Kehila Magazine Summer Issue

‫קהילה‬

ISSN 2158-0189

Summer 2011

Summer, Summer, Summertime Time to Sit Back and Unwind

‫ קהילה‬Kehila Issue No. 8 Summer 2011/5771 Editor & Publisher: Talisha A. Harrison Published By: Talisha A. Harrison P.O. Box 520392 Longwood, FL 32752 Printed by: Talisha Harrison Editor: Talisha Harrison Design: Talisha Harrison Cover Photo: Photograph courtesy of http://www.layoutsparks.com/myspace-layouts/summer-icons_0 KEHILA is a quarterly online 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: Kehila.Magazine@yahoo.com

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Table of Contents

4 From the Editor’s desk

74 Coming Soon: Independent Film The Osidian Canvas

Chai-Life 77 The Jewish Diversity in Art Panel

8 Great Father‘s Day Gifts

80 Horah Story (Dis Abilities) : A Poem

by Eliyahu Enriquez

11 Fireworks Show Guide

26 My Viewpoint

82 Call for Submissions - The New Promised Land: 120 Contemporary Jewish American Poets

What's Going On?

83 Dress Code: Shirt and tie matching – Combining the right clothing colors

29 In the News

From Ties-Necktie.com

25 Word Search

85 Hot Swimsuit Styles

34 Hot Topics & Special Features Spirituality

88 Great Shavout Dishes and Independence Day BBQ Recipes

60 Discussion Series: Maimonides 13 Principles

Community Happenings

62 Open the Book Shavuot insights from Chabad.org

96 Announcements: Summer Birthdays & Father‘s Day Wishes

64 ABCs of Tisha B'Av & the Three Weeks from Aish.com

99 Misheberakhs 100 Yahrzeits

67 Daily Weekday Tefillah Minyan in Baltimore, Maryland

101 Resources: Spirituality Part 2: Books

Culture

102 Kehila News

70 Summer Blockbusters: Find out What Films Are Coming to a Theatre near you this Summer

103 Word Search Solution

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Torah, Torah, Torah, Torah, Torah Tziva Lanu Moshe

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From the Editor’s Desk Shalom everyone and welcome to the first in a new line up of issues. Kehila will no longer be a monthly issue magazine. Instead, Kehila will be a quarterly magazine that will come out four times a year-in the Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Each issue will be packed with three month‘s worth of articles, and information. So welcome to the summer issue!

In this issue you‘ll find great gift suggestions for Father‘s Day, a schedule of all the Fourth of July firework shows around the country, a submission from A.J. Lilian Menashe, and the latest word search in the Chai section.

In the What‘s Going On? Feature, you‘ll find a news articles on what‘s impacting the Jewish community. Take another look down Hot Topic & Special Feature lane with some of the hottest topics & special features that were discussed in past issues.

Just because it‘s summer doesn‘t mean you don‘t have time to talk about spiritual issues! In Spirituality, the discussion series continues and articles dealing with Shavout and Tish B‘Av from Aish.com and Chabad.org are featured.

The Culture section is packed with articles dedicated to poetry, fashion, food & drink, and film. You‘ll read about what blockbusters are hitting the cinema this summer as well as an interview I did with Independent filmaker Dane Terell about his upcoming project The Obsidian Canvas. There are wonderful recipes for Shavout & Independence Day. You can also read about the latest tie fashions for Father‘s Day from Ties-Neckties.com and what are the latest stylish swimsuits for 2011.

Summer is usually packed with wonderful events. All upcoming events will now be listed at the website and not in the magazine. You can still read all of the announcements from around the community, and you can also say a prayer for those who are sick on the misheberkah list and remember and honor those who have gone before us in the yahrzeits.

Finally you can read about the latest Kehila News.

Finally, as I bring this From the Editor‘s Desk to a close, I want to say thank all of the Kehila readers. I appreciate your support. It has been a wonderful journey. However, depending on how my life journey takes me, this might be the last Kehila issue for a while. I‘m not really sure how big the readership is and I haven‘t been receiving any a lot of submissions-from articles to announcements etc. As I have said before, I am the only member of Kehila and I don‘t have any funds to pay for article submissions or to hire a Kehila staff. I‘m creating this magazine with Hashem‘s help and no funds. I‘m putting my creativity, and hard work ethic to create Kehila, while also recovering from being very sick. If you want to see Kehila continue, please donate or help in whatever way you can. I appreciate it very much.

Have a wonderful summer!

Tali Adina

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Kehila is now on Zazzle.com! http://www.zazzle.com/taliinc Here are some of the products that are available for purchase:

Bags, Bumper Stickers Mugs Magnets Keychains, buttons, and more coming soon!

There are also other products available at Tali Inc.

Proud J.O.C buttons & Shirts, and much more!

If you‘re into comicbooks and poetry there are also products available for purchase.

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‫הי‬ Chai-Life

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Family & Friends

Great Father‘s Day Gift Guide June is the month were we celebrate fathers all over the world. You want to let your dad have the best father‘s day ever and you want to get him great presents. But where do you start and what gifts do you think your dad will love? Well here are a few gift ideas that can get you moving in the right direction.

Electronics: If your dad is into electronic gadgets and is always looking for the next big thing, here are a few items that he‘ll enjoy: iPad 2: This gadget is now available and it‘s thinner, lighter and faster. There are smart covers in an array of colors and designs available and it has a 10-hour battery life.

Personalized: Whether it‘s a pocket watch, wallet, money clip, or a barbque utensil set, if it has your dad‘s name on it, it makes the gift even more special.

Food: If your father is a foodie or if he just enjoys cooking or even eating, a food gift is another great gift idea. From a wine gift basket to a hot sauce collection, the gifts are endless.

Automotive: We know that dads enjoy taking care of their cars so why not get an automotive gift for him such as this craftsman programmable digital tire gauge?

Ties: Finally, the classic father‘s day gift, the tie. Your dad can always use a tie and there are many designs for any dad to express his personality. Read more about ties in Fashion.

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Family & Friends

Great Firework Shows Here‘s a listing of firework shows for Independence Day courtesy www.fireworksguide.com July 4, Mon. New York City NY USA "Macy's 4th of July" Fireworks.

Hudson River between 24th and 50th Streets, 9p. ("Macy‟s 4th of July Fireworks® pyrotechnic splendor returns to the Hudson River for the first time since 2000 to celebrate America‟s birthday with the nation‟s largest 4th of July fireworks display.

On Saturday, July 4, at 9:00 PM, Macy‟s will create a showstopper like no other to honor the country‟s independence and to kick off the 400th anniversary of the exploration of the Hudson River by Henry Hudson. The patriotic revelry will feature approximately 40,000 shells exploding in a kaleidoscope of color at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute. The 26-minute display, designed in collaboration with SOUSA Fireworks, will be set off from six barges positioned between 24th and 50th Streets on the Hudson River giving New York City residents a stunning front row seat to America‟s biggest Independence Day party. “The Hudson River is where Macy's 4th of July Fireworks was born," says Robin Hall, executive producer, Macy's Fireworks, "and we're excited to return this year to be part of New York City's larger celebration of the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage of discovery aboard the Dutch vessel, The Half Moon.” Before becoming an annual tradition beginning in 1976, Macy‟s Fireworks debuted in 1958 on the Hudson River and previously held a special event marking the 350th Anniversary of the voyage of Henry Hudson with a spectacular show in 1959. A half-century later, Macy‟s Fireworks are returning to the Hudson to continue to celebrate the eternally fascinating story that culminates with the founding of New Amsterdam and to kick off the City‟s NYC400 summer celebrations, which culminate on September 13th with Harbor Day. “The people of the Netherlands are extremely pleased to see the commemorative return of Macy‟s 4th of July Fireworks to the Hudson River in honor of Henry Hudson‟s discovery and New York City‟s 400th birthday,” said Renée Jones-Bos, the Dutch Ambassador in the USA. “It is a symbol of a long-standing friendship between two strongly tied nations, which share the open-mindedness of those Dutch-American pioneers. We are two countries, but one spirit, united by values, history and a vision of the future.” The nation's largest and most incredible birthday bash lights up the night sky with over 120,000 bursts of color, light and breathtaking pyrotechnics from around the world!

12 million television viewers and 2 million live spectators watch in amazement as our stirring fireworks burst 1,000 feet in the air to the riveting soundtrack!") 212-6959

Family & Friends 4400/494-4495 July 4, Mon. Boston MA USA "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular" 4th of July Fireworks. Charles River 10:30p. ("Boston's Fourth of July has long been viewed as the premier pyrotechnic experience among America's Fourth of July celebrations. The fireworks industry itself looks to Boston to lead the way." Concert includes Tchaikovsky's "1812" Overture, cannons, church bells, sing-a-longs and music synched fireworks. No one does fireworks quite like Boston; this year's will be the largest and most complex Boston Fourth of July pyrotechnic display to date. More than 20 thousand pounds of explosives will be used for the display, which will include the largest shells yet to be used - ten-inch diameter shells that will climb to 1500 feet - nearly one and a half times the height of the Hancock Tower.") 617-817-2111 July 4, Mon. State College PA USA "Central PA USA 4th Fest" Fireworks.

Penn State University. 9:15p ("Central Pennsylvania July 4, Inc. is a non-profit organization comprised of a team of volunteers and sponsors dedicated to celebrating America's independence with a day of family fun and the best allvolunteer fireworks display in the nation. Volunteers are dedicated to work yearround and organize what has traditionally been a patriotic, family oriented event designed to serve local businesses and residents of Central Pennsylvania.") 814-2782782 July 4, Mon. Washington DC USA "Independence Day Celebration" Fireworks.

Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets, 9p. ("Celebrate the nation's birthday in the nation's capital. Don't miss the parade, with more then 100 marching units stepping out at noon along Constitution Avenue. When that's over, popular music groups entertain from mid-afternoon until the fireworks. The National Symphony Orchestra, with guest stars and soloists, performs at 8 pm. The fireworks show begins around 9:10 pm over the Washington Monument grounds. Parade begins at Noon. Fireworks after 9 pm and lasts for 30 minutes.") 202-789-7000 July 4, Mon. Philadelphia PA USA "Sunoco Welcome America!" Festival Fireworks. ("The fun and excitement of America's Birthday Party reaches a crescendo as worldclass entertainers perform live in concert. The celebration is capped off with a starspangled fireworks display framing the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This will be the highlight of the weeklong festival, so make sure you're here for the biggest concert of the summer!") 800-770-5883

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Family & Friends July 4, Mon. Seattle WA USA Annual "Family Fourth at Lake Union" Fireworks.

Lake Union 10p. ("This Seattle Spectacle has been hailed by TIME Magazine as one of the "Top Five Fireworks Displays" in the country. This free admission, family-friendly celebration is in its 19th year of bringing together the local community on our nation's birthday for a unique day of commemoration. The WaMu Family 4th festivities kick off at noon with family activities throughout the park grounds, food vendors catering to the most diverse palates, and a beer garden with a lake view.

The evening programming begins at 10 PM, with an awe-inspiring fireworks show created by master pyrotechnic designer, Eric Tucker of PPA Spectaculars. WaMu Family 4th consistently wows audience members with innovative and technologically advanced fireworks handpicked from around the world and set against the natural amphitheater of Lake Union. The fireworks show is perfectly synchronized to an inspiring score of traditional anthems, favorite oldies, and current hits. For those who can't make it down to the park, tuning into KING 5 TV to view the fireworks provides a front row seat to the show. Patriots and partygoers watching from around Lake Union can get the full experience by listening to the simulcast of the musical score on KISS 106.1 FM, AM 1090, JACK 96.5 FM, or KZOK 102.5 FM.") 206281-7788 July 4, Mon. New Orleans LA USA Annual "Go 4th on the River" Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza.

9p. ("Ranked 5th "must see" fireworks display in the U.S. by American Pyrotechnic Association. Annual GO 4TH ON THE RIVER will feature Entertainment and the Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza.") 504-522-1555 July 4, Mon. St. Louis MO USA Annual "Fair St. Louis" Fireworks.

9:15p. ("Sunday, July 4, 2010 10:45 a.m. Air Show ** (90 Minutes), 11 a.m. Festival and K-Town Kids Zone Open, 1 p.m. Jordan Pruitt on the Nestle Purina Main Stage, 3 p.m.

LOGOS, 4:30 p.m. Spontaneous Nugent, 5:30 p.m. Air show** (90 minutes), 8 p.m. The B-52s on the Budweiser Main Stage, 9:15 p.m. US Bank/Enterprise Rent-A-Car Fireworks. Celebrate St Louis Concert Series concerts are held Friday and Saturday evenings in July. All Celebrate St Louis Concert Series concerts are free and take place on Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd. Gates open at 6 p.m. each evening and will close at 10 p.m. after the US Bank/Enterprise Rent-A-Car fireworks.") 314-434-3434

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Family & Friends July 4, Mon. Houston TX USA "Freedom Over Texas" Fireworks.

Eleanor Tinsley Park along Buffalo Bayou, 9:30p. ("Eleanor Tinsley Park @ Buffalo Bayou ... just west of downtown along Allen Parkway") 713-247-3500 July 4, Mon. San Fransisco CA USA "Pier 39 4th Of July Celebration" Fireworks. ("At approximately 9:30 PM, an elaborate fireworks display, sponsored by the City of San Francisco, will be launched from barges off PIER 39 and the Municipal Pier.")

415-705-5500 July 4, Mon. Silverton CO USA "4th of July" Fireworks.

San Juan Mountain. ("Join Silverton at dark for the largest fireworks display on the Western slope. The Silverton San Juan Volunteer Fire Deptartment will launch 16" shells along with the usual spectacular display. These additions will light up the San Juan sky 1600 feet high by 1600 feet wide. For those of you who witnessed last year's display - this one is not to be missed! The fireworks will be displayed above Shrine Hill and will be readily visible from most places in town.") 970-387-5654 July 4, Mon. Nelsonville OH USA "Annual Thunder in the Valley" Fireworks Spectacular. Hocking College Campus. ("The 4th of July is special time for everyone in this great country, and we all have different ways of celebrating this great holiday.") 740-753-4346 July 4, Mon. Chicago IL USA Navy Pier "Independence Day Celebration" Fireworks.

800-595-PIER July 3 & 4, Sun., & Mon. Saint Louis MO USA Annual "Fair Saint Louis" Fireworks.

Gateway Arch, 9:15p. ("Celebrate summer at Fair Saint Louis and LIVE on the Levee, the free summer festival on the Mississippi River levee under the spectacular Gateway Arch. Voted one of the Top 10 Best Places to Watch Fireworks in 2008, Fair Saint Louis is a Fourth of July celebration not to be missed. Rock acts The Counting Crows and Train will perform live on the Budweiser Main Stage and Nat and Alex Wolff, takes the Purina Main Stage on July 4th. Bring the family for free children's activities in the AmerenUE/Schnucks K-Town Kids Zone and entertainment on the Buster Brown Kids Stage. Dine in style at The Sauce CafĂŠ. And don't miss the US Bank fireworks on both July 3rd and 4th. LIVE on the Levee kicks off July 17 and 18 for three weekends of great free live music. Sonic Youth, Gretchen Wilson, Angie Stone 12

Family & Friends and more will appear on the Budweiser Main Stage. It‟s the coolest place for the hottest music in Saint Louis this summer!") 314-434-3434 July 4, Mon. Pasadena CA USA Annual Rose Bowl 4th of July Celebration "Americafest" Fireworks. ("A thirty-minute Fireworks show choreographed and produced by Pyrospectaculars, known throughout the world for extraordinary fireworks displays in New York, Boston, Thailand, and the Philippines, and at Super Bowls and Olympic Games.") Admission plus Parking. 626-577-3100 July 1, 2, 3, & 4. Michigan USA "ALL Fireworks Displays in MI USA".

July 4, Mon. Southern CA USA "Fireworks Displays List".

July 4, Mon. Key Biscayne FL "4th of July Parade and Fireworks. Biscayne Bay. (Grucci World Class Display) 305-361-6813 July 4, Mon. Greeley CO USA "Rocky Mountain Stampede" 4th of July Fireworks.

Island Grove Park. ("Having something fun to do is easy at the Greeley Stampede, and has been for more than 85 years! Every day of the western celebration has something for the Northern Colorado community to do. From being shot up into the air on the Ejection Seat to sipping lemonade by the Free Stage, there's something for everyone. The Greeley Stampede puts on one of the largest fireworks shows in the region. It has become a tradition to spend the 4th of July at Island Grove Park, viewing the fireworks production directly after the evening's concert.") 970-356-2855 July 4, Mon. Sugar Land TX USA "Red, White and BlueFest" Fireworks.

Oyster Creek Park, 9:30p. ("For more information contact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at 281-275-2885.") 281-275-2885 July 4, Mon. Knoxville TN USA "Independence Day Pops Concert" Fireworks.

World's Fair Park, 8p. ("The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra returns to the World‟s Fair Park for the Annual Pilot Free Independence Day Pops Concert complete with popular patriotic tunes, classical favorites and a fireworks finale! The performance, conducted by KSO Music Director Lucas Richman, will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 4 on the South Lawn of the World‟s Fair Park in downtown Knoxville. This event is part of the City of Knoxville‟s Festival on the Fourth. The concert will conclude with 13

Family & Friends Sousaâ€&#x;s Stars and Stripes Forever and a spectacular 20-minute fireworks display. Both the concert and fireworks display will be broadcast on WBIR-TV Channel 10 from 9 to 11 PM.") 865-291-3310 July 4, Mon. Honolulu HI USA "Independence Day at Maunalua Bay" Fireworks.

Maunalua Bay, 8p. ("Our goal is to unite Hawaii Kai neighbors, businesses and the entire community withfireworks13.gif our vision for Independence Day at Maunalua Bay. On Friday, July 4, 2008, the City and County of Honolulu, local Hawaii Kai merchants and entertainers, including Henry Kapono and emcees Guy Hagi and Kim Gennaula of KGMB, will fill the day from 2:00 p.m., leading up to a spectacular fireworks display from a barge in Maunalua Bay at 8:00 p.m.") 808-395-0577 July 4, Mon. Lititz PA USA "4th of July" Fireworks.

Lititz Springs Park. ("'Sweet Land of Liberty' is the them of this year's Fourth of July Celebration and the sweet sounds of The Duprees will be headlining the entertainment from the park bandshell stage. The Duprees are famous the world over for their romantic interpretations of some of the greatest love songs of all time.

A full day of entertainment, capped off by the annual Queen of the Candles pageant and spectacular fireworks set to music will take place on Tuesday, July 4 with a rain date of July 5.") 717-626-8981 July 4, Mon. South Lake Tahoe's NV USA "Lights on the Lake" Fireworks.

Lake Tahoe. 8:45p. ("Set to music, Lights on the Lake is one of the largest and most incredible fireworks displays west of the Mississippi. Created by Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. and fired by Pyrodigital Consultants, the show runs approximately 30 minutes long and features a wide variety of patterns, lights, designs and shapes. The simultaneous music broadcast can be heard on local stations KRLT-FM 93.9 and KOWL-AM 1490. Launched from an offshore barge, the fireworks are visible from all over town. The show begins at approximately 8:45 p.m.") 800-AT-TAHOE July 3 & 4, Sun., & Mon. Chicago IL USA Annual "Taste of Chicago" Fireworks.

Grant Park in Downtown, 300 S. Columbus, 9:30p. ("The Taste of Chicago that evolved from that steamy July 4th in 1980 is the second largest tourist attraction in Illinois. For ten days, this free- admission festival, now in its 27th year, is the place to be, infusing the city with a holiday spirit and attracting lead stories each day in newspapers and on television. It is an impressive scene. Colorfully decorated tents surround the outside kitchens of more than 70 restaurants from all over Chicagoland, 14

Family & Friends which also includes a daily upscale restaurant serving in the Gourmet Pavilion. Exotic aromas permeate the air and no visitor leaves a food booth empty handed.") 312744-6630 July 4, Mon. Naperville IL USA "Fourth of July" Fireworks.

Naperville Park. ("Celebrate 4th of July weekend at the Best Fest in the Midwest!

Enjoy ribs from 18 vendors that compete nationally and covet the Naperville Exchange Club's Ribfest awards. Ribs are only the start of a spectacular weekend of live entertainment, food and beverages, carnival rides, exposition area, and a new and improved family area! The event culminates with a spectacular fireworks display on July 4th.") 630-548-5215 July 4, Mon. Austin TX USA "H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks".

Northeast Triangle of Zilker Park (Lou Neff Point), 8:30p. ("On July 4th, well over 100,000 people will gather at Zilker Park for the largest Independence Day celebration in Austin ever. The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks will feature patriotic music and the ever-popular 1812 Overture--the latter punctuated by 75-millimeter Howitzer cannons, courtesy of Texas National Guard Salute Battery, and spectacular fireworks over Town Lake. The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks -- planned and produced entirely by the ASO -- is free and open to the public. The stage for this celebration will be the northeast triangle of Zilker Park Lou Neff Point. The Austin Symphony Orchestra will begin performing at 8:30 pm and the fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm, ending at 10:00 pm. KVET-FM 98.1 will simulcast the concert in its entirety, and News 8 Austin will simulcast the fireworks show.") 512-476-6064 July 4, Mon. Yorktown VA USA "Fourth of July" Fireworks. York River. ("The Yorktown Fourth of July Celebration Committee is inviting everyone to join them in celebrating our nation's freedom in the place where the American forces defeated the British in the last major battle of the American Revolution thereby winning our country's independence that was proclaimed 229 years ago.") 757-8903500 July 4, Mon. Santa Clarita CA USA "4th of July" Fireworks.

Westfield Valencia Town Center. ("Independence Day is a special time in Newhall, where people from all over Santa Clarita come together to show their pride in the

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Family & Friends greatest community and the greatest nation on earth.") 661-702-6977

July 4, Mon. Edmond OK USA "LibertyFest" Fireworks.

UCO Campus(2nd Street/University Drive). ("LibertyFest in Edmond, Oklahoma was selected as one of the top 10 places to be in America on, July 4th by CNN & USA Today. It is a weeklong celebration of the birthday of this great nation and the heritage of our fine state. These festival events include a car show, syncronized and lighted kite festival, food festival, road rally, 4th of July parade, family celebration in the park and a spectacular fireworks and entertainment show.") 405-340-2527 July 4, Mon. Southport NC USA "Fourth of July Festival" Fireworks.

Waterfront. ("If you love a parade, fireworks and the many special events that are part of the 4th of July Festival the Southport/Oak Island coastal North Carolina area is the place to be.") 910-457-6964 July 4, Mon. Lake Forest IL USA "Annual Concert-on-the-Green" Fireworks.

Waterfront. ("Lake Forest Symphony is pleased to announce expanded plans for this year's family celebration on the 4th of July. This is the 26th year the Symphony has presented a 4th of July program in Lake Forest, which is a fundraiser to benefit the Symphony. The grounds layout has been changed this year to provide better views of the fireworks. From 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM there will be continuous entertainment on the Family Stage, food and beverage vendors, artisan displays, mini-carnival attractions (including a trackless train, dunk tank and pony rides) and a pitching booth for golfers.") 847-295-2135 July 4, Mon. Lebanon OR USA "Star-Spangled Celebration" Fireworks.

Cheadle Lake Park, 10p. ("Featuring: Music, entertainment, games for kids and adults, food, refreshments, displays, and a fantastic fireworks show. The Main Stage presents a variety of entertaining musical performances all day long. A patriotic pops concert by the Linn-Benton Concert Band tops off the evening program.") 541451-1039

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Family & Friends July 4, Mon. Traverse City MI USA "National Cherry Festival" Fireworks.

Cherry Capital Airport, 10:30p. 800-968-3380 July 4, Mon. Niagara Falls, Ontario CANADA "Independence Day Fireworks".

Queen Victoria Park and Illumination Stage, 10p. ("Come to Queen Victoria Park to the Illumination Stage across from the Falls for FREE Coca-Cola Concerts at 8:00 p.m. followed by Pizza Pizza Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. Every Friday, Sunday and Holiday: May 16 - August 31. Holidays: Victoria Day May 19, Memorial Day May 26, Canada Day July 1, Independence Day July 4, Civic Holiday, August 6. PLUS BONUS SHOWS (fireworks only): Every Wednesday in July & August and every Friday from September 5 - October 10, 2008. Note: All these dates and times are approximate and subject to change. Fireworks displays are weather permitting." More Info.) 877-642-7275 July 4, Mon. Albuquerque NM "Freedom Fourth USA" Independence Day Fireworks.

Eleanor Tinsley Park along Buffalo Bayou, 9:30p. ("New Mexico's Largest Fireworks Display fireworks. Beginning at 9:30 p.m. the fireworks show will illuminate the sky with a dazzling array of "oooh" and "aaah" inducing magic. There will be food vendors, a beer garden, a car show and children & family activities on the plush grass of Balloon Fiesta Park") 505-768-3556 July 4, Mon. Vancouver WA USA "4th of July" Fireworks.

Parade Grounds, across from Officers Row. ("Take $4 to the 4th! Enjoy an all day event at the Historic Reserve with Live Entertainment, Carnival Rides, Arts & Crafts, Old Fashioned Kids Games, Food & Beverage Vendors all ending with the biggest Fireworks show west of the Mississippi! Free admission to the park, donations accepted!" SouthWestWashington.com Info.) 360-992-1800 July 4, Mon. Tacoma WA USA "Tacoma Freedom Fair" 4th of July Fireworks.

Commencement Bay, 10:00p ("Presented by the Puyallup Tribe, a symphony of light and sound will begin at 10 p.m. The main event starts at 10:10 on a barge offshore from Old Town. This year the Puyallup Tribe has made it possible for us to enjoy the most massive show ever shot in the South Sound! The show is synchronized to music broadcast on the waterfront sound system, Warm 106.9 FM, and KLAY 1180 AM. The best place to view the show is down on Ruston Way and where you can hear the music. So, come early and enjoy a full day of free entertainment, great food and fun!.") 253-756-9808/360-352-8911

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Family & Friends July 4, Mon. Sprigfield MA USA "Star Spangled Springfield" Fireworks.

Memorial Bridge, 9:30p. ("Program begins at 7:30 p.m., on the steps of City Hall, featuring U. S. Army SGT Mark Ecker, II, and the United States Air Force Liberty Pops.

Fireworks will commence at 9:30 p.m. from the Memorial Bridge with musical simulcast on MIX 93.1 FM.") 413-733-3800 July 4, Mon. Bay City TX USA "4th of July Flight Fest" Fireworks.

Bay City Municipal Airport, 9:30p. (City of Bay City's Parks & Recreation Dept. will hold their annual 4th of July Flight Fest. The event will be held at the Bay City Municipal Airport. Events scheduled are: Car & Motorcycle Show, Games & Water Rides, Food & Craft Booths, Live music with Detour, Otto Airshow Helicopter Show, Paul Fiala, John McGillis Aerobatics Show and Historical Static Displays ending with the best fireworks display in the County. The festivities begin at 4 p.m.) 979-323-1660 July 4, Mon. Estacada OR USA "The Big Bang" Fireworks. ("This is a community family event that has grown larger every year drawing from the outlining Metropolitan area, Southwest Washington and beyond. The fireworks event area alone draws over 10,000 and can also be seen from over 10 miles away. The entire town will be alive all weekend with a carnival atmosphere and events including live music, vendors and displays, a car show, the 4th of July Parade etc. ending with Clackamas County's largest Fireworks Sky Show.") 503-630-3483 July 4, Mon. Baltimore MD USA "USS Constellation Museum's Annual Independence Day Deck Party" Fireworks. Inner Harbor. ("American backyard barbecue favorites provided by The Classic Catering People served with local beer, wine and assorted sodas. Overlook the Inner Harbor high above the crowds and enjoy the best view of the FIREWORKS! Live Music, Special Tours, Cannon Firings and More! This event sold out early last year, so reserve your tickets today. $65 per Adult | $25 per Youth (17 & under), $50 Adult Member | $20 Youth Member Tickets Available By Phone at 410.539.1797.") 410.539.1797 July 4, Mon. Evansville IN USA "Freedom Festival Fireworks".

Riverfront, Dark. ("This annual favorite event wraps up the Freedom Festival with a bang and a spectacular show. Each year, the Fourth of July fireworks draw huge crowds to Evansville's downtown and the river front to share in a celebration of our independence and of our wonderful community. Fireworks begin at dark. Buttons 18

Family & Friends required only for lower-level access.") 812-421-1120 July 4, Mon. Evanston IL USA "Fourth of July" Fireworks.

Clark Street Beach, 9:15p. ("On Independence Day, Friday, July 4th, 2008 Evanston's festivities will include citywide playground sports and games, tennis, the everpopular parade at 2:00 p.m., a lakefront musical performance and fireworks extravaganza. The full day of activities will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude with the fireworks show, which begins at 9:15 p.m. What makes Evanston fireworks different from others is that it is a truly custom design beginning with a soundtrack that I compose and edit from scratch, Sniader said. "The way that we create an ebb and flow of activity in the soundtrack and the way that Bob places shells to the music is how we make a great show. I think of it as a concert performance set to fireworks.

We take great pride in producing the longest and strongest show in the Midwest," he said.") 847-475-4585 Nightly June 30 to July 4. Marin County CA USA "Marin County Fair" Fireworks.

Over the Lagoon, 9:30p. ("The summer's biggest community celebration will be spectacular celebration of our beautiful bays and oceans! Every night of the Fair the sky will be filled with a dazzling fireworks display by Pyro-Spectaculars.") 415-499-6400 July 4, Mon. Atlantic City NJ USA "Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa" Fireworks.

Parking lot, 9p. ("Grucci World Class Display!") 516-572-0348 July 4, Mon. Fort Worth TX USA "Concerts in the Garden" Fireworks.

Botanic Garden located on University Drive and Interstate 30. ("It's a Fort Worth family tradition! Filled with patriotic songs and heart-pounding marches, our exhilarating Independence Day celebration offers one of the best fireworks displays in the metroplex. Order your reserved table or lawn tickets today!") 817-665-6000 July 4, Mon. Tampa FL USA "July 4th Fireworks Display at Channelside".

615 Channelside Drive, 9p. ("Come down to Channelside and enjoy an upclose view of the July 4th Fireworks! Tampa's LARGEST Fireworks Display! Fun for the Whole Family! Free to Attend! ~~ Live Music! Face Painters! ~ Stilt Walking Juggler ~ Balloon Sculptor.") 813-223-1111

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Family & Friends July 4, Mon. San Diego CA USA "Big Bay" July 4th Fireworks. North San Diego Bay, 9p. ("The Big Bay July 4th Fireworks Spectacular. Watch brilliant lights color the sky at 9 p.m. over north San Diego Bay at the biggest fireworks display in town, presented by the Port of San Diego. You can enjoy the best views from boat or land at Shelter Island, Harbor Island and Shelter Island. The display is for the benefit of the San Diego Armed Services YMCA - "Serving the Families of our Military Heroes." Listen to the simulcast on Soft Rock KYXY 96.5. Cost: FREE." Excellent barges viewing locations Map HERE.) 619.686.6200 July 4, Mon. Fairfax VA USA "Evening Show and Fireworks".

Fairfax High School, 3500 Old Lee Highway, 9:20p. 703-385-7949 July 4, Mon. Idaho Falls, ID USA "Melaleuca Freedom Celebration - July 4th" Fireworks.

The Greenbelt, Dusk. ("The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration honors the spirit and memory of the more than one million American servicemen and women who made the supreme sacrifice so that our nation might be free. Melaleuca is privileged to host the event that takes place on the Greenbelt in downtown Idaho Falls. The Celebration consists of a family style buffet dinner along the banks of the Snake River, a performance by members of the Idaho Falls Symphony Orchestra, special observances and addresses by the state's top elected officials, culminating in the largest fireworks display west of the Mississippi. Every year, more than 100,000 people gather from all around Idaho, and indeed from across the United States, to witness the free fireworks display. The pyrotechnics are computer-fired to specially selected patriotic and popular music that is choreographed note for note and shot for shot.

Adding to the effect is a narration that takes the audience through key events in our nation's history, blending in voice recordings of famous heroes and statesmen.") 208522-0700 July 4, Mon. Conyers GA USA "Fabulous Fourth Festival" Fireworks.

Centennial Olympic Park located between Baker Street and Techwood Drive, 9:30p. ("Live Music & Entertainment start in the afternoon and end with a 'really big' Fireworks Display choreographed to a Musical Score. Festivities begin at 4:30 PM, with the fireworks show at 9:30 PM. Concessions offer treats such as hot dogs, funnel cakes, ice cream, and other festival food. There will be no charge for admission to the event, and parking is also free however, some fees may apply for various children's activities. Blankets and lawn chairs are allowed into the event for prime 20

Family & Friends fireworks-viewing comfort. Coolers and pets are prohibited") 770-602-2606 July 4, Mon. Atlanta GA USA "4th of July Celebration" Fireworks.

Lenox Square Mall, 9:40p. ("With a total of 4,184 fired shots including three teaser finales and a mega-grand finale, the 18-minute fireworks spectacular (set to launch at 9:40pm) is the Southeast's largest. The party begins at 5pm in the parking lot of Rich's-Macy's, where musical performances entertain the crowd. During the day, from noon to 5pm, costumed characters, face painters, balloon artists and an Uncle Sam on stilts entertain kids inside the air-conditioned mall. This family fun event features a Kids Zone area. The evening's entertainment begins with a Blackhawk military fly-over followed by a diverse live entertainment lineup and the popular fireworks.") 404-233-6767 July 4, Mon. Stone Mountain GA USA "Fantastic Fourth Celebration" Fireworks.

Stone Mountain Park, Hwy.78 East, 9p. ("Stone Mountain Park explodes with excitement in a two-day salute with the Fantastic Fourth Celebration. The evenings begin with the Lasershow Spectacular, and follow with a traditional fireworks display that will be more spectacular than anywhere in the South! And on the 4th of July, bursts of light will illuminate the sky as fireworks are shot from both the base AND the top of Stone Mountain. Admission: Parking fee: $8.00(cash only).") 800-317-2006 July 4, Mon. Peoria IL USA "Fireworks Phenomenon" Fireworks.

Peoria River Front. ("Annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks display set to music at Peoria's Downtown Riverfront. Enjoy food, beverages, music and fun for the entire family. Additional viewing areas at RiverFront Park in East Peoria." ) 309637-3700 July 4, Mon. Ontario Place, Ontario CANADA "Festival of Fire" Fireworks.

Ontario Place waterfront, 10:30p. ("July 4 - Canada Dry Festival of Fire: United States, 10:30pm: See the skies light up over Toronto with the spectacular Canada Dry Festival of Fire. This U.S.A.-themed fireworks display will showcase all of the country's finest music. Included with admission.") 416-870-8000

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Family & Friends July 4, Mon. Pomona CA USA "Kaboom! July 4th" Fireworks.

Fairplex, 9:15p. ("Monster Truck and Big Air Freestyle Motocross 8 p.m. Fireworks Spectacular 9:15 p.m.") 909-623-3111

July 4, Mon. Rudesheim GERMANY "Rhine in Flames - A Night of Fireworks Magic" Fireworks.

Rudesheim, Bingen and Assmannshausen, 10p. ("The towns around the Bingen "Loch" celebrate A night of fireworks magic. Join the festivities as Bingen, Trechtingshausen, Rudesheim and Assmannshausen bathe their castles, churches and the beloved Mduseturm (mouse tower) in an illuminating "Bengal Fire." High above Rudesheim the magnificent Niederwald monument, will also radiate.

Between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. a fleet of more than 50 illuminated ships will parade past Rudesheim, Bingen and Assmannshausen. At 10p.m. The first spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky in Trechtingshausen beneath the castle Reichenstein The fireworks will then glide past castle Rheinstein across from Assmannshausen. From the ruins of castle Ehrenfels and castle Klopp in Bingen, the colorful lightnings and the cascading light shoot out as a magical spectacle. Taking place at approximately 11:30 p.m., the grand finale over Rudesheim is a spectacular display of fireworks that will take your breath away and enthuse everyone once more.") 0179 250 6757(Inside Germany)/+49 179 250 6757(Outside Germany) July 4, Mon. Parker TX USA "America’s Tea Party" Fireworks.

Southfork Ranch near Dallas TX, 9:30p. ("Tens of thousands of citizens from Texas and around the region are expected to turn out on July 4, 2009 for America‟s Tea Party, a FREE rally and fireworks show to be held at the famous Southfork Ranch near Dallas, TX. Southfork is internationally known as the film location for the legendary “Dallas” television series. America‟s Tea Party, to take place from 3pm to midnight on Independence Day, will feature a full lineup including nationally-known speakers and entertainment, plus games, vendors, prizes, food and drinks for purchase, a 21minute fireworks program, and more. Speakers at the event will focus on the opportunity for every citizen to make a difference by standing up for liberty and working against further government expansion, bailouts and irresponsible elected officials.") 214-240-9319

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Family & Friends July 4, Mon. Hadley MA USA "Amherst Leisure Service and Supplemental Education Annual July 4th Celebration" Fireworks.

Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium Football Stadium (UMass Amherst Football Stadium) in Hadley MA, 9:30p. ("Event Schedule; 5:00 pm - 6:45 pm: Children's Carnival (ages 2-7), face painting, and games presented by LSSE Day Camp Programs 6:30 pm: TBA, 6:45 pm: Children's Candy Hay Hunt, 7:15 pm: Old Fashioned Field Races, 8:00 pm: Atkins Farms' Pie Eating Contest, 8:15 pm: Amherst Community Band, 9:30 pm: Fireworks!") 413-259-3333 July 4, Mon. Fontana CA USA Annual "Red, White & Cruise" Fireworks.

Auto Club Speedway, 9:00p. ("This is an all-day event that begins with a Car Cruise and the Stars & Pipes Motorcycle ride and concludes with a gigantic fireworks spectacular, a fireworks show which promises to be the biggest show in the Inland Empire! There's something for everyone in the family from various activity zones (Kids Zone, a Patriot Zone), a classic car show, live music (rock, jazz, oldies, country), Freestyle Motocross demos, community parade, vendors and so much more! In addition to all the activities at the event, you'll have the opportunity to see the “The Moving Wall� on site all weekend long! FREE admission tickets to active military personnel and their dependents with Military ID. Military tickets can be optained the day of the event at the Auto Club Speedway ticket window. Must have valid active Military ID. Parking - FREE. Gates Open at 2:00pm. Fireworks at 9:00pm.") $10 admission. 800-944-7223

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Happy Fourth America!

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Word Search Y F C C R W I N D Q N R T L T V B H G S J T M P S U N S C R E E N S X I A Z J Q

A N T D S Z G N I V V R Q I S W O G Q N F Y L I M A F U F I H E L K A F Y F W Q

A O Q F K W R H N F S K R A P E M E H T I M Q X S R Q G H W Y E J N V T E T H X

N G Q L O T Q A H F V W A G R S H F W P I D B Q U M E U Q Z E R I M U R C S O J

G U H V O W L M S N V K I E I B M C N V B D A B W A S I E P C S T F G V L A S J

B G S F B X F D R E X F T M S L Y G A A B T Y E O T K G I Y C K N F Y M Z R Y P

L U H L C Q U O O U C S S N S E J D C E H P Q W R Z H N M U S Q G Q U L Z B I A

M X T A I D C I D C U D J R C U U R K Q B K V J T U G V U E E C F L W I A E A F

BARBECUE BEACH BLOCKBUSTER CAPTAINAMERICA CARS COMICBOOKS COMMANDMENTS FAMILY FILM FIREWORKS FOOD FUN GREENLANTERN INDEPENDENCE

W U P W M P M E N B Y Y Q R R S I P C I S U M R R Q T H O R M O J N O Z X R S P

G Y V F O D U P K N A W A A E R S T G N W L Y V Y O A N F G Y G P T R B I Q F Z

Z C T P C C I C S J A D E Z R W S N S B J W I E D X E W N R J Y T C Y Z E Q W T

R Z H K E C O T H C V Q C C U G F H P P R G W T Y A L M Q F Y R W I P B V F N M

Y Y D B N L N Z A S L S A V N A C N A I D I S B O E H T C H Z S G K Z C F J F O

K B R I B G J V V L N A N G S U F I G I C M I R Q E D A Y A I P N W N C K B T B

U A C E O N R Y U N Q H F B Z R C O V J C O Y R X K P A H C V X D Q C B I T D Y

B Q W C R Z D Y O S T H B R S L G N O Z R J M F C T Q Q Z W W E H L K P R X H A

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T A Z B X F G U Z K D Z Z N P A M M I T Q U J I A X G T L G Z H O P S O J E H W

N U C X N F D U B R P Q H S T J S Q G X Y J N E R N H Q Z A I B D E N T S W R Y

U S T S L G R O U L X T V R V O N Z O O A A U Z E S D K D G B H N S I J Z E F B

F D P R F P O L O E L Q B G B P T Q N V M L D H O J W M R G H Y J C W R V O D S

Q L O M G Y X B G W K Z C R A C M W T E D I E E M U M G E D Z L E U H E G R W H

MOSHE MUSIC OCEAN PARTY PICNIC PIRATES POPCORN READING RELAXING RERUNS REVEALING SHAVUOT SINAI SLEEPING

G B G C I S Q U D K C V L V P E S J R G M K V R P X L X S N U D H L A L K T U P

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D F M P X S B U M Q T L O X H D C I H O Y R M H S E T H L Z M S I K G O M K T U

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G D C C R N X P Z W W V U B T S U R F I N G E O M L J O X E G Z I E E N A Y C J

Y R Y Q M E Z G A O O U V T Y D L C W V I O G M I V T C D B Z S R H C I G N A Z

O M T H B T M V P R V E A L V L M V G V M T E E N F O X J T N L E T R M O C W V

A B K D E D D M T S T S X I Y O M S T O R A H X D Z P O L K I H W U F M L G W V

N O I T A C A V R F T Y P R P L N W O S L I H C E U U Y S G W A O O P I I C W Y

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R N I H W O C F Z I N H L M D F T I C K N N A H E T F O I N V Y K P K S O F V S

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P E C N S N I Y X R X R D N W J L E F I U J N P D X V U N Z A K L W P G Z L W V

I Z Z A I Y R C U O Z C W C T R I I V C G K K Y E A Y J L C C T M R C C H M U K

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V F W R F A K C V H K K L F U J M Z S E P G W F C G E A O F J C N S E K M Q X C

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SUN SUNSCREEN SURFING SWIMMING SWIMSUITS THEMEPARKS THEOBSIDIANCANVAS THOR TORAH VACATION VOLLEYBALL WIPEOUT

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S M P T N X J X Y N I L J E D S R S V E A X E U G R E E N L A N T E R N T W S R

My Viewpoint

You Don't … uh... Look Jewish...

By A. J. Lilian Menashe ... two Jews of color had grown up in white Jewish homes. ...By junior high they felt they had to make a choice between being black and being Jewish... . They couldn‟t choose not to be black, so they stopped identifying as Jews. (“Synagogue: Breaking the Color Barrier” by Rabbi Susan Talve,of Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis.)

I asked the Jews of Color (JOC) groups I belong to: Why is it important to express issues of race as Jews of Color? The answers I got back reflected wisdom as well as frustration. Here's two: (from Yvonne) I think the big idea is feeling like we fit in. … I'm looked at as somewhat an oddity. People always remark about my being [at Shul]. They mean it in a positive way, but it really makes me feel like an outsider. (by Ali) ...the Ashkenazi Jew became so afraid after WWII they assimilated so much they forgot who they really are. ... There is a threat to belonging to the Sephardic and African sects of Judaism, even the Asian Jewish groups, because it is other than white and the American Jew needs to remember that they are NOT WHITE! One of the groups passed around an article: ―Ethiopian Teen Attacked at Mikveh‖ (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3988246,00.html), and doubts were raised about being Jewish and people of color. Shaken by this racist act (because it reminded me of my own upbringing in an exclusively white community and family), I consulted my rabbi, whom I respect and trust deeply. I didn't need the white guy, but my mentor and spiritual advisor. Well, he presented via email a very different perspective to my doubts which challenged me to consider my faith (that's putting it mildly); but we eventually sorted out any mis-communications because of mutual fondness.

The lesson? How can JOCs voice all our emotions over racism to our white loved ones and know we're being heard? And how do our white loved ones hear what we're saying secure in the knowledge that they're needed and expected to be by our side because they're our loved ones, and not an easy white target?

Well, consider single mothers of sons or single fathers of daughters. Gender separates them from knowing the challenges that their children face, yet they can't stop being parents. They find some way to connect because they know their children must some how learn from them about life and the world. That's the thing, isn't it? Prioritizing what brings you together – being a family – rather than what keeps you apart? Similarly, JOCs expect to be heard by white Jews because of what binds 26

My Viewpoint us. We expect equality within Judaism, and we expect white Jews to work with us to foster such an environment regardless of experiences. Parallel to this, JOCs need to remember that white Jews are our equals and we must seek to govern our relationships with them with trust. Distrust particular individuals only if they've earned it. These efforts need to take place in and out of the temple.

Why am I telling you all of this? Because I brag about this temple in my groups; because it's Black History month; because everyone in my groups – Blacks, Asians, Indians, Hispanics; American's and Israelis (typically) – were … hurt and angry by the thought of that boy being harmed in what should be a safe place; because I took Rabbi's challenge to consider my faith and learned that faith, honed by Judaism, asks me to believe in people in spite of the evil that some do; because I trust you to hear me.

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What‘s Going On?

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In the News

Battle over circumcision is shaping up in California

By Sue Fishkoff · May 30, 2011 on www.jta.org

SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) -- In November, San Franciscans will vote on a ballot measure that would outlaw circumcision on boys under the age of 18.

Although experts say it is highly unlikely the measure will pass -- very few state propositions pass, much less one this controversial -- the mere fact that it reached the ballot, and in such a major city, has caused much concern for Jews and their allies.

Opponents of the bill see it as a violation of the Constitution‘s protection of religious rights and an infringement on physicians‘ ability to practice medicine. More than that, however, the measure is being seen as a frontal attack on a central tenet of Judaism. ―The stakes are very high,‖ said Nathan Diament, director of the Orthodox Union‘s Institute for Public Affairs. ―Circumcision is a fundamental aspect of Jewish ritual practice and Jewish identity. While we certainly hope the prospect of its being enacted is remote, the precedent it would set and the message it would send would be terrible, not just in the United States but around the world. ―We don‘t just want it defeated," he said, "we want it defeated resoundly.‖ Anti-circumcision activists have been around for decades, particularly on the West Coast.

They range from the Bay Area Intactivists, a loosely organized group that protests outside medical conferences in and around San Francisco, to MGM Bill (MGM stands for male genital mutilation), a San Diego-based advocacy group that has prepared anti-circumcision legislation for 46 states. MGM has managed to find a legislative sponsor in only one state: Massachusetts, last year. The bill didn‘t even make it out of committee.

Matthew Hess, who founded MGM Bill in 2003 and spearheads its legislative efforts, says he is trying to protect boys from what he considers a barbaric mutilation of their bodies. He became an activist in his mid-20s, he says, when he decided that his own circumcision as an infant resulted in diminished sexual sensitivity as an adult. ―Freedom of religion stops at another person‘s body,‖ he told JTA.

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Last fall, MGM Bill changed its tactics, deciding to bypass the U.S. Congress and go straight to voters. The group gathered more than 12,000 signatures in San Francisco, enough to have the measure placed on the Nov. 8 ballot. If it passes, anyone who circumcises a boy under the age of 18 within city limits faces a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. The only exception would be for ―compelling and immediate medical need."

A similar effort is under way in Santa Monica, Calif., for that city‘s November 2012 election. Hess says no other cities are being targeted -- for now.

The Jewish community responded immediately and loudly to the San Francisco ballot initiative, with denunciations from across the nation. The American Jewish Committee called it a ―direct assault on Jewish religious practice‖ that was ―unprecedented in American Jewish life.‖ The Orthodox Union said the measure is ―likely illegal‖ and is ―patently discriminatory against Jews and Muslims.‖ Locally, the San Francisco Jewish Community Relations Council organized a wideranging coalition of religious, medical, legal and political leaders to oppose the ballot measure. It was the first time that the Jewish community organized a formal counter effort because it was the first time that such a measure has made it to the ballot, according to Abby Porth, the JCRC‘s associate director and the force behind the Committee for Parental Choice and Religious Freedom.

The newly formed committee, which also includes Muslim and Christian leaders, is still organizing its legal strategy; Porth declined to provide details.

Muslims also practice ritual circumcision on boys, although it can take place at any time before puberty.

The fight against the San Francisco ballot measure has brought a number of Muslim organizations into the JCRC-led coalition, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Bay Area director Zahra Billoo notes that CAIR rarely finds itself on the same political side as groups such as the Orthodox Union.

It‘s the assault on religious freedoms that brings the two together, Billoo said. ―The civil rights of Jewish and Muslims are being impacted,‖ she told JTA. ―We don‘t agree on all things all the time, but we do find common cause in many areas. An attack on one religion is an attack on all religions.‖ A popular local mohel, Rabbi Gil Leeds, director of the Chabad Center of the University of California, Berkeley, says he‘s been fielding calls and e-mails from all over the area expressing concern.

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―Jews from across the spectrum of Jewish observance, as well as many non-Jews, have responded in shock at this attempt to undermine our basic human rights as parents and as Jews,‖ Leeds said.

Proponents and opponents of a ban on circumcision argue over the health benefits and legal aspects of the practice. ―To say it has no medical benefit and so should be outlawed is completely untrue,‖ said Dr. Mark Glasser, a retired Bay Area ob-gyn who estimates that he has performed hundreds of circumcisions during his 35 years in practice.

Glasser notes that the World Health Organization supports circumcision as a preventative measure against HIV transmission, and several Centers for Disease Control studies show the same result. The American Academy of Pediatrics is neutral, as is the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. But Glasser says those positions have not be revisited since the most recent AIDS studies. ―The unfortunate part is that people laugh -- they say the San Francisco crazies are at it again. But this is no laughing matter,‖ he said. ―Circumcision is very low-risk and has tremendous benefits, including life-saving benefits.‖ Joel Paul, professor of constitutional law and associate dean of the University of California Hastings School of Law, says the law likely would not survive a court challenge -- which could come even before the Nov. 8 ballot.

The proposed measure appears to violate the First Amendment protection of the free exercise of religion, and entangles the state in religious matters by putting the state in the position of judging whether a certain religious practice is permissible.

Moreover, putting such a matter to a popular vote contravenes the Constitution‘s many protections of the rights of individuals and minorities. ―This proposition would let the majority decide religious practice for a religious group,‖ Paul told JTA. ―It‘s not part of our politics. No one should have to go into an election and be asked to defend their religion.‖ Hess argues, on the other hand, that the law is on his side. Noting that female genital mutilation is illegal in this country, he says boys should get equal protection under the law, no matter the religious beliefs of their parents.

That is a false and dangerous analogy, Porth says. ―Female genital mutilation is illegal because it is a cruel practice, medically harmful and performed for the explicit purpose of preventing female sexual satisfaction,‖ she said. ―In contrast, there‘s no credible medical evidence that male circumcision

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is harmful or that it prevents sexual satisfaction. Its purpose is for health reasons and religious belief.‖

US anti-circumcision comic is 'grotesque,' ADL says

By DEBRA KAMIN 06/04/2011 19:53 The Jerusalem Post

Male Genital Mutilation Bill group's book features "Monster Moyel," blond superhero in support of SF bill; ADL decries anti-Semitic stereotypes.

Talkbacks (22) A graphic comic book distributed by the US group Male Genital Mutilation Bill, in an effort to drum up support for San Francisco's anti-circumcision measure, has been called "grotesque" and "anti-Semitic" by the ADL. Monster Mohel, which is one of two titles in the group's Foreskin Man series, has taken the classic good versus evil storyline and substituted an identifiably Orthodox Jewish rabbi as the bad guy and a blond, buff superhero -- dubbed" Foreskin Man" -- as the force of good.

"Foreskin Man, with its grotesque anti-Semitic imagery and themes, reaches a new low and is disrespectful and deeply offensive," said Nancy J. Appel, ADL Associate Regional Director, in a statement. "This is an advocacy campaign taken to a new low ... It is one thing thing to debate [the issue], is another thing to degrade it."

On the comic book's website, www.foreskinman.com, Monster Moyel, who is drawn with a large, defined nose and sinister eyes, bears the following description: "Nothing excites Monster Moyel more than cutting into the penile flesh of an eight-day-old infant boy. After the glorified brit milah is complete, the delicious metzitzah b'peh provides the icing on the cake."

Matthew Hess, president of the MGMbill.org, the San Diego, Calif. - based group lobbying for the passage of the Male Genital Mutilation Bill, authored both installments of Foreskin Man. He insists that his motives are humanistic rather than anti-Semitic. ―Brit milah is child abuse in a religious context,‖ said Hess in a statement. ―Why should an eight-day-old infant boy be forced to give up his foreskin for someone else‘s spiritual beliefs? We need laws to protect male children from this painful and scarring blood ritual, and our second Foreskin Man comic book was created to get 32

In the News that point across.‖ The ADL disagrees.

"No matter what one‘s personal opinions of male circumcision, it is irresponsible to use stereotypical caricatures of religious Jews to promote the anti-circumcision agenda," said Appel.

MGMbill.org's first Foreskin Man comic book was published online in July 2010. A mere 8 pages, it takes a page from the Superman storylines by depicting a superhero - Foreskin Man - who assumes the identity of a corporate businessman when not protecting children from the dangers of genital mutilation. The second book appeared in December but gained increased popularity due to MGM's recent efforts to pass the anti-circumcision bill.

Both books are available for free download at www.foreskinman.com and printed copies are available by order.

On the MGM website, Hess wrote, ―The Foreskin Man comic book uses popular art to shine a spotlight on the practice of infant circumcision. Over the years there have been a lot of rationalizations and justifications to keep it going, but the bottom line is that forced circumcision violates human rights."

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Hot Topics & Special Features

From Issue 1: Community-Jews of Color Written by Talisha Harrison (this was first printed on 4JewsOnly.com)

It‘s a cold Shabbat evening. I had just gotten off the plane and was walking through the Ben Gurion Airport with my Taglit Birthright Israel group towards customs and baggage claim. I‘m tired as we had just completed a 10 hour flight from JFK airport to Turkey and now Tel-Aviv. But I‘m also filled with excitement because this is my first trip to Israel. As we stroll along to our destination, one of the guys in the group comes right up to me. I‘m thinking ―Oh he‘s going to introduce himself.

Maybe he‘s one of the people in the group that I had talked to on Facebook before the trip.‖ Wrong! This is what comes out of his mouth: ―Hey Tali, is your mother white?‖ I‘m taken aback by this of course and I reply, ―No. She‘s black.‖ He says, ―Huh, I‘ve never of that before.‖ And before I can even respond to curse him out, he‘s off ahead of me talking to the other people in the group. That‘s the first and last thing (as he never spoke to me again) he says to me. No ―Hey my name is Jeremy we talked on Facebook, it‘s nice to meet you,‖ nope, none of that. Throughout the whole trip these are the questions that I‘m asked by some of the people in the group: ―So how are you Jewish?‖ and ―Is your family Ethiopian?‖ Being one of the two only JOC in the group of almost 40 young Jewish Americans can make your first trip to Israel not as fun as you would of liked. So what‘s a JOC? A JOC is a Jew of Color and there are many of us around the world but also here in the USA. For those of you who aren‘t in the know, Jews come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and color. A lot of people whether they‘re Jewish or not think that Jews are only white Americans or Europeans which isn‘t true at all. Be‘chol Lashon‘s (In every tongue) website (http://www.bechollashon.org/population/north_america/na_color.php) states that at least 20%-that‘s 1.2 million-of the Jewish population in North America is racially and ethnically diverse and that it includes African, African-American, Latino (Hispanic), Asian, N. American, Sephardic, Mizrahi, and mixed-race Jews. And all of these groups of people are Jews through conversion, adoption, marriage, and heritage.

There are Jews of color whose families have been Jewish for generations. An example would be MaNishtana- whose popular blog and videos have made him well-known in the Jewish community and beyond-who is a 5th generation Orthodox African-American Jew and can trace his heritage back to the 1800‘s. Another is Yavilah McCoy-founder of Jews of Color education and advocacy group Ayechawhose family also has been Jewish since the 1800‘s.

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Hot Topics & Special Features So, why the distinction? What makes us different from our white counterparts? Well nothing and everything. We‘re Jews just like them. We‘re Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Hasidic, and Secular. We read the Torah, we go to the mikveh, and we celebrate all the Jewish holidays, attend shul etc. The difference is our skin color and ethnicity and the challenges that come with that which white Jews do not have to deal with.

So how can people understand the obstacles that Jews of Color face? To start off, there‘s an Ashkenazi Privilege Checklist that has statements that explain the privileges that white Ashkenazi Jews have that Jews of Color do not have and to show the differences between white Ashkenazi Jews and Jews of Color. A few of the statements on the list are: ―I can walk into my temple and feel that my children are seen as Jewish.‖ ―I can walk into temple with my family and not worry that they will be treated unkindly.‖ People never say to me, "But you don't look Jewish," either seriously or as though it was funny,‖ and, ―I am never asked ―how‖ I am Jewish at dating events or on Jewish dating websites.‖ The full list can be seen on Jewish Multiracial Network‘s site (http://www.jewishmultiracialnetwork.org/resources/educatio nal/), and there are other sites/blogs where you can take a look at it as well. By looking at the checklist, one can see that two of the many challenges that Jews of Color deal with are racism and relationships.

Personally, I have dealt with a lot of racism. I‘ve had one recent experience where I supposed to rent a room in the home of an older Jewish couple who would rent out rooms to students attending a university in Chicago. At the last minute, the place I was going to be living didn‘t work out and I was having trouble finding a new place to stay. They said ―We‘re a family,‖ and since they had 3 other students staying there who were from Brazil, Japan, and Italy, I thought there wouldn‘t be any problems. Yeah, right.

They didn‘t treat me as family. From the beginning they were very mean and racist towards me and my mother who had come to help me get settled in. When we arrived, the husband acted as if he didn‘t want me and my mom to come into the house. The room that I was renting out (for $600) was down in the basement where he had a lot of boxes full of stuff from his old business and the room was dirty-we had to wash the blankets and pillows for the bed and clean the broken down closets, and the bathroom had no shower so I would have to go upstairs to take one and the toilet overflowed. They wanted us to eat stale old leftovers they had in their fridge and the guy cooked burnt pancakes for us, the wife wanted me to be a servant and serve food for the High Holidays. After 3 days of this, my mom & I decided to leave. They didn‘t even get up to say goodbye. They stayed in their 35

Hot Topics & Special Features bedroom, left the check with a note saying to leave the key to the house on the table, along with the t-shirt that I had given to the husband as a thank-you gift.

Needless to say it was horrible experience for me and I didn‘t start school because of it.

Like other Jews of color, it‘s not often that after Shabbat services are over, and it‘s time for kiddish luncheon, that while I‘m sitting and enjoying a conversation with the other people at a table a person will come sit at the table and say: ―Oh I‘ve never seen you here before do you come here often?‖ And you‘ll reply ―Yes I‘ve been coming here for a while now.‖ They reply ―Are you Jewish?‖ ―Yes.‖ ―Oh. So how are you Jewish?‖ And then that‘s when the conversation turns sour and usually at this point my mom will tell the person off and then we‘ll leave. That happened a lot to us in the past, but not anymore. I guess word got around that my mother would give them a piece of her mind.

Now granted, there are some people who are asking this because maybe they‘re curious. But a lot of times the person who‘s asking this is trying to justify us being Jewish. It‘s like they can‘t fathom in their minds at all that a person of color could be Jewish. It‘s impossible! I‘ve also gotten the ―Where are you from?‖ question.

A lady at my shul one Shabbat afternoon asked me & my mom ―Where are you from?‖ ―We‘re from here.‖ ―But where are you from? I‘m from Chicago.‖ ―We‘re from Florida.‖ ―Okay but where are you from? My family is from Chicago.‖ It‘s as though we couldn‘t possibly be from America, no we must be from another country.

Another area of challenge for Jews of Color is relationships. It‘s hard to date as it is, but if you‘re a Jew of Color the sites that are out there aren‘t that friendly to you and will give you a hard time while signing up. I haven‘t experienced this personally as I have never signed up for any of the Jewish dating sites out there. But MaNishtana whom I spoke of earlier has and he wrote a blog about it entitled ―My 36

Hot Topics & Special Features One Night Stand-Off‖ (http://www.manishtana.net/profiles/blogs/my-one-nightstandoff) that I think you ought to read. MaNistana has created a dating site geared specifically to Jews of Color. It‘s called JocFlock (www.jocflock.org).

I have had the experience of being the exotic fetish of a white Jew. This is when a white Jew wants to date a person of color not because they really like them but because it‘s a fantasy they want to fulfill-I‘m exotic looking and that‘s all I am to them unfortunately.

When it comes to matchmaking there have been occasions when a matchmaker will set one Jew of color up with another Jew of Color just because they‘re Jews of color and that‘s the only thing that they have in common! I‘ve also have not personally experienced this because I‘ve never sat down with a matchmaker but there are hundreds of stories that any Jew of Color who‘s been to a matchmaker can tell you concerning this very issue.

As a Jew of Color, I don‘t get to see our beauty and value often reflected in Jewish spaces. One of the biggest challenges in the Jewish community is the lack of consciousness that Jews of Color are Jewish, are mothers & fathers, that we are beautiful.

Jews of Color face many challenges but there are resources out there to help confront and deal with these challenges as well as to support and build a community where all Jews feel welcome. For information about the many resources available for Jews of Color, please see the Resources section at the Kehila Website.

Photos: In our community-some well-known Jews of Color. Top right: Blogger and Antiactivist MaNishtana (Photo courtesy of MaNishtana www.manishtana.net), and Bottom left: The Jews of Color Panel that was held on the Jewish Channel. From left to right, Yitz Jordan a.k.a. Y-Love (Rapper, Writer, Activist), Aliza Hausman (Blogger, “Memoirs of a Jewminicana”), Joel Sanchez (Jewish Board of Family and Children‟s Services), Yavilah McCoy (Jewish educator, Diversity Practitioner, and Founder of Ayecha Jewish Diversity Resources) and Akira Ohiso (Author, “Survivor”) (Photo courtesy http://www.jewpi.com

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From Issue 1: Exotic Looking I am Not: Why are Jews of Color considered ―exotic‖?

So I was on a website and I saw an article about "Celebrate The Year 5771 With 20 Hot Jewish Girls.‖ So I check it out just to see if any women of color made the list and lo and behold two did! One was Quincy Jones‘ daughter and the other was Emmanuelle Chirqui. Here‘s how the writer described her: "2. Emmanuelle Chriqui Entourage star Chriqui gets her exotic name and look from her Moroccan Jewish heritage."

So I made this comment about that entry: ―What do you mean by exotic when referring to Emmanuelle Chriqui? Why is she exotic because she's Moroccan and Jewish? We Jews of Color don't like to be called exotic.‖ A few other people commented on how the article was a great one and then someone responded specifically to what I had written: ―Great bit, XXX! @Talisha, as a Tunisian jew I find nothing wrong with "exotic" :-) ― I was a bit perturbed and I wrote back: ―@XXX I was just expressing my opinion. I thought it was a good article but I don't like people describing people of color as exotic looking. And that's just me.‖ Looking back at it now, I think I should of written my responses a little bit better but I wrote them in the heat of the moment and I didn‘t express myself as well as I wanted to. So that‘s what I‘m doing now. The article wasn‘t a bad one, I‘m sure the writer wasn‘t trying to offend anyone. But what bothered me personally was how the writer described Emmanuelle and how for a long time Jews of Color as well as non-Jews of Color have been described as ―exotic‖ or having ―exotic‖ names.

Why are we called exotic? I mean, are we an endangered species, the last of our kind? Are Jews of Color going extinct? I know that the guy who wrote the article didn't mean it in a bad way, but why are we Jews of Color "exotic looking"? What makes us exotic? That's what I want to know.

First of all, what does the word ―exotic‖ mean? I looked up the definition of the word exotic online (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exotic). There were three entries for exotic. There were three entries listed. The word exotic can be used as an adjective, a noun, or to describe a certain breed of cat. So here are the definitions of exotic: ―1: introduced from another country : not native to the place where found ; 2: archaic : foreign, alien; 3: strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously

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Hot Topics & Special Features different or unusual; 4: of or relating to striptease; 1: one (as a plant or animal) that is exotic; 2: stripteaser; 3: exotic shorthair And here are the words that are related to exotic: ―Synonyms: bizarro, fantastic (also fantastical), glamorous (also glamourous), marvelous (or marvellous), outlandish, romantic, strange, curio, curiosity, objet d'art (also objet), oddity, oddment, rarity Related Words: found object, objet trouvé; curiosa, ephemera, virtu (or vertu); marvel, prodigy, rara avis, rare bird, wonder; abnormality, anomaly, freak, monster, monstrosity; malformation, mutant, mutation‖ So look at the definitions and the related words.....go ahead take your time.....do you or would you like to be described as "exotic looking" ? If you do, then I take it you don‘t have a problem with being described as exotic and I respect your view.

Me? Not so much...yes there are some nice related words like "glamourous" or "marvelous" but then the other related words and synonyms that are listed are words that I don't think I would like to be described as. Words like ―bizarre‖, ―oddity‖, or ―strange‖ are not words that I want to be described as. They mean the same thing as exotic. So no, I don't want to be described as exotic. And I don't think you want to be either.

And why are our names also described as ―exotic‖? What‘s wrong with my name ―Talisha‖ or ―Emmanuelle‖ or ―Barack‖ or ―Shias‖?

People of color whether Jewish or not are beautiful people. We have nothing to be ashamed of and I wish that everyone could see that beauty isn‘t just one specific thing or group of people. Yes there are certain things that distinguish one group of people from the other but when you bleed we all bleed the same color blood redunless you‘re the Hulk, then your blood would be green.

So next time when someone describes you or another Jew of Color as "exotic looking", you might think twice about it.

You could also JOC slap them but I'm not advocating violence, you could just JOC slap them with your words.

Above: Emmanuelle Chriqui (Photo courtesy of http://www.dailymakeover.com/hairstyles/all_womens_looks/emmanuelle_chriqui_july_09_20 0

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From Issue 2: Stop Asking Me That!

Converts to Judaism ―Are you Jewish?‖ ―Yes.‖ ―Did you convert?‖ I‘ve been asked that question many times and to be honest with you, I‘m really tired of being asked. This is my final answer: ―It‘s none of your bloody business.‖ Simply put, if a person doesn‘t tell you that they converted, it‘s not your place to ask them.

Here‘s my question: Why do some people feel like they must ask this question? Why do they really want to know? Are they really curious and want to know why this person chose to become a member of this persecuted group? Or are they just ―curious‖ and trying to justify how a person who in their mind doesn‘t look Jewish (ever hear this line: ―Funny you don‘t look Jewish‖? Well guess what? It isn‘t funny.) is Jewish?

Well let‘s think this through. There are two ways that a person is Jewish: Either they‘re born a Jew, or they convert. These are the only ways. Unfortunately, some Jews can‘t fathom how some people-say a person of color-can be born into the faith (I‘ve addressed this in my Jews of Color blog). It boggles their mind, so they just assume that they converted. But I digress.

Regardless of color, a convert to Judaism can be treated unfairly by those who have been born into the faith. If someone says, ―I‘ve converted.‖ They often get a response like ―Oh okay,‖ meaning that a person who converted isn‘t really Jewish, that they don‘t really count as a Jew. If that‘s true, then I want to ask question: Does this mean that Ruth-who converted to Judaism-isn‘t really Jewish? If so, then that also means that King David, a descendant of Ruth‘s, isn‘t Jewish either. If he‘s not Jewish then I guess that means that the Messiahwho is to come through David‘s lineage-wouldn‘t be Jewish either. We can see how having this view that converts aren‘t officially Jewish doesn‘t make any sense! So to be clear: Whether by birth or by conversion, a Jew is a Jew, period. End of story.

Throughout Jewish history, it has been stated many times that a convert to the Jewish faith is a Jew and should be treated as one. Here are a few examples: "When a proselyte comes to be converted, one receives him with an open hand so as to bring him under the wings of the Divine Presence."

-Leviticus Rabbah 2:9 40

Hot Topics & Special Features “Wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried" -Ruth, a Moabite and the great-grandmother of King David, who chose to convert to Judaism.

Ruth 1:16-17 "Dearer to God than all of the Israelites who stood at Mount Sinai is the convert. Had the Israelites not witnessed the lightning, thunder, and quaking mountain, and had they not heard the sounds of the shofar, they would not have accepted the Torah. But the convert, who did not see or hear any of these things, surrendered to God and accepted the yoke of heaven. Can anyone be dearer to God than such a person?"

-Tanhuma (ed. Buber), Lekh Lekha 6:32 "Beloved are proselytes by God, for the Bible everywhere uses the same epithet of them as of Israel" -Talmud, Gerim 4:3 “You shall love the convert" -Deuteronomy 10:19 "You must understand the feelings of the convert."

-Exodus 23:9 Every year at Shavout, we celebrate the harvest, and G-D giving the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. We also read the book of Ruth. In his book Jewish Literacy the most important things to know about the Jewish religion, its people and history, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin says this about Ruth: “In four simple Hebrew words, Ruth, a Moabite woman who wishes to convert to Judaism, describes the essence of what it means to be a Jew. „Ameikh ami, ve‟Elo-haiikh Elo-hai--Your people shall be my people, and your G-D my G-D‟…The Book of Ruth has long served as an important antidote for any Jew prone to exaggeratedly nationalistic leanings. How chauvinist can one become in a religion that traces its Messiah to a non-Jewish convert to Judaism?”

To conclude this blog, I ask one more question: With so many people who make a personal choice to convert to Judaism, who decide to dedicate themselves wholly to practicing the rituals and following the laws and customs-often more so than those who are Jews by birth-shouldn‘t we welcome them into the community instead of treating them like outsiders?

Photo courtesy Microsoft Office Word 2007 Clip Art

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From Issue 3: We Will Get There Reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr.‘s Legacy I am a descendant of slaves. My people were once slaves owned by Egyptians and my people were also slaves owned by Whites. Hundreds of years have passed since then, and now we have just started the year 2011. As we begin to celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King‘s legacy, I begin to reflect.

What is his legacy? I believe that it is the pursuit of the American dream; it‘s entering the promise land.

For a lot of people, the American dream is the house with a white picket fence and apple pie. That‘s not what I envision. I see a house with a purple fence and I don‘t like apple pie or any type of pie for that matter. I‘m more of a cookie and brownie person.

The American dream is where everyone is treated equally-it doesn‘t matter if they‘re rich or poor. It doesn‘t matter if they‘re yellow, black, white, or brown; Atheist, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, or Jewish; young, old, or straight or gay. You are treated equally and people judge you by your character and nothing else. That‘s the promise land baby, and we haven‘t arrived yet.

Granted, there are people who believe and say that racism is over, that it doesn‘t exist!

There are some who even believe that if you‘re person a color and you complain about racism, then you are unpatriotic. The say ―Look America elected a black president!‖ to prove their point.

To them I say Bzzzz! Wrong! Racism does exist. It‘s not a myth like the tooth fairy. It might not be blatantly out in public, but it is everywhere. From our prisons, our schools, neighborhoods, etc., it‘s been institutionalized.

Now to the point of electing the first Black President, yes people voted for him based on his character, and that was a step in the right direction. But to say that racism doesn‘t exist because of that is wrong. It was there when the senator shouted out ―You Lie!‖ during the state of the union address. It‘s there when people say Barack Hussein Obama in an effort to spread lies about his religion and to spread fear about Muslims. It‘s there when there are people called birthers who continue not to acknowledge that the president is an American-born and raised. It‘s there when there are some people who believe that the president is the anti-Christ or that he‘s ―anti-Christ like‖. It‘s there in the textbooks approved by a Board of

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Hot Topics & Special Features Education in Texas that change the name of the slave trade to the Atlantic triangular trade, in order to downplay this significance and impact of this historic event. It‘s there whenever people talk about immigration reform. Yes Sarah, racism does exist!

How do we stop racism? As long as there is hate in the world, racism will always exist.

However, as long as there good in the world to fight the evil that exist, we can try to eradicate racism and push it to the fringes of society.

In this country, we haven‘t yet had an honest conversation about race that included everyone at the table-white, black, brown, yellow, and biracial. White people get frustrated about this because when they say anything about race, a lot of times they are usually called a racist.

Sometimes when a person says something about race, it may come out in a way that it wasn‘t intended to-i.e. Senator Harry Reid. That doesn‘t mean that they are a racist.

Looking at his record and his actions, I know that this man isn‘t a racist, but what he said did offend people-it offended me. When that occurred, a lot of folks were trying to defend republicans with Senator Trent Lott‘s statement about segregation. I know that there are republicans who are not racist, but seriously you couldn‘t use Lott‘s statement as a defense! He was basically saying that he agreed Thurmond with about his view of segregation.

So what should we as Americans do concerning racism? Well first off, I think that a real acknowledgement of slavery should occur. What slavery left America with was the prejudiced, hateful, racist beliefs that have poured down over the years. It nearly destroyed black families; it killed millions of black people. It was genocide. The slave trade is also called Maafa by African and African-American scholars, and it means "holocaust" or "great disaster" in Swahili. Also some scholars use the terms African Holocaust or Holocaust of Enslavement.

Though the majority of slave owners were white, other slave owners were Jews, Native American, and Blacks. If we‘re going to have an honest conversation about racism then we need to talk about everything.

I know that you as an individual didn‘t own slaves. Don‘t tell me just because you have ―black friends‖ or you like people of all colors but you don‘t approve of interracial marriages doesn‘t mean you‘re not racist. I want you to understand that it‘s your attitude- how you treat and view me and others who look like me-that‘s what the issue is here. Slavery left a legacy of racism and that‘s what we need to deal with.

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Hot Topics & Special Features I also want people to understand that even though I am a black person, I am also an individual. There are specific things that forever bond me to all black people, but we are not all the same. We don‘t all look alike- sorry to disappoint you. We all have our own unique personalities, we don‘t dress the same and we don‘t all listen to the same music genre-sorry to disappoint you again! We all talk differently, and we come from different regions of the world. We‘re Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and atheist. We are independents, democrats, and republicans. Yes we do belong to a specific group but just like you, each of us are our own person.

Martin Luther King Jr‘s dream wasn‘t just about equality for all races; it was also about freedom or religion. We are blessed to live in a country where we are free to worship as we choose. And you‘re also free not to worship if you choose. It bothers me when someone says ―We‘re a Christian nation,‖ because I feel left out as though I don‘t belong, and then there are people who say that the founders were Christian, and then there are those who say they weren‘t. Which one is it? Maybe it was both?

Regardless what you believe, all people should be free to practice or not practice their faith here without bigotry of any kind. Extremism of any type whether it‘s Christian, Muslim, etc. doesn‘t have any regard for freedom and is detrimental.

Anti-Semitism is still running high in this country and around the globe. There are still Holocaust deniers in high abode. It‘s hardly talked about in the news and when an anti-Semitic, racist, shooter attacked the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. and killed a guard (who was African-American), not a lot of people said anything about it!

This past summer the term Islamophobia was brought into the public discussion and incidents of hate crimes against mosques around the country. We also have this continuous anger against atheists by religious people and vice-versa. Why are people angry because someone doesn‘t believe in G-D or they are angry about someone who does believe in G-D? I‘m not sure if Dr. King didn‘t talked about these two issues in his speeches, but I believe that they apply-women‘s rights and gay rights.

It‘s 2011and though we have come far in women‘s rights; there are still walls that need to be knocked down. Women still don‘t get equal pay for equal work. We still face discrimination in society-from how we dress to how we are supposed to act in the business and political world. In the long history of the Supreme Court, there have been only a total of four women on the bench. Things are slowly changing.

Last month marked the overturn of Don‘t Ask Don‘t Tell policy and President Obama signed it into law. This is a great victory for the GLBT community. But even with this 44

Hot Topics & Special Features accomplishment, the GLBT community faces discrimination. From bullying to marriage there are many issues that need to be addressed.

Lastly, let‘s look at Black-Jewish relations. Martin Luther King marched alongside Rabbis and Jews participated greatly in the civil rights movement-they participated more than non-Jewish whites did-so why the breakdown in relations?

Well the long and short of it is that a lot of blacks became aware that even though the Jews were a minority group, they were treated better than the blacks due to them having white privilege, so the relations broke down and became tense to this day.

As a Jew of Color-an African-Caribbean-American-Jewish woman to be exact-I can help build bridges between these communities. Both have a lot in common which each other and they must take steps to come together.

It‘s 2011 and a lot of things have changed since Dr. King‘s day, but we‘re not at the promise land yet. We still have a ways to go. It will take hard work and blood, sweat and tears but we‘ll arrive there. Until everyone no matter their status, ethnicity, religion or lack thereof, sex, and sexual orientation is treated based on their character we must not stop.

There are those who want to accept the status quo. They want to stay in a state of denial, but I won‘t. We must keep fighting until we arrive at the promise land.

“I will get there somehow Cross that river Nothing's stoppin' me now I will get through the night And make it through to the other side Get there Get there Get there” -Boyz II Men “Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. From his I See the Promised Land / I‘ve Been to the Mountaintop Speech that he gave at Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 3, 1968. This was the last public appearance before his assassination the next day. Photo Courtesy of http://www.mlkonline.net/speeches.html

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From Issue Four: Two of These Things Are Not Like the Third One The Differences between Hebrew Israelites, Messianic Jews, and Jews Hebrew Israelite, Messianic Jew, and Jew-we have heard these words before. From news stories to books, and from people and strangers that we‘ve spoken to, we in the Jewish world are all familiar with them. The non-Jewish world is also familiar with these labels; however, a lot of times they have grouped them together. Some believe that they mean the same thing-that they are all Jewish. Not so. At first glance, it may look like some practices may be similar, but there are huge differences in practices and beliefs. Let‘s take a look as two of these are definitely not like the third one.

Hebrew Israelites Also known as Black Hebrews, African Hebrew Israelites, and Hebrew Israelites, they are religious groups who believe that they are the true and only descendants of the ancient Israelites. A lot of the groups were founded during the late 19th and 20th century. Though they adhere in varying degrees to some religious beliefs and practices of Judaism, they also have their own beliefs and practices that vary considerably within their groups while sharing certain common characteristics.

Anthropologist James E. Landing, author of Black Judaism, distinguishes the Black Hebrew movement, which he refers to as Black Judaism, from normative Judaism practiced by people who are Black (black Judaism): ―Black Judaism is ... a form of institutionalized (congregational) religious expression in which black persons identify themselves as Jews, Israelites, or Hebrews...in a manner that seems unacceptable to the "whites" of the world's Jewish community, primarily because Jews take issue with the various justifications set forth by Black Jews in establishing this identity. Thus "Black Judaism," as defined here, stands distinctly apart from "black Judaism," or that Judaic expression found among black persons that would be acceptable to the world's Jewish community, such as conversion or birth to a recognized Jewish mother. "Black Judaism" has been a social movement; "black Judaism" has been an isolated social phenomenon.‖ This definition with its underlying assumptions about race and Judaism has been criticized.

There are four main organizations of Hebrew Israelites. They are: Church of the Living Gd, the Pillar Ground of Truth for All Nations-the oldest known Hebrew Israelite

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Hot Topics & Special Features group; the Church of G-d and Saints of Christ-one of the largest of the Hebrew Israelite organizations; the Commandment Keepers-known for their adherence to Judaism; and the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem-who are well-known for moving from the US to Israel.

Founded in 1886, the Church of the Living G-d, the Pillar Ground Truth for All Nations theology has mixed elements of Judaism and Christianity. Their Bible includes the New Testament and the Talmud as important scriptures.

Their religious practices incorporate many Jewish practices and prohibitions accompanied with some Christian traditions. An example of this is during prayer, men will wear kippahs and the congregants face east. Also members of the church are not allowed to eat pork. They also believe that F.S. Cherry-the movement‘s founder-would reappear in spirit through his son to lead the church.

The largest of the Hebrew Israelite organizations, the Church of G-d and Saints of Christ was established in 1896. The movement describes itself as ―the oldest African-American congregation in the United States that adheres to the tenets of Judaism.‖ Their theology consists of teaching that all Jews were originally black and that African-Americans are the descendants of the lost tribes of Israel. They also believe that Jesus was neither G-d nor the son of G-d but a prophet and an adherent to Judaism. William Saunders Crowdy, the movement‘s founder is also considered a prophet.

The church‘s religious practices draw from both Judaism and Christianity rituals. The Jewish rituals include circumcision of newborn males, use of the Hebrew calendar, the wearing of kippahs, the celebration of Passover, and observing the Sabbath on Saturday. Baptism and foot washing are the Christian rituals that members practice.

Commandment Keepers were founded in 1919. Wentworth Arthur Matthew, the founder of the movement-was influenced by white Jews that he had met and also by Marcus Garvey. He also identified with Ethiopian Jews. The Commandment Keepers believe that they are descendants of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Matthew taught that "the Black man is a Jew" and "all genuine Jews are Black men‖, however he valued white Jews as those who had preserved Judaism over the centuries. Matthew maintained cordial ties with white Jewish leaders in New York and frequently invited them to worship at his synagogue.

The religious rituals are that of traditional Jewish practice and they observe Jewish holidays. Members also observe Jewish dietary laws, circumcise newborn boys and celebrate their bar mitzvah. They places of worship have partition to separate men and women during worship.

Established in 1966 in Chicago, IL , the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem moved from the United States to Liberia and finally to Israel. The movement had gained 47

Hot Topics & Special Features attention in 2003 when Whitney Houston and her husband visited Dimona, Israel. The groups‘ belief system consists of believing that they are descended from exiled members of the tribe of Judah after the Romans destroyed the second temple in 70 CE. Elements of African-American culture are incorporated into their interpretation of the Bible. They do not recognize rabbinical Jewish interpretations like the Talmud.

Religious practices include observing Shabbat and biblically ordained Jewish holidays such as Passover and Yom Kippur. Men wear tzitzit on their African print shirts and women follow the biblical laws concerning menstruation. Newborn boys are also circumcised. According to their interpretation of the Bible, followers only eat a strict vegan diet and wear only natural fabrics. Most of the men have more than one wife and birth control is not allowed.

Since their arrival in Israel in 1969, they have tried to claim citizenship under the Law of Return. At first, they were denied citizenship and could not receive work permits or state benefits. Some followers were even deported. In 1990 legislators in Illinois helped negotiate an agreement that settled the Hebrew Israelites‘ legal status in Israel. Now members of the group are allowed to work and have access to housing and social services. They also have received aid from the U.S. government. In 2003 the 1990 agreement was revised and they now have permanent resident status. In 2009 Elyakim Ben-Israel became the first Black Hebrew to receive Israeli citizenship.

Messianic Jews Messianic Judaism is a synergetic religious movement that started in the 1960s. Ninetyfive percent of Messianic Jews are not Jewish. Within the movement are many Messianic Jewish organizations. Chief among them are the following: The Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA) Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC), Chosen People Ministries (CPM) Coalition of Torah Observant Messianic Congregations (CTOMC) Union of Nazarene Yisraelite Congregations (UONYC) Union of Conservative Messianic Synagogues (UCMJS) The International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS) HaYesod ("the foundation") is a discipleship course that respectfully explores the Jewish foundation of Christianity. There are currently 259 HaYesod study groups of 5 or more members.

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Hot Topics & Special Features The Jerusalem Council, an organization seeking to become a ruling council for Messianic believers worldwide. It is in the process of publishing a set of Messianic halakha that the majority of orthodox Messianic Jews accept.

The Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council, many of whose members are affiliated with the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations, has published its standards of Messianic Torah observance Jews for Jesus is an evangelizing organization that doesn‘t create or sponsor Messianic congregations. It‘s an organization that is sympathetic to Messianic Judaism but chooses to remain outside of the mainstream Messianic movement.

The theology of Messianic Judaism mixes Evangelical Christian theology and some elements of Jewish terminology and ritual Messianic Judaism states that Jesus is not merely a man, but also "God the Son" and that salvation is only achieved through acceptance of Jesus as one's savior. Many Messianic affirm the Trinity (the God the Father; God the Son; and the Holy Spirit) as three representations of the same divinity, a belief which is considered idolatrous according to Judaism. These beliefs are viewed

by Christian denominations and Jewish religious movements as the defining distinction between Christianity and Judaism.

Followers believe the Old Testament to be divinely inspired. In his "Jewish New Testament Commentary" theologian David H. Stern argues that Paul is fully congruent with Messianic Judaism, and that the New Testament is to be taken by Messianic Jews as the inspired Word of God. This is the mainstream view within the movement, although there are several schools of thought. Very few Messianic believers are troubled by the writings of Paul and may reject his writings, holding them in less esteem than those of the Gospel writers. The generally accepted canon of accepted New Testament books is the same as that accepted by Protestants. The Messianic Judaism canon consists of: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Torah [‫ ]תורה‬meaning one or all of: "The Law"; "Teaching"; "Instruction" Nevi'im [‫ ]נביאים‬meaning: "Prophets" Ketuvim [‫ ]כתובים‬meaning "Writings" or "Hagiographa" Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Acts Pauline Epistles General Epistles of Hebrews, James, Peter, John, and Jude Revelation

Stern has produced a Messianic Jewish version of the Bible called the Complete Jewish Bible. It‘s a translation that uses more Hebrew idioms and loanwords (such as shalom instead of peace), and Hebrew transliterations of names (for example, Miryam and Yosef for Mary and Joseph). It is widely used within the Messianic community.

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Hot Topics & Special Features As far as religious practices go, the movement has attempted to eliminate the elements of Christian worship that cannot be directly linked to their Jewish roots. They also believe that any Jewish laws or customs that are followed are cultural and do not contribute to attaining salvation, but they do follow them anyway.

They observe Shabbat and hold services on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.

They observe the Jewish holidays of Pesach or Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, and Purim. Celebration of other holidays is less widespread.

The dietary laws of Judaism are a subject of continued debate among Messianic Jews.

Most avoid pork and shellfish, but there is division on stricter adherence to kosher dietary laws. There has also been an increase in Messianic music. Recording artists who consider their music to be Messianic in message include Joel Chernoff of Lamb, Paul Wilbur, and Marty Goetz. Many of these artists have been influenced by Jewish music and often incorporate Hebrew phrases into their lyrics. Other Messianic artists, such as Ted Pearce and Chuck King, are not Jewish in heritage, but have begun to lead a new generation of scripture-based Messianic-style music. Artists such as Aviad Cohen (aka 50 Shekel) provide Messianic lyrics in rap, hip hop and techno styles.

Ever since it‘s conception, there has been controversy surrounding Messianic Judaism.

There have been numerous complaints about the deceptive sneaky tactics that are used to convert Jews to the movement from the Jewish community and Evangelical community. Not only do Jewish leaders dispute the Jewishness of the movement, the objections to Messianic Judaism itself are numerous. The main objection is to the term "Messianic Judaism" itself. Judaism believes in a messiah but its messiah is not Jesus, thus the term is misleading. Also the use of "Judaism" in the term is also considered misleading and seen as a subversive tactic used for missionary purposes.

Several Jewish anti-missionary organizations, such as Outreach Judaism and Jews for Judaism oppose Messianic Judaism on theological grounds, usually from an Orthodox Jewish perspective. In recent years these organizations have noticeably narrowed their focus from countering the missionizing of Jews in the name of Christianity in general to countering the spread of Messianic Judaism in particular. The Jewish anti-missionary organizations view Messianic Judaism as a more threatening and subversive form of missionary activity than the openly missionizing in the name of Christianity.

Judaism What do Jews believe? Well if we look at Rambam‘s 13 Principles we can see what the minimum requirements are for Jewish belief: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

G-d exists G-d is one and unique G-d is incorporeal G-d is eternal Prayer is to be directed to G-d alone and to no other 50

Hot Topic & Special Features 6. The words of the prophets are true 7. Moses' prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets 8. The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and Oral Torah (teachings now contained in the Talmud and other writings) were given to Moses 9. There will be no other Torah 10. G-d knows the thoughts and deeds of men 11. G-d will reward the good and punish the wicked 12. The Messiah will come 13. The dead will be resurrected We don‘t believe that Jesus because: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Jesus did not fulfill the messianic prophecies.

Jesus did not embody the personal qualifications of the Messiah.

Biblical verses "referring" to Jesus are mistranslations.

Jewish belief is based on national revelation.

There is of course more to this than just what I‘ve written here, but this is some of the basics. So learn more about Judaism you can go to Aish.com, & MyJewishLearning.com. There are other excellent sites and resources out there.

So which of these three is not like the other two? Judaism. It is completely separate from the Hebrew Israelite and Messianic movements. By learning about the theology and religious practices of each religious organization, we can see that the Hebrew Israelite and Messianic movements are not Jewish and shouldn‘t be thought of as such.

As a Jew of Color who is African-American, it can be frustrating at times when people think that you‘re not Jewish because of the many Hebrew Israelites they have met. As a Jew, it frustrates me when the media, etc. lumps all three together as though they belong to the same unit. Let me make this perfectly clear: the Hebrew Israelite and Messianic movements are not a part of Judaism. They are either Christian or they are a cult. Period. End of story.

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From Issue 5: Schvartze & 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: ‫)שוו ר‬, 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:

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Hot Topics & Special Features ―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‖).

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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Hot Topics & Special Features

From Issue 6: Combating Anti-Semitism ―The Holocaust never happened.‖ ―Jews control the media.‖ ―Jew bastard.‖ ―Jews murdered Jesus.‖ ―The Jews controlled the slave trade.‖ Do these statements sound familiar to you? Perhaps you‘ve read or heard them in the media or at a rally or they‘ve been directed at you or someone you know. These statements have been made by celebrities, journalists, community leaders, and even ordinary people throughout the years-they are all anti-Semites. Ever since the creation of the Jewish people, we have been hated, attacked, hunted, and murdered all because of who we are. From this hate these anti-Semitic statements, beliefs, and views were formed.

When we hear these types of comments or even learn from the news about an antiSemitic attack, we wonder out loud or even in our minds, why have we Jews been the targets of such hatred? In other words, why us?

First of all, Jews are a minority (and if you‘re a Jew of Color you‘re a minority within a minority) and we are vulnerable to being stigmatized as the other. There are many reasons why we are a target. Since world war two, there has been a resentment of Jewish moral superiority in the aftermath of the holocaust. That‘s why we see western governments and other groups criticize Israel. Jews also identify with the oppressed and are attracted to movements for social change. Jews were greatly involved in the civil rights movement and the ACLU. Often, people do not like social change; they enjoy the status quo and get upset and scared of change.

While we do ask why us, we are also asking why do people hate? In his book To Life! A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking, Rabbi Harold S. Kushner says ―Anti-Semitism like all racial and religious prejudice is a sign that something is wrong with the hater, not the victim…we hate people because they remind us of something we hate about ourselves…these stereotypes have nothing to do with reality but have a lot to do

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Hot Topics & Special Features with our bad feelings about ourselves. They can be wildly unrealistic and selfcontradictory seeing each other…‖ With hate, fear and envy may even play a huge role. In America, we always hear from people that if you work hard, anything is possible. However, when some see minorities working hard, they start to panic at the competition. Their attitude changes from ―Keep them out, they‘re lazy, they‘re not good enough‖, to ―Keep them out, they‘re taking over‖.

We‘ve asked why us and why do people hate, we understand the problem and where it stems from, but now we need to ask what can we as Jews do about it?

As a Jew we must be a voice in the world that is not afraid to take a stand against antiSemites. We do that by fostering a climate in which it is socially unacceptable to express prejudiced feelings about another group. We also do not need to change our behavior and make it less proactive. There‘s nothing wrong with being a Jew. If someone has a problem with us they have a problem with themselves. I am proud to be a Jew and I‘m not going to water my Jewishness down for anyone; it‘s part of me.

Finally, the last thing that we can do is we should not be a victim. While we should always honor and preserve the memory of the Jewish people who suffered and died, we should not base too much of our perception of Judaism on the blood-stained past.

When we do that it makes us see Judaism in a negative light and as a dangerous burden instead of a blessing and a source of spiritual empowerment. Even in those dark times, there were always sources of light. The emphasis on Jewish suffering is also psychologically counterproductive. It makes our religion marginal and it sets us up to give up Judaism entirely as soon as it is no longer besieged. Rabbi Kushner says, ―To base one‘s Jewish identity on anti-Semitism is to create a need to find the threat of anti-Semitism even when it is not there...We either have to find evidence of the danger of anti-Semitism around us or else be tempted to give up our Jewishness in its absence.

We end up being Jews only because we have to, not because we wish to...‖ Finally, being portrayed as a victim also distorts our relationship with the people around us. We don‘t want people to feel sorry for us because we are Jewish. Again, there‘s nothing wrong with being a Jew, there‘s something wrong with the person who hates Jews.

I hope for a day where there isn‘t any anti-Semitism in the world. But as long as there is hate, there will always be anti-Semitism. We must not be silent; we must speak out against the Helen Thomas‘s, the Mel Gibson‘s, the Louis Farrakhan‘s, and all of the

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Hot Topics & Special Features famous and non-famous anti-Semites of the world. To quote the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: ―An injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere.‖

From Issue 8: Building Our Communities: Should we integrate or Separate?

During these past few months, there has been a lot of discussion about whether or not Jews of Color should integrate into White Jewish communites, or separate themselves and form their own. Some say that we don‘t need to separate and that we shouldn‘t have to. Others say because of the horror stories, the mistreatment of Jews of Color in these communities we should and need to just create our spaces. I agree with both points of view.

As I have written before in previews blogs and articles, I have had my own share of bad experiences. I have had people tell me to my face ―We don‘t want you here, you‘re not welcomed here.‖ But these experiences have not stopped me from attending shul.

I have a right to attend any shul anywhere; I have a right to go and sit down and stand up during service in order to pray to G-D and hear the chanting of the Torah without people starring at me and or calling the police on me because of the color of my skin.

Every Jew has that right.

I believe that we must continue to attend synagogues whether or not the congregation wants us there. If we need to have a sit in lets do it! I am a Jew and I‘m not going anywhere I will sit where I want, I will put on my talit and read from the siddur and chumash. If you don‘t want me there that‘s too bad, I‘m not going anywhere. Period.

There‘s nothing wrong with me. You‘re the one with the problem. You leave.

At the same time, as a Jew of Color, we must also have places and spaces where we can come together and talk about and vent our frustrations and concerns with those who look like us and can relate to the issues that we are dealing with on a daily basis.

It can‘t just be a social experience. We must have places where we and our families can begin to and keep on learning. The survival of the Jewish people depends on spiritual learning. Why is it okay for everyone else to have their own Jewish communities but when we want to do that, people want to call it racist?

Let me ask you:

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Hot Topics & Special Features Besides receiving charity, do I see pictures of people who look like me in Jewish magazines and newspapers? No. Am I viewed as part of the community or am I viewed as an outsider? An outsider.

Do my children see other children who look like them at Hebrew day school or at shul?

No. Until the answers to these questions and the statements listed on the Ashkenazi privledge list change from negative to positive, I believe that we need our own spaces, places, and communities.

This doesn‘t mean that we should stop attending shuls where we aren‘t nor feel welcome. We should keep going until they accept us for who we are and nothing lessno affirmative action-or until those who won‘t accept us leave.

So to integrate or separate? We need to do both until this question doesn‘t need to be asked anymore.

*Look for new Hot Topics & Special Features in the Fall Issue of Kehila Magazine!*

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"All her oppressors have overtaken her within the straits" Lamentations 1:3.

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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 Eight Principle I believe with perfect faith that the entire Torah that we now have is that which was given to Moses.

Yigdal G-D gave a true Torah to His people, Through His prophet, in all His house.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

How was the Book of Genesis written?

What was the role of Moses in writing the Torah?

Compare this principle with the previous one.

What part of the Torah is uniquely Jewish?

What is the Oral Torah? Where do we now find it?

Who were responsible for insuring that the Oral tradition remained accurate?

How was the Oral Torah put into writing? When?

Why was this not done until after the rise of Christianity?

How do we know how to read and translate the Torah? To what degree is this related to the oral tradition?

10. Where do we find the laws of Tefillin? Why? 11. Why was the Torah given in two parts, one written and the other oral?

12. Who were the Saducees, Tzadukim, Baithusians, and Karaites? What happened to them? What groups correspond to them today?

13. What is the status of one who grows up without knowledge of Judaism? How is this related to the concept of the oral tradition?

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Spirituality The Ninth Principle I believe with perfect faith that the Torah will not be changed, and that there will never be another Torah given by G-D. Yigdal G-D will not replace nor change His Law For all time, for anything else.

1. Why do we believe that the Torah will never be changed or substituted?

2. Christianity claims that the Torah was the ―old testament,‖ which has now been replaced by a ―new testament.‖ How would this principle apply to their belief?

3. How does this principle apply Islam?

4. Many Jews feel that the commandments of the Torah are no longer valid since ―times have changed.‖ Discuss this belief.

5. Does G-D know the future? When He gave the Torah, could He anticipate what the present would would be like?

6. The Torah contains commandments regarding many things, such as sacrifices and the laws of purity, which no longer apply. Why does this not contradict this principle?

7. Will we still keep the Torah in the Messianic Age? 8. Can anything in the Torah ever become ―old fashioned?‖ 9. Did G-D give the world any religion other than Judaism?

The Tenth Principle I believe with perfect faith that G-D knows all of man‟s deeds and thoughts. It is thus written (Psalm 33:15), “He had molded every heart together, He understands what each one does.”

Yigdal He sees, He knows our secrets, He sees each thing‟s end at its very beginning.

1. Why is this a fundamental principle? How is it related to the first principle?

2. If G-D does not change, how can He acquire knowledge?

3. Why do we say that G-D and His knowledge are one? Why are they not the same in the case of man?

4. Discuss the paradox of G-D‘s knowledge and free will. How does the Rambam treat this paradox?

5. Why is this paradox necessary? How can it strengthen our faith?

6. How does G-D know the future?

7. Why does the Rambam call free will the foundation of all prophecy?

8. How does G-D know our thoughts?

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Open the Book

By Yossy Goldman from Chabad.org

I‘m a little confused. We are about to celebrate Shavuot and I‘m told it is the "Season of the Giving of the Torah." But isn‘t there another holiday when we celebrate with the Torah? Simchat Torah, right?

So why are we celebrating twice? Why two festivals to remember the same thing?

The answer is that on Simchat Torah we conclude our annual reading of the Torah. We end the Book of Deuteronomy and immediately begin anew the Book of Genesis. We have reason to rejoice at the achievements of the year gone by, so we celebrate.

And how do we celebrate? We dance with the Torah. Is the Torah scroll on the bimah (reading table)? No. It is in the aisles. Is it open? No, it is closed and covered. Why? Because on Simchat Torah we are reminded that even if a Jew has, G-d forbid, not opened the Torah all year long, he still has a spiritual place in the Torah. Even if, for him, the Torah has been a closed book, nevertheless, every Jew has a deeprooted, innate connection to Torah. As we read on Simchat Torah, "The Torah that Moses commanded us is the heritage of the entire Congregation of Jacob." Each and every single Jew, the entire congregation, has an intrinsic relationship with Torah. Torah is not the private property of the intellectual elite. Scholars or simple folk, academics or the unlettered, Torah belongs to one and all.

But there comes a time when you have to open the book! We don‘t dance with the Torah wrapped in its mantle all year long. That is for Simchat Torah. But we also have to open, read, study, ask, learn and become more familiar with our heritage. We need to get to know Torah from the inside, to understand the Torah as a textbook too.

That time is every day. But the anniversary of the Giving of the Torah is Shavuot. That is when we celebrate the Torah as a book of wisdom, as a moral code, an ethical system, and a guiding light in our lives. Shavuot reminds us that the Torah is not only a beautiful, 62

Spirituality cherished ceremonial ornament to revere and dance with on Simchat Torah, but the source of all our wisdom, knowledge and understanding about life and how we are to live it.

I was present some years ago at a celebration to welcome a new Torah Scroll into a neighboring congregation. The guest speaker was Rabbi Volpo from Rishon L‘Tzion, Israel. Let me share with you a very apt analogy he used in his remarks there. He told a story.

There were two sisters. One married a rich man; the other‘s husband was poor. Yet, ironically, it was the wealthy sister who was the unhappy one. Her sister couldn‘t understand why she should be so miserable. ―He supports you handsomely. He buys you beautiful clothes, expensive jewelry. Just look at your diamonds. Why are you so unhappy?‖ The wealthy sister replied. ―Actually, I am jealous of you, my sister. You have a wonderful, loving relationship with your husband. Yes, my husband does buy me expensive things. It is true that he does spend money on me. But your husband spends time with you and mine does not.‖ So while it may be true that we adorn our Torahs with exquisite velvet mantles, precious silver crowns, breastplates, bells and pointers, all the expensive ornaments don‘t come close to spending time with the Torah. And the Torah is unhappy and cries out, ―Thanks for the silver, thanks for the décor, but what I really want is you! I want your time, your mind. I want you.‖ It is surely one of the sad ironies of contemporary Jewish life that this most educated generation should be so ignorant of its own heritage. How is it that we have produced the most successful people in the professions, in commerce - titans of industry - and yet knowledge of our priceless Jewish wisdom is at an all-time low? Why is it that our most brilliant legal minds have never even read a single page of the Talmud? Why should our most sophisticated computer whiz kids not know which way to hold a prayer book?

Why should Ivy League professors be content with the Jewish education of a 12 year old, and otherwise intelligent, mature adults satisfy themselves with the Jewish syllabus of a nursery school?

So on Shavuot we are reminded that we need to open the book and spend some quality time, meaningful study time with the Torah.

Practically speaking, this is the season to commit oneself to a regular time for Torah study. In every community there are so many options to choose from. Wherever we are

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Spirituality in our Jewish education, it must be ongoing. We must have fixed times for learning Torah and those times should be non-negotiable.

And because this is the Season of the Giving of the Torah, we are assured that the Torah will indeed be given to us once again if we but make the sincere effort to acquire it.

Hopefully, this Shavuot will be for us not only the Season of the Giving of the Torah – that is G-d‘s job - but the Season of Receiving the Torah – that is our job.

ABCs of Tisha B'Av & the Three Weeks The Jewish national period of mourning.

by Rabbi Shraga Simmons from Aish.com

The Three Weeks" between the 17th of Tammuz and the Tisha B'Av have historically been days of misfortune and calamity for the Jewish people. During this time, both the First and Second Temples were destroyed, amongst other tragedies.

These days are referred to as the period "within the straits" (bein hametzarim), in accordance with the verse: "All her oppressors have overtaken her within the straits" (Lamentations 1:3).

During this time, various aspects of mourning are observed by the entire nation. We minimize joy and celebration – no weddings are held, we do not listen to music, nor are there haircuts or shaving. The expressions of mourning take on greater intensity as we approach the day of Tisha B‘Av. Since the attribute of Divine judgment ("din") is acutely felt, we avoid potentially dangerous or risky endeavors.

On Shabbat during the Three Weeks, the Haftorahs are taken from chapters in Isaiah and Jeremiah dealing with the Temple's destruction and the exile of the Jewish people.

Agonizing over these events is meant to help us conquer those spiritual deficiencies which brought about these tragic events. Through the process of "teshuva" – selfintrospection and a commitment to improve – we have the power to transform tragedy into joy. In fact, the Talmud says that after the future redemption of Israel and the rebuilding of the Temple, these days will be re-dedicated as days of rejoicing and festivity.

The story is told of Napoleon walking through the streets of Paris one Tisha B'Av. As his passed a synagogue he heard the sounds of mourning and crying. "What‘s this all about?" Napoleon asked. An aide explained that the Jews were in mourning the loss of 64

Spirituality their Temple. "When did this happen?" Napoleon asked. The aide replied, "About 1700 years ago." Napoleon said, "Certainly a people which has mourned the loss of their Temple for so long, will merit to see it rebuilt!"

Seventeenth of Tammuz The beginning of a 3-week period of mourning is the 17th of Tammuz, a fast day commemorating the fall of Jerusalem, prior to the destruction of the Holy Temple.

On the 17th of Tammuz, no eating or drinking is permitted from the break of dawn until dusk. (Should the day coincide with Shabbat, the fast is delayed until Sunday.)

Five great catastrophes occurred in Jewish history on the 17th of Tammuz: 1. Moses broke the tablets at Mount Sinai -- in response to the sin of the Golden Calf.

2. The daily offerings in the First Temple were suspended during the siege of Jerusalem, after the Kohanim could no longer obtain animals.

3. Jerusalem's walls were breached, prior to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. 4. Prior to the Great Revolt, the Roman general Apostamos burned a Torah scroll – setting a precedent for the horrifying burning of Jewish books throughout the centuries.

5. An idolatrous image was placed in the Sanctuary of the Holy Temple – a brazen act of blasphemy and desecration.

The Nine Days The period commencing with Rosh Chodesh Av is called the "Nine Days." During this time, a stricter level of mourning is observed, in accordance with the Talmudic dictum (Ta'anit 26): "When the month of Av begins, we reduce our joy."

During this time the additional "signs of mourning" include abstaining from meat and wine (except on Shabbat) and from doing laundry or wearing freshly laundered clothes (except on Shabbat). We also do not bathe for pleasure, though it is permitted to bathe in cool water in order to remove dirt or perspiration. For more details, see ―The Three Weeks.‖ Tisha B'Av – The Ninth of Av The intensity of mourning reaches a peak on Tisha B'Av, five national calamities occurred:

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Spirituality 1. During the time of Moses, Jews in the desert accepted the slanderous report of the 12 Spies, and the decree was issued forbidding them from entering the Land of Israel. (1312 BCE) 2. The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians and Nebuchadnezzar. (586 BCE) 3. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans. (70 CE) 4. The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. (135 CE) 5. The Temple Mount was plowed under, and Jerusalem was rebuilt as a pagan city.

Other grave misfortunes throughout Jewish history coincided with the Ninth of Av, including the expulsion from Spain in 1492, the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and the mass deportation of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942.

During the late afternoon prior to Tisha B'Av, it is customary to eat Seudah Hamaf-seket– a meal consisting only of bread, water and a hard-boiled egg. The food is dipped in ashes, symbolic of mourning, and eaten while seated on the ground. (The rules are slightly different when Tisha B'Av falls on Shabbat or Sunday.)

Sundown marks the commencement of Tisha B'Av, where no eating or drinking is permitted until nightfall the following evening. It is also forbidden to bathe or wash, wear leather shoes, or engage in marital relations. We also do not learn Torah, except for texts relevant to Tisha B'Av and mourning -- e.g. the book of Lamentations and Job, and certain sections of the Talmud (including the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza).

The Book of Eicha (Lamentations), Jeremiah's poetic lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, is read in the synagogue as part of the evening service.

Special ―Kinot‖ (elegies) are also recited, both at night and during the day.

Other mourning practices include sitting on a low chair (after midday, a regular chair permitted; see ―Laws of Shoes and Chairs‖). We also minimize business and leisure activities.

Following Tisha B'Av, all normal activities may be resumed, except for the following which are delayed until midday of the 10th of Av, because the burning of the Temple continued through the 10th of Av: haircuts, washing clothes, bathing, listening to music, and eating meat and wine.

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Spirituality

Daily Weekday Tefillah Minyan in Baltimore, Maryland Time

27 Lloyd Street

Tomorrow at 7:00am - October 6 at 8:00am

Baltimore, MD Created By

Location

Gerry Gilstrop

Bnai Israel Congregation

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More Info

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Hello & Welcome!

Tired of daily rushing off to work downtown, davening very rapidly without kavannah, and then having to rush out the door to be on time at your job, and then contend with rush hour traffic?

Well, maybe it's time to make a change! We are looking for individuals like you to help us establish a permanent daily morning minyan which will help you to daven better with more kavannah, not have to rush to work, nor deal ...with rush hour traffic! This minyan will be largely run according to Rav Henkin's Ezras Torah handbook.

We already have regular Shabbat & Yom Tov Minyanim, but are looking to start a Daily Weekday Minyan!

This may hold interest for you if: 1) You do not live in Downtown Baltimore, but know people who do.

2) You are very comfortable in your own minyan, but know of others who might like a downtown minyan 3) You are tired of not davening properly becuase you have to beat rush hour traffic downtown for work 4) You are new to Baltimore or coming to Baltimore 5) You are looking for a different minyan Minyan participants & starting dates for the minyan are being formulated now, contact me (Gerry Gilstrop) on Facebook for more information! Since this group is public, please invite your Facebook friends to view it, and ask questions, and RSVP to attend or pass it along to their friends.

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Culture

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Film

Summer Blockbusters: Find out What Films Are Coming to a Theatre near you this Summer June Jun 3 X-Men: First Class Beginners The Last Mountain Jun 10 Super 8 Judy Moody The Troll Hunter

Jun 17 Green Lantern Mr. Popper's Penguins Homework Jun 24 Cars 2 Bad Teacher A Better Life

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Film July Jul 1 Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Monte Carlo

Jul 13

Larry Crowne

Rapt

Jul 8

Jul 15

One for the Money

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II

Zookeeper

Winnie the Pooh

Horrible Bosses One Day 72

Film Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Jul 22 Captain America: The First Avenger Friends with Benefits Jul 29 Cowboys and Aliens Crazy, Stupid, Love August Aug TBA The Whistleblower Aug 3 The Smurfs The Mistaken

Aug 5

Conan 3D

The Darkest Hour

Aug 20

The Change Up

Amigo

The Sitter

Aug 26

Aug 12

Final Destination 5

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

Aug 31

30 Minutes or Less

The Debt

The Help Aug 19 Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World Fright Night

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Film Honary Summer Blockbusters: These are films that came out a little early before the summer started but are blockbusters.

April 29 Fast Five

May 6 Thor May 20 Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides May 26 The Hangover 2 May 27 Kung Fu Panda 2

Film

Coming Soon: Independent Film The Obsidian Canvas ―The Obsidian Canvas‖ is a sensual, cultural, artistic drama. It follows the complicated romance between a Jewish Art Professor and her Black Jewish Protegee, which impacts their families, a prostitute, and a Jewish lesbian.

The director, Dane Terrell is an independent filmmaker in the San Francisco Bay Area.

He is also currently producing a film that deals with miscarriages and child abuse,entitled ―Casey‖. Below is my interview with Dane via email.

What inspired you to create this film?

The Obsidian Canvas was the fourth script I wrote. It was partly inspired by Spanish, French and Italian art films that I was watching at the time, and the exposure of Jewish culture and traditions from some Jewish friends of mine.

It was also through one Israeli woman, torn between her fiancée and her feelings for her exBlack Boyfriend. Her family was putting pressure on her to marry a Yiddish man from Israel. I then asked her if her Ex-Black Boyfriend were Jewish, would that change things, she sadly told me no.

I then asked myself, how many Black Jews and Jews of color are there, and that‟s how The Obsidian Canvas took off.

Do you think the Jewish and African-American relationship is better or worse today?

What about racism and anti-semitism overall?

That‟s an interesting question. Like I said in my previous answer, I have met some great Jewish friends, and have learned a tremendous deal from there, but by the same token, I was made aware of some racism in some Jewish circles against the African American community.

I‟m sure we‟re all aware of the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Palestine and the Iranian regime‟s negative stance against Israel. This alone underscores that notion that much work is still needed to help overcome religious prejudice.

While many steps have been taken to help overcome racism, it would be naïve to say, that we‟re completely over the issue of race.

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Film In America today, how does race and religion influence American culture?

It seems today that you can‟t go an entire news broadcast without religion coming up in some form. I think CNN last month had a special series about Islam in particular last month. In recent months as well, there has been news of Koran burnings, which sparked outrage in the Muslim world.

In addition, it has been well chronicled, the sex scandals and allegations of molestations in churches.

But at the same time, we get positive news of Black Female Rabbis, and Black Jews being guests at The White House, all of which I think serve as reminders at the complexity and uniqueness of America.

Why should Jews of Color be interested in this film?

I‟m not exactly sure the number of films that touch on this, but The Obsidian Canvas, in it‟s essence is about acceptance. Weaving Judaism, Black Jews, Christianity, Age, Prejudice, Racism, Weight, Sexual Attraction, Homosexuality in an artistic, cultural, sensual setting, The Obsidian Canvas tries to teach acceptance of who you are, as you are. I feel that Jews Of Color and the broad spectrum of fans, will appreciate this about The Obsidian Canvas.

What is one thing that viewers of the film should come away with after watching it?

The power of communication and how vital it is. Many of the problems in The Obsidian Canvas are rooted on the fear of the different and prejudice. If we can communicate our differences and understanding, then a lot of personal pain, and hiding can be avoided.

Growing up did you ever come into contact with Jews of Color or had any contact with the Jewish community?

Throughout my travels and endeavors, I‟ve had the fortune of meeting outstanding, creative people who happened to be Jews. I‟ve met an older Black Woman, whose grandmother was Jewish.

She told me that it was her dream to go Israel, and visit her Grandmother‟s hometown.

When I asked her why she never did, she responded that as a woman of color, she felt out of place, unsure, and confused. She even was ridiculed by her own Black relatives that weren‟t Jewish. This woman helped to patter the character of Betty in the script.

Betty, Ben‟s mother and a Black Jew, catches flack from her Black, Christian husband, and the Black community over her Jewish heritage.

Made U Look Productions produces films portraying strong female protagonists; how is Sophia a strong woman?

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Film Yes, one aspect of Made U Look Productions is films with strong, female protagonists. I feel this in itself is unique from the standpoint that we can appreciate a woman in film, more than just her beauty.

What is unique about Sophia is that she is a highly attractive woman who has lost sexual confidence, due to her middle aged, and her younger sister, Denise, flaunting her sexuality. A Jewish Art Professor, Sophia can‟t help her attraction to her protégé, Ben, a Black Jew. Defying prejudice from her sister and her own personal insecurities, Sophia‟s attraction to Ben propels her forward.

How does Ben struggle as a Jew a Color?

Ben struggles on every level, from his weight, and his strict, Christian father, Earl. Earl is in conflict with Ben and Ben‟s Black mother, Betty, both of who are Jewish. Ben, however is out of touch with his Jewish roots.

With his father questioning his Blackness, and being insecure about his weight, Ben throughout the film finds his paintings conflicted, due to his attraction to Sophia, his Jewish Professor, helping him connect with his Jewish roots, and through Tina, a Black prostitute, serving as a nude model, and someone that Ben wants to connect culturally with.

How can young women who are interested in Independent film, get involved?

Independent film in general is challenging for all, because for the most part, you have to investors and funds outside of the traditional Hollywood Studios. While Kathryn Bigelow, the director of The Hurt Locker, won an academy award, the lack of female directors and filmmakers remains low, and for African American filmmakers as well.

The key, in my opinion is to create films that will cater to your specific audience and not mainstream Hollywood. What films would you, a young woman director would like to see on the big screen? Based on that answer, networking with like minds is the next step. Self publicity of your projects is crucial to begin reaching your target base early on. You want to have fan fare for your projects as you go into production and ultimately distribution.

When will The Obsidian Canvas be released?

Currently, The Obsidian Canvas is in development. The script has been completed.

Talent and a production team are being assembled.

How can readers view Casey? Is it on DVD? Financing for Casey is nearly complete. We are planning principal photography later this fall. Stay tuned for more details.

For more information visit Dane‘s website: http://www.madeulookproductions.com/ 77

Art

Jewish Diversity in Art Panel On June 27, 2011 at the JCC Manhattan there will be a slide show and a discussion panel on Jewish Diversity in Art by the Jewish Art Salon. The panel will feature Lacey Schwartz, Bechol Lashon‘s director of outreach New York and another artist Siona Benjamin. They will discuss their ethnic background and its influence on their work.

Professor Matthew Baigell will discuss women artists‘ approach to biblical subjects. The panel will be moderated by Yona Verwer, president of the Jewish Art Salon, and take place in The Laurie M. Tisch Gallery.

The event will start at 7pm and go until 9pm and is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Jewish Art Salon‘s website:

http://www.jewishartsalon.com/2011/05/jewish-diversity-in-art-panel.html

Jewish Diversity in Art - Panel Discussion Monday June 27, 7-9 PM Free & open to the public JCC Manhattan 334 Amsterdam Ave, New York NY 10023 646.505.4444

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Enjoy your Summer! See you in the Fall!

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Poetry This Prose Poem is by Eliyahu Enriquez who has submitted it to the The New Promised Land: 120 Contemporary Jewish American Poets, a new anthology forthcoming from an as-of-yet undetermined publisher, is looking for submissions from Jewish poets who are born in the U.S. after 1945. The poem is accompained with a Mirco Film and the link will be available on Kehila‘s website.

Horah Story (Dis Abilities) "Filipinos are like Hobbits because they are a peace-loving party people, who love to eat, drink, sing, dance, and laugh; who are secure in their visions, seeing well above the ordinary turn of events, giving hope to a cynical and litigious world, preferring, instead, the confines of The Shire." ~ Eunice Malijan Isa (Alef).

Bahay Peleg. There were 70 g@ys, born of dust and tubig. Each had their own kuwárto, but as they got older, the house got too messy. Ema got so aggravated that she consulted with Aba in the tire garden. They decided to bomb the only existing continent (due to all the hoarding and superfluous tsismis) into smithereens. Each of their children's descendants were allotted an island of their own to cultivate. That is why the Filipinim Arkipelago comprises over 7,107 Islanders.

Dalawa (Beit).

Lola Mercy is donning a plain surgical maskara accented by an imported Asian Conical Hat, West of Eden. She is surveying the weed, balding dandelions, wild pink petals, smuggled Venus and Serena flytraps with a rusty hoe. She has attracted hybrid widows harboring Eval motives on pursed lips. Tita Roses, I nickname them as opposed to Heathrow Heathers.

Tatló (Gimmel).

Following premature deaths of distant kin, Elders paint over the shed Agent Orange, an invocation reminiscent of whistling Rooftop Cicadas emerging behind béisbol caps, but unflinching. Aba scolds the Gring@ grandkids, consumed with collecting plastic placebos and orphaned twigs into bruised buckets. Our fence is now black and Nimr@d. We debated whether to construct a greater firewall of bricks embedded with broken Heineken bottles, but found the vindictive acronym too provincial. Too

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Poetry evocative of Har Pinatubo. Too clichéd like bamboo, solar panels or windmills.

Apat (Daled).

Manong Josep suggested hanging chickens off neighbors' decks. Manong Manuel suggested planting blanks in neighbors' mailboxes. We collected damp towels — delivered from Sosua, Shanghai and Mindanao, respectively — Manilaner-enveloped by the fog of Reed Dawn, sighing. Our Maltese pup, Ulan continued to whet her tongue in defiance of animal secret police.

Lima (Hai).

Māori Merari are slicing the other goat's throat on our porch. On a previous Jubilee year, our Italian neighbor's baron wife died suddenly of respiratory failure, while the extended fam feasted on Kambing Kamayan, transfixed by the gurney apparition. The last time, Lolo Joshua was pissed at the unretired widow, but strangely, our German neighbor's pit bull got into an automobile accident, instead.

Anim (Vav).

The stench is nasty. We'll be inviting our Amerindian and South Asian cousins to bring an assortment of barbecue sauces manufactured in Korei'a-Town, naturally.

Pitó (Zion).

Kosher Halo-Halo, courtesy of our longtime Hudyo neighbors, the Merkins. Paula's bespectacled son supervises the buzz of monstrous machinery, chainsawing off burdensome arms of emaciated Pines, formerly disputed by a fascist Realtor. What remained of a scenic forest, beyond our backyard. From within the doble-garahe, both Imas shuffle along in Chinese tsinelas, arm-in-arm, sucking their teeth. "Be firm," Mrs. Merkin say, as she leans her left on Ima Keturah, clasping the cane's curvy neck with their right. Wary neighbors retreat behind doorslits, as a yellow trio of medium sized stars shadowbox over who will merit lighting David's Cebuano cigar, manufactured in She'China

Waló (Heit).

"We're here to stay; were a day ahead."

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Poetry Call for Submissions - The New Promised Land: 120 Contemporary Jewish American Poets Deadline: 30 June 2011 The New Promised Land: 120 Contemporary Jewish American Poets, a new anthology forthcoming from an as-of-yet undetermined publisher, is looking for submissions from Jewish poets who are born in the U.S. after 1945. Please send 5-7 poems (previously published is okay) in the body of an email to jewampo@gmail.com by June 30, 2011.

The editors, Matthew E. Silverman and Deborah Ager, welcome poems about the Jewish experience and Jewish themes but please do not feel they have to be limited to that.

Please include a short bio with your submission and your contact information, including an email, address, and phone number. If previously published poems, please send the acknowledgments with your submission.

Contact Information: For inquiries: jewampo@gmail.com For submissions: jewampo@gmail.com

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Fashion

Dress Code: Shirt and tie matching – Combining the right clothing colors From Ties-Necktie.com 1.First the suit, then the shirt, and keep the tie for last Start with the largest piece of clothing, the suit, and place in on the bed. Then choose a shirt and drape it under the jacket. After you‘ve found a matching shirt, go on and choose a suitable tie. Always use this order: from large to small.

2. Pay attention to different patterns!

Striped suit, striped shirt, striped tie always deny! It won‘t work. The same applies to checked patterns. A one-colour shirt would work here. On the other hand, too much the same would appear boring: blue suit, blue shirt, plain blue tie. Here at least the tie should add some color to it and a more lively color should be chosen. But how to find the right match when dealing with patterns? As a rule of thumb you should keep in mind:  

Combine patterned fabrics with unpatterned.

Combine tiny patterns with large patterns

3. Little play of colors – what are the matches?

Ties in almost every color go with a blue suit and light blue shirt, especially neckties in red or claret shades. Blue allows almost every possibility. If you wear a blue suit with a white shirt, then avoid flashy colors for the tie since there is already the contrast of blue and white. The ideal color combination for suit, shirt and tie is when the colors harmonize and the color contrast is well. -balanced. Contrasts emphasize the harmoniousness, and vice versa, well-balanced colors will buffer contrasts. Thus, not too much of the same color and no carnival-like dress.

4. Two different stripes The interplay of suit, shirt and tie is relatively easy when there are two pieces with the same pattern. A striped shirt with a striped ties can go together quite nicely if the stripes are of different sizes. This also applies to a striped suit and shirt. Thus always combine narrow stripes with wide stripes and never two of the same or similar kind.

5. Two different checks This is not quite as distinct as it is with two stripes. Here it is even more important that the checks are as different as possible in shape and size. Otherwise your business partner might get quite irritated.

6. Two different patterns 83

Fashion While with two patterns of the same kind the sizes should be completely opposite, it is the contrary with two different patterns. The size should possibly be the same as for larger and medium-sized patterns. For smaller designs one should avoid two different patterns at all. Thus, a wide-striped shirt and a tie with a large pattern will make a match, as well as a jacket with large checks combined with a necktie with wide stripes.

7.Three different patterns Suit with herringbone design, checked shirt and striped tie? Does that work? Not that easily, but when the proportion of the patterns are similar it can work as well. But that would be quite daring and is not necessarily recommended.

8. Two of three of the same kind Two pieces of clothing with checks and one with stripes or vice versa? Sure that will work – when obeying the rules. Here also the pieces of the same kind need to differ in size, and the third pattern has to adapt to the dominating piece, which is usually the suit. Thus, a Glen check suit with a small checked shirt and a tie with wide stripes make a nice match when the color contrasts are not too harsh.

9. Three of the same kind The requirements are rather high to harmonize three different patterns. Now everything has to be 100%. First wide stripes or checks should be combined with middle-sized or small stripes or checks, and finally an ideal color combination has to be found. This is the choice for somebody who likes to take a chance and has a big closet.

10. The easiest rule at last If you are unsure what clothes to choose, or how to combine them, and you do not have a large budget for your wardrobe, keep it simple. Be thrifty with patterns for suits and buy predominantly solid colored shirts – this way nothing can go wrong. You will get the contrast through colored and patterned ties.

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Fashion

Hot Swimsuit Style Trends It‘s summer time and the latest and hottest styles are here! There are plenty of styles to choose from for every body type! Take a look: Let‘s start with Vintage: Classic fashion is always in style because it exudes sexiness without revealing too much. This style is great if you don‘t like showing too much skin but still look sexy. A vintage swimsuit doesn‘t have to look like a a Marilyn Monroe pin-up girl. Vinatage swimsuit designs will feature: 

one-pieces with cinched-in waists, sweetheart necklines

and halters 

high-waist bottoms



cute playful prints such as gingham checks, hawaiian

prints, nautical themes 

shirred sides that accentuate the waist and hips



fuller-cupped tops

 

boy-legged bottoms Subdued colors, low cuts, and ruffles

Knitted/Crochet: Influenced by the return of 70‘s fashion and crochet clothing, knitted swimwear pieces are again in vogue. The intricate stitching catches the eye instead of drawing it to any flaws. Another great benefit that this style gives is that it can become daywear. Just pair it with wide-leg pants, denim cut-offs, or even a midi-skirt.

Ruffles. No, I‘m not talking about the chip, I‘m talking about the lastest swimsuit style. Ruffles are another way for women to stand out at the pool, lake, or beach. There aren‘t any specific rules for ruffles. They have been styled and cut in a lot of ways for one-piece and binkinis. So whether it‘s tiny or demure, ruffles will look nice at the neckline, down the middle of a one-piece, along the bottom of a tankini top, covering the entire brief bikini top, or tiered with several layers on the bottom.

Bandeaus. Not for those who have a big bust, t his bikini comes as a fantastic alternative to ordinary triangle bikinis. This type of swimsuit is available in new styles, exciting colors and interesting prints.

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Fashion One-Shoulders. Introduced in 2009, this trend lost popularity and still isn‘t a popular trend this summer. The ―trend‖ for how you wear a one-shoulder swimsuit is what has changed since 2009. It used to be that this style had a thin, single shouldered strap and the color of the strap was the same as the rest of the swimsuit. Now it has changed to having a thick, single shouldered strap and a color contrast between the strap and the rest of the bikini Popular colors this summer are soft color such as Light green and blue, delicate rosy and violet, white and beige. These colors have the visual advantage: attention is accentuated on the body rather than the swimsuit itself.

Small prints such as geometric prints, florals, elaborate patterns are fashionable this summer. A large single print at one side or corner of your swimsuit is another stylish option. However, if the print is on the bra part of your swimsuit, attention will inevitably go to your breast, if you don‘t want that try a swimsuit with a print on bottom, which will focus attention on your waist.

Metals and sequins on theO-shaped ring between the triangles of the bikini top or in full strength having the top richly embellished with sequins, studs or tiny creative pieces of metal are also trendy this summer.

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Fashion Now that you know what swimsuit styles are hot this summer, it‘s time to find out which style will flatter your figure. As I stated earlier, there are styles for all body types this summer. It ultimately comes down to what style you feel most comfortable with but here are a few tips: 

If you have a fuller figure, the vintage style is a great choice. Use it to accentuate your curves intead of hiding them. Halternecks and cupped styles are great and bring in the waist to play to an hourglass shape.



For those of you who are peared shaped or have a small bust, ruffles are the way to go. You can use this style to add volume to your top half. Ruffles around the bust can make it seem visualy larger. Vintage cupped styles are also great to add padding to create curves.



If you‘re top heavy, ruffles are great to balance your hips with your bust when you add them to your bottom part of your swimsuit. You also want to avoid unstructured knitted or string bikinis if they don‘t offer any support. Stick to structured styles and halternecks.

If you have short legs, pair a printed bikini top with a block-colored bottom. This lengthen the body and draws the attention upwards. Avoid the boy short styled suits and go for high cut thigh styles instead.





If you have an athletic figure and don‘t have a lot of curves, then make the most of styles like statement strapping, backless swimsuits, and knitted swimsuits to show off your toned physique.

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Food & Drink

Great Shavout & Independence Day BBQ Recipes VITO REGINA'S TOMATO-ZUCCHINI FETTUCCINE (DAIRY) Ingredients: * 1 pound fettuccine "TAMMA" * 1 medium onion (check for bug infestation) * 4 zucchini, about 5-inches long and 1 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter * 4 yellow squash, same same as zucchini * 2 cans diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning "KOSHER" * 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning "LONTANO" * 1 tsp. minced garlic * 1 Tbs. olive oil * 1/4 cup water * 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese "KOSHER" Directions: Prepare fettuccine according to instructions on the directions.

Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, chop onion into a large dice.

Slice zucchini and yellow squash into 1/4-inch medallions (you may have to cut some of the squash medallions in half on larger end).

In large skillet over medium heat, saut

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Food & Drink Kuku Sabzi - Greens omlett Ingredients:

4 eggs 1 onion ½ cup chopped cilantro ½ cup chopped parsley ½ cup chopped dill 1 tsp ground coriander ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp black pepper Directions:

Chop the onion and fry it in a pan.

In a large bowl mix everything except the fried onion.

Heat oil in a large pan.

Add the fried onion, mix well and pour into the pan.

Cover and cook in medium heat first and then lower the heat and let it cook until the top side is done. You may also flip the omelet and brown the top side as well.

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Food & Drink Israeli-Style Cheesecake Ingredients 4 eggs, divided 1/2 c sugar 22 ounces cream cheese (low fat is fine) 4 T vanilla Instant Pudding Mix 3 T corn flour 1 c sour cream (low fat is fine) Topping 1 c whipping cream 1/4 c sugar 1/2 package vanilla instant pudding mix 1/2 T chopped lemon zest 1/4 c milk Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Beat egg whites with 1/4 cup of sugar until it forms stiff peaks. Fold in the rest of the ingredients, except for the cheese. Slowly blend in the cheese. Pour into a round spring form pan.

Check for doneness and then leave the cake in the oven, with the door slightly ajar for 15 minutes to cool.

When fully cooled, remove to the refrigerator while preparing the topping.

Beat together all topping ingredients and pour over the top of the cake.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Food & Drink Grilled Peppers With Mozzarella & Caper-Basil Vinaigrette Ingredients:         

3 red bell peppers 3 yellow bell peppers 3 orange bell peppers 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2-3/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper Italian bread, thinly sliced and grilled (or French bread) 1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices fresh basil leaf, for garnish

Caper-Basil Vinaigrette        

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1/4 cup pure olive oil 2 tablespoons capers, drained 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions: Prep Time: 20 mins Total Time: 35 mins 1. 1 Heat the grill to high. Brush bell peppers with 2 tablespoons of the oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper; grill the peppers until charred on all sides. Remove from grill, place in bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 10 minutes. Remove the skin from the peppers, brush them with the remaining oil and season with salt and pepper, and place back on the grill and cook until slightly charred on all sides.

2. 2 Slice peppers into quarters or to fit over bread slices. Place a slice of mozzarella over each pepper and drizzle with the Caper-Basil Vinaigrette. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve at room temperature. Enjoy!

3. 3 For the vinaigrette:.

4. 4 Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the oil until emulsified. Stir in the capers and basil.

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Food & Drink Honey Ginger Grilled Salmon Ingredients: Servings: 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce 1/3 cup orange juice 1/4 cup honey 1 green onion, chopped 1 1/2 lbs salmon fillets

Directions: Prep Time: 20 mins Total Time: 35 mins 1 In a large self-closing plastic bag, combine first six ingredients; mix well.

2 Place salmon in bag and seal tightly.

3 Turn bag gently to distribute marinade.

4 Refrigerate 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes for stronger flavor.

5 Turn bag occasionally.

6 Lightly grease grill rack.

7 Preheat grill to medium heat.

8 Remove salmon from marinade; reserve the marinade.

9 Grill 12-15 minutes per inch of thickness or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

10 Brush with reserved marinade up until the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

11 Discard leftover marinade.

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Food & Drink Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings Ingredients:

1 dash hot pepper sauce (or to taste)

Servings:

1/4 cup canola oil or 1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 lbs chicken wings

1 teaspoon salt

Change Measurements: US | Metric

2 cloves garlic

Directions:

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Prep Time: 1/2 day

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Total Time: 1/2 day

1 Place the pepper and salt in a medium bowl.

temperature for 25-30 minutes while heating the grill.

2 Add the garlic cloves and crush into the salt and pepper to make a thick paste.

10 Grill over medium-high heat, flipping frequently and brushing with the marinade for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

3 Add the lemon juice, crushed red pepper, and hot sauce.

11 Do not brush the wings with the marinade for the last five minutes to make sure the juices all cook thoroughly.

4 Whisk in the olive oil slowly until well combined.

5 Place the chicken wings in a large sealable plastic bag.

12 Throw away the marinade.

13 Serve hot, at room temperature, or chilled (see how versatile this is?).

6 Add the marinade and seal the bag tightly.

14 The wings can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving chilled, or reheated.

7 Shake the bag well to coat.

8 Refrigerate for 12-48 hours.

9 Remove the chicken wings from the refrigerator and let sit at room

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Community Happenings

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Announcements Birthdays June

July

Mitch Evans

Uzziah Yisrael

Shneur Hasofer DeScribe

Raymond Pritikin

Eric Goldman

Shadric Thomas

Shirley R Gindler-Price

Bina Malka

Ze'ev Portner

Nen Ani

Jalzalla Inas

Justin Muzzy Sander

Guershon Nduwa

Alex Lulichnick

August

Jewda Maccabi

Salina Greene

Mabel Moate

Gulienne Rollins

James Walker

Ernest H. Adams

Nsimba Kupessa

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Gila Ran Alan J. Yuter MichaĂŤlla Etienne

To all of the hard working, loving, wonderful fathers in the world:

From Tali Adina Creator & Editor-in-Chief

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Announcements

Congratualtions to the Class of 2011!

-From Tali Adina Creator & Editor-in-Chief of Kehila Magazine

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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 The displaced and wounded in Japan after the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear reactor plants.

Rep. Gabby Giffords The victims of the Arizona shootings Talisha Harrison Alicia Cline Mr. Carty The thousands of people who were injured and those who were left homeless after last month‘s tornados and storms.

Members of the U.S. military and the Israeli Defense Forces The surviving members of the Fogel Family and the surviving members of the Jerusalem bus station bombing.

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Yahrzeits 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 months of June, July, and August Those who passed away in the earthquake and tsunami in Japan The hundreds of people who were killed after last month‘s tornados and storms.

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Resources Here is some helpful information to help you stay connected to the JOC Community. If you know of any more resources please contact so we can update the list on the website and on the Facebook Group page. Spiritual Learning is vital to the existence of the Jewish People and this issue here are some books that you can read over the summer where you can begin to or continue to learn.

The Basiscs: The Chumash (Printed Torah): The Stone Chumash from ArtScroll, the Margolin edition from Feldheim Publishers, the Metzudah edition, the Living Torah (with Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan‘s commentary) from Moznaim, and the Pentateuch with Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch‘s commentary (Judaica Press) are great editions for the Englishspeaking Student. For those interested in delving deeper, the Mikraos Gedolos, in Hebrew, is the standard study edition.

The Siddur (Prayer Book): The ArtScroll Siddur is the standard, and comes in both Nusach Ashkenaz and Nusach Sefard (for Chassidic synagogues).

The Tanach (Jewish Bible):The Stone Tanach from ArtScroll is the recommended English translation for serious study. The Jerusalem Bible (Koren) from Feldheim Publishers is also a valuable reference.

For Study: For Noahides: The Rainbow Covenant: Torah and the Seven Universal Laws

By Michael Ellias Dallen, from LightCatcher Books.

Halach: The Mishnah Berurah From Rabbi Yisrael Meyer Kagan, with English translation from Feldheim Publishers.

History: Rabbi Zechariah Fendel's series from Hashkafa Publications and Rabbi Berel Wein‘s series from Shaar Press, both discuss the history of Torah Study in great detail.

Mishnah: With commentary by R‘ Pinchas Kehati, with English translation from Feldheim Publishers.

Mussar: Mesilas Yesharim, the Path of the Just, by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato, with a new transliteration by Rabbi Yosef Liebler, from Feldheim Publishers.

Talmud: From ArtScroll in English translation, or any printing of the original Hebrew/Aramaic work.

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Kehila News Kehila products are being sold on Zazzle.com!

There are bags, cups, magnets, bumper stickers and more to purchase. http://www.zazzle.com/taliinc* 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. The new advertisement button is now available.

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 this website for free. And also catch up on Back Issues.

2. New option! Kehila is now on Tumblr! http://kehilamagazine.tumblr.com/ You can read the latest and earlier issues for free and have a community presence on Tumblr!

For future reference, when the magazine is available in print form to be distributed, the subscription price will be: $5.00 an issue 1 year subscription will be $60.00 1/2 year subscription will be $36.00 We need your help!

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. If you are able to please click on the new Donate Button on Kehila‘s website.

Fall Submissions: Send in those submissions for the fall issue. They‘re due by August 31st.

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(Over,Down,Direction) BARBECUE(16,1,SW) BEACH(8,21,NW) BLOCKBUSTER(14,5,SW) CAPTAINAMERICA(13,29,NE) CARS(33,7,SW) COMICBOOKS(11,5,W) COMMANDMENTS(14,21,SE) FAMILY(2,27,N) FILM(33,38,E) FIREWORKS(26,33,E) FOOD(14,17,SE) FUN(21,1,W) GREENLANTERN(40,25,S)

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INDEPENDENCE(28,25,E) MOSHE(28,24,W) MUSIC(9,23,N) OCEAN(15,5,NE) PARTY(27,8,SE) PICNIC(10,8,NE) PIRATES(32,28,SE) POPCORN(11,4,SW) READING(7,25,NW) RELAXING(23,24,NW) RERUNS(9,15,E) REVEALING(19,39,NE) SHAVUOT(11,9,E) SINAI(5,32,SW)

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SLEEPING(1,34,NE) SUN(6,3,NW) SUNSCREEN(1,25,S) SURFING(27,16,S) SWIMMING(33,36,W) SWIMSUITS(3,11,SE) THEMEPARKS(3,20,N) THEOBSIDIANCANVAS(13,28, N) THOR(9,27,S) TORAH(30,19,S) VACATION(31,8,N) VOLLEYBALL(26,37,NW) WIPEOUT(35,34,W)

Thank you for your support! Hope to see you in the Fall! Have a wonderful summer 2011! Relax, have fun, spend time with your loved ones, friends, and family.

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