Jewish History 7:30 PM
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Community Happenings Join us and celebrate The 15th NY Sephardic Jewish Film Festival as we honor actress and filmmaker, Ronit Elkabetz, and present her with the ASF Pomegranate Award. The evening will continue with the New York premiere of Five Brothers, followed by a dessert reception in the Steinberg Great Hall. Five Brothers (Comme les cinq doigts de la main)
Director: Alexandre Arcady Themes of family and honor unfold in this fast-paced thriller, following five Algerian Jewish brothers living in France. Brought up by their widowed mother, one of them has gone his own way, only to reappear several years later, pursued by a gang of ruthless drug traffickers. Taking refuge amongst his siblings, this black sheep of the family reveals a terrible secret. The five brothers must now find the means and the energy to defend themselves and avenge the killing of their father. France, 2010. 117mins. French w/ English subtitles. For details: 212.294.8350 x2 or info@americansephardifederation.org Shalom Hanoach Concert at the Cedar Cultural Center sponsored by Mpls Jewish Federation. 7:30pm. Shalom Hanoch will be performing with Israeli music composer Moshe Levi at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis on March 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Friday, January 11 and are expected to sell out quickly for this highly anticipated performance. Ticket prices are $16 for general admission, $21 at the door with a 20% discount for children, students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at www.thecedar.org. For more information contact Eilat Harel at 952.417.2321 or eharel@mplsfed.org. A View from the Provinces: Multiethnic Music-making in Late Ottoman Izmir. 12noon. Center for Jewish Studies 2010-2011 Colloquium Series. Led by Maureen Jackson. A light lunch will be served. Free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by Institute for Advanced Study and the School of Music AJC Seattle Jewish Film Festival Sponsor: American Jewish Committee 4:00pm Location: To Be Determined To Be Determined Seattle, Washington 98101
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Community Happenings Event Contact: Pamela Lavitt seattle@ajc.org
11 Michael Showalter 2721 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by Larimer Lounge AJC Seattle Jewish Film Festival Sponsor: American Jewish Committee 4:00pm Location: To Be Determined To Be Determined Seattle, Washington 98101 Event Contact: Pamela Lavitt lavittp@ajc.org Southern Rabbis and Black Civil Rights Sponsor: Temple De Hirsch Sinai 6:00pm Rock Shabbat & FEED! Dinner March 11, Rock Shabbat: 6:00 p.m. | Lecture & Dinner: 7:00 p.m. - Seattle Southern Rabbis and Black Civil Rights, 1880‘s-1990‘s with Rabbi Daniel Septimus Compelled by their prophetic calling yet grounded in reality and context, the response of southern rabbis to the Civil Rights Movement filled the entire spectrum. Come and learn how southern rabbis reacted to this difficult time. Location: Temple De Hirsch Sinai 1441 16th Avenue Seattle, Washington 98122 Event Contact: Mimi Porad Phone: (206) 323-8486 publications@tdhs-nw.org
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Community Happenings Newcomer Contact: Janet Rasmus (206) 315- 7392 12 Golem Concert + Workshop JCC in Manhattan 334 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hosted by JCC in Manhattan Michael Showalter 6212 Maple Street, Omaha, NE 68104 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by Waiting Room Sephardic Voices Today: DeLeon NYU Skirball Center 566 LaGuardia Pl., New York, NY 10012 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Hosted by JCC in Manhattan The Sway Machinery Alladin Theater 3017 Southeast Milwaukie, Portland, OR 97202 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by Aladdin Theater Torah Study 9:00AM - 10:00AM Join us for a one hour conversation about the week's Torah portion, led by a member of our clergy. No experience necessary. Our group always has familiar and new faces. Bagels and coffee served. You are welcome to stay, if you like for our 10:00 am morning Shabbat service in the sanctuary. Sharon Shemesh East End Temple 245 East 17 St New York 10003 (212) 477-6444 info@eastendtemple.org Learner's Minyan Sponsor: Congregation Beth Shalom 61
Community Happenings 10:30am Join Ron Schneeweiss on the 2nd Saturday of the month to learn about a different aspect of the Shabbat morning service. No charge. RSVP requested. Location: Congregation Beth Shalom 6800 35th Ave NE Seattle, Washington 98115 Event Contact: Carol Benedick Phone: (206) 524-0075 ext. 4 carolbenedick@bethshalomseattle.org
AJC Seattle Jewish Film Festival Sponsor: American Jewish Committee 4:00pm Location: To Be Determined To Be Determined To Be Determined, Washington 98101 Event Contact: Pamela Lavitt lavittp@ajc.org
13 Daylight Savings Time-Turn your clocks ahead 1 hour Russian Cultural Celebration. 11am – 1pm at the Sabes JCC. Free event. Experience the rich culture and history of Russia with the whole family. Celebration highlights include: 19th century Russian fashion show, circle dancing to folk music, cultural booths. Presented by VOICE: Community Building Initiative, a collaboration between the Sabes Jewish Community Center, Jewish Community Action and the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. Also presented by the Russian Cultural Center and Diversity Dancers. For more information, contact Lyudmyla Petrenko at 612.867.8277. Jazz at the J Series: Spring. 7pm. Sabes JCC. Jazz at the J series with world class Jazz and R&G vocalist Patty Peterson! Patty has performed to sold-out audiences all over the country, including the nationally renowned Dakota Jazz club (Minneapolis) and The Jazz Bakery (Hollywood, CA). Patty will
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Community Happenings join Mark Bloom (composer/pianist) for a concert featuring songs from films, as we get ready to kick off the 2011 Minneapolis Jewish Film Festival. Ticket includes light reception during the concert. Tickets: $15 general public; $12 Premium/Community Members; $10 students. Buy tickets online here. Crossing the Line? Contemporary Criticism of Israel. 10:15 am-12 noon. Adath Jeshurun Congregation, 10500 Hillside Lane West, Minnetonka, MN. Join us for brunch and an open and respectful Jewish community conversation about commentary and criticism of Israel. Steve Hunegs, Exec. Director, JCRC of Minnesota and the Dakotas will speak with response by Rabbi Harold Kravitz. For details. Michael Showalter 1308 4th Street Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55414 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by Varsity Theater 14 Michael Showalter 3159 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Hosted by Schubas Tavern 15 The Sway Machinery Hi Dive 7 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80209 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by Hi Dive Kol B'Seder and Friends Boston Jewish Music Festival Cost: $18.00 When: March 15, 2011 | 07:30 PMto09:30 PM Where: Rashi School, 800 Great Meadow Road, Dedham, MA02026 Special Features: Cantor Jeff Klepper and Rabbi Dan Freelander have been pioneers in creating Jewish liturgical music with a pop style. Their song, Shalom Rav, is one of the most popular religious pop songs of the era. Celebrate their 40th 
anniversary of singing together with Koleinu, Rabbi David Paskin, Peter and Ellen Allard, and the Rashi and Solomon Schechter School Choirs. The program will also include a tribute to Debbie Friedman. Tickets: $18 General Admission, $10 Students in advance. At the door, $25
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Community Happenings
16 New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival At the Center for Jewish History 7:00 PM Director: Craig Teper Filmed over the course of three years with unprecedented access, this fun, fast-paced documentary traces the life of a self-made man whose passion and perseverance took him from a Jewish orphanage in London to the absolute pinnacle of his craft. USA, 2010. 93 mins. Post-screening talk with the filmmakers. Followed by Closing Night Dessert Reception!
AJC Seattle Jewish Film Festival Sponsor: American Jewish Committee 4:00pm Location: To Be Determined To Be Determined Seattle, Washington 98101 Event Contact: Pamela Lavitt lavittp@ajc.org
17 AJC Seattle Jewish Film Festival Sponsor: American Jewish Committee 4:00pm Location: To Be Determined To Be Determined Seattle, Washington 98101
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Community Happenings Event Contact: Pamela Lavitt lavittp@ajc.org
18 Michael Showalter 506 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by Local 506 19 Purim Party with IndieJews. 9:30pm at the 331 Club, 331 13th Avenue NE, Minneapolis. DJs and live music. Free and open to all (21 and up). For more information, contact Carin atarin@jewishcommunityaction.org or (651)632-2184. Purim Bash 5:00PM - 7:00PM Join us for our annual EET Purim Bash Saturday, March 19th 5:00 PM Music, costumes, megillah, hamantaschen, mitzvot and fun! Featuring an original "Potterspiel," costume contest, and programs for ALL ages. Please bring a small (but noisy) box of pasta to use as a grogger and then donate to City Harvest. Sara Blumstein East End Temple 245 East 17th St New York, NY 10003 (212) 477-6444 school@eastendtemple.org 20 Purim SJCC Annual Purim Carnival Sponsor: Stroum Jewish Community Center 12:00pm Annual Community Wide Purim Carnival with games, prizes, arts and crafts, face painting and more!
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Community Happenings Location: Stroum Jewish Community Center 5327 84th PL SE Mercer Island, Washington 98040 Event Contact: Zach Duitch Phone: (206) 388-1990 ZachD@sjcc.org
21 Gemara Shiur in Meseches Shabbos Sponsor: Seattle Kollel 8:45pm Ongoing Class You've heard about hilchos Shabbos. You've learned about hilchos Shabbos. Now see where it all began. Join Rabbi Bresler on Beis Medrash Mondays at the Kollel as he plumbs through the sugyos and sources that shape the laws of our holiest day of the week. Location: The Seattle Kollel 5305 52nd Ave S Seattle, Washington 98118 Cost: Free Event Contact: Rabbi Yehuda Bresler rabbibresler@seattlekollel.org
22 Introduction to Talmud 6:30PM - 7:30PM The Talmud's narratives, legal debates, and philosophical challenges animate impact every aspect of Jewish history, ritual and modern culture. No previous knowledge of Talmud is necessary and there is no fee. Join us for this three-session introduction led by Rabbi David Adelson. Call for more information. Sara Blumstein East End Temple
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Community Happenings 245 East 17th St New York, NY 10003 (212) 477-6444 school@eastendtemple.org 23 St. Paul JCC Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert. 7:00pm. Free and open to the Community 7:00pm, the conductor gives her thoughts and perspectives about the evenings musical offerings. 7:30 p.m. Music begins. Life, Love and Song: Celebrating American Women 7:00PM - 9:00PM $15/$12 members Cantor Paula Pepperstone explores the many facets of American womanhood in this musical tribute to mothers and daughters, doers and dreamers, immigrants and entrepreneurs. Bring your mother, sister, daughter, friend or even the man in your life for a delightful evening of songs both familiar and new. Lynda Bender Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage 2929 Richmond Rd. Beachwood 44122 216.593.0575 info@mmjh.org 24 18th Minneapolis Jewish Film Festival. Celebrating its Chai (18th) year, the Minneapolis Jewish Film Festival presents the best feature films, documentaries and shorts from around the world on themes of Jewish culture and identity. It is dedicated to using film for its contemporary, popular value to reflect the diversity of the Jewish experience.
25 PALS: Madcap Purim Party Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston Cost: FREE,and registration is not required. When: March 25, 2011 | 09:00 AMto10:30 AM Where: Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston, 60 Stein Circle, Newton, MA02459 67
Community Happenings Get into your costume and get in the mood for an over-the-top, knee-slapping, fun-filled Purim party with Davey the Clown. Wacky tricks, silly jokes and Davey's unicycle make it easy to be happy!
26 THE BLACK JEW DIALOGUES at CMT Congregation Mishkan Tefila Cost: $22.00 When: March 26, 2011 | 08:30 PMto10:30 PM Where: Congregation Mishkan Tefila, 300 Hammond Pond Parkway, Brookline, MA02467 Special Features:
To purchase tickets visit: http://blackjewdialogues.ticketleap.com/ Perhaps you have heard the rave reviews of this hilarious two-man comedy -- now is your chance to experience it first-hand at Congregation Mishkan Tefila on Saturday, March 26th, at 8:30pm. This new comedy play, written and performed by Larry Jay Tish and Ron Jones, explores the absurdity of prejudice. The performance is appropriate for all generations from middle school-aged youngsters to senior citizens. To learn more, please visit: www.theblackjewdialogues.com This hilarious two-man comedy deals with prejudice and multiculturalism in an innovative way. What's so funny about two American minorities that have slavery, the KKK, and chicken livers in common? That's what you'll find out in this extraordinary two-actor play on the history and absurdity of prejudice and racism within the context of the American Black-Jew experience. The Black Jew Dialogues combines fast-paced sketches, improvisations, and multi-media to create a show that has gained praise across the U.S. and the U.K. Order today: the first 99 tickets sold will not incur the $2 processing fee and ticket prices will increase as of 2/1/11. Please note: Hebrew School children can attend for free if you put "hebrewschool" in the promotional code field when purchasing tickets. To purchase tickets visit: http://blackjewdialogues.ticketleap.com/
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Community Happenings 27 Walking Tour of the East Village 2:00PM - 4:00PM Walking Tour of the East Village The East Village- Formerly a part of the Lower East Side and home to the famous Yiddish theater district, the East Village developed its own character and flavor in the 1960s when it began attracting young artists, musicians and hippies and grew to become the center of the counter-culture movement. Today the area is a charming combination of the old and the new, the trendy and the quaint, the past and the present. Some stops along the way: • The historic street of the "Yiddish Rialto" the home of Yiddish Theater in NYC • The Walkway of Jewish Actors at the site of the former 2nd Ave Deli • The Community Synagogue- A distinctive, pre-Civil War structure which was originally built as a Lutheran church, infamous for losing most of its congregation in a tragic steamship fire in 1904. The building was brought back to life in the 1940's as a synagogue serving the community in the Yiddish theater district, and is still serving the diverse East Village community of today. • St Mark's Place- The longtime hub of the edgy East Village, this is one of the most hip streets in New York City, with varied boutiques and vendors. • Stuyvesant St- A quaint street with impressive 19th century row-houses. • The Ottendorfer Library- the oldest existing free lending library in NYC. And more! Time: 2pm to 4pm Where: We will meet at 181 2nd Ave. New York, NY 10003. This is at the southwest corner of Second Avenue and 12th Street, site of the former Yiddish Arts Theater, now a Multiplex. This is reachable by the N,Q,R and 4,5,6 trains- get off at the Union Square station (4th Ave and 14th St) and the L train- get off at the 3rd Ave station, (which is at 12th St.) Cost: $20 RSVP: www.jicny.com/events JICNY We will meet at 181 2nd Ave. New York events@jicny.com 28 Lecture “Testimony: Genocide and Transmission- Régine Waintrater.” 5pm. Sponsored by the Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies University of Minnesota. Are Jews and Christians Living in a Post-Polemical World? Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston College Cost: FREE,and registration is not required. 05:30 PMto07:00 PM
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Community Happenings Where: Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA02467 Special Features: Are Jews and Christians Living in a Post-Polemical World? Toward a Comparison of Medieval and Modern Christian-Jewish Encounters 2011 Corcoran Chair Conference March 28-29, 2011, Boston College This event is open to the public. www.bc.edu/cjlearning 29 Six week JCC Adult Learning Class Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston Cost: $60.00 When: March 29, 2011 | 10:00 AMto12:30 PM Where: Leventhal-Sidman JCC, 333 Nahanton Street, Newton, MA02459 Senior adults can explore new interests, develop greater understanding of current events and learn simple exercise techniques at a six-week adult learning series sponsored by the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston. Explorations: Adult Learning and Enrichment will take place at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC (333 Nahanton Street) in Newton. For six consecutive Tuesdays beginning March 8, participants can engage in lively discussions and active learning about art history, politics and the economy; study the history of the Torah; and take Tai Chi, a centuries-old discipline for health, relaxation and meditation. Boston Globe writers Jeff Jacoby and Scot Lehigh and author/professor Ted Gup will lead the session on current events. Explorations will take place from 10am-12:30pm. Cost is $60. To register, contact 617-558-6443 or seniors@jccgb.org. All arts and humanities offerings at the JCC are programs of the Ryna Greenbaum JCC Center for the Arts.
30 Talmud Berachot Sponsor: Seattle Kollel 11:45am
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Community Happenings Studying Talmud Berachot - a fascinating repository of the Talmudic discussions relating to prayers and blessings. This tractate is also renowned for containing many stories, parables, homilies, and moral lessons of the Sages. Our discussion group is interactive and engaging and endeavors to penetrate the inner meaning of the Talmudic text. Most participants follow along using the Artscroll Schottenstein edition of the Talmud. Location: Tullys Westlake Center 1601 5th Ave Seattle, Washington 98101 Cost: Free Event Contact: Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus Phone: (206) 718-2887 rabbipinkus@seattlekollel.org Newcomer Contact: Marilyn Leibert (206) 722- 8289
31 Survival in the Shtetl: Reflections of Polish Jewish Economic Life in the Guttmacher Kvitlekh 3PM WORKMEN'S CIRCLE/DR. EMANUEL PATT VISITING PROFESSORSHIP LECTURE • MAX WEINREICH CENTER Glenn Dynner, Associate Professor, Sarah Lawrence College During the second half of the 19th century, Eastern Europe underwent a difficult transition from an agrarian, feudal-based economy to a more urban, capitalist one. Jews, who played a key role in the older economy as factors and lessees of noble-owned taverns, were particularly affected. A horde of petitions (kvitlekh) to the mystical leader Eliyahu Guttmacher, ―the Tsadik of Gratz‖ (Grodzisk Wielkopolski, 1796-1874), located in the YIVO archives, provides rare and poignant glimpses of shtetl Jews as they struggled desperately to adjust to a changing world. Admission: Free RSVP: www.yivo.org/reservations Venue: YIVO Institute at the Center for Jewish History | 15 West 16th Street - NYC Images of a Lost World: Pictures & Stories of Balkan Sephardic Life 6:30PM EXHIBITION & PROGRAM
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Community Happenings Co-presented by the American Sephardi Federation and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research This exhibition is based on the family stories and pictures pulled from Centropa‘s archive of more than 200 interviews conducted in Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Croatia. The pictures and stories take us back into the world of Balkan Sephardic Jewry in its last decades, and through these personal stories of going to school, falling in love and recalling family holidays, Jewish history comes to life. A program follows, moderated by Edward Serotta, Director of Centropa. This exhibition was originally commissioned by the Foreign Ministry of Spain and has been funded by the Spanish Embassy in Washington, DC and Casa Sefarad/Israel in Madrid. We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the Consulate General of Spain in NY for this event. Admission: $10 General Admission, $5 for ASF & YIVO members RSVP REQUIRED: 212.294.8350 x0 | info@americansephardifederation.org Venue: YIVO Institute at the Center for Jewish History | 15 West 16th Street - NYC
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