02 feb 2016 web by The Charlotte Jewish News

An Affiliate of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte

Vol. 38, No. 2

Shevat-Adar I 5776

February 2016

Through Federation You Can Do Good Everywhere from Anywhere

2016 Main Event Inspires Philanthropy The Main Event, which is the official kick-off to the Jewish Federation’s 2016 Campaign, was held Thursday, December 17, 2015. Main Event chair Larry Schwartz welcomed over 400 people to the event which featured guest speaker Abigail Pogrebin, author of Stars of David: Jewish Identity in the 21st Century. After sharing her personal story, Ms. Pogrebin skillfully interviewed Charlotte’s own “Stars of

David” – Larry Schwartz, Holly Levinson, and Alan Kronovet. The audience was absorbed in the personal stories they shared – Larry about his grandparents who survived the Holocaust, Holly about finding her spiritual home within the Jewish community, and Alan about his experience growing up in Charlotte’s Jewish community. Larry, Holly, and Alan each linked their Jewish identity to their passion for the Jewish Federation and the great work

it does throughout the local and worldwide Jewish community. The audience responded generously and pledged over $285,000 toward Federation’s 2016 Campaign goal of $3,700,000. The amount pledged was the highest amount in Main Event history. Y

Photos courtesy of ArtShots Photography

Main event chair, Larry Schwartz; guest speaker, Abigail Pogrebin; Federation president Holly Levinson; and campaign chair, Alison Lerner

Amy Vitner, Jennifer Collman, Valorie Bronstone, and Julie Rizzo

Amy DeLoach and Cheryl Alley

For more photos from the Main Event, please turn to page 2 .

Support Teens: Wear Orange on February 9

Teens: Attend “Forward4 Love” Event at Label on February 12 healthy relationships. The National Youth Advisory Board for loveisrespect sponsors this national event and has made available a guide for teens offering information and advice on everything from using social media to awareness displays, pep rallies, t-shirt contests, chalking, posters, and ways to engage their schools. Once again this year the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and its affiliated agencies are

5007 Providence Road, Suite #112 Charlotte, NC 28226 Change Service Requested

Everyone wants healthy and respectful relationships for their kids. But violent, sexist messages in music, the arts, sports, and games, combined with the amount of technology now in the hands of teens, can make that a tough goal. “Respect Week,” February 812, is being celebrated during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month to encourage teens to creatively advocate for and promote

joining forces to promote this effort. They are encouraging everyone to wear #orange4love on Tuesday, February 9, and to attend the free community event on February 12 at Label. “We all want to see young people have safe and healthy relationships,” says Stephanie Starr, Director of Jewish Family Services. “The reality is one in three young people will experience abuse in their relationships, with 16 to 24 year olds considered most of risk. What more important work is there for us as Jews than promoting and helping secure healthy relationships for our youth and all young people,” she concluded. On Friday, February 12, join with our entire local community and stand up and be counted while having fun at the “Forward 4 Love” free event for youth and their families from 5-7 PM at Label. Our “call to action” will be made with music, free food from Pinky’s, and raffle prizes. Winners of the photo contest, for those who posted pictures on social media using #TDVAclt of their projects wearing orange creatively or with the most likes/shares, will be awarded prizes, including dinners at local restaurants. Watch the website TDVA.CharMeck.org for local updates on the photo contest and events and to access the Guide, and loveisrespect.org/resources /teendvmonth nationally for in-

formation on Respect Week. Questions and how to get involved? Contact Melissa.SiegelBarros@mecklenburgcountync.gov or Marsha Stickler at

info@shalombayit-nc.org. Spread the message #Orange4Love and help all of us to remember that love has many definitions, but abuse isn’t one of them.Y

Teens at last year's annual youth event

One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. 30% of teens are text-messaged 10 to 30 times an hour by their partners asking where they are, who they are with, what they are doing. Nearly ¼ of them communicate hourly between midnight and 5 AM. One in five girls electronically sends nude or semi-nude photos or videos. 37% send sexually suggestive texts. One in five recipients shares the photos or videos. In a 2009 survey, 3 out of 4 parents said they had talked about healthy relationships with their kids. The majority of kids said no one had talked about abuse. Learn how you can at loveisrespect.org or jwi.org.

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The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 2

JEWISH FEDERATION NEWS

More Photos from the Main Event, December 17, 2015

David Ransenberg, Robert and Ellie Valenstein

Sarah and Zack Schwartz, event chair Larry Schwartz, Jason and Jen Schwartz

BBYOâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;members served as the coat check staff.

Marci Willenzik, Lee Bierer, Karen Ransenberg, Karen Turk, and Marsha Cohen

Michael Van Glish and Paul Edelstein Stephanie Haynes and Lee Rimler

SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING FOR FEBRUARY 2016 Friday, February 5, 5:37 PM Friday, February 12, 5:44 PM Friday, February 19, 5:51 PM Friday, February 26, 5:58 PM

The Charlotte Jewish News 5007 Providence Road, Suite 112 Charlotte, NC 28226 Phone

Special thanks to The Leon Levine Foundation for making a pledge of $700,000 to our 2016 Campaign. This cornerstone gift to our campaign demonstrates the Levineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profound commitment to the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and to each and every member of our Jewish community. The impact of their gift touches lives not only in Charlotte, but in Israel and 70 countries around the world.

CONTENTS

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Office 704-944-6765 FAX 704-365-4507 email: charlottejewishnews@shalomcharlotte.org An Affiliate of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte Amy Krakovitz - Editor Advertising Sales Reps: Jodi Valenstein, 704-609-0950 or Scott Moskowitz, 704-906-2474 Art Director, Erin Bronkar ebronkar@carolina.rr.com CJN Editorial Board Chair - Bob Davis Members: Bob Abel, Sara Abadi, David Delfiner, Ann Langman, Linda Levy, Elaine Millen The CJN does not assume responsibility for the quality or kasruth of any product or service advertised. Publishing of a paid political advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate, political party or position by this newspaper, the Federation or any employees.

Published monthly except July An affliate of:

Federation News ...............................pp. 1-4

Jewish Community Center .........pp. 16, 17

Synagogues/Congregations..............pp. 5-8

Schools...........................................pp. 22-24

Jewish Family Services................pp. 10, 11

Youth Visions........................................p. 25

Levine-Sklut Judaic Library ......pp. 11, 12

Dining Out ............................................p. 27

Community News..............pp. 13-15, 18-21

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A Conversation with Ambassador Judith Varnai Shorer, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte welcomes: Ambassador Judith Varnai Shorer, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States on Tuesday, February 23 at 7 PM in Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts. Ambassador Varnai Shorer will

address the Charlotte Jewish community for the first time in her new role, since she was appointed this past summer. Please join us as we hear her provide an update about current events in the Middle East from the perspective of the Israeli government as well as discuss her experiences as Consul General. Ambassador Varnai Shorer is a

nearly 40-year veteran of the Israeli diplomatic corps. She is a former ambassador to both Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as a former minister of congressional affairs at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC. Her most recent post was desk director at the Center for Policy Research. Ambassador Varnai Shorer has substantial experience in the U.S.

Inbal Ozeri

raelis take part in the JNF’s Tu BiShevat tree-planting activities. I hope you learned a little bit more about this wonderful green Jewish holiday. As a reminder our monthly Café Ivrit takes place every month. You’re more than welcome to look it up on Facebook under the name “Café Ivrit – Hebrew Coffee.” Also I am still looking for people to help me plan our annual community Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut event. I’m looking for a few volunteers that may want to help me plan the most interesting, creative and entertaining community event that Charlotte has ever seen. Please feel free to contact me Shaliach@jewishcharlotte.org 704-944-6784 if you are interested. I would love to get know all of you better, so feel free to email me at Shaliach@jewishcharlotte.org and I would be happy to meet up, grab coffee and chat (no Hebrew necessary). I look forward to hearing from you. Y

and the Middle East. She speaks Hebrew, French, English and Hungarian and was born in Beer Sheva, Israel. Space is limited. To RSVP please call or email Tal Stein, Director of Community Relations and Israel Affairs at tal.stein@ jewishcharlotte.org or 704-9446751.Y Judith Varnai Shorer

Tu B’Shevat By Inbal Ozeri, Community Shlicha First, in Hebrew it is: tet/vav which is tet=9 + vav=6 so it’s the 15th of Shevat, which this year happened on Monday, January 25. Let’s talk about the real meaning behind this holiday. Tu B’Shevat is a post-Biblical holiday. The first reference to it appears in the Mishnah which lists four new years: On the first of Nisan, the new year for the ancient reign of the Jewish kings and for the festivals; On the first of Elul, the new year for the tithing of the animals; On the first of Tishrei, the new year for the Sabbatical years and for the Jubilee years and for the planting of the vegetables; On Tu B’Shevat, the new year for the trees. (Mishnah, Tractate Rosh Hashanah, Chapter 1) It is also called “Rosh HaShanah La’Ilanot” which means: new years for the trees.

And here is how it was observed: In 1890, on Tu B’Shevat, Rabbi Ze’ev Yavetz took his students to plant trees in the agricultural colony of Zichron Yaakov. In 1908, the Jewish Teachers Union adopted this custom. Later on, in the early 20th century, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) devoted the day to planting eucalyptus trees. Today JNF schedules major treeplanting events in large forests every Tu BShevat. Every year over a million Is-

Partnership2Gether: Educators Delegation This past Chanukah, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte proudly hosted host three educators from our Partnership 2Gether Sister City, Hadera Eiron. The teacher exchange is part of an ongoing educational bridge that connects Israeli and American cities through Michael Wizman visits Providence High School joint education projects and programs forging Beth El Religious School, Consolcooperative relationships between idated Hebrew High and Charlotte teachers and students and Jewish Day School while also strengthening American and Is- visiting secular schools such as raeli ties. Educators had the op- Charlotte Country Day School, portunity to speak to students Charlotte Latin School, and Provabout Israel and enhance cross- idence Day School as well as cultural educational experiences. Providence High School. They all had a chance to enjoy This year, we welcomed the Chanukah lighting at South Michael Wizman, 7th grade sciPark Mall as well as visit Temple ence teacher, Merav Ben-Amos, 4th grade math teacher, and Yaffa Mamon, another 4th grade teacher. We thank Tammy Seigel, Corine Bockenek, and our local P2G Chair, Sheila Spitz for home hosting our guests and helping with all aspects of their visit, showing them real “Southern” hospitality. As Sheila explains, hosting Michael had special meaning. The delegation visited Temple Beth El Religious “For me,” she says, “it School.

was a reunion and a way to pay back the hospitality that Michael and his wife and daughter showed me when I was a guest in their home on the Charlotte educator delegation in Israel last winter. The cultural exchange and the bonds we create with our Israeli ‘family’ is indescribable in words, it has to be felt in ‘person.’ My daughter recently visited Israel on Taglit Birthright Israel and Michael and his wife made a point of visiting her while she was in (Continued on page 4)

The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 4

Federation Continues to DO GOOD EVERYWHERE. FROM ANYWHERE.

Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Society Luncheon Over 70 women attended the Jewish Federation’s Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Society Luncheon on Tuesday, January 12. Gail Baron, incoming cochair of the Lion of Judah campaign, introduced the program “Our History is Only Our Beginning” by saying, “Today we have three young women who will share their personal experiences with us. One was born in the Former Soviet Union, one lived and worked in Israel for

six years, and one participated in two solidarity missions to connect with Jewish communities in crisis – in France and in Ukraine. These young women, Inna Manoim, Sharon Fargian, and Samantha Dubrinsky, will take us on a journey that shows Federation at its best – as it was, as it is, and as it will be. We can take pride in these young women who are the face of Federation and Jewish leadership in the 21st century.” Y

New LOJE Nancy Kipnis and Gail Baron welcome new Lion of Judah Charlotte Margolis Lion of Judah Co-Chair Dale Polsky, Samantha Dubrinsky, Director of Community Impact and Special Projects at the Birmingham Jewish Federation, and Lion of Judah Co-Chair Adrienne Gossett

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(Continued from page 3)

Haifa, even if for just a short time. They know, that they will always

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have a home away from home here in the US and our family feels the same if we are in Israel. Thank you P2G for this special opportunity.” Tammy Seigel Bernstein, who hosted Yaffa, shared her thoughts as well. “Yaffa was so excited to share lessons with Charlotte students and teach the children here about her students. “We connected quickly and found common ground in our teaching experiences. In spite of the busy delegation schedule, we spent time talking about our families, cultures, and education. Each night we lit Chanukah candles together and again had an opportunity to share our traditions. “We now have another friend in Israel and I look forward to visiting her one day.” Y

The delegates and their host families celebrate Chanukah at SouthPark Mall.

The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 5

&CONGREGATIONS

SYNAGOGUES

Temple Beth El Hosts Rabbi Amy Scheinerman for a Scholar-in-Residence Weekend By Rabbi Jonathan Freirich Rabbi Amy Scheinerman, an insightful scholar and inspiring teacher of Jewish sources, from Torah to Talmud, and from Family to Fanaticism, will join Temple Beth El and Hebrew High for a weekend of learning and discussion, Friday, February 19 through Sunday, February 21. Rabbi Scheinerman has served congregations of multiple denominations, edits the Torah Commentary column of the Newsletter for the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis Responsa Committee. As a teacher, Rabbi Scheinerman inspires with easy and approachable explanations of ancient, archaic, and complicated rabbinic and medieval thoughts. I have watched her teach a room full of scholars, easily using everyone’s questions as springboards to relevant discussions. Our Temple Beth El Talmud Lunch groups regularly uses her Ten Minutes of Talmud teachings to spark conversations that clarify and deepen our experience of Judaism, no matter what our experi-

ence in learning. Over the course of her weekend here in Charlotte, Rabbi Scheinerman will lead the following: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Relationships: Building a Better Us Friday, February 19, at 6:00 PM, she will offer reflections from the Talmud on navigating the relationships in our life, at Shabbat Worship at Temple Beth El, in the Blumenthal Sanctuary. Religious Fanaticism Saturday, February 20, at 9:00 AM, Rabbi Scheinerman will lead a session discussing various Jewish traditions that warn us of the dangers of extremism, at Temple Beth El, in the Archer Chapel. This session will be completely accessible to everyone regardless of background. Saturday, February 20, during the evening, Rabbi Scheinerman will teach our teens during the Consolidated Hebrew High School Eighth and Ninth Grade Retreat. The Rabbis’ Radical Views of God Sunday, February 21, at 11:00 AM, Rabbi Scheinerman will lead a brunch and learn about our

in 1984 at HUC-JIR in New York, where she also received a Doctor of Divinity in 2009. Rabbi Scheinerman is the hospice rabbi in Howard County, MD, and teaches in a variety of venues. She has recently served on the CCAR Board of Trustees, as president of both the Greater Carolinas Association of Rabbis and the Baltimore Board of Rabbis. She has served (Continued on page 20)

Rabbi Amy Scheinerman

Sages’ struggles with relationships, emotions, and moral choices, and how their ideas of an imperfect God helped create models for human behavior, at Temple Beth El in the Levine Social Hall. This session will be completely accessible to everyone regardless of background. Rabbi Amy Scheinerman received her bachelor’s degree from Brown University; has studied at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Princeton Theological Seminary; and was ordained

Temple Beth Selects Rabbi Asher Knight as New Senior Rabbi On January 6, Jack Levinson, president of Temple Beth El announced that Rabbi Asher Knight had been selected as the new senior rabbi. “Throughout the search process, Rabbi Knight stood out as an outstanding candidate. He has demonstrated strengths in relationship building, engagement practices, pastoral care, and leadership on the Bimah. He is organized, driven, and innovative. In addition to building and supporting a strong clergy team, we believe he will represent us well within Shalom Park, the greater Charlotte community, and in the Union for Reform Judaism. Our primary goal is to strengthen our foundation and create the path for each congregant to connect and proudly call Temple Beth El his or her spiritual home,” Levinson said. Rabbi Knight was ordained in 2007 from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion and holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Denver. He is coming to us from Temple Emanu-El in Dallas that has over 2,500 congregant families and where he has had the privilege of working with a stellar clergy team led by Rabbi David Stern. As Associate Rabbi in Dallas, Rabbi Knight has been intimately involved with every aspect of the synagogue - worship, life cycle, religious school, adult learning, social justice, engagement, and community relations. He is highly respected and has

Over the coming weeks, the synagogue will begin its transition plan. Y

Rabbi Asher Knight

been instrumental in finding ways to make a large congregation feel accessible to its members. “Although Rabbi Knight has not been a senior rabbi, he has exemplary large-congregation experience and is ready to assume this leadership role for us. We are prepared to provide him with the support that he both desires and will need to develop and continue building on his already impressive list of successes,” Levinson continued. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our Search Committee members (Adam Bernstein, co-chair, Moira Quinn Klein, cochair, Fred Dumas, Larry Farber, Bob Lidz, Jack Levinson, Frances Liss, Annie Lord, Joe Machicote, Cyndee Patterson, Ginny Rosenberg, Carissa Schlesinger, Howard Seidler, Becky Stamler, and Laura Bernstein, ex-officio) who worked tirelessly and tenaciously over the past seven months on our behalf to bring us three great finalists and a well thought-out and presented recommendation.”

The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 6

Winter Camp Report Larry Horowitz, CLU, ChFC L2 Financial 5950 Fairview Road, Suite 608 Charlotte, NC 28210 (704) 556-9982, Fax (704) 369-2918 www.L2financial.com www.L2financial.com

We took the cold out of winter break and warmed up with a blast at CGI Ballantyne Winter Camp. Each day got better and better with awesome trips such as ice skating, Atomz Lab, Sports Connection, Monkey Joes, and more.

Activities were non-stop fun with awesome themes such as Israel Day and Jewish Superheroes. Don’t forget to register for Summer 2016 - www.CGIBallantyne.com. Y

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Temple Solel Serves Christmas Lunch for Children’s Attention Home Members of Temple Solel, a Reform Jewish congregation in Ft. Mill, donated their time on Christmas to serve lunch to the children and staff at the Children’s Attention Home in Rock Hill. Temple Solel has been a longtime supporter of the Home, raising funds during Holidays to give directly to the Home. Some members donate their time on a weekly basis, working with the children at the Home. The children and staff were very gracious and enjoyed the chance to be served on a special day for them. Temple Solel had more willing participants that wanted to help serve than they could bring to the home, so Temple Solel plans to do this again next year as well as other possible times thought the year. Y

The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 7

Grand Opening of New Mikvah on Monday, February 29 feeling elated and hopefully inspired to incorporate the beautiful Mitzvah of Mikvah into their lives. For more information please visit our website at chabadnc.org or call our office at 704-3663984.Y

The art on the wall of the Mikvah is a specially commissioned scene of Jerusalem on the eve of Shabbat by Brooklyn artist, Michoel Muchnick. Photo by Michael J. Solender.

A new beautiful women’s Mikvah is open to the Jewish community of Greater Charlotte. A celebration of the new Mikvah is planned with a grand opening on Monday, February 29, 7 PM at the Chabad Education Center at 6619 Sardis Road. The Mikvah was built by Chabad of Charlotte, with the help of Mikvah USA and other anonymous donors. The open house will celebrate the luxurious new Mikvah which is to the delight of many Jewish women of Charlotte and surrounding areas in the Carolinas. At the event, which is open to men and women, tours of the new Mikvah will be conducted and materials explaining the use and meaning of Mikvah will be available. The evening will feature a delightful buffet, and some musical entertainment. The grand opening ceremony will also include an inspiring lecture on “The Sensual and the Sacred,” presented by Miriam Lipskier, a Chabad emissary at Emory University, in Atlanta. Mrs. Lipskier’s talk will center on the meaning of Mikvah and its significance in Jewish marriage. The new spa-like Mikvah pool is equipped with a filtration and

water purification system. The Mikvah decor is inviting and meant to set the tone of an intimate spiritual experience for the Mikvah user. This new development will allow those observing this special mitzvah to immerse in the beautiful Mikvah’s purifying waters in a serene setting while achieving ritual purification. It is noteworthy the importance of building a Mikvah, even higher to the importance of building a synagogue. Although the synagogue is seen as the central institution in Jewish life, yet Jewish Law states that constructing a Mikvah takes precedence over building a house of worship. According to the Talmud, Mikvah is at the foundation of Jewish life in a community. The new Mikvah will allow participants to be linked with Jewish women throughout the ages and fulfill a mitzvah that brings holiness and beauty to Jewish life. A special thank you goes to Mikvah USA for partnering with this project. The Mikvah will be named Mikvah Mei Leah, to honor the memory of Lillian Rottenstein, who was Mikvah USA’s major donor for this project. The goal of the event is to have guests leave the elegant reception

Mikvah attendant Yiska Cohen. Photo by Michael J. Solender.

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The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 8

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Havurat Tikvah will hold a Shabbaton on February 20 with Student Rabbi Danny Moss who returns to Charlotte for this enlightening and entertaining event. Student Rabbi Moss will lead services focusing on the Tetzaveh parshat at 10 AM, at Avondale Presbyterian Church, MacLean Fellowship Hall, 2821 Park Rd., followed by a Kosher potluck veggie/dairy/parve luncheon. That evening at 7:30 PM, he will present a program on the Midrash as meaning-making, with an interactive session highlighting some classical and modern midrashim with a make-your-own Midrash component at a member’s home. He will incorporate the weekly parsha into the evening’s adult educational theme. Attendees are welcome to bring Kosher desserts and snacks to share. Details were still being finalized at press time. Originally from Chicago, Student Rabbi Moss graduated from Oberlin College with degrees in Jewish Studies and Comparative Religion. He studied at the University of Haifa from 2007-08 and in 2012 began his rabbinical training at the New York campus of

704.556.8322 Park Road

704.541.0943 Arboretum

704.542.4242 Blakeney Village

704.892.9020 Lake Norman

Danny Moss

Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. He is now in his fourth year. Most recently, he served as a rabbinical intern at Temple Israel in Boston. Previous internships were at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, Cleveland, Congregation Beth Elohim, Brooklyn, and Temple Micah, Washington, DC, and more. While in rabbinical school, Rabbi Moss served as a teen tour guide in Israel and Europe. He has also completed a Clinical Pastoral Education unit. He has provided his services in hospital chaplaincy, as well as in community organizing. Additionally, he has received diverse awards in areas such as Jewish entrepreneurship and Jewish history. He is listed in LinkedIn’s Top 25 Rabbinical Students. Student Rabbi Moss serves on the JStreet Rabbinic Cabinet as a rabbinic student. Student Rabbi Moss has a plethora of musical talents. He is proficient in guitar, piano, trumpet, mandolin, and hand percussion instruments. He has lent his voice to congregational work by serving as a song leader and cantorial soloist.

Havurat Tikvah is a warm, supportive and nurturing Jewish Reconstructionist congregation with Shabbat services and a full spectrum of holiday observances, as well as religious educational options for both adults and children. We are a diverse group of families, singles, and Jewish and interfaith couples who participate in projects that promote social justice. We value and depend upon member participation and leadership for our religious services, spiritual growth, and governance. Havurat Tikvah is an affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Communities, in association with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. For more information on upcoming services, programs, membership, or other queries, call 980-225-5330, write to Havurat Tikvah, P.O. Box 12684, Charlotte, NC 28220, email membership@havurattikvah.org, or visit havurattikvah.org. Havurat Tikvah is also on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/havurattikvah/.Y

“Obeying from love is better than obeying from fear.” –Rashi (Rabbi Solomon Ben Isaac)

The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 9

The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 10

Jewish Family Services The Counseling Center at JFS Welcomes Our New Therapists Leigh Rainwater, M.Ed., LCP joined JFS in late September as lead Child and Adolescent Therapist. She brings over 16 years of

experience, utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT), solution focused and cog-

Leigh Rainwater

a nd D rop i n e! joi n m

Come Play! WHO: For ages 0 - 2 and their caregivers WHEN: Thursday Mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 am WHERE: Levine-Sklut Judaic Library

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nitive behavioral approaches and art therapy, in which she received advanced training. Leigh provides therapy related to depression, trauma, grief and loss, and family conflict, in order to help each individual develop their own problem-solving skills, improve daily functioning and increase their confidence and selfesteem. Leigh has facilitated numerous training sessions on topics such as leadership development, art therapy, grief and loss, cultural awareness and group psychotherapy. Before coming to Charlotte last year, Leigh lived in Austin, where she was in private practice, and also served as a board member for Austin Association for Marriage and Family Therapists and Hill Country Play Therapy Association. Leigh received her undergraduate degree in Behavioral Science from Concordia University and her Masters of Education degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Linda Boothe, MSW, LCSW has nearly 25 years’ experience providing intensive psychother-

apy counseling to clients ranging from adolescent to geriatric, including short term, crisis intervention counseling for depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health and health problems. Serving as a Mental Health Social Worker with the Department of Veterans Affairs in the states of NC, GA, and MS, Linda provided counseling for veterans experiencing a myriad of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), abuse, trauma, substance use disorders, bereavement, adjustment to civilian life, adjustment to injury, issues related to aging and chronic health conditions, and homelessness. As a Medical Social Worker and Oncology Social Worker, Linda provided interdisciplinary hospice and palliative care in hospital settings, including development of client-centered treatment plans, psycho-education to patients and their families, offering support and guidance around pain management, and leading support and education groups. In addition to her extensive experience facilitating therapy groups related to stress management and psycho-education, Linda provided case management and crisis intervention services to clients and their families, including assisting with navigation of VA and community resources, as well as accessing needed financial resources such as SSI, SSDI, and

other basic needs. Linda received her education degrees from UCLA in Political Science and Public Administration (Bachelor of Arts) and Social Welfare (Master’s Degree). She is a licensed clinical social worker in NC, CA, and HI. The Counseling Center at JFS offers full service therapy at both JFS locations in Shalom Park and Lake Norman. The therapists at the Counseling Center at JFS are sensitive to issues of faith, while

Linda Boothe

providing high-quality, confidential therapy for people of all ages and income levels. Our licensed therapists access a wide range of therapeutic methods to meet the specific needs of those we serve, with the goal of developing problem-solving skills and long-term solutions. Whether you are facing divorce, anxiety, illness, unemployment, or one of life’s other stressors, our therapists will work with you and your family to bring about needed change and longterm solutions. Y

Welcome JFS Board Members On December 11, the board and staff of Jewish Family Services gathered at the home of outgoing President Jennifer Collman to honor outgoing board members who completed their term, and welcome new board members. New President Harry Sparks presented Jennifer with a beautiful David Rosenthal sculpture to thank her for her service to JFS. Jennifer will continue as Immediate Past President through December 2017. JFS is proud to announce our Board of Directors for 2016 as follows: Harry Sparks, President Jan Weiner, President-Elect Gary Lerner, Treasurer Annie Lord, Secretary Jennifer Collman, Immediate Past President Adam Bronstone, Andrea Cronson, Shannon Crystal, Jennifer Golynsky, Scott Gorelick, Brad Kirchenbaum, Eric Lerner, Matt Luftglass, David Miller, Allan Oxman, Louis Sinkoe, Sara Stinemetz, Liz Wahls, Dori Whitman Jennifer also thanked the board members who completed their

Outgoing president Jennifer Collman with her David Rosenthal sculpture.

service as of December 2015, including Margaret Musa, Justin Steinschriber, Karen Knoble, Stacy Baum, Becca Horner, and Debbie Porter. Thank you all for your commitment to our community. Y

Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 11

Jewish Family Services Donations for December 2015 Jewish Family Services received the following donations for Tribute Cards in December 2015. Thank you for allowing JFS to honor your friends and loved ones. IN HONOR OF Susan Aizenman from Marvin Barman and Sharon Taubman Sandy and David Brenner from Pam Wingrod Philip Goodman from Brett Goodman Shirley Goodman from Brett Goodman Penny Krieger from Steven and Sandy Hoagland Howard and Julie Levine and family from Leon and Sandra Levine Mark and Teri Moffett from Brett Goodman Bunny and Jim Montag from Emily, Jeff, Rachel and Shelby Vaughn Tony and Jackie Montag from Emily, Jeff, Rachel and Shelby Vaughn

Dr. Donald Russ from Paul and Marcia Simon Anne Sinsheimer from Dale Polsky Bob and Maxine Stein from Sam and Linda Levy MAZEL TOV ON The Bar Mitzvah of Charles Gorelick from Carol Gorelick Keira’s Bat Mitzvah to Anna Schneiderman from Stephen and Nancy Schreier HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Gabe Gorelick from Carol Gorelick Madeline Gorelick from Carol Gorelick HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO Howard and Julie Levine from Leon and Sandra Levine Mattye and Marc Silverman from Carol Gorelick, Emily, Jeff, Rachel and Shelby Vaughn

WISHING A FULL AND SPEEDY RECOVERY TO Harold Hurto from Celia Mandel IN MEMORY OF My beloved parents Murray and Mildred Fandel and my husband, Maurice Samuel Wallsh from Bonnie Wallsh Faye Levinson, sisterinlaw of Margi Goldstein, from Gary and Maxine Silverstein Eddie Goodman, to Shirley Goodman, from Dana and Vicki McKittrick and Steve and Debbie Meggs and Family Bea Jaffa, to Brian and Meryl Imbrey, from Gale Osborne Phillip Kornhauser, to Martin and Nancy Kornhauser, from Toby Spitzer Lee Boxer, to Barry and Laura Reich, from Art and Amy Finkelberg, Scott and Becky Goodman, Rick Greer, Jeff and Carol Klein, Jeanne Matson, Susan Rabinovich, Morris and Linda Spil, Donald and Ilene Weiner Y

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Thank you to the following people who contributed their time to Jewish Family Services in December.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”

Volunteers: Rick Abrams, Ben and Susan Aizenman, Dan Coblenz, Jennifer Collman, Andrea Cronson, Sheryl Effren, Mel and Caren Frank, Jennifer Golynsky, Robert Friedman, Gail Halverson, Becca Horner, Bob Jacobson, Karen Knoble, Gary Lerner, Pete and Rachel Levine, Matt Luftglass, Frada Mozenter, Margaret Musa, Barbara Rein, Barbara Schipper, Janice Shubin, Harry Sparks, Jeff and Stacy Strauch, Liz Wahls, Amalia Warshenbrot, Mike Weinberg, Jan Weiner, Lisa and Nancy Wielunski, Allison Winshel Hadassah Cooks: Susan Aizenman, Phyllis Berlin, Bonnie Berman, Ilene Cantor, Caren Carr, Sharon Cavanaugh, Gladys Cherny, Lynne Cojac, Aleen Epstein, Gail Green, Donna Greenspon, June Hirschmann, Fran Kaplan, Judy Kaufmann, Penny Krieger, Shelley Leibman, Lois Mazer, Andrea McCleary, Sharel Persin, Phyllis Romaine, Jenny Rosenthal, Fran Schuler, Roz Snyder, Joyce Stoll, Nancy Tarbis Food Pantry Donations: Temple Israel and Temple Beth El Congregants, Marvin Barman, Karen Defelice, Sheryl Effren, Judi Lecker, Matt Luftglass, Tom Mahoney, Frada Mozenter, Lake Norman Hadassah Food Drives: TBE Religious School 5th grade class Special Recognition: Mothers Over 35 for providing Birthday Bags for pantry clients.Y

Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and Resource Center Making Quality Teacher Education Possible The Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and Resource Center is proud to provide high-quality teacher resources and workshops for Jewish educators in the greater Charlotte area. The Teacher Resource Center of the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library is funded - in large part - by the Blumenthal Foundation. Originally called the “Carolina Agency for Jewish Education,” it was founded and supported by the late Herman Blumenthal who was committed to enhancing and promoting all types of education including Jewish education. In addition to teacher support and educational resources, the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and Resource Center also organizes the Series for the Advancement of Jewish Education (S.A.J.E.). The Library is fortunate to bring top-quality educational experts to Charlotte with the help

Deb Krivoy

of the Lenora Stein Fund for Community Creative Learning. We are proud to honor the memory of both Lenora Stein and Herman Blumenthal with our many educational offerings. In 2016, the Series for the Advancement of Jewish Education which is co-sponsored by the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival - is excited to be bringing Deb Krivoy of Avoda Arts to Charlotte to facilitate two free, innovative workshops for professional development on February 15: * Arts Infusion: Classroom Strategies to Cultivate More Meaningful Jewish Learning * Reel Learning: Short Films to Spark Jewish Connections and Conversations Participation is free, but space is limited. For more information contact Debby Block dblock@shalomcharlotte.org or 704-9446780. Y

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The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 12

Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and Resource Center 2016 Library Annual Campaign Thank You For Your Love

The Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and Resource Center has recently completed its Annual Friends Campaign. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the following people and families who made generous donations to support the future of the Library. With their generosity the Library will continue to be a vibrant and relevant community asset.

Publisher: $500 and Above William and Patty Gorelick Florence Jaffa Harry and Gloria Lerner Jerome and Barbara Levin Leonard and Judy Marco Edward and Debora Pizer Editor: $250-$499 Daniel and Janice Bernstein Sam and Nancy Bernstein

Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein Family Ross and Jennifer Levin Rich Osborne Harry and Marilyn Swimmer Author: $100-$249 Bernie and Teri Ackerman Craig and Kimberly Augenbraun Sanford and Lois Benjamin Joshua and Alison Berg

Kevin and Laurie Berzack David and Debby Block Alan and Lee Blumenthal Richard and Suly Chenkin Jeff Cohen and Judy SeldinCohen Stu and Lynne Cojac Jonathan and Jennifer CollmanY David and Aleen Epstein Murray and Barbara Ezring Seth and Carrie Feit Lewis and Janice Fisher Scott and Sarah Fligel Leonard and Shelley Friedman Edie Gelber-Beechler Burton Gellman Douglas and Paula Gentile Marc Gentile David and Stephanie Gitlin Chuck and Dayle Glick Alan and Ruth Goldberg Kenneth and Tammy Golder Marcelle Gorelick Burt and Donna Greenspon Michael and Beverly Grey Robert Haber and Shannon Crystal Donald and Shevi Herbstman Joel Horwich Robert and Linda Isser Donald and Susan Jacobs Andrew and Dana Kapustin Stephen and Judy Kaufmann Richard and Paula Klein Jaime and Elise Kosofsky Gary and Donna Lerner Mark and Alison Lerner Joshua and Elissa Levine Hal and Holly Levinson

Steven and Polly Menaker Adrian and Andrea Mesoznik Edwin and Jill Newman Tzvi and Lauren Nussbaum Ken Orenbach and Chris Sydor Premier World Chemicals, LLC Frank and Wendy Rosen Rich and Jenny Rosenthal Ilya and Chantal Rubin Dan and Toby Ruda Edwin and Leslie Rusgo Robert and Stacey Selkin Paul and Marcia Simon Marc and Shari Sokolowicz Norman Steinberger Joseph and Renee Steiner Kenneth and Marcia Stern The Marc & Mattye Silverman Family Found Mark and Amy Vitner David Weinrib and Liz Wahls Kim and Susan Worrel Poet: $50-$99 Anonymous Donor(s) Stuart and Eleanor Bantit Harvey and Michele Barer Irving and Lillian Bienstock Jill BlumenthalY Irv and Dedee Cygler Michael and Elaine Denenberg Stuart and Ellen Fligel Albert and Phyllis Garten Elliot and Peggy Gartner Andrew and Jaime Gonedes Alan Goozner and Terry Bradley Philip and Barbara Guller Gail Halverson Steven and Sandy Hoagland Steven and Sharon Hockfield Robert and Leigh Jacobson Edward and Susan Kanterman Joan Kirschner David and Judi Lecker Janet Levy Audrey Madans Michael and Roberta McGinley David and Risa Miller Allan and Marcelle Oxman Lee and Diggie Pesakoff Steven and Melissa Raphael Elias and Linda Roochvarg Leon and Mary Rutman Mike and Sara Schreibman Selwyn and Cheryl Spangenthal Susan Stafford Robert and Marsha Stickler Robert and Joyce Stoll Robert and Anne Yudell Steven and Janice Zacks Enthusiast: $1-$49 Bob and Ann Abel Robert Abramowitz and Vicki Derderian Keith and Debbie Agisim Anonymous Donor(s) Allen and Stacy Baum Brian and Glenda Bernhardt Robert and Barbara Bernhardt David and Bonnie Bornstein Julie Bradlow Bunny Bramson Richard Brophy

Sheila Fisher Spencer and Nathalie Friedlander Loren Gelber Rhoda Gleiberman Phillip and Marci Goldberg Yaron and Sandra Goldman Adam and Nicky Greene Yossef and Mariashi Groner Matt and Jane Herson Emily Hoody-Russell Wheeler and Lisa Jervis Jay and Andrea Kabat Alan and Kate Kaplan Eugene and Alice Kavadlo Nancy Kerstein Ryan and Sarah Kilmer Sue Klein Barry and Lorrie Klemons Penny Krieger Sharon Kugelmass Ann Langman Samuel and Linda Levy Marc and Jill Lipson Mike and Susan Littauer Cheri Martin Curtis and Ilana Martin Jean Moats Jeff and Amy Montoni Gregory and Margaret Musa Kathryn Ochs Frank and Barbara Osborn Lee and Wendy Pake Frank and Ruth Paul Shelley Pawlyk PrettyGoodWood, Inc. Alan and Jan Raznick Scott and Heather Salam Gerald and Barbara Schapiro Barry and Kelly Schwartz David and Julie Sheffer Morey and Lynne Sheffer Ruth Silverman Richard and Janis Silverman Jon and Stephanie Simon Louis Sinkoe and Kevin Levine Stefanie Smith Robert Solow Harry and Laurie Sparks Adam and Sheila Spitz Michael and Tal Stein Michael and Talya Tateo Sharon Taubman Phil and Beth Warshauer Ronald and Janice Weiner Barnet and Harriet Weinstock Andrew and Ellen Wysmuller * Contribution includes employer matching gift.

Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 13

Community News Levine Jewish Community Center and Jewish Family Services. We have enjoyed working with others to make sure that Jewish institutions are there to support our children. We see the good work that is taking place and want to sustain this. Today, people express their Judaism differently than when we were kids, and all Jewish organizations will need to continue evolving to meet their needs. With our lifetime and legacy gifts, we are helping to sustain Jewish life. And even if our daughters’ should settle elsewhere, it is our hope that others will do the same for them in their cities as we are happy to do in ours. Y

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Legacy Profile

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Nancy and Sam Bernstein Nancy and Sam Bernstein are among the 322 individuals and families in our community who have created 659 unique legacy gifts to support its future. Please take the time to read their story and thank them for their generosity. It is our hope that you will be inspired and encouraged to help sustain our Jewish community by creating your own Jewish legacy. By Nancy Bernstein Sam and I saw our parents and grandparents set high standards for us to follow. Growing up, our Jewish experiences were much different than our daughters. I attended a small temple in Shreveport, LA, where there were only about 200 Jewish families. We were active in our community as my Dad was a member of the Temple Brotherhood, and my mom served on the boards of both the Temple and its Sisterhood. Both of my parents were also active in the Northwest Louisiana Federation. Shabbat was always spent with my family. After high school, I attended the University of North Carolina and met Sam in Chapel Hill. We met at a UNC basketball game in January 1984, while I was a student and Sam was working in Charlotte. We were married eleven months later. Sam grew up in eastern North Carolina where his parents were leaders in their community. Sam’s father has been president of three different synagogues while his mom has led three different Sisterhoods. They continue to be active in their congregation today. Sam grew up with a large extended family and all were active in their respective communities. Sam attended East Carolina University and then moved to Charlotte. Growing up in small southern towns, we learned from our parents and grandparents that everyone has to do their part to get things done. Seeing that same attitude here in Charlotte has made it easy for Sam and me to get involved in a variety of Jewish organizations. Sam is a past president of several organizations including the Federation and Temple Israel. He currently serves on the Boards of Foundation of Shalom Park and Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community.

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The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 14

Making the Right Choice

Sunday, April 17, 2016 www.JewishCharlotte.org

By Brian Yesowitch, president, Hebrew Cemetery Association This year, 2016, all of us of voting age will make a choice. We’ll make a choice that we hope will provide better outcomes for our country, our economy, and our family. For some of us that choice will be an easy one. With primary season gearing up, we have been inundated on television, in the newspaper, even on our social media sites with news or opinion about our 2016 Presidential Candidates. For those of us in the Charlotte Jewish community, when it comes to choosing our final resting place, the members of the Hebrew Cemetery Association Board of Trustees has been working very hard to make your choice an easy one.

‘80s can actually meet Jack Adler, one of the Holocaust Survivors who was there in Holocaust era Poland as well as in Skokie during the neo-Nazi rally. Jack’s son Eli Adler, the filmmaker, will join his father onstage for a question and answer session following the film. At present time, nearly 20% of our city’s Jewish community belongs to the Cemetery. Our over $150,000 annual budget receives allocations from our partner Temples (Temple Israel, Temple BethEl, Congregation Or HaTorah, and Temple Kol Tikvah) as well as an allocation from the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. This budget maintains the Cemetery grounds, pays our staff salaries, and keeps the Cemetery looking dignified and beautiful. Dues have

tate planning? Our Director, Sandra Goldman, can walk you through the process of turning an existing financial vehicle into a bequest to support the long-term maintenance and upkeep of our community’s oldest institution, one that continues to serve the Jewish people of this region. My wife, Martha, and I have made our Create Your Jewish Legacy commitments along with nearly 40 other individuals and families. I hope you will join us.

MEG D. GOLDSTEIN ATTORNEY-AT-LAW

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ISRAEL ISR AE EL A AWAITS! WA AITS! AND THE JEWISH FEDERATION FEDERATIO ON IS EA EAGER GER T TO O HELP GET Y YOU OU U THERE!

ISRAEL EXPERIENCE SUB SUBSIDIES BSIDIES A strong strong connection connection tto o Isr Israel rael is aatt the vvery ery ccore ore of buil building ding a strong strong Jewish Jewish identity, identity, which w is wh why y the Jewish Jewish Federation Fede eration of Greater Greater Charlotte Charlotte is ccommitted om mmitted tto o making Isr Israel ael ac accessible ces e sible tto o all Charlotte-area Charlotte-area tteens eenss and y young oung adults. T The he Je Jewish wiish Federation F ederation is pleased tto o off o offer er subsidies tto o local Je Jewish wish h tteens eens and y young oung adults tto o enab enable le lif life-changing e-changing Isr Israel ael adv adventures entures – w e enc ourage you you to to experience expe erience all Israel Israel has to to offer! offer! we encourage Gorelick Teens Gorelick Teens e to to Israel Israel Fund: Fund: Subsidies ar are e available available e tto o local Je Jewish wish tteens eens ages 13 - 19 tr traveling aveling tto o Isr Israel ael on a Federation F ederation appr approved oved pr program o am ogr Gloria & Harry y Lerner Lerner Family Family a y Fund: Fund: Subsidies ar are e aavailable vailable a to local Je Jewish wish young young ad adults dults be between tween the ages of 2121-30 -30 traveling tr aveling to to Israel Israel on a Federation Federation appr approved oved pr program ogram m Special thanks thankks tto o Bill and Patty Patty Gor Gorelick elick and Harry and Gloriaa LLerner ernerr ffor or o their ongoin ng support and generosity. generrosit o tyy. ongoing For F or more more information, information, please ccontact o tact T on Tal aal S Stein, tein, Dir Director ectorr off Isr Israel ae A ael Affairs ffairs and an Community R elations, 7704.944.6751 04.944.6751 | tal.s tein@je @jewishcharlot w shch te.orrg Community Relations, tal.stein@jewishcharlotte.org

T STRENGTH THE STRENG RENGTH H OF A PEOPLE. PEOPLE. P PLE THE TH HE POWER POWER W OF COMMUNITY. COM OMMUNITY.

Hebrew Cemetery Association Board of Directors

In December, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s Main Event featured author Abigail Pogrebin. She spoke about the complex problems that notable Jewish figures like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Mike Wallace, and Natalie Portman have that are similar to ours. Jewish life in the 21st century can be awkward or difficult, but, like the “Stars of David” featured in Ms. Pogrebin’s book, many of us still hold out the hope that we can continue to identify and practice as Jews and therefore pass that tradition and heritage down to our children and families. One way to connect and identify here is through our Hebrew Cemetery Association. Although our mission is to provide a dignified burial for all Charlotte Jews, we have created other opportunities for Jewish people to associate and affiliate with our Cemetery even if they have no desire to be buried in Charlotte. In January, we held our 2nd annual Tu BiShvat tree planting event in collaboration with TreesCharlotte. Through that project we are practicing “Tikkun Olam” – healing the world, through our efforts to support our city’s goal of 50% tree canopy coverage by 2050. Please see our Facebook page for photos and more information regarding this wonderful event. On February 24, at 7:15 PM at Temple Israel, we will host that evening’s Charlotte Jewish Film Festival showing of “Surviving Skokie.” When the made-for-TV movie “Skokie” premiered in 1981, it was required watching for all of the kids in my Hebrew School in Kentucky, and in congregations around the country. I am proud that 35 years later, those of us who came of age in the

been kept to a mimimal $72 per year. When you pay dues to the Hebrew Cemetery Association, you receive a funeral discount of 1/3 off all plot and burial fees. We encourage all Jewish members of our community to belong to the Cemetery. This fundamental obligation has been a part of Charlotte Jewish tradition since 1867. Preplanning your funeral is a gift, which reduces not only costs, but also stress. You can have peace of mind, knowing that your end of life wishes will be carried out. Contact our Director, Sandra Goldman, 704-576-1859 or director@hebrewcemetery.org to receive information on plot availability and pricing. Have you considered adding the Hebrew Cemetery to your es-

Additionally, our community supports needy individuals with reduced cemetery fees during their time of loss. You can make a contribution of any amount to the Steinberger Funeral Assistance Fund on our website, www.hebrewcemetery.org, or by contacting our Director Sandra Goldman. Don’t forget to “like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ HebrewCemetery. Our #ThrowbackThursday posts are renewing in 2016. They have been highlighted in “Charlotte Magazine” and are a popular feature of our social media program. What choice will you make in 2016? I hope you will choose to make our Cemetery Association membership part of your family’s Jewish philanthropic giving. Y

JELF Application for Interest-Free Educational Loan Available March 1 Applications for interest-free loans for higher education (college, graduate school, and vocational programs) will be available to Jewish students in the Charlotte area for the 2016-2017 school year from JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund), in partnership with Charlotte Jewish Family Services, from March 1 – April 30. Please visit JELF’s website at www.jelf.org to learn more. JELF loans are need-based and offer “last-dollar” financing, meaning that JELF provides the final dollars that bridge the gap between a student’s total financial

resources and the cost of attending school. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a program leading to a degree or certificate at an accredited institution that is located in the United States, be a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status in the U.S., and be able to demonstrate financial need (FAFSA application required). In 2015, JELF granted $800,000 in interest-free last-dollar loans to 219 students across its five-state region. For more information, contact application@jelf.org or call 770396-3080.Y

Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 15

Keeping Memory Alive Through the NC Council on the Holocaust Dr. Kelly Wilson to Serve as Holocaust Instructor for the Charlotte Region for the Jewish and non-JewBy Amy Krakovitz Temple Beth El’s Dr. Kelly ish adult community in Wilson has been appointed Holo- Charlotte. We envision that caust Instructor for the Charlotte this programming will inRegion for the North Carolina clude traveling exhibits, engagements, Council on the Holocaust. “We speaking are living in challenging times for guest lecturers, and workHolocaust remembrance and edu- shops sponsored by the cation,” Wilson points out, “as the North Carolina Council on number of survivors diminishes.” the Holocaust.” Wilson herself has asked That is why, she believes, the work of the state council is so crit- for the community to contact her at drkelly@carical. The NC Council on the Holo- olina.rr.com with “literature, caust was established in 1981 to poetry, artwork, music, famprovide teacher workshops and ily memories, and other educational resources to NC pub- Holocaust artifacts and inDr. Kelly Wilson lic schools in order “to prevent formation,” she continues. atrocities similar to the systematic “Reach out and let me know the in addition to the traveling exprogram of mass murders by the kinds of programming you would hibits that are loaned for free to libraries and schools. Also available Nazis of 6 million Jews and other like to see.” is the play “Let the Children Tell,” targeted groups, including gypsies Teacher Workshops The Council sponsors seven to performed here in Charlotte in (Roma), homosexuals, handicapped persons, and religious and nine teacher workshops each year April 2006. Teachers who have atpolitical dissidents.” tended the workshops attest The Council board is made to their effectiveness in imof 24 members, six of whom proving Holocaust instrucare survivors. The survivors tion. “Going into the serve as speakers in addition workshop, we had a basic to the vast educational reunderstanding of the Holosources and programming that caust,” explains Jody the Council provides. Legare, a 7th grade Social Among the board members Studies teacher at Sun Valley are some familiar faces to Middle School. “… we Charlotte: Mitch Rifkin, past knew just enough to bring an president of Temple Beth El, awareness to our students. and Judi Strause, a member of The workshop provided us Temple Israel. Rifkin serves more insight, gave us a more as Director of Development emotional understanding for the Council. “The more through survivor testimony, we get involved,” he says, “the more I’m surprised at Council chairman Mike Abramson holds up a and opened our eyes to a how many of us there are here piece from one of the traveling exhibits as Holo- much deeper meaning behind this horrific event.” He to do this work.” caust survivor and speaker Zev Harel looks on. is among a legion of experienced teachers who have seen the impact of Holocaust education on their students from small to large “Despite all of the communities in the state. “Now, power in when we share the Holocaust with our kids, it is with the understandestablishing ing that this is a period in history memory, there’s a the students don’t just have to learn, but need to learn for their fragility to it, own good,” Legare concludes. because it depends The Council’s Larger Mission Ultimately, the Council’s puron a certain pose is to prevent tragedies like generation of men the Holocaust from happening again anywhere. It’s a huge underand women. ... time Audrey Krakovitz taking. But Rifkin says it well robs us of an when he says, “The word is tolerance. What we have to teach is Talli Dippold, the former direcimportant source tolerance.” tor of the Levine-Sklut Judaic Liof memory - the The Council’s educational rebrary and Resource Center, serves sources are vast, as can be seen on stories of survivors on the Council board and will be their website at http://www.ncinvolved in joint programming willing to share publicschools.org/holocaustwith the Council in her new posicouncil/. But their financial their past with tion as director of Jewish Life at resources are not. It is funded by Queens University. And a former students.” the state but its budget has been employee of the Jewish Federacut in the last few years, making - Michael Birnbaum, tion of Greater Charlotte, now livany expanding of programming ing in Greensboro, Audrey “Keeping Holocaust difficult. Krakovitz (any relationship to the But the importance of the work Stories Alive: As author of this piece is still as yet remains. “We all benefit from reundetermined) has just been apMore Survivors membering, honoring, and learnpointed Director of Teacher WorkPass Away, New ing together about the past as we shops. create a future where we, our chilMike Abramson, chair of the Ways to Remember dren, and all future generations Council, says that Wilson will be are Found,” The stand shoulder to shoulder as involved in developing new techequal, respected, unique brothers niques for bringing Holocaust edWashington Times, and sisters living in harmony,” ucation to the Charlotte area. August 10, 2009 Wilson wisely sums it up. Y “[Her] primary focus will be to expand Holocaust programming

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The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 18

Charlotte Jewish Film Festival Spotlight Opening Night Celebration – Saturday, February 20 – 7:15 PM at Temple Israel ($25.00) Jonathan Pryce stars as an old

Jewish baker whose faltering business is inadvertently saved by his young Muslim apprentice in the British dramedy Dough. Widowed and down on his luck, Nat Dayan (Pryce) is desperate to save his London bake shop. His customers are dying off, his sons have no interest in keeping afloat the family business, and a real estate developer has his own greedy plans for the property. After his assistant leaves him, Nat reluctantly hires teenager Ayyash (Jerome Holder), a refugee from Darfur. Ayyash helps with the bakery’s daily chores while also selling cannabis on the side to help his struggling mother make ends meet. When he one day accidently drops his stash into the dough, the challah suddenly starts flying off the shelves. An unlikely friendship forms between Nat and Ayyash as business booms. Dough is a warmhearted and gently humorous story about find-

Sunday, February 21 – 7:15 PM at Temple Israel ($10.00) Rock in the Red Zone presents an intimate and compelling tale of music and perseverance on the

of inspiration as the people of Sderot found a way to cope with the trauma of being pummeled for 14 years by homemade missiles known as Qassams. In underground bomb shelters, feelings of frustration, fear and hope have turned into magic – a unique Sderot sound that injects Middle Eastern influences into traditional Westerns beats, creating unique rhythms and a new genre that has transformed Israeli music. In Rock in the Red Zone, filmmaker Laura Bialis shows how resilience and the power of artistic creation can transcend even the most challenging circumstances. Special live musical performance by the film’s star Avi Vaknin is scheduled for after the film.

frontlines of a never-ending war. On the edge of Israel’s Negev Desert, half a mile from Gaza (and directly in the path of thousands of Hamas rockets) is Sderot, a city made up of refugees from wide ranging locales such as Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East. This melting pot of diverse cultures became the unlikely setting

Wednesday, February 24 – 7:15 PM at Temple Israel ($10.00) Surviving Skokie centers on a series of dark days in small-town America that force a resilient group of Holocaust survivors to relive a devastating past. Eli Adler’s deeply personal film follows the journey of his father,

ing redemption in unexpected places. Special guest(s) are scheduled to appear and there will be a dessert reception after the film.

Jack, a Polish immigrant and concentration camp survivor who rebuilt his life in Skokie, Illinois. But the quiet existence of hundreds of survivors is rocked to its core in the late ‘70s when a neoNazi group announces plans to march through town. As the community comes together to confront these hate mongers, long-festering emotional scars and severe memories are uncovered. Surviving Skokie combines fascinating historical footage and a penetrating first-person perspective to capture the intimate psychological details of 70 years of persecution and prejudice. The generational journey comes full circle after a poignant trip back to Poland provides a profound opportunity for a son to fully under-

stand his father’s turbulent history. Jack and Eli Adler are scheduled to appear for a talkback after the film. Sunday, February 28 – 11:00 AM at Regal Ballantyne ($15.00) Ina Pinkney is a Chicago legend of the tastiest kind. Known around town as the “Breakfast Queen,” she has been feeding Chicagoans for the past 33 years – first, out of a small bakery and then from her beloved breakfast nook in the West Loop. Ina, who survived polio as an infant, now suffers the effects of post-polio syndrome and decided to close the doors of her celebrated establishment at the end of 2013. (Continued on page 20)

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The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 20

Moishe House February Events for Young Adults Moishe House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting community among Jewish young adults in their twenties and early thirties. Moishe House looks to fill the void that often exists after graduating college and prior to settling down. The organization brings together groups of three to five Jewish adults who live together and plan local programs, both home-based and external, for other young Jewish adults. There are currently 76 Moishe Houses in 18 countries around the world. Moishe House Charlotte began in August 2013 and since then has hosted 130+ events ranging from service projects to social events to Jewish learning and more. We are always happy to see new and returning faces, so be sure to join us. We are pleased to share with you our exciting events for this February: 1. Plaza Midwood Bar Crawl Friday, February 5 at 9:30 PM at Thomas Street Tavern Check out some of the unique bars and restaurants in one of the latest up-and-coming neighborhoods, Plaza Midwood. We’ll be kicking off the night at the Thomas Street Taven at 9:30 PM and then make our way toward some of the other awesome treasures along Pecan and Central Avenue. 2. Wine and Design - Thursday,

February 11, 7-9:30 PM at Painting with a Twist, 4724 Sharon Road, Suite J, Charlotte, NC 28210 What is better than painting? Painting with MoHo sipping on wine with professional artists giving tips and helping along the way. Join Moishe House at Painting With a Twist (4724 Sharon Rd., Ste J). The cost is $25 and includes a two-hour class/painting session, and you go home with your piece. The event is BYOB (beer or wine only). 3. Israeli Food Cooking Class with Shlicha Inbal Ozeri - Monday, February 15 at 7 PM at Moishe House Charlotte The Charlotte Schlicha, Inbal Ozeri, is going to lead an Israeli food cooking class at the Moishe House. To add extra spice to the event, Inbal will be incorporating a beginner’s level Hebrew lesson throughout the night. No previous Hebrew-speaking experience is necessary. 4. Ask Big Questions Interfaith Discussion - Tuesday, February 16 at 7 PM at Moishe House Charlotte Ask Big Questions believes that we can change the world through more meaningful conversations. Each month they release a new “big question” that

ignites conversation to better understand each other. Past month’s questions have included “how do we disagree” and “what will your legacy be.” Come to Moishe House and we will be discussing February’s Big Question over snacks and drinks. Please feel free to invite friends of different faith backgrounds. 5: Laser Tag and Beer - Thursday, February 25 at 7 PM at Sports Connection, 11611 Ardrey Kell Rd., Charlotte, NC 28277 Relive the middle school glory days of super-competitive laser tag. Moishe House is going to cover the cost of the first game for all participants. Additional games will be $8 each. After laser tag, join us for a drink at the Sports Connection Bar and Lounge. To learn more about Moishe House Charlotte, visit us at www.moishehousecharlotte.org/h ouses/charlotte or check us out on facebook: www.facebook.com/ MoisheHouseCharlotte. To contact us, please e-mail mohocharlotte@gmail.com.Y

Charlotte Jewish Film Festival February Films (Continued from page 18)

An undeniably outstanding chef and businesswoman, Ina is so much more. She’s a community leader, a pioneer, a television personality, but most importantly, she’s the rare sort of person who’s found a way to transform her passion into a joy that extends to an entire city, and beyond. Breakfast at Ina’s gives audiences a glimpse into her extraordinary life, all while chronicling the final days of the restaurant as

Ina and her staff serve up their final meals. Ina Pinkney and director Mercedes Kane are scheduled to appear and invite the audience to join them for noshes made from Ina’s own recipes after the film. Additional info can be found in the 2016 CJFF Tri Fold that has been included with this edition and at charlottejewishfilm.com. Be sure to check out our ad on page 22. Y

Temple Beth El Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Amy Scheinerman (Continued from page 5)

Conservative, Reform, and unaffiliated congregations. We are honored that Rabbi Amy Scheinerman will join us this year as the Sadie Levin Scholar-in-Residence. Norm Levin, Honorary Lifetime President of TBE, estab¬lished the Scholar-in-Residence in honor of his mother, Sadie Levin, who was com¬mitted to Jewish learning, Jewish life and Jewish community. Y

The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 21

Greening Shalom Park: Small Steps Can Make A Big Difference When it comes to protecting the planet, every little step helps. Across Shalom Park, agencies are doing their part to promote sustainability. Did you know that … Temple Beth El offers textile recycling and will also take your old cell phones to donate to an organization that helps domestic violence victims. Temple member Ted Hessberg accepts donations of old computers, which he refurbishes and donates to low-income families at Sterling Elementary.

Recycling books at the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and Resource Center.

energy usage with occupancy sensors on restroom lights and solar powered lighting on the back steps near the tennis courts. What should our community do next? Install solar panels on Camp Mindy and solar lighting in parking lots? Use rain barrels to cap-

Filling a reusable water bottle saves energy and landfill space by avoiding use of plastic bottles.

You can ditch the disposable plastic water bottle, and refill your reusable water bottle outside the workout room at the LJCC. Paper, aluminum, plastic and glass can be recycled at locations across the main campus of Shalom Park. (Hint: Blue receptacles are for recyclables; black receptacles are for trash - even if they’re not labeled that way. And meeting rooms often have silver cans with the recycling symbol on them.) The Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and Resource center offers the opportunity to recycle books you no longer need, which are sold to raise money for the library or given to children attending the Shalom Park Freedom School during the summer. At Temple Israel’s January Yom Gemilut Chasadim (Acts of Loving Kindness) program, congregants learned about and made eco-friendly household cleaners. This year, Hebrew High students have been learning about Jewish environmental values and environmentalism in Israel in an elective course taught, appropriately, by Mr. Green. The class is working on plans for a program to teach other Hebrew High students about Eco-Judaism. The Charlotte Jewish Preschool’s PTO Green Team provided parents tips for reducing lunch time waste and the sponsored a Waste-Free Lunchbox Challenge on November 23. Trash and recycling were weighed and tabulated by classroom, and the class with the least waste received a green Popsicle party and a book on recycling for the classroom library. The Foundation of Shalom Park installed an energy efficient water heater for the old gym at the LJCC, which has reduced gas consumption by 60%. The Foundation has also taken steps to reduce

Recycling clothes, shoes, and more at Temple Beth El.

ture water for irrigation? Start composting food waste? Join Shalom Green and help plan the next steps toward a more sustainable Shalom Park. For more information, email environmental@ shalomcharlotte.org. Y

Recycling bins are available in various locations across Shalom Park.

Thank You Legacy Donors The following individuals/families are in the Book of Life Society and have granted us permission to share with you that Temple Beth El has been included as a beneﬁciary of their legacy gift. Anonymous* (6) Bette Andrews Gail and John Baron Sharri and Peter Benjamin Benjamin and Elizabeth Benson Adam Bernstein and Tamar Seigel Andrew and Elka Bernstein Bobbi and Don Bernstein Mark (OBM) and Louise (OBM) Bernstein Lee and Jeffrey Bierer Jill Blumenthal Gary and Susan Bogarad Marian (OBM) and Walter Brawer Sera and Marvin Callif Susan E. Cernyak-Spatz Regina Rosenberg and Bruce Bishop Cheen Judith and Richard Coates David Cohen Denise and Bob Cooper Andrea and George Cronson Marcy and Fred Dumas Barry and Mary Ellen Ezarsky Larry Farber and Sherri McGirt Henry (OBM) and Margaret (OBM) Federlin Dorlisa and Peter Flur Y’honatan E. Gimbel

Rick Glaser and Ellen Reich Nancy Glass Allen (OBM) Gordon Alan and Merle Gottheim Fay (OBM) and Dan (OBM) Green Karen Greenblatt Bill and Gloria Grifenhagen Deidre and William Clay Grubb Ted and M.E. Hessberg Vicki Hopkins Jonathan M Howard Donald L and Susan Sachs Jacobs David Jacobson Alyson Kalik Morton and Mary Kaplan Andrew and Susan Karp Barbara and Alan Katz Joan Kirshner Robert P. and Moira Quinn Klein Lorrie and Barry Klemons and Family Anita Strauss-LaRowe and Bruce LaRowe David A. Lash Jack (OBM) and Carole Lash Gladys (OBM) Lavitan Janet and David Lefkowitz Harry Lerner Ross C. Levin

Donna (OBM) and Norman Levin and Family Gary and Janie Levinson Holly and Hal Levinson Jack and Alison Levinson Sam and Linda Levy Laura and Marc Lewin Robert and Inta Lidz Andrew and Gwendolyn Lindner Marshall and Faylinda Lindner Don and Ellice Liss Ron and Frances Liss Annie and Harrison Lord Peggy McManus Elise Menaker Janie and Gene Meyers Staci and Darren Mond Elsa and Martin Multer Paula Siegal Musler Edwin and Jill Newman Larry and Carole Nicholson Michael and Judith Norman Harriet and Mark Perlin Lee and Diggie Pesakoff Milton and Gene Ruth Poler Larry and Dale Polsky Melissa and Steve Raphael Mitchell and Tonda Rifkin Estelle and Murray (OBM) Rosen

Neil (OBM) and Caren Sacks Neil and Carol Sandler Mike and Sara Schreibman Philip and Renee Schreibman Howard and Andrea Seidler Amy Jill Seitlin Allen Sherman and Suzy Savod Raenea Siegel Marc and Mattye Silverman Anne and Mike Sinsheimer Harry and Laurie Sparks Sophie (OBM) Spolender Emery and Jacqueline Szabo Beverly M. Tirsun Patty Torcellini Amy and Mark Vitner Janice and Ronald Wiener Sandra Gold Weinstein Susan and Robert Weiss Sandra and Robert H. Wolf Kim and Sue Worrel Michael and Nancy Yaffe Bob and Anne Yudell Herman and Barbara Ziegler Samuel and Emily Zimmern *Donors who wish to remain anonymous OBM - Of Blessed Memory

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The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 22

School The Best Day Ever at CJP… Children at CJP did not have to wait until midnight to celebrate the arrival of 2016 we celebrated with our favorite tradition … Noon Year’s Eve. We added a new component this year, a time capsule which we will be opened in January 2017. Each class made a treasure to add to the time capsule for example: when I get bigger, silly class photos, and New Year’s “regulations” (really resolutions.) Just before noon on December 31, we gathered all the children in the preschool atrium. The children wore their glittery hats and the classrooms projects were presented and added to the time capsule. Then the big moment arrived, the countdown to Noon Year’s Eve … ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, HAPPY NEW YEAR! The ball dropped and the confetti went fly-

ing. The celebration of 2016 continued with our traditional pizza lunch and then a nap. The children experienced the joy of starting 2016 just a little bit early, but who can stay up to midnight anyway? Y

The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 23

Prepare the Child for the Path, and Not the Path for the Child By Mariashi Groner, director, Charlotte Jewish Day School I always knew that I was a nononsense, old-fashioned mom, but the more I hang out with families and watch children grow up, I’m grateful that my parents role modeled this type of parenting for me. The messages our society and culture are sending parents sets our kids up for future difficulties and challenges that are so unnecessary and very possibly dangerous. A kindergarten teacher who worked at our school loved to say, (and I love to repeat it,) “Prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child.” The most popular and most often asked question I hear when speaking to prospective parents is, “How many boys (or girls) do you have in that grade? What colleges did their parents go to? What do they do for a living?” If I analyze the concern behind the question, I hear “Will my child find someone with whom he can connect? Will my child find that perfect friend? Will my child ever feel different and not belong? Will my child feel discomfort? Will my child have to see a model of living that is not compatible with ours?” So, it stands to reason that if we create the perfect classroom and school, just the right amount of boys and girls, just the right balance of behavioral energy, just the right balance of IQ scores and academic potential, just the right social mix, our children will achieve

and accomplish all we have dreamed for them. But, that is not life. Human nature does not necessarily rise to the occasion when everything is perfect. In fact, human nature tends to get very lazy when all systems are in place. We tend to wake up and try harder when we get push back. So, if you put a child in a class where there are not enough children of their gender, or their personality, or their intelligence and you tell them, I still expect you to reach high and to achieve your best, you are asking them to go outside their comfort zone and rely on themselves and no one else. Imagine if you are successful with this expectation, you have just raised a child ready for anything and everything life puts out in front of him/her. At CJDS, I have seen classes of ten boys and two girls, ten girls and two boys and other similar configurations. All of the graduates, the ones that were the minority and the ones that were the majority, are successful college students and college graduates. I’m sure they will remember days when they wish they had more choice of social opportunity. I’m sure they will remember days when they didn’t want to be partnered with the same kids over and over again. But, they learned to appreciate, to notice, and to observe qualities in their classmates, that most of us don’t take the time to do. They were forced to find all

of the angles of commonality and how they could complement each other. Can you imagine a workplace made up of people like that? The “smart” kids don’t get to learn in their academic bubble, although we offer differentiated instruction where students learn at their own pace and are not held back or pushed forward if they are not able or ready. There are many opportunities for the students to see the other ones shine in their area of expertise. In fact, Project Based Learning highlights so many different types of learners, that in a small group, each expert

is desperately needed. Can you imagine a world where one is not threatened by another one’s strengths, rather it is appreciated? The “cool” kids don’t get to isolate themselves in their own little cliques. Because, guess what? There aren’t enough of them. They need all of the kids in the class, and so they take a look and realized that all children have something to offer, sometimes, even something better than they have. Can you imagine a world made up of people like that? I found another quote by Betsy

Brown Braun that will become part of my new repertoire. “The surest way to make life difficult for your child is to make it too easy for him.” Y

Calling All B’nai Mitzvah Al A Alumni lluumni Temple Israel Reunion May 20-22, 2016 Did you celebrate your Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Temple Israel between 1930-2015?

Then we want to hear from you! Reconnect with your B’Nai Mitzvah Class.

Please forward your (or your our family family m member’s) ember s) contact information to: marketing@templeisraelnc.org @templeisraelnc.org so we can send you an invitation and nd weekend weekend updates. updates.

The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 24

Give Yourself the Gift of Learning Mindfulness By Dedee Goldsmith, director, Jewish Preschool on Sardis Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you’re mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience, according to Psychology Today. Mindfulness is the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-tomoment basis; also: such a state of awareness, according to MirriamWebster. Open. Attentive. Active. Nonjudgmental. Things many of us strive for. Why then, is it so hard to achieve? I know the answer, or at least have some of my own answers. Life is busy. Traffic is heavier than you anticipated in the morning. Or they ran out of the one ingredient you needed at the grocery store. How about that argument you just had with a friend, colleague, or relative where you get frustrated about not seeing eye to eye on a matter? And that snack your child just accidently dumped under her seat … just sends you to another place, other than just being present. Give the gift of yourself to

Summer with a Purpose – Shalom Park Freedom School Offers Unique Teen Volunteer Programs Before we know it, summer will be here and the kids will be out of school – which means they’ll have more time to enjoy simple pleasures, hang out with friends, attend summer camps, and perhaps get a part-time job.

Teen volunteers work directly with Freedom School scholars.

yourself. Give the gift of yourself to the ones nearest and dearest. Join me, my teachers, and my families at this year’s Joined in Education program on Mindfulness and Self Regulation. It is a gift that will keep on giving. The event will be February 10/11 at Providence Day and Levine JCC. Visit www.joinedineducation. org for tickets or contact me to talk about and practice being present and mindful at dedee@jpsonsardis.org or 704-364-8395.Y

plications for its Teen Board, which will serve the 2016 Summer Program at Shalom Park. Twenty-seven high school students (rising Last year’s teen volunteers. 10th-12th graders) will be But what about giving back to chosen from the Jewish commutheir community? Volunteering is nity as well as the larger commua great activity for teens over the nity to work with CMS K-5th summer, and it can benefit them graders to boost their literacy just as much as it benefits others. skills and enrich their cultural exShalom Park Freedom School of- periences during the summer fers teen volunteer programs for months. high school students (rising 10thTeen Board members will com12th graders) and younger teens mit to work as School Assistants (rising 7th-9th graders). for at least two successive weeks 2016 Teen Board between June 16 and July 27. Shalom Park Freedom School Hours will be Monday through is once again pleased to accept ap- Friday, from 8:15 AM-3:15 PM

(some days until 4:15 PM). Opportunities will include working in classrooms, accompanying interns and scholars on field trips, assist in planning activities for the classroom, securing and delivering supplies, and providing assistance in other areas as needed. A swim test and swimming with the scholars will be required. Additionally, the Teen Board will plan and coordinate a fundraising activity for the “Challah for Scholars,” a program that provides scholars with a challah each week during the summer session. Teen Board members will also commit to attend a training program in April (TBD) and an orientation (includes swim test and lunch) on June 15 (TBD). Application deadline is March 11. If you are interested in (Continued on next page)

Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 25

Youth Visions Hebrew Highlights The first session of 5776 has flown by. Our classes were filled with Jewish teens learning, questioning, and staying connected. Many classes focused on “Loving Being Jewish.” The students worked hard, in diverse media, to develop their own personal connection to Judaism and our community. Our goal at Hebrew High is always to make Judaism a joyous and positive part of our student’s lives. Leadership has extended to the entire student body. This year our large and active student council is ably led by Rob Sisson, advisor extraordinaire and Talia Weinstein, president. A dedicated group of teens meet monthly to plan special events, create ruach (spirit) and be our spokespeople to the community at large. Look for them at the community-wide Purim carnival on March 20. They will be running our booth and doing a special Tzedaka project. Despite a national trend away

from supplemental Jewish teen education, our school continues to attract a large number of teens. That is in large measure due to the support we get from our founding institutions (Temple Beth El and Temple Israel). We rely on the clergy from the temples to teach our students and help write curricula. Our strength also comes from the excellent teaching staff, whose innovation and patience make every hour at Hebrew High meaningful. Parents are a very important part of the Hebrew High community. Without parent support, we couldn’t have our social time each week. The snacks that you bring help fuel our teens’ interactions with their Jewish peers. Please remember to bring your snack on your assigned date. Thanks, too, for supporting your child’s Jewish education. You will reap the rewards for a lifetime. And now it is time to look forward to our next session. This

time, we will focus on our connection to Israel and Jewish people throughout the world. Through music, art, drama, and great conversations, we will build a bridge between our teens and their counterparts worldwide. Hebrew High participates in many community events. These include: * Purim Carnival * Our annual Purim party * Teen Shabbat * Charlotte Jewish Film Festival * Joint project with Shalom Green * JFS led elective * Stand With Us – Advocating for Israel * J Serve – Annual day of Jewish Teen Community Service * Teen Coalition * CMS partnership for our Hebrew for Credit class Together, parents, teachers, clergy and students make up the amazing experience that is Hebrew High. It is definitely the place to be on Wednesday nights!Y

Hebrew High students find creative ways of making a human menorah.

Freedom School Teen Volunteers (Continued from previous page)

applying to the Shalom Park Freedom School Teen Board, please contact Jennifer Newman (Jnewman8263@gmail.com) or Debbie Kurtz (Debbie.m.kurtz@ gmail. com) for an application. 2016 Young Teen Experience The Young Teen Experience is for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders who are looking for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah project or community service hours. This teen volunteer program introduces them to the Freedom School experience and offers age-appropriate volunteer activities, which provides the perfect way for them to explore their talents and skills. Young teens will be required to attend a volunteer training session in April or May (TBD). As a Bar/Bat Mitzvah project, teens must fulfill 13 volunteer hours; teens can volunteer an unlimited time for community service hours. Freedom School Policy requires that rising 7th-9th graders be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult at all

times. For a list of young teen volunteer activities or for more information, please contact Eileen Davis (fuervis@gmail.com) or Janna Stein (steinjanna@ gmail.com). The Shalom Park Freedom School (SPFS) is a collaboration of eight Shalom Park agencies working together to help close the academic achievement gap by providing a six-week literacy, character-building summer program. SPFS serves 80 economically disadvantaged children attending Sterling Elementary and Huntingtowne Farms Elementary schools, the two schools in faithbased partnerships with Temple Beth El and Temple Israel. SPFS’s mission is to educate and empower children to succeed in school and in life, and to build Jewish identity, pride, and community through meaningful social justice and action. SPFS is the first Jewish-sponsored Children’s Defense Freedom School in the country. Y

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Parent Profile Jessica Cohen Years at CJDS: 6 Husband: Ron Children: Joshua• 5th grade, Matthew • 4th grade, Ryan • 1st grade Temple Aﬃliation: Temple Israel

The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 26

Why Federation? THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE. The answer is really quite simple: We help people. We help every Jew, every day, in every way.

What is the Jewish Federation and what do we do? WE DELIVER INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO REAL PROBLEMS. With nearly 50 agencies in our network, we can harness expertise across a range of disciplines in order to feed, clothe, comfort and rescue people in need, as well as inspire, educate and connect people to their Jewish identity.

OUR TRACK RECORD IS UNPARALLELED. We’ve got a 75-year legacy of trust, investing in our community and raising and distributing funds with full transparency, accountability, and integrity.

WE’RE A ONE-STOP SHOP. With each gift, we address so many of the causes and issues that are important to our community. Federation is the only place where you can care for Jews at home and around the world, and focus on urgent needs of today while building for the future.

THROUGH FEDERATION YOU CAN DO GOOD EVERYWHERE. FROM ANYWHERE. Through Federation, at any hour of the day you can be virtually anywhere on the globe. Making a vital difference in Jewish lives at home, in Israel and in over 70 countries around the world. DONATE. VOLUNTEER. MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is to raise and distribute funds to support and enrich the lives of Jews locally, nationally, in Israel and worldwide. Through education and community building, the Federation’s mission ensures that Jewish values, goals, traditions and connections are preserved for current and future generations.

The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2016 - Page 27

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