12 dec 2015 web by The Charlotte Jewish News

An Affiliate of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte

Vol. 37, No. 11

Kislev-Tevet 5776

December 2015

“Do Good Everywhere” at Jewish Federation’s Main Event

Abigail Pogrebin

Nichols, reveal how being Jewish fits into their public and most private lives. At The Main Event, Abigail Pogrebin will share vivid, personal portraits of the celebrities she interviewed and will reveal how the experience of being Jewish is amplified by fame. And she will share how her own evolving Jewish identity changed by what she heard. During the evening, Ms. Pogrebin will also moderate a conversation about Jewish identity among distinguished members of the Charlotte Jewish community. Several members of the 2016 Main Event

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Author and journalist Abigail Pogrebin will the guest speaker for the Jewish Federation’s Main Event “Stars of David: Jewish Identity in the 21st Century” on Thursday, December 17 at 7:30 PM at Temple Israel. “This is the night when our community will come together for an event that will benefit our entire Jewish community,” said Larry Schwartz, 2016 Main Event Chair. Guest speaker Abigail Pogrebin has become a rare voice among American Jews, as a journalist and an explorer who shares with refreshing wit and candor her path to finding a meaningful Jewish life. A former producer for 60 Minutes and Charlie Rose, she is the author of Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish, in which sixty-one of the most accomplished Jews in America speak intimately-most for the first time-about how they feel about being Jewish, the influence of their heritage, the weight and pride of their history, the burdens and pleasures of observance, the moments they’ve felt most Jewish (or not). In unusually candid interviews with Abigail Pogrebin over the course of 18 months, celebrities ranging from Sarah Jessica Parker to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, from Larry King to Mike

Host Committee were asked, “If you had the opportunity to interview a celebrity about his/her Jewish identity, who would it be?” “Jon Stewart,” said Julie Sheffer. “On his show, he often referenced (and poked fun at) his Jewish background, so I would be curious to learn how his Jewish values influenced his political views.” Leon Golynsky would interview Larry David. “It would be interesting to learn how his Jewish background contributed to his comedic talent.” Jennifer Golynsky would like to interview Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. “ I’d like to know what it’s like to have

such an effect on national public policy and how it is to work in a male dominated environment.” Jodi and Stuart Cohen would pose the following question to any Jewish celebrity: “Generally being Jewish can be known to have negative implications … in your case, have you had any positive effects?” “Michael Bloomberg,” said Jen Schwartz, “so I could try to convince him to run for president.” “Music is meaningful to me and I like to associate artists with the connections their life experiences have had on the music they make,” said Debra Van Glish. “So, I would love to interview (Continued on page 3)

Advocacy and Social Justice Now Have a Place in Charlotte The Story of The Stan Greenspon Center for Peace and Social Justice at Queens University By Amy Krakovitz There is a parable used by social activists: A villager saw a stranger thrashing in the current of the nearby river. Without stopping to think, the villager jumped into the river and pulled the stranger to safety. Soon a schedule of lifeguards was established and every few days another villager would save another stranger and be hailed as a local hero. As more and more resources were devoted to rescues, finally someone stood up and said, “Maybe we should travel upstream and see why so many people are falling in the river.” So it is with Jews volunteering in the community. We can line the proverbial river with lifeguards, pulling out strangers who fall into the current of hard times. But we can also travel upstream, enlisting our synagogues to advocate for changes that will prevent these accidents. And so it is in solving problems through social justice. As Rabbi Judy Schindler says, “There’s a spectrum of problemsolving in social justice. From using your voice to call attention to something to ‘moving upstream’ and dealing directly with cause. … We hope The Stan Greenspon Center for Peace and Social Justice at Queens University will present opportunities to the people and organizations to solve these problems.”

such things to happen. Enter now, Talli Dippold, who, at the time, was Director of the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and Resource Center. The library had been fielding an enormous number of calls and requests from scholars and educators for Holocaust resources, a demand that the library at the time found difficult to fulfill. Because of her background as the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Dippold was passionate about anything Holocaust related. She had visited Eastern Europe and witnessed the devastating trail of death that included concentration camps, mass graves, and ghettoes. She was a member of the North Carolina State Council for the Holocaust, where she chaired the committee that created The Suitcase Project, a traveling exhibit that contains resources, artiMaureen O’Keefe and Stan Greenspon facts, stories, pictures, and years ago, when Stan Greenspon more. But what the callers were first heard about the Holocaust. looking for seemed like more. Sue Worrel, the Executive Di“Growing up in North Carolina,” he explains, “I never knew any- rector of the Jewish Federation of thing about it. I didn’t study it in Greater Charlotte, says, “These school; I didn’t know anyone who educators and students were seektalked about it. … When I finally ing more about Holocaust studies; heard about it, the sheer numbers they needed resources to shook me to the core. It was as- strengthen and develop their own tonishing. I have been captivated education and curricula.” Commissioning a Study by it ever since.” Worrel contacted Greenspon, This “captivation” has manifested itself in Greenspon as a de- who she knew aspired to make a sire to do something about the meaningful impact against hate way people think that could allow (Continued on page 17) The Stan Greenspon Center will open in July 2016 and the story of its creation is one of cooperation, understanding, professionalism, and serendipity. Without the collaboration of agencies and professionals on Shalom Park, as well as a fortuitous alignment of events, it might never have come to be. Passionate About the Holocaust The spark of the Center itself one might say began as long as 30

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The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 2

JEWISH FEDERATION NEWS Todah Rabah to Our Most Recent Donors Standing Room Only at the Jewish The Charlotte Jewish News thanks our most recent donors for their generosity in helping us fulfill our mission to continue publishFederation’s JCRC Fall Lecture ing the latest information about our community. Visit charlottejewishnews.org to see the most updated information.

Grand Patrons Alan & Lee Blumenthal Robert & Inta Lidz

Bob & Marsha Stickler Nancy Tarbis Bob & Anne Yudell

Patrons Jonathan & Tess Berger Susan Cernyak-Spatz Milt & Gene Ruth Poler

Subscribers Phyllis Berlin Joel & Lottie Goldman William J. & Judith Hooker Susan R. Klein Barry & Lorrie Klemons Liz & Jodi Miller Morrie & Phyllis Rosen Thelma Wand Kim & Sue Worrel Bennett A. Zipman

Friends Howard & Hanna Adler Sanford & Lois Benjamin Loren Gelber Sam & Linda Levy Rob & Kelly Markiewitz Michael & Robbie McGinley

More than 300 people from the Charlotte Jewish community gathered in Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts on Wednesday, November 4 for the JCRC Fall Lecture to hear renowned lecturer and author of My Promised LandThe Triumph and Tragedy of Israel Ari Shavit. Shavit discussed the two Jewish miracles the founding and creation of the state of Israel and the strong vibrant American Jewish community that thrives alongside Israel. Shavit commended the strong work of the American Jewish community, particularly Federations, across the country that are helping to ensure Jewish continuity. Despite these two wondrous miracles, Shavit acknowledged both miracles are currently being challenged. Shavit went on to state the internal challenges facing Is-

rael including deep divides in Israeli society as well as increasing social gaps and the current flawed political system. Shavit explained several external challenges currently facing Israel including Iran, its unfortunate geographical location and regional security issues in the midst of much Arab chaos, and of course the continuing perilous Palestinian situation. Shavit pointed out his concerns with recent decades of the eroding American Israeli alliance and found this most troubling. Shavit also focused on the challenges facing American Jews including the millennial generational gap and its disconcerting commitment and losing dedication to Israel. Shavit implored Charlotte’s Jewish community to find inventive methods to attract this younger generation, educating

them and instilling in them a love and support of Israel, by following the example of our Zionist elders who possessed a unique vision and enduring spirit. Shavit ended his lecture by stating that the future of both the United States and Israel is intertwined, and we cannot exist without each other. At the conclusion of the evening, Shavit led an informal discussion about bias against Israel in the media with students of Temple Beth El’s confirmation class. Thank you again to Gloria and Henry Lerner for their generous sponsorship of this year’s JCRC Fall Lecture. For more information on JCRC or how to get involved, please contact Tal Stein, Director of Community Relations and Israel Affairs at tal.stein@ jewishcharlotte.org.Y

SHABBAT AND HOLIDAY CANDLE LIGHTING FOR DECEMBER 2015 Friday, December 4, 4:53 PM Sunday, December 6, first Chanukah candle Friday, December 11, 4:53 PM (light Chanukah candles before 4:53) Saturday, December 12, light Chanukah candles after 5:53 PM Friday, December 18, 4:56 PM Friday, December 25, 4:59 PM

Harry Lerner, Ari Shavit, Gloria Lerner. The Temple Beth El confirmation class attended the event. At left: the crowd enjoys the speech by Ari Shavit. At right: Dana Kapustin, Alison Lerner, Ari Shavit, Stacy Gorelick.

The Charlotte Jewish News 5007 Providence Road, Suite 112 Charlotte, NC 28226 Phone (voice mail after office hours)

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:

CONTENTS

Levine-Sklut Judaic Library ......pp. 15, 16

Federation News ...............................pp. 1-3

Community News ...................pp. 18, 22-24

Schools...............................................pp. 4-6

Jewish Community Center .........pp. 20, 21

Youth Visions..............................pp. 6, 8, 10

Mazel Tov..............................................p. 25

Synagogues/Congregations..........pp. 10-13

Chanukah.................................pp. 26, 29, 30

Jewish Family Services................pp. 14, 15

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

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The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 3

Start a New Hanukkah Tradition with PJ Library

5th Night Project From November 30 through December 10, PJ Library will join the Preschool on Sardis and the Charlotte Jewish Day School in hosting the Fifth Night Project to provide Hanukkah gifts for needy kids. The project emphasizes the fifth night of Hanukkah in an effort to teach children the Jewish value of tzedakah (giving with

just intention) by forgoing their own gift on that night to provide one for a child in need. Parents are encouraged to shop with their child to pick out a meaningful gift for a child of similar age. Collection bins will be placed at the schools from November 30 through December 10 for parents and kids to donate gifts. Classroom and take-home activities will be provided to help make the Fifth Night Project and holiday meaningful for preschoolers and their families. The gifts will be donated during the holidays to less fortunate families attending Huntingtowne Farms Elementary

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Experience and Commitment! School and Sterling Elementary and School. Suggested gifts are games, books and school and art supplies. Gifts should not be wrapped. For more information please contact Tair Giudice, Director of Outreach & Engagement at Tair.Giudice@jewishcharlotte.org or 704-944-6759.Y

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Introducing the Newest Chapter of PJ Library for Kids Ages 9-11 The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation is proud to bring PJ Our

Way to our Charlotte community. PJ Our Way offers the gift of exceptional books with Jewish themes to kids ages 9-11 – books that they choose themselves. Every month, from the 1st–10th, kids visit the PJ Our Way website to choose a book from a selection of four high-quality titles that have been reviewed by a panel of PJ educators, parents, and kids. That’s 12 free books a year. To make the choice easier, every title

offered comes with a synopsis and author bios, ratings and reviews, and video trailers. Kids can also take polls and quizzes, participate in monthly interviews and challenges, and comment on blog posts. To learn more about PJ Our Way visit www.pjourway.org or contact Tair Giudice, Director of Outreach & Engagement at Tair.Giudice@jewishcharlotte.org or 704-944-6759.Y

The Main Event with Abigail Pogrebin (Continued from page 1)

Adam Levine to see if he has a connection to Judaism, and if so, how has it impacted his career in music and film.” Tickets for the Main Event are $36 per person and can be purchased online: www.jewishcharlotte.org; or by phone: 704 -944-6757. For more information about The Main Event, please contact the Federation office, Larry Schwartz or a member of our dynamic Main Event Host Committee: Judy and Stan August, Jill and Craig Balick, Meredith and Michael Baumstein, Arlene and Milton Berkman, Nancy and Sam Bernstein, Lee and Jeff Bierer, David Cohen, Jodi and Stuart Cohen, Andrea and George Cronson, Roni and Glenn Fishkin, Jennifer and Leon Golynsky, Bari and Jeff Gorelick, Jill and Andrew Halverstam, Sharyn and Neil Handelsman, Nancy and Bob Kipnis, Sara and Jon Kulbersh, Susan and Eric Lerner, Louis Sinkoe and Kevin Levine, Annie and Harrison Lord, Risa and David Miller, Jill and Ed Newman, Marcelle and Allan Oxman, Wendy and Lee Pake, Wendy and Adam Petricoff, Chantal and Ilya Rubin, Susan and Bernie Sandler, Mattye and Marc Silverman, Stacey and Ira Slomka, Jamie and Jason Tanenbaum, Karen and Jeff

Turk, Debra and David Van Glish, Amy and Mark Vitner, Kelly and Doug Wilson, Bonnie and Gary Wilson, Liz and Brad Winer, Brian and Martha Yesowitch, and Angie and Bill Zimmern. At the Main Event, you will have the opportunity to make your pledge to the 2016 Annual Campaign “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. Through Federation, you can touch more Jewish lives than any other organization on the planet. Wherever there is a Jewish community, Federation is at work. And so are you. Please visit our website www.jewishcharlotte.org to learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. 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, planning and community building, the Federation’s mission ensures that Jewish values, goals, traditions and connections are preserved for current and future generations. Y

704-604-4756 andrew.rosen@allentate.com

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 4

School Charlotte Jewish Day School Hosts RAVSAK Small School Get Together Charlotte Jewish Day School was honored to host a regional Jewish Day School meeting sponsored by RAVSAK, the national network for Jewish Community

Day Schools. Twenty three heads of school visited Charlotte from Memphis, New Orleans, Greensboro, Durham, Charleston, and Birm-

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ingham to spend 24 hours together to network, discuss, and brainstorm how to better our practice and improve our schools. What was so special about this gathering is that our schools have so much in common. We’re all small (close to 100 students), and in small southern Jewish communities. It was refreshing to share similar challenges, to hear new ideas and to confirm successes. Marc Kramer, executive director from RAVSAK, was our facilitator and shared experience and data from the field to help guide the discussion. Much thanks to Kosher Charlotte for the delicious meals and to RAVSAK for sponsoring much of the expense of the conference.Y

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Creating Traditions of Giving at Chanukah By Dedee Goldsmith, director, Jewish Preschool on Sardis Chanukah is just around the corner. A time of togetherness. A time of gift giving. I know each year I get asked by many parents what are good gifts to give. Any child can point to the items they see in stores, on TV, in magazines. How about considering some alternatives to the traditional gifts, like toys, this year? There is no greater gift than the gift of time, for you or for your children. These years go by so quickly so this

year, consider a gift of cherishing those moments when your babies are right there, eager to be with you. Consider taking a day trip to a place you’ve not explored yet. The mountains, the beach, a small town. Look up places together that you would like to visit there; a museum, a restaurant, a hiking trail, a quaint shop, there are so many things to explore in new areas. Consider the time of an experience together. How about that new movie coming out or theater performance that is perfect for your child’s age group. It creates memories for years to come and conversations for days following. Consider sharing a membership. To the children’s museum, art museum, nature center or anyplace you can keep enjoying the gift of time all year long. Consider a gift of giving. Collect old things that are in good shape to donate to those in need. Or pool some tzedakah you find under the bed, in the cushions of the couch, from the piggy bank that is collecting dust and choose a place that is meaningful to your family for a donation. Consider family reading time. This is a childhood memory for me and one I continue to do with my own family. The last night of Chanukah was book night. We had a family book, one we could read together or independently but we carved out reading time together. Aloud or silent, reading time together is not only a gift of (Continued on page 6)

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 5

Ole, Ole! It’s a Fiesta! By Carol Klein, Pre-K Lead Teacher At CJP, the Pre-K curriculum in part focuses on learning about the culture and geography of countries around our world. Each year, our Pre-K children use their wonderful imaginations as we board our airplane and travel to other lands. We learn where the countries are located on our world map and find the best route to travel there. When we arrive in each country, the children get their PreK Passport stamped. Our first destination this school year was Mexico. The children worked on crafts, costumes, and songs in preparation for our class Fiesta. They cut and painted their sombreros and ponchos and counted out 10 beans, in Spanish, to fill their maracas. Our Pre-K children worked on a decorative Mexican craft known as a Papel Picado. They each cut designs out of colorful folded pieces of tissue paper. When they were all completed, we strung them together to make a banner which was hung at our Fiesta. The children also learned about, and created beautiful Mexican Amate Paintings, (a Mexican folk art where artisans paint colorful scenes from nature on tree bark). The children were very excited about helping to make our two pinatas for the Fiesta. Each child had a chance to work with the paper mache to cover the balloons. When they were dry and hardened, the children cut colorful crepe paper streamers to decorate the pinatas. Many thanks to all of our Pre-K parents, who contributed the goodies to fill our pinatas. Our CJP music teachers, Ms. Patty and Ms. Nancy helped our children prepare several songs to sing at our Fiesta, including singing the days of the week in Spanish. Finally, our Fiesta day arrived. That morning, the children prepared a tasty layered dip for our tortilla chips, while several of our Pre-K Parents helped to cook quesadillas and set up the food for our Fiesta. The children wore their colorful ponchos and sombreros and shook their maracas as they danced into the room. They were so happy to join the parents and grandparents who were waiting to enjoy our Fiesta with us. The children did a great job of performing the Mexican songs for their guests, who then joined them in dancing the Mexican Hat Dance. We then all enjoyed the yummy Mexican snack. The highlight for most of our children was getting a chance to swing our pinata stick and break open the two pinatas. It was a very exciting day for all of our Pre-K children and their guests. We are all now looking forward to our next destination … England, where we will be having tea with the Queen.Y

The Pre-K kids at CJP had a fiesta in “Mexico” with eating, dancing, and more.

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 6

JIE –From Surviving to Thriving with Mindfulness The positive effects of Mindfulness on the family, on kids, and in the schools will be front and center February 10 and 11, 2016 as JIE 2016 will launch a two-day symposium on Mindfulness and Self-Regulation. According to Dr. Kristen Race, the keynote speaker of the event, “While we can’t eliminate all stress, there are many things we can do to become more resilient to the stress in our lives. It doesn’t require money,

Jewish Preschool on Sardis (Continued from page 4)

leaving the city or quitting your job. In fact, it is more about simplifying your life rather than employing a whole new slew of strategies.” Dr. Race has delivered a series of TedTalks on mindfulness in families and changing the family dynamics from Surviving to Thriving. She is the author of Mindful Parenting. The keynote address featuring Kristen Race will be held at Providence Day School on February

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10 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $36 through the Early Bird Pricing. She will deliver an in-depth parenting workshop on February 11, which will be followed by a session for parents entitled “What Does Mindfulness Look Like?” by Dr. Dael Waxman. Teachers and professionals will have a full day workshop by Brad Chapin on self-regulation in the classroom. For kids in 5th grade and up, a special session will be available from 5-6:30 PM teaching mindful skills that they can begin to use immediately. For more information and to purchase tickets www.joinedineducation.org.Y

time but also a gift to your child’s development. Consider cooking together. With Chanukah (or any Jewish holiday, really) being a holiday involving lots of food, your child is the perfect match for a chef assistant. Making sufganiyot? Have them sprinkle the powdered sugar or form the dough balls. Making latkes? Engage children in washing the potatoes or cracking the eggs. A favorite at our house is cookie making and decorating. From making the dough, to stamping out with cookie cutters to decorating the dreidels, memories will abound from a family cooking experience. Don’t forget to document your experiences together. With smart phones, we have photos at our fingertips but journaling with children is also a fun way to relive moments as well. A former parent from my last school now has college students and she recently wrote me about her daughter’s journaling they used to do each night when she was in preschool and early elementary school. They still laugh about the silly parts of her day they recalled and affectionately appreciate having those memories documented. More than anything, I wish each

Lighting Chanukah candles.

of you a wonderful, enlightening Chanukah this year. I hope you start or continue your family tradition of the gift of time. Chag Sameach. Y

Youth Visions Everyone Deserves a Birthday We all remember our childhood birthday parties. The big birthday cake, blowing out the candles, and of course the nice pile of presents. However, for children with special needs, birthday parties can be few and far between. There’s few things worse than having a birthday party without any guests. Just as hard is not getting invited to participate in other’s parties. At the start of the school year, Friendship Circle launched its monthly Birthday Circle program to provide a birthday experience for children and teens with special needs. Together as friends, we celebrate the birthdays of our teen friends and special friends in a warm and inclusive environment. Celebrating birthdays is what Friendship Circle is all about. What better way to say, “You are important” than by celebrating the day you were born. We start by giving tzedakah to start off the year with a Mitzvah and then it’s on to birthday wishes as we share our best hopes for our “Birthday Friends.” There’s cake and ice cream and candles to blow out, birthday cards signed by all our friends and a special birthday gift too. “Pin the Friendship in the Circle,” musical chairs, and the ever popular Piñata. Sure it’s all fun and games but there are important birthday skills hidden there too: taking turns, good sportsmanship, and the

Anna, Michael, and Gabby blowing out the candles

art of winning and losing gracefully. After all, the best learned skills are the ones you learn while having fun. Y Friendship Circle pairs teen friends with children and teens who have special needs for a range of social and educational opportunities including its flagship Playing “Pin The Friendship In The Circle” home visitation program called Friends@Home. To learn more about Friendship 366-5983. Friendship Circle is a Circle, please visit www.Friend- beneficiary of the Jewish FederashipCircleNC.org or call 704- tion of Greater Charlotte.

The Birthday Friends

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 7

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 8

Hebrew Highlights At Hebrew High, Israel is an essential part of the curriculum. Whether our students are learning to speak Hebrew, discover their Jewish identity through their relationship with the Jewish homeland, or experience Israeli culture through art and music, Israel is an

important focus of our time together. This session, the students will have the opportunity to choose electives that highlight the many facets of Israel’s land and people. Here are a few of the great classes available to them:

* Israel is Really Delish – a cooking class that awakens the mind and taste buds to Israel’s diverse culinary heritage. * Israel, True or False – There is a plethora of misinformation out there about Israel. This class will help students sift through the biased reporting, the exaggerations, and the hype to discover their own truths about the Jewish state. Students will be encouraged to use their mobile devices in this interactive class. * Israel on the Cloud – Modern Israel is a hip, media savvy place. In this new class, students will explore the films, TV shows, music and mobile apps that Israeli teens are viewing, using and creating. Get to know Israel, the way Israelis do. * The Faces of Israel – No other country has so successfully absorbed refuges from all over the world as Israel. How do all of these diverse people live together in such a relatively small space? What are their differences, what are their similarities? Join this varied and interactive class and discover the sounds, sights and tastes of Israel. At Hebrew High, our students are given freedom to express their thoughts about Judaism, prayer, Israel, and much more. If you have an 8th-12th grader who has-

n’t enrolled for the 2015-2016 school year, please contact Roz Cooper at 704-944-6782 to find out more about our dynamic program. It’s never too late to join the fun and learning that is Hebrew High.Y

Landon, Hallie, and Jenna have the spirit.

A map of Israel made out of ice cream.

BBYO Celebrates “A Shabbat to Remember” Every year, BBYO communities come together the first weekend in November to celebrate Global Shabbat. Global Shabbat allows BBYO teens to embrace the joy and tradition of Shabbat under one united theme. Chapters from around the world participate.

From left to right, Ari Feldman, Nathan Berzack, Suly Chenkin, Claudia Cohen, Deanna Rohrer.

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This year, the Global Shabbat theme was “A Shabbat to Remember.” During this Shabbat, BBYO teens remembered the history, past, struggles and faith of the Jewish people and celebrated the journey, peoplehood, pride, and heritage of the Jewish people. Holocaust survivors from around the world were invited to Global Shabbat programs to share their stories of struggle, hardship, and inspiration. Over 75 Charlotte BBYO parents and teens came together to

celebrate Shabbat and hear the inspiring story of survival as told by Suly Chenkin. Services were led by our chapter Shlichim: Deanna Rhorer, Ari Feldman, Claudia Cohen, and Nathan Berzack. Suly shared her story and a special ceremony was held to induct Suly into BBYO. An Oneg Shabbat followed services. Charlotte BBYO would like to thank Suly Chenkin for her inspiring words and making everyone feel hopeful for the future of the Jewish people. Y

Have a Happy Chanukah. And share what it means to you. #ChanukahPublix

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 10

Charlotte Jewish Teen Coalition â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heartsâ&#x20AC;? Israel The Charlotte Jewish Teen Coalition (BBYO, Consolidated Hebrew High, JCC, NFTY, and Gesher) held an â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Heart Israelâ&#x20AC;? event on Tuesday, October 20. Over 75 teens attended and they participated in two awesome activities. Instructors from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fit to Fightâ&#x20AC;? taught a Krav Maga class. The teens learned some basic

moves. Two local Charlotte Chefs, Shai Fargian and Alyssa Gorelick, presented a cooking demonstration. They made falafel, tahini, and Israeli salad that was fantastic. The teens loved the cooking class and especially enjoyed eating the delicious Israeli dishes. Our next Teen Coalition event â&#x20AC;&#x153;Club Tel Avivâ&#x20AC;? will be held Sat-

urday evening, December 6 from 8-10 PM at the Levine JCC. We will be having a Silent Disco. Details will be out soon. These outstanding Israel teen programs are made possible through an Impact and Innovation Grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. Y

Chef Shai Fargian, Adina Peck, Abby Meyer, Julianna Kantor, and Chef Alyssa Gorelick.

Sam Cohen and Matthew Rabinowitz practice Krav Maga.

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A brand new Mikvah for Women will be opened this month in Charlotte. The project which took two years of planning and construction has finally been completed. The new beautiful Mikvah is located on the Chabad Campus on Sardis Road in its own building with private access. The beautifully crafted Mikvah is designed to give users a spa like feeling with an intimate touch of luxury. Although the Mikvah has a look of modernity, it offers our community a place for holiness and purity. The new Mikvah is equipped with a sophisticated filtration system and its dĂŠcor is inviting and yet allows for a true spiritual experience. We are fortunate and grateful that several foundations and anonymous donors have contributed the bulk of the funds for the new Mikvah. Yet, in order to enhance the experience of women using the Mikvah, there will be a number of additional luxuries that are being added to the building, to complete the spa-like Mikvah experience. These additions include a sound system for soft music, towel warmers, and a beautiful art rendering of Jerusalem that will adorn the Mikvah wall. This is in addition to all the new modern furnishings for the Mikvah. A new Mikvah party will be held on Tuesday December 15, at the new Mikvah where women will be able to help sponsor the many amenities that the new Mikvah will offer. There are a range of items at all price points that will make this an exciting community effort. One cannot emphasize enough the importance of a Mikvah in a community. According to Jewish tradition, building a Mikvah takes precedence even over the building

The new Mikvah for Women.

of a synagogue. The event will be a Mikvah shower, just like a bridal or baby shower, but this one is for the new Mikvah. All the items will be pre-purchased, but each item will be available for a donor or donors to sponsor. There will be a page online at chabadnc.org where the donors can view the cost to sponsor each item. This will give the women of our community the opportunity not only to sponsor the items, but to gain an inside look at the Mikvah and be personally involved in the mitzvah of Mikvah. The event will take place for women only (no children please), on the evening of Tuesday, December 15, at 6619 Sardis Road. For exact details and to sponsor a gift for the Mikvah, please visit chabadnc.org or call 704-366-3984 for more information.Y

Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 11

Chanukah Party and Game Night Slated Havurat Tikvah will host its annual Chanukah party on December 13, 5 PM, at Avondale Presbyterian Church, MacLean Fellowship Hall, 2821 Park Rd. A catered latke, soup, and salad dinner will be served to members. Afterward, participants who bring their menorahs will be able to light them, creating a bright and festive assemblage. Following the lighting, enjoy an evening of games, including the annual, humorous Chanukah Quiz that tests participant’s knowledge of the festival. For those who wish to attend outside of the congregation, email info@havurattikvah to learn more about cost. In other news, Havurat Tikvah welcomed a new adult member to its congregational family on October 10 when Annie Le Baron became a Bat Mitzvah. Her parents, Philippe and Carol Wiatrak Le Baron, held the festive event at the Mint Museum Uptown. After services, guests were treated to a dinner/dance. Mazel tov to Annie on this momentous occasion. On October 24, a mono-printmaking exhibit was held at Hart Witzen Gallery where a piece created by Havurat Tikvah members was put on display. The work was the end product of a workshop led by member Deborah Winegar earlier in the year. The creation will be shared with the membership at the Tu biShevat Seder on January 24, 2016. More information will be made available in the next Charlotte Jewish News article.

Last year’s Chanukah celebration.

Havurat Tikvah also held an inspiring one-day Shabbaton on November 14, led by Student Rabbi/Musician Danny Moss. He led services and discussed the weekly parshat and led an interactive study session with musical interpretations. That evening an adult eduction program took place where participants were able to engage with the Psalms and its poetry. Student Rabbi Moss shared classic and modern melodies used in worship, lifecycle ritual, popular music, and more. Attendees were able to capture the imagery and sophistication of the Hebrew poetry while experiencing its affect through musical settings. 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

Free Chanukah Party at Temple Kol Ami It has been an amazing 2015 for Temple Kol Ami of Fort Mill, SC. Our congregation has continued to grow and strengthen through the determination and dedication of individuals and families who are committed to the rebirth of Judaism in the York County area. Over the past year, Temple Kol Ami celebrated a bar mitzvah and a bris, observed the High Holy Days, had a wonderful Passover Seder and Purim Carnival/Play, in addition to hosting Rabbi Bruce Aft for a weekend Shabbaton of prayer and learning. Our Religious School has grown to 37 students who love Jewish learning and are solidifying their Jewish identities. We have contributed to our local community with social action projects such as canned food drives and raising money for cancer research. Most importantly, Temple Kol Ami marked our five-year anniversary with a fantastic picnic celebration that demonstrated just how far we

have come in so short a time. As we come to the end of 2015, we will celebrate one last time with our Chanukah Extravaganza on December 12 from 4-6 PM at Temple Kol Ami, 303 Tom Hall Street, Fort Mill, SC. The whole community is invited to join us for kids’ crafts, an artist’s expo, photo booth, face painting, latkes, games and more- all for free, our Chanukah gift to you. After the games and activities, there will be a lovely brisket dinner and menorah lighting from 6-7 PM. Dinner is free for Temple members, $10/person for non-members. Please RSVP to yorksynagogue@gmail.com by December 9 so we can have plenty of everything for everyone. This is sure to be the best Chanukah party of the year, so grab your kids (and grandkids) and get ready to Dreidel on Until the Gelt’s All Gone. Temple Kol Ami is a warm and welcoming congregation com-

prised of Jews from various religious backgrounds. We generally hold Friday night Shabbat services on the first and third Friday of every month, but in January 2016 services will be the second and fourth Fridays. We are so very excited to welcome back Rabbi Bruce Aft from the Institute of Southern Jewish Life the weekend of January 22 for another wonderful Shabbaton. Look for details in the January Charlotte Jewish News. For more information, check out our website at www.templekolamisc.org or follow us on Facebook (search Temple Kol Ami). We wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year.Y

Support Israeli Musicians! Hank & Cupcakes return to Snug Harbor on January 1 1228 Gordon St., near Central Ave. $5, doors open at 9 PM, show at 10 PM Rock with guitars; pop without synthesizers, all via Tel Aviv Go to snugharbor.tunestub.com for details

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 12

BBQ for your next event? Absolutely yes! w B’nai Mitzvah

w Beef, Lamb, Poultry

w Holidays & Parties

w Exotic Game & Seafood

w Kosher & non-Kosher

w Vegetarian

We Teach BBQ and Outdoor Cooking Classes Call Charlotte’s Jewish grilling expert for details

Robert “Ernie” Adler, Smokemaster

704-577-1777 ernie@erniesbbq.com “If it was living or growing I’ll grill it”

Beth El Shares the Light of Chanukah with Charlotte On the darkest nights of the calendar year, Temple Beth El is readying to brighten Shalom Park and Charlotte with an array of Chanukah events for those of every age and stage. Fill your festival with light, with warmth, with food, with friends and family, and with fun. December 5, 4–7 PM, Southern Fried Chanukah Sponsored by The Porch – open to everyone Celebrate the miracle of the oil with some very Southern and very fried chicken. Bring your friends, have them bring their friends, and, if you’ve got kids, bring them, too. On the menu: fried chicken, latkes, salad, mac ‘n’ cheese, and vegetables. Please bring a nut-free dessert or snacks to share; BYO beer or wine is welcome. Havdalah at 6:30. $5/person, $18/family, kids 2 and under are always free. Visit www.templebethel.org to register.

December 11, 6 PM, Shabbat Community Dinner 7PM, Chanukah Family Service and a Night of a Thousand Lights The Talmud teaches that a light for one is a light for one hundred. One can only imagine the power that is created by the lights that fill the Beth El sanctuary on the Shabbat of Chanukah. Bring your menorah, seven candles, and matches to our Chanukah Family Service and fill our worship with light, spirit and song. Visit www.templebethel.org to register. December 12, 11 AM, Congregational Shabbat with a Chanukah Flavor Be inspired by the Teen Band, Teen Vocal Ensemble, and congregational participation in leading the service as we hear some of the melodies of Chanukah woven into the service.

December 12, 7 PM, Jewish Community Night – Chanukah, Hoops, and Hornets Join the broader Shalom Park and Jewish community for an incredible night of Chanukah as we cheer on the Charlotte Hornets as they take on the Boston Celtics. Tickets start at $26. To RSVP email bbell@hornets.com. December 13, 5 PM, Chanukah Community Concert … Sing and Dance with Shira Klein Join the Charlotte Jewish community as we celebrate the eighth night of Chanukah with outrageously hip Jewish rock at the McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, tickets $5, order at carolinatix.org. Free parking available at 219 East Seventh Street. December 24, 5:15-9 PM, Chinese Dinner and a Movie … for everyone Join us for our annual Chinese Food and Movies. There will be a movie for adults and one for the kids. Visit www.templebethel.org to register. Sharing our light with the community around us… The Giving Tree The Giving Tree at Temple Beth El has been a tradition for over 15 years. Through this mitzvah we provide presents for families in need at Sterling Elementary and Jewish Family Services. Last year we were able to donate 350 gifts. The tree will go up in the TBE lobby on Friday, November 13 and in the Religious school on Sunday, November 15. Unwrapped gifts will be due back to temple by December 6. If you are interested in helping sort gifts or in being a “last minute shopper” during the week of December 7, please contact Amanda Zaidman at amandazaidman@hotmail.com. Project Snowflake You can be an “angel” for those who need a well-deserved night off during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Volunteers are needed to relieve staff members in men’s and women’s shelters, hospitals, and social service centers. Contract Temple Beth El at 704-366-1948 for more information. Y

Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 13

Twenty Beth El members travelled to the Reform Movement’s Biennial gathering in Orlando, Florida. They joined 5,000 other members of the Reform movement as they enjoyed the spirituality, songs, and wealth of wisdom shared by musicians, authors, politicians and religious leaders across the globe. Each of Beth El’s clergy was there not only as delegates but they had a role as panelists, as presenters and as worship leaders. Shirley Fytelson already has the 2017 Biennial in Boston on her calendar. We invite you to save the date as well. Next URJ Biennial is December 2-6, 2017.

Temple Beth El’s Shirley Fytelson (age 96) was celebrated as the oldest participant in the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Biennial. Her photograph with the youngest member of the Biennial was shared on the URJ’s social media.

Over 150 Build Menorahs at the Home Depot Over 150 children and adults joined us to prepare for Chanukah. Each participant built and decorated their own menorah from start to finish. The program ended with a presentation from Rabbi Levin on how to make your own fresh olive oil for the menorah. Y Ethan and Benjamin Miller are ready to get started

Adam and Avi Stone show off the finished product

Menorah Lighting at StoneCrest Tuesday, December 8, 5:30 PM at the Fountains Plaza Kids entertainment, crafts, donuts, latkes, and more.

New — Menorah Lighting in downtown Waxhaw Join us as we light the first giant menorah in downtown Waxhaw Wednesday, December 9, 5:30 PM Check our website for details www.JewishBallantyne.com

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 14

Jewish Family Services Hunger Seder to Shine Light on Hunger in Our Community “Let all who are hungry come and eat” - Mark your calendars for the first ever Charlotte Commu-

nity Hunger Seder April 17, 2016. This community-wide event will shine the light on hunger in

our community, especially the increased number of senior adults who are facing this stark reality.

Does someone important in your life: w Appear to listen but not hear? w Have difficulty understanding with background noise? w Have difficulty following conversations in a group? w Speak louder than necessary? w Experience an annoying ringing in the ears?

This interfaith Seder will present an important call to action for the Charlotte Jewish community to join JFS in our efforts to help Jewish senior adults facing hunger. Thank you Family to Family Donors Your gift to the annual Family to Family campaign makes a local, personal and enduring impact by improving the lives of people facing financial instability, emotional and mental health issues and the numerous other challenges that each of us encounters throughout our lives. Through September 2015, your gifts have resulted in the following services to our community:

If you answered “Yes,” WE CAN HELP! Offering hearing evaluations for children and adults, hearing aid sales and service, auditory processing disorder evaluation and treatment.

Dr. Melissa Karp, Au.D, FAAA Board certified audiologist

1040 Edgewater Corporate Parkway, Indian Land, SC 29707

803-323-8909

(5 minutes from Ballantyne)

www.hearlistenlearn.com

Counseling Center at JFS - 149 clients helped - 48 new clients - 1369 session hours held - $42,400 fees in therapy waivers/subsidies granted

Senior Outreach from JFS - 1,669 contacts with 113 seniors in their home or community - 16 senior facilities visited regularly, including every facility in Mecklenburg and Union Counties with Jewish residents - 78 Shabbat Services in senior communities

My Solutions Case Management - 108 session hours held - 45 clients served - 12 new clients - 264 referrals to additional resources - 45 scholarships and dues abatement applications assessed - $760 in food cards distributed - $19,317 in emergency assistance provided JFS Food Pantry - 112 individuals served - 638 meals distributed - Community collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Loaves and Fishes and Panera Bread - Food drives conducted by all Charlotte Jewish Schools and Youth Organizations, LJCC, Temple Beth El, Temple Israel

(Continued on next page)

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Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 15

Donations to Jewish Family Services in September 2015 Jewish Family Services received the following donations for Tribute Cards in September 2015. Thank you for allowing JFS to honor your friends and loved ones. IN HONOR OF Your recent retirement to Michael Borchardt from Myron and Lynn Slutsky Dr. Robert Kipnis, a fine doctor and a true mensch, from Leonard and Karen Fox

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Richard Sarner from Myron and Lynn Slutsky MAZEL TOV ON The Bar Mitzvah of Sam Schulman from Fredric and Susana Hoffman, Seth Koch, Amy Koppelman, Arthur and Julie Lavitt, The Lockwood family, Shelly Weil Ruthie’s engagement to Abraham and Amalia Warshenbrot from Alan and Ruth Goldberg

IN MEMORY OF Your loving husband Marc to Ruth Ben-Joseph from Dasa Crowell, Alan and Ruth Goldberg, Joe and Susan Young, Helen Lipman and Julia Westendorf, Patricia Maloomian Your husband Stan to Anita Grey from Abraham and Bette Bober, Joel and Anita Cohen, Myron and Lynn Slutsky Your uncle Leonard Slesinger to Steve Hockfield from Gary and Maxine Silverstein

Your father to Sharon Katz from Mark and Harriet Perlin Your mother Sonia Oxman to Allan Oxman from Mike and Marilyn Tuckman, Monty Bennett, Joel and Paulette Cohen WISHING A FULL AND SPEEDY RECOVERY TO Ed Newman from Michael and Judie Van Glish Y

Jewish Family Services in Our Community (Continued from previous page)

Community Support Programs - 1,631 hours served by volunteers JFS staff participates on community committees related to Aging, Seniors, Children and Adolescents, Mental Health, Hunger, Housing, Financial Assistance, and Fundraising If you have made a pledge to our annual Family to Family campaign, please remember that checks sent by mail must be postmarked by December 31, and credit card payments must be made by December 31 in order to be included in 2015 statements. A summary of 2015 tax-deductible donations will be mailed by January 31, 2016. You may pay your pledge online, or check the status of your pledge/payment at www.jfscharlotte.org. For your convenience, credit card payments can also be made over the

phone by contacting our office at 704-364-6594. JFS Volunteers Thank you to the following people who contributed their time to Jewish Family Services in September. Volunteers: Rick Abrams, Ben and Susan Aizenman, Linda Babich, Marcia Borden, Dan Coblenz, Jennifer Collman, Andrea Cronson, Mel and Caren Frank, Robert Friedman, Gail Halverson, Becca Horner, Tara Hubara, Karen Knoble, Matt Luftglass, Helene Moll, Frada Mozenter, Margaret Musa, Barbara Rein, Bill Schwartz, Harry Sparks, Jeff & Stacy Strauch, Amalia Warshenbrot, Mike Weinberg Hadassah Cooks: Barbara Abrams, Phyllis Berlin, Bonnie Berman, Ellen Bottner, Sharon Cavanaugh, Gladys Cherny,

Aleen Epstein, Mary Gordan, Gail Green, June Hirschmann, Sandy Hoagland, Fran Kaplan, Judy Kaufmann, Penny Krieger, Shelley Leibman, Lois Mazer, Andrea McCleary, Judy Morganstein, Sharel Persin, Phyllis Romaine, Hagit Stav, Joyce Stoll Food Pantry Donations: Temple Israel and Temple Beth El congregants, JCC Tennis Team, Dawn Hubbs, Dana Kapustin, Judy Kaufmann, Frada Mozenter Food Drives: Temple Israel Kol Nidre Food Collection, Temple Beth El LIBERTY Collection, Temple Kol Ami Special Recognition: Thank you for delivering “A Taste of Rosh Hashanah” bags to Jewish seniors: Abby Adams and family, Jillian Arena and family, Matt Luftglass, Barbara Rein. Y

Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and Resource Center Love Your Library The Levine-Sklut Judaic Library is a special place. It is: * A Place for Joy and Discovery * A Place for Learning and Literacy * A Place for Sharing and Storytelling * A Place for Reading and Research * A Place for Jewish Knowledge * A Place for Meeting and finding Meaning * A Place Jewish History and Culture * A Place for Studying and Tutoring * A Place for Fun, friends, coffee (or a lollipop) and * A Place for you! “We love the Library. What a wonderful resource for the community. It is our family’s homework spot several days of the week. We are always welcomed with a warm smile and a kind word … thank you for giving my kids a safe place to practice independence in their learning … we love you Levine-Sklut Judaic Library.” — Inna Manoim “I wanted some answers to my questions about Judaism. When I discovered the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library it seemed like ‘the

gates opened.’ There were books on Judaism, Israel, fiction, DVDs; it is all there. I am so glad I entered those doors.” — Leonard Marco Here are just a few of the things that your donations help the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library to provide: * Harry Golden Tribute: Book and Author Event with biographer Kimberly Harnett * Community-wide Yom HaShoah Event with scholar-inresidence, Professor Menachem Rosensaft * Acquisition of hundreds of new books (from childrens books to scholarly texts) * Storytime for over 600 children * Book and author events for children and for adults * Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning * Jewish Educators’ Conference and year-round support for Jewish teachers

* Summer Reading Incentive program for all children * Shalom Park Freedom School: 6 Weeks! 6 Books! Program: Providing 1,000 gentlyused books to SPFS scholars * PJ Library programming * Book clubs * No membership fees, no overdue fees “Love the Library” annual fundraising campaign is currently looking to meet the goal of $17,000. Every little bit makes a big difference. Please show your love by making a tax-deductible donation today. With your charitable contribution, the Library can continue to be a vibrant and meaningful place for all. Donations may be made by going to www.LSJL.org and clicking on the red “Donate” button or by sending a check to LevineSklut Judaic Library, 5007 Providence Road, Suite 107, Charlotte, NC 28226. See our current donor list on page 16.

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The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 16

“Love the Library” Current Donors Donations as of November 6 The Levine-Sklut Judaic Library & Resource Center would like to thank the following individuals and families for their generous support! Publisher - $500 or more Leonard and Judy Marco Author - $100-$249 Alan and Lee Blumenthal David and Aleen Epstein Alan and Ruth Goldberg Donald and Shevi Herbstman Robert and Linda Isser Stephen and Judy Kaufmann Hal and Holly Levinson Ken Orenbach and Chris Sydor Rich and Jenny Rosenthal Kim and Sue Worrel Poet - $50-$99 Anonymous Irving and Lillian Bienstock Gail Halverson Audrey Madans Michael and Robbie McGinley Book Enthusiast - Up to $49 Alan and Kate Kaplan Sam and Linda Levy Marc and Jill Lipson Mike and Sue Littauer Jeff and Amy Montoni Alan and Ana Raznick Jon and Stephanie Simon Adam and Shelia Spitz Sharon Taubman Y

Series for the Advancement of Jewish Education: Professional Development and Community Building February 15, 2016 Presented by The Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival 2:30–4:30 PM Arts Infusion: Classroom Strategies to Cultivate More Meaningful Jewish Learning This workshop introduces the Avoda Arts model for enhancing and invigorating curriculum through the deliberate infusion of creative arts strategies. With a mix of hands-on activities, personal reflection and group discussion, this workshop focuses on the core lessons that the arts teach: making content more accessible; encouraging joyful, active learning; helping students make and express personal connections to content; helping students understand and express abstract concepts; stimulating higher-order thinking skills; and building a sense of shared commitment and community. An arts-infused curriculum holds countless possibilities for Jewish learners – join us for a creative, substantive program. 4:30–6:00 PM Dinner Break (food provided to those who are attending both sessions) 6–9 PM Reel Learning: Short Films to Spark Jewish Connections and Conversations When used productively, short films can focus learners, trigger an

emotional response, and provide a catalyst for thoughtful consideration and discussion of an issue or situation. Short films are particularly potent in congregational school settings, where time is a precious commodity and, as such, screening a lengthy feature film can be challenging. In this workshop, we watch several short films focused on Jewish themes. Structured debrief activities focus on key questions related to the movies. Group discussion focuses on using film to introduce a variety of Jewish subjects –from values and ethics to history and the Holocaust. We will also review criteria for selecting appropriate films for the classroom. Both workshops are free and will be held in the Sam Lerner Center at Shalom Park (5007

Avoda Arts Director Deb Krivoy

Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226). Avoda Arts Director Deb Krivoy (an educator with 25 years of experience in curriculum design, teacher-training, arts program management, and educational materials development) will be leading these exciting programs. Space is limited - to RSVP, please email DBlock@shalomcharlotte.org by January 15, 2016.

Hanukkah Kits Are Here Have you been challenged to explain Hanukkah to a whole classroom of children, many of whom are not Jewish? Don’t fear, the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library will come to your assistance. The library has Hanukkah Kits to borrow and take into any classroom situation. Kits are free and include: * Explanation of the holiday of Hanukkah

* Storybook and puppet show * Hanukkah menorah and candles * Dreidels and directions * Craft Ideas * Fun Hanukkah worksheets Hanukkah kits available since November 30. Please call to reserve your kit today— 704-9446783 or contact Debby Block dblock@shalomcharlotte.org. In addition, if you would like to give

The Levine-Sklut Judaic Library would like to thank the Lenora Stein Fund for Community Creative Learning and the Blumenthal Foundation, whose funding, in part, made these workshops possible. Y each student in your child’s class a chocolate coin and/or a dreidel to keep, the library conveniently offers nut-free chocolate gelt and dreidels (in packages of 25) for only $10. Y

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 17

The Stan Greenspon Center for Peace & Social Justice (Continued from page 1)

and prejudice through Holocaust education. Together she, Greenspon, and Dippold decided to create a study with the following goals: to explore Charlotte’s community-specific needs relating to Holocaust resources and to research best practices of Holocaust centers around the country and to make recommendations for the Charlotte community. With Greenspon’s financial backing, Dippold sought the assistance of Jackie Fishman, a professional educator and daughter of a Holocaust survivor, and Melanie Baron, an early organizer of Imaginon in uptown Charlotte. After months of conducting surveys with focus groups of local residents and educators, of visiting Holocaust education and exhibit centers, and of attending conferences and lectures and programs, the three presented a final report in January 2015. Over the course of the study, it was discovered that a Holocaust education center was not enough. To continue to be relevant in the present day, Holocaust education was morphing, and the original vision for the Holocaust Resource Center in Charlotte had transformed as well. In addition to a place to commemorate and honor the victims of the Holocaust, the report also notes that “we also Stan Greenspon has been involved in charitable causes both in the greater Charlotte community as well as the Charlotte Jewish Community since the mid 1970s. He served as President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte during the establishment of Shalom Park. His charitable work has encompassed many causes and organizations. His focus in charity has been on senior citizens, children and their families who lives are affected by severe illness both mental and physical. Some of the entities he has been supportive of in a substantial way are: Levine Children's Hospital; UNC Lineberger Cancer Center -Pediatrics Division; Alexander Youth Network; Misty Meadows Mitey Riders; Jewish Family Services; Senior Outreach Program; Levine Jewish Community Center Oasis Program for Senior Citizens; Etta and Louis Greenspon Endowment Fund for Senior Citizens; The Jimmy V Foundation; North Carolina Holocaust Foundation (Support of Various Educational Projects); Sanford and Lois Benjamin Healing Garden at Carolinas Medical Center; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte; Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community

have an opportunity – and many say an obligation - to use the Holocaust and its abundance of documentation as a primary case study, and make connections with current local, national, and global situations in which injustice, bigotry or inequality have surfaced. In this way, the study of the Holocaust can have a positive outcome – to help students, parents, teachers, community leaders and all citizens think about the decisions they make, and their power to make a difference in the world.” The true mission of the center was starting to take shape. The final report, which temporarily named the project The Center for Collective Justice and Holocaust Education, demonstrated that the product would be more global and fit in more into the outside community than on Shalom Park. It Was Bashert (Meant to Be) Again the planets aligned and proved to all that this project was bashert, meant to be. As the final report was resting on Worrel’s desk, Rabbi Judy Schindler announced to the community that she was leaving work as a pulpit rabbi to do more work in social justice in the outside community. While Schindler explored her options, Worrel presented her with the report and suggested that this was a project that was ideal for Schindler’s future endeavors. At the same time, Queens University had indicated an interest in Schindler joining the faculty. When Worrel introduced Greenspon into the mix, everything tied together. The vision of all parties meshed into what is now known as The Stan Greenspon Center for Peace and Justice at Queens University. Greenspon doesn’t want the center named for him just to copy what other cities were doing. His hope is that the Stan Greenspon Center will “shake people up. … I want it to impact people’s lives, open up their minds, make people pro-active to ensure that [the Holocaust] never happens again.” Schindler sees it as an additional leaf on the blossoming plant of Holocaust education. “We have the Butterfly Project that educates school-age children …; we have the NC Council on the Holocaust that educates teachers on how to teach the Holocaust; the Stan Greenspon Center for Peace and Social Justice will collaborate with them to create a digital resource center available to any scholar or educator at any hour of the day. “We want to make the lessons of the Holocaust relevant to things that are happening today,” Schindler continues. “Our programs and resources will juxtapose and connect current events to historical events. … The idea is to move people to advocacy.” Interfaith and Programming Visions There will also be a strong interfaith aspect to the work of The Stan Greenspon Center. “We’ll survey houses of worship in Charlotte to see where they want to use their voices to make change,” Schindler explains. “We can then

have a database of churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples that anyone can access to see where their passions are being acted on.” Her current vision of the center, while a work-in-progress, is composed of four parts: 1) Jewish studies; 2) Holocaust and human rights education; 3) Jewish life programming with the Queens University Department of Jewish Life; and 4) Social justice. This truly fulfills Greenspon’s dream. His practice of giving tzedakah was learned from his father, who, although he passed away at a young age, always gave to the synagogue and other causes. “He served as an example to me and I hope I will have served as an example to my own children. “Charlotte is a very charitable community,” Greenspon continues. “We’ve also had great examples of philanthropy in our own lifetimes here in Charlotte: Herman Blumenthal and Leon Levine. These men saved lives and educated people. They were my inspiration.” Greenspon has known Levine since they were teenagers. Stan has been impacted by Levine’s practice of giving. “Stan has a great passion which is exhibited in his efforts to give back and improve the lives of those less fortunate,” says Phil Warshauer, executive director of The Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community. “His methodical approach to philanthropy matches his Jewish roots and values with his desire, as a successful results oriented businessman, for accountability.” Fulfilling Your Own Dream Greenspon’s $2 million endowment will be managed and funded at the Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community. “The Founda-

Rabbi Judy Schindler with her husband, Chip Wallach.

tion for the Charlotte Jewish Community is honored and fortunate to assist him in his philanthropic efforts,” Warshauer adds. Greenspon has funded this endowment to ensure that the Center is funded in perpetuity.

The Stan Greenspon Center has an ongoing separate operating fund, a significant portion of which will be funded by Greenspon on an annual basis. “Even though this may not fully cover the entire annual operating budget,” Greenspon says, “I feel confident that the community will step forward to assist in making this endeavor a reality.” Ultimately, it was Federation’s facilitation of all parties, ideas, and desires that brought this dream to reality. “Federation was happy to identify a critical need which has now been met thanks to the talent, passion, and generosity of some caring and concerned people, resulting in a meaningful impact for the Charlotte community,” Worrel concludes. Y

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 18

Community News Levine JCC 2015 Annual Meeting L’Dor V’Dor in its truest sense was the theme throughout the Sandra & Leon Levine Jewish Community Center’s 29th Annual Meeting held October 13. Mike Van Glish, chairperson, welcomed everyone and shared the story of how three generations of the Van Glish family have made the J an important part of their lives socially and athletically. The Annual meeting carried on the LJCC tradition of recognizing LJCC volunteers, staff, and lay leaders for their dedicated service and engaging programs. The evening offered an opportunity to thank outgoing leaders and welcome new ones, including new CEO Peter Blair, wife Traci, and sons Hudson and Cohen. Rebecca Stern gave an inspiring D’Var Torah, drawing upon Parsha Noach. She reminded us of the vision the founding partners shared for Shalom Park and the J, they like Noah, believed in something others could not envision. Rebecca noted that each generation faces crossroads where they have to envision the future, reshape and re-imagine the J. She

Outgoing LJCC president Elise Kosofsky with incoming president Jon Simon

called for the community to mobilize with Peter to care and nurture those shared dreams. Outgoing Board Directors David Cohen, Stuart Goldstein, Annie Lord, and Mark Perlin were honored for their service to the LJCC. Each was presented with a beautiful ceramic mezuzah, made in the LJCC pottery studio. The 2015-2016 Nominating Committee Chair, Scott Menaker thanked committee members Judy

clusive of the entire Jewish community. Marc’s legacy of volunteering is one that has been passed August, Jeff Bierer, George Crondown – L’Dor V’Dor. In 1995 his son, Steve Menaker, Jeff Turk, mother, Lori, was recognized as and David Van Glish for their sucthe LJCC Volunteer of the Year. cessfully selecting a strong slate Mark Perlin, longtime Board of candidates. The Slate of Offimember and friend of the J, recers and Directors was presented ceived the coveted President and to and unanimously approved Executive Director’s Award for by the general membership: being an integral leader of the Officers Jon Simon (President), community and the LJCC. David Michael Baumstein (VP), George Van Glish had the privilege of Cronson (Treasurer), Scott Gorespeaking about his father-in-law’s lick (VP), Staci Mond (VP), Jeff LJCC CEO Peter Blair, Traci Blair, many accomplishments as a comTurk (VP), Elise Kosofsky (Past Cohen Blair, and Hudson Blair munity volunteer, board member, President), and Directors Rick Abrams*, Lauren Althofer*, Levine, Julie and Howard Levine, and past president at Temple Beth El, board member of the LJCC Brian Bernhardt*, Jonathan and Lori and Eric Sklut. Incoming President, Jon Simon and his key involvement as chairBrackis, Jeremy Davids, Julia Greenfield, Don Herbstman*, thanked Elise for being a transfor- man of the Create Your Jewish Raizel Kahn, Jon Kulbersh*, mational leader for the board Legacy (CJL) for the LJCC. The Penny Lipsitz, Gabe Mathless*, through the CEO search. Jon committee secured 64 legacy gifts Michelle Perlmutter*, Andrew spoke about genuine relationships to the J creating Mark’s own volRosen, Larry Schwartz, Rebecca - “JLationships” - the ones that are unteer legacy. This was achieved Stern, Robert Valenstein, David forged at the J over time and through his usual formula of partVan Glish, and Evan Weiss*- bound together through experi- nership, encouragement, and tireences – between members, staff less effort. (*New Directors). and community. He Peter Blair, CEO, recognized thanked the staff, mem- the value, importance, and combers and community for mitment of the staff in every facet all they do for the J and of the LJCC, especially this past laid out his vision for the year during the transition process. next two years. He will Peter and senior management prefocus upon successfully sented staff awards to the followcompleting the Capital ing: Campaign, ensuring the Milestone Anniversaries: next generation of lay Cathy Bennett, Dee Cooper, Kristi leader development, con- Fallowes, Annette Haynes and tinuing excellent cus- Missy Schomaker (5 years), tomer service, and Mitch Ormand (15 years), enhancing donor recog- Stephanie Garner (20 years), and Mark Perlin (President’s and Executive Direc- nition through our stew- Suzie DeSarno (25 years) Program Service Awards: tor’s Award recipient), LJCC CEO Peter Blair, ardship program. Jon asked that the commu- JChildcare, JTots, and JTeam Deand David Van Glish nity use their relation- partments Outstanding Program Award: Elise Kosofsky, outgoing Pres- ships to continue to build for the Aquatics Department ident, reflected on her term with a next generation. Program Service Awards were Outstanding Employee 2015: humorous and engaging twist - a football game “Highlight Reel”. then presented to the following Elsa Safir, LJCC Creative Director Peter Blair was cited as the J’s outstanding volunteers: Marie Dichoso-Beavers, Beth Peter Blair, LJCC CEO, shared new quarterback, bringing his strengths of relational community Goldman, Karen Kaplan, Rebecca his vision with the community. It building, financial leadership, vi- Levy, Inna Manoim, and Audrey is a vision focused upon relationships. In one section of his resion and a passion for Jewish life. Pearlman (Aquatics) Linda Hindel (Tennis) marks, he shared, “When you look Phil Berman, outgoing LJCC Mark Freedman (JTribes) at what a successful JCC does at CEO, was named MVP for his 10 Marc Wojnowich, Volunteer of its core - and the Levine JCC is a years of outstanding leadership. Elise reported that the LJCC now the Year, was introduced by his successful JCC - it builds a comhas over 4800 Jewish members, friend Eric Lerner. Eric noted that munity, it builds relationships.” from the ages of seven weeks to Marc was a leader who would not He thanked our community for over 100 years, currently partici- likely describe himself as such. joining with the JCC this past year in relationship. Peter noted, pating in Jewish pro“We continue to be a unique grams. Elise praised destination for Jewish life, LJCC staff members for one that celebrates our traditheir dedication and warm tions and diversity, and ofrelationships with memfers an inclusive entry point bers and concluded her for community engageremarks by calling on the ment.” He pointed to the fucommunity to support the ture, inviting all community LJCC’s Capital Campaign members to join with the – from Generation to JCC as we together “look Generation. She noted forward into the coming year that since the completion of the “new building” 10 LJCC CEO Peter Blair, Marc Wojnowich (Volunteer of as we continue doing what we have been doing for years ago, LJCC member- the Year), Eric Lerner and David Van Glish decades, investing in you, inship has grown over 37% and said the time is now to build Marc has volunteered with the J vesting in relationships.” The LJCC celebrated a wonfor the next generation, just as was Charity Golf Tournament, served done for us by earlier members of on the Board of Directors of Fed- derful 2015 and looks forward to Charlotte’s Jewish Community. eration, their Allocations commit- continuing to provide exciting and Pledges received by December 31 tee and co-chaired the Bernstein innovative opportunities that will will have a double impact, as they Leadership Group. Marc also cre- strengthen relationships with and will be matched by a generous ated and executed the LJCC among the members of the Chargrant from Sandra and Leon Kosher BBQ, an event that is in- lotte Jewish Community. Y

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 19

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December D ecem e berr 2 2015 015 LJCC DECEMBER HOLIDAY HOURS Thursday, December 24 Friday, December 25 Thursday, December 31 Friday, January 1

5:30am–5:00pm 8:00am–5:00pm 5:30am–5:00pm 10:00am–5:00pm

Early Ea rly C Childhood hildhood JChildcare JC hildccare 7 weeks weeks to to 7 years years old old While workout…children W hile pparents a nt s w are orkout…children ccan an eenjoy njoy a nnurturing ur turing eenvironment nvironment to explore explore with aand nd hhave ave ffun un w ith crafts crafts and and aactivities. ctivities. Reservations R eservatitio i ns Required! Requirred ! AM A MM Mon-Fri onn-Fri. . . . . 8:00am-1:00pm 8 : 00am-1: 00pm Mon-Thu PM M on-Thu . . . . . . .4:00-7:30pm . 4 : 00-7:30pm Saturday S aturday . . . . . . . . .12:00-3:00pm .12 : 00-3 : 00pm Sunday S unday . . . . . . . . 8:30am-2:00pm 8:30am-2: 00pm

JOINING

FEE

December 15 thru Jan 31

M/ $$4.50 M/ 4.50 per per hhour our NM// $$5.50 NM 5.50 per per hour

TELL T ELL A F RI END! FRIEND!

Reserve R eserve at at the the LJCC LJCC customer customer sservice eerrvice ddesk, esk, or call call 7704-366-5007 04-366-5007

K–6th Grad

:,17(5 3(5)250$1&( &$03

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Parent’s Night Parent’s Night Ou Out: t : ““Festival Festival Chanukah Party” ooff LLights ights C hanukah P arty”

Spanish S panish ffor or P Preschoolers reschoolers 3.5-5 years 3.5-5 years old LLearn earn Spanish Spanish through through tthe he Foreign Foorreign LLanguage anguage ge League’s League g ’s interactive interactive ffullulliimmersion mmersion m ethod ffor or kkids! ids ! C hildren method Children llearn earn Spanish Spanish through through dramatic dramatic pplay, lay, iinteractive nteractive ggames, ames, aand nd m music. usic. AAllll tteachers eachers aare re bbilingual, ilingual, nnative ative to ttheir heir llanguage anguage aand nd ccertiﬁed er tiﬁed tteachers. eachers. W ednesddays • 1:15-2:00pm 1:15-2 : 00pm Wednesdays January 66-- FFebruary ebruary 2244 January FFamily amily Place Plac l e

7 wks wks to to 7 yrs yrs old old ((Members Members oonly) nly) PParents, arents, eenjoy njoy aann eevening vening oout ut w it h with ffriends, riends, w hile your your children children enjoy enjoy a while ffun un night night in in at the the J! J ! We We will will provide provide ffun un crafts, crafts, pizza pizza dinner dinner and and an an aagegeaappropriate ppropriate m ovie w ith ppopcorn opcorn of of movie with ccourse! ourse ! RReservations eservatiions Required. Reqquirred. Saturday, S aturday, De December cember 5 55:30-8:30pm :30-8 :30pm LLerner erner H all (3-7 (3-7 yyrr oolds) lds) Hall JJChildcare Childcare R oom ((77 wks wks - 2 yrs) yrs) Room

M/$112 M/$ 112

Cost : $$18 Cost: 18 pper er cchild hild 2 ssiblings/$30; iblings /$ 30 ; 3 ssiblings/$40 iblings /$ 40

B/$96 B/$ 96

N NM/$128 M/$128

Explore S Explore Science cience w with i th Ms. M s. Marcie Marrcie

Register R egister e at at the the LLJCC JCC ccustomer ustomer sservice ervice ddesk, esk, or call call 7704-366-5007 04-366-5007

Story S tory TTime ime & FFun un 12-30 months, 12-30 montths, with wiitth parent parent Help H elp build build your your child’s child’s pre-reading pre-reading and and motor m otor skills skills w while hile engaging engaging yyour our cchild’s hild’s iimagination. magination. PProgram rogram iincludes ncludes bbooks, ooks, rrhymes, hymes, and and ﬁﬁnger nger pplay. lay. S unday, De cember 13 13 Sunday, December 111:00-11:40am 1: 00-11:40am • Family Family P lace Place

3-5 years 3-5 years old KKids ids enjoy enjoy rreal, eal, hhands-on ands-on sscience cience eexperiments.This xperiments.This i is i an an interactive, interactive, age age aappropriate ppropriat aew ay ooff eexploring xploring aand nd llearning earning way tthrough hrough stories, stories, games games aand nd eexperiments. xperiments. D on’t m iss tthe he ffun! un ! Don’t miss TThursdays hursdays y • 1:15-2:00pm 1:15-2 : 00pm January 7 – FFebruary ebruary 2255 January P lace TTBD BD Place M/$112 M/$ 112 B B/$96 /$ 96

NM/$128 NM/$128

$$15 15 pper er ffamily amily

SAVE S AVE TH T THE E D DATE ATE

Join your Theatre friends at the J and create a special performance in only 3 days! Enjoy acting, singing, dancing, improv, playwriting and more. Showcase for family and friends on Wednesday, 12/23 @ 5pm.

Sunday feb 7th

December 21-23 Mon-Wed • 9am-4pm Gorelick Hall

M/$150 B/$90 NM/$160

Questions? Susan Gundersheim 704-944-6778

704-944-6739 • jessie.cohen@charlottejcc.org

ZZZ FKDUORWWHMFF RUJ ZZZ FKDUORWWHMMFF RUJ PPricing ricing C Codes: odes:

M M=Member = Member

B B=Benefactor = Benefactor

N NM=Non-Member M = Non-Memb e er

aquatics

tennis ten nnis

racquetball

the ths e Winter Wi W in-t5 er Blues! Blues! GrrBBeat Grades aeadt e ad K K-5 Elementary El ementary Ed Edge dge KK-5th --55th Grade Grrade A great, great, supervised supervised pplace lace for for your your eelementary lementary aage ge cchild hild to hhave ave ffun un aand nd hhang ang oout ut w ith friends, friends, w hile yyou ou with while workout! w orkout ! Sundays Sun days only only 88:30am-1pm :30am-1pm • Place Place TBD TBD M/ 1st M/ 1st hour hour FR FREE; REE ; then then $2/hour $ 2/hour NM// $$55 pper NM er hour

Teens T eens e

sports spo orts leagues

seasonal camps

teens

afterschool afterschool programs

AMS R G O R P T ION A R T S I REG GOING ON NOW !

Monthly M onthly Mitzvah Mitzvah Grades 66-8 Grades -8 Glaze G laze butterﬂies butter ﬂies and and m make ake bblankets lankets ffor or tthe he Homeless Homeless Shelter Shelter aand nd H umane Humane SSociety, ociety, AND AND enjoy enjoy a ppizza izza lunch! lunch ! Monday, Mo nday, D December ecemberr 21 10am-2pm 10 am-2pm Meeet M eeet in in TTeen een LLounge ounge

PPlease lease ccontact ontact us yyou ou have have qquestions! uestions ! Membership M embership 7704-944-6742 044-9444-6742 su san.lerner@ charlottejcc.org susan.lerner@charlottejcc.org EEarly arly Childhood Childhood 7704-944-6891 04-944-6891 ppatty.torcellini@charlottejcc.org atty.torcellini @ charlottejcc.org K -5th G rade P rograms K-5th Grade Programs 7704-944-6733 04-944-6733 m itch.ormand @ charlottejcc.org mitch.ormand@charlottejcc.org

Don’t Miss Out!

TTeen e en P rogram a s Programs 7704-944-6739 04-944-6739 jjessie.cohen@charlottejcc.org essie.cohen @ charlottejcc.org

LJCC C LJCC Cares’ ares’ Blanket Blanket Drive Drive Kick-Off K ick-Of f Event Event

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Club Tel Club Tel Aviv Aviv “Silent Disco Party” “S ilent D isco P arty”

LOSER LO OS R OSER 22016 016 Team Tea m Challenge Ch a l l e n g e

Ad ult P rogram a s Adult Programs 7704-944-6753 04-944-6753 jjodie.iagnocco@charlottejcc.org odie.iagnocco @ charlottejcc.org

S eniors /Oassis Seniors/Oasis 7704-944-6792 04-944-6792 jjill.lipson@charlottejcc.org ill.lipson @ charlottejcc.org

S ports & Fi tness Sports Fitness 7704-944-6743 04-944-6743 sstephanie.garner@charlottejcc.org tephanie.garner@ charlottejcc.org

NEW !

A q uat i c s / S wim TTeam eam Aquatics Swim 7704-944-6746 04-944-6746 jjoshua.steinberger@charlottejcc.org oshua.steinberger@ charlottejcc.org VView ie iew w PPrograms rograms and and Register Register at: at: at charlottejcc.org charlottejcc..oorg

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M/$ 5 B/Free M/$5 B/Free NM/$8 NM/$ 8 ((includes incluudes pizza) pizza)

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childcare child dcare

LLJCC JCC Tennis Tennis / CRUSH CRUSH 7704-944-6748 04-944-6748 gr egory.oco c nnor@ charlottejcc.org gregory.oconnor@charlottejcc.org V isual /Perfor o ming Arts Ar t s Visual/Performing 7704-944-6778 04-944-6778 su san.gunndersheim @ charlottejcc.org susan.gundersheim@charlottejcc.org

ENRIC H ENRICH ENLIGHTEN N ENJOY ENJ OY O Y

JJ-Childcare -Childcare 7704-944-6726 04-944-6726 m axine.ser e rano @ charlottejcc.org maxine.serrano@charlottejcc.org

SSenior enior EEnrichment nrichment MON–FRI M ON–FRI • 9am-5pm 9am-5pm Weinberg W einberg SSenior enior A Adult dult Center du Center

DDECEMBER/JANUARY ECEMBER/JANUARYY THEME: THEME:

Tikkun T ikkun Olam Olam

“repairring the “repairing the world; world; reduce your footprint” re duce y our ccarbon arbon fo otprint ”

YOU Y OU D DON’T ON’T N NEED EED TO TO ALONE! DO IITT AL DO ON E !

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: Game Game Days Days : Enrichment Enrichment A Activities ctivities : Educational Eduucationaal SSeminars eminars : Painting Painting Classes Cllasses : Monthly Monthly Field Fie i ldd T Trips rip : Exercise Exerccise C Classes lasses : M/W/F M/W/F LLunch unch Please P lease rread ead oour ur m monthly onthly newsletter n ewsletter oonline nline oorr ppick ick u ard copy copy in in upp a h hard W Weinberg eeinberrgg C Center. enterr.

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The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 22

Plan Now for the Future By Sandra Goldman It’s the end of the year, and we like to reflect about the past. It is hard to believe that barely twelve months ago we made our resolutions: Yes, let’s bring everything in order, get those cemetery plots, talk to the funeral home, and get the will up to date, maybe even leave a legacy gift. As it goes so often, resolutions are made but not

kept, and then it happens – someone calls and finds that there are no pre-arrangements. A loved one has died. What now? It could have been so much easier. I would not have to meet with the family now, at the time of need, talking about plots, location, prices, and how much they could have saved, if they would have been members of the cemetery.

The family could have just started the grieving process. One phone call would have been all that was needed to get the process started. Instead, everybody scrambles. It does not have to be like this. My job is all about service and guiding families through a very challenging time to create tributes that are meaningful. There is no one-size-fits all. What I do is so filled with rewarding moments that it is difficult to isolate just one. At our cemetery, we serve from the heart with compassion. Every situation is different, every family is unique. It is my obligation to make the memory of a service as pleasant as possible, and it gives me tremendous pleasure, helping families celebrate the lives of their loved ones. I get to hear life experiences of so many fascinating individuals, and I can see and feel the love when stories are being shared. It is important to realize that funerals serve a purpose. When a brother, father, spouse dies, it is important to say goodbye. It is much easier to say goodbye, and to focus solely on the grieving, when one does not have to deal with sudden funeral preparations. So it is key to make those arrangements way ahead of time. The Hebrew Cemetery’s motto is “Honor, Celebrate, Embrace,”

and that is what we do. It is our goal that people come to the cemetery, not just because of a death, but also to honor and remember those who have passed. The cemetery is a place as much for the living as the dead. We listen because it is essential for serving people who are coping with loss. Our cemetery is important; its value as a community resource is vast, and the opportunity to create meaningful and appealing memorial space is vital. So here you are at the end of the year, and you might just have reminded yourself about the nearly 150 years of history of the Hebrew Cemetery. You recall that the cemetery was the very first Jewish institution in Charlotte, before there was a temple, before there was a Day School. You remember author, Harry Golden, is buried here, and you recollect Farmer Richter’s beautiful headstone that looks like a peach pit. As a history buff, you might even marvel that Private Louis Leon, who wrote The Diaries of a Tar Heel, is buried among 12 other civil war soldiers on this holy ground. You remember the Mitzvah Day where you washed down weathered markers and raked leaves, and the Geniza event where you took part in burying books. You might have even been

one of the 400 people who congregate once a year for the annual Memorial Service at the cemetery and listen in awe to the meaningful service lead by our local clergies. And then, you picture the new Memorial Building that houses the beautiful former Beth El ark, and you realize that this is the cemetery where you want to be buried. Enough with the procrastination. You mail in the $72 check for the affordable annual membership, not only because you want to support your community cemetery, but also because you will save thousands of dollars in the preplanning process. Finally, you exhale because you know you have given your family the biggest gift so that they do not have to scramble in panic the day they have to make that call to me. If you would like to receive more information about membership, preplanning or how to leave a legacy gift to the cemetery, please contact me at 704-5761859 or director@hebrewcemetery.org. Y

FallFlicks 2015 – Thank Yous and More To our dedicated FallFlicks 2015 team (listed below) Hope you enjoyed meeting Susan, Lloyd, Mildred and Gayle (see pictures below) Arts and Science Council, whose funding, in part, made FallFlicks 2015 possible No one has better fans than the CJFF (FallFlicks’ attendance doubled this year) Knight Foundation, whose funding also helped make FallFlicks 2015 possible Your honest and constructive survey feedback helps us make the CJFF even better Our exciting February 20–March 13 slate will be announced soon U can sign up at www.charlottejewishfilm.com/join-our-email-list/ for all the latest CJFF news FallFlicks 2015 Team Sandy Altschuler, Annie Brackis, Bunny Bramson, Jena Coen, Talli Dipold, Bob Ecker, Sandy Fischer, Ellen Goldberg, Neal Golub, Susan Cherin Gundersheim, Marisa Jackson, Michael Lieberman, Dr. Gary Maniloff, Susan Barry-Mayo, Gale Osborne, Elsa Safir, Peter Safir, Fran Schuler, Benjamin Schwartz, Laurie Sparks, Marcia Stern, Jeff Turk, Rick Willenzik, David Vitek and his Regal Ballantyne Village Stadium Theater staff, Shalom Park, and our Levine JCC support crew.

Susan and Lloyd Ecker

“See You at the Movies!” 2016 CJFF, February 20–March 13 Capacity crowd at film festival screening.

Pre-planning your funeral expenses is ... a gift to your loved ones.

Membership is an affordable $72 annually.

···

Contact Sandra Goldman, Director, for information on plot availability and pricing. director@hebrewcemetery.org 704.576.1859

Mildred and Gayle Kirshenbaum talk to the audience as Talli Dippold facilitates.

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 23

Legacy Profile Debra and David Van Glish Debra and David Van Glish are among the 320 individuals and families in our community who have created 655 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 think about how you can create your own Jewish legacy. By Debra Van Glish I was born and raised right here in Charlotte. There are a few of us natives spread around town. My sisters and I had our Bat Mitzvah celebrations at Temple Beth El where my father was President of the synagogue and my mom President of Sisterhood. My father grew up Orthodox so the traditions of Judaism were very prevalent in our home. I participated in BBYO and recall fondly swim meets at the Amity Club. I returned from the University of Georgia with my soon-to-be fiancĂŠ, David. One of our first dates in Athens was the Jewish Law Students Passover Social. We were married at Temple Beth El and were members of both Temple Beth El and Temple Israel for a number of years. David actually had his Bar Mitzvah at the old Temple Israel on Dilworth Road. We were members of the first Bernstein Leadership Group and quickly became active in a number of Jewish organizations on Shalom Park. We are currently members of both Temple Israel and Congregation Ohr HaTorah. When our children started preschool, we chose The Jewish Preschool on Sardis. All three of our kids attended the Charlotte Jewish Day School. Our oldest child, Jordan has participated in Hebrew High and is active in BBYO along with our son, Ethan. Shayna will become a Bat Mitzvah this March

at Temple Israel. All our children have participated in youth sports at the LJCC - tennis, basketball,

and soccer. It seems that a day does not go by without one of us having some activity on the Shalom Park campus. We are proud to be living Jewishly in Charlotte and appreciate all that the Jewish community offers. The five of us visited Israel for our son Ethanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar Mitzvah where our Jewish identities were further strengthened. One of the highlights was a Shabbat dinner with an Israeli family that was arranged by our local Jewish Federation. Instilling a sense of Jewish pride in our children has been important to David and me, much like it was for our parents. We are fortunate to have so many resources in Charlotte which help us accomplish this goal. Our hope is that future generations will also experience the ease of being Jewish in Charlotte. We are creating a legacy so that we can do for others what those prior to us did for our family. Y

The Shalom Green Carbon Footprint Reduction Committee would like to say

THANK YOU To LJCC Cares and Shalom Green Challenge participants for focusing on carbon footprint reduction in December and January. Together we will put our Jewish values into action as we work to protect the planet by reducing the environmental impact of our homes and Shalom Park facilities!

To join the Carbon Footprint Reduction Committee or register for the Shalom Green Challenge, email environmental@shalomcharlotte.org

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 24

Take the Shalom Green Challenge Fifty-five Shalom Park families have signed on to learn about Jewish environmental values and work toward living more sustainably by taking the Shalom Green Challenge. The Challenge, which launched in October as part of the Shalom Park Environmental Initiative, is an effort to get community members focused on why protecting the earth is important to Jews and what they can do in their own lives to make a difference. Says Challenge participant Robin Buckler, “We loved the idea of a green initiative (on Shalom Park) and signed up because we need to be part of the solution. I know there are many little habits our family could change that over time can really add up. We’re hoping to get some tips and inspiration to get us moving in the right direction.” A joint effort of LJCC Cares and the Shalom Park Environmental Initiative, known as Shalom Green, the Shalom Green Challenge gives individuals and families opportunities to “learn, discuss, act, and unite” in pursuit of sustainable living. Julie Rizzo, director of LJCC Cares, sees the Challenge as a way for her program “to continue its mission of bringing community together to take care of our world. The Challenge,” says Rizzo, “will provide learning opportunities, topics for discussion, and activities to get individuals and families thinking about and doing things that protect our environment.”

Each month, Challenge participants receive information on an environmental topic and related Jewish values. November’s challenge focused on b’al taschit, the commandment to avoid wasteful consumption, with a particular focus on food waste. Families learned about our disposable society and its impact on the planet, including the fact that Americans throw away over 35 million tons of food, worth more than $165 billion, each year. They then participated in challenges such as avoiding the use of disposable products for a week, cooking from the pantry rather than buying more food, and packing no waste school lunches. Summer Minchew, who is taking the Shalom Green Challenge with her family, sees it as a way “to instill the Jewish values that are highlighted … in our children while they are young, because we believe that taking care of the earth and being a responsible and caring human being is both basic and necessary.” The Minchew family has particularly enjoyed the reading recommendations that accompany the monthly challenges, as well as dinner table discussion topics. The November challenge motivated them to start composting fruit and vegetable scraps and talk about “how important it is to eat the food you are given and to ask for food that you will eat,” a concept that Minchew says, is “a very tough challenge for picky preschoolers.”

In December and January Challenge participants will be learning about and working to reduce their household carbon dioxide emissions or “carbon footprint.” The carbon footprint is commonly used to demonstrate the impact a household is having on the environment. According to the US Energy Information Administration, household CO2 emissions have more than tripled since 1950, an increase driven largely by increased energy consumption. Families and individuals who wish to take the Shalom Green carbon footprint reduction challenge should email Julie Rizzo at julie.rizzo@charlottejcc.org. The Shalom Green Challenge is just one aspect of the Shalom Park Environmental Initiative, a collaboration of the Foundation of Shalom Park, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, The Levine Jewish Community Center, Temple Beth El, and Temple Israel, to increase environmental awareness in the Shalom Park community. Other components include efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of community facilities and operations, environmental educational programming, and the new Shalom Park Community Garden. For more information on the environmental initiative, or to get involved, follow Shalom Green on Facebook and twitter or email environmental@shalomcharlotte.org. Y

Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 25

Mazel Tov & Congratulations PRSA Charlotte Honors Adam Bernstein with Infinity Award Adam Bernstein, APR, received the Infinity Award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Charlotte Chapter for his outstanding service and work in Charlotte’s PR community at the chapter’s October 28 Queen City PR Awards event. PRSA Charlotte’s Infinity Award honors a public relations professional whose character, career and service represent the highest standards and who excels in the practice of public relations. Recipients have dedicated their careers to the practice of public relations, have achieved substantial success in their professional work and represent the highest standards of ethical conduct in the practice of public relations. A panel of previous Infinity Award winners selected Bernstein from a pool of nominations submitted by Charlotte professionals. Bernstein is a senior vice president at Carolina PR, a Chernoff Newman agency, and has more than 30 years of experience providing public relations strategy and strategic communications counsel to a variety of clients. His professional and civic leadership experience is heavy on cultural affairs – he was the agency lead on its engagement with the Arts &

Science Council’s Cultural Life Task Force, and also served on the boards of the Charlotte Symphony and Charlotte Civic Orchestra – as well as service within the Jewish community. Robert Bush, president of the Arts & Science Council, says the cultural sector is fortunate to have Adam’s commitment. Robert applauds Adam’s leadership on many successful civic efforts including bond referendums, and for providing astute PR counsel to the task force. Bernstein is an accredited member of PRSA, as well as former delegate to the International Assembly and chapter president of PRSA Charlotte. He is former president of the Foundation of the Charlotte Jewish Community and Temple Beth El and served in volunteer leadership roles for many Front, left to right: Asher Bernstein, Tammy Seigel, Kathy Ochs; back row, left to right: Jordan Bernstein, Cary Bernstein, Zoe Kronovet, Adam with his award, Andrew Bernstein, Elka Bernstein, and Bar Hanash.

Adam Bernstein

community organizations including Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, National Conference for Community and Justice, Jewish Community Relations Committee, Men for Change, and the Charlotte Clean City Committee. Grateful for his decade and a half of leadership at Temple Beth El, Rabbi Judy Schindler says Adam leads with vision, with wisdom, with heart, with soul, with a great sense of humor, and sometimes with painful honesty. Y

B’NAI MITZVAH Megan and Jordan Hochman were born November 1, 2002 in Florida. They are the twin children of Shannon and Andrew Hochman. Megan and Jordan are active seventh graders that are involved in various school and extra-curricular activities. They will be celebrating their B’nai Mitzvah on December 5 at Temple Israel. Megan attends an International Baccalaureate magnet school. She maintains straight As in these challenging classes. She is a member of Future Business Leaders of America and is on the Cross County for Youth team. She is also on a city soccer team. In addition, Megan is an active member of Temple Israel. She attends religious school and is a member of the Bonim youth group leadership. Megan enjoys playing soccer, running, cheer, and tumbling. Megan has developed a love for camping as she has attended many Girl Scout camps and Camp Ramah. She has been a Girl Scout for many years, starting as a Daisy and is now a Cadette. She has been working very hard on a Jewish religious award in scouting, the Menorah award, and will receive her award at her Bat Mitzvah. Jordan attends a STEM magnet school. He maintains all As and Bs in these classes. He is a member of the National Junior Honor

Society and the Play60 fitness program in school. He is also on the city soccer team. Jordan is an active member of Temple Israel. He attends religious school and is a member of the Bonim youth group leadership. Jordan enjoys playing basketball, football, and soccer. Jordan loves to camp as he regularly goes camping with Boy Scouts and attends Camp Ramah in the summers. He has been an active Scout, starting as a Cub and now ranked as Star in Boy Scouts. Jordan has received a Jewish religious award, the Aleph award, and is currently working on his Ner Tamid, to earn by his Bar Mitzvah. Y

Jordan Hochman

Megan Hochman

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 26

Hanukkah Gifts for Bookworms By Batya Ungar-Sargon (JTA) — Looking for a Hanukkah gift for the bibliophile in your life? Here are some Jewish-themed selections spanning fiction, memoir and essay collections.

“All I Know and Love” (William Morrow) By Judith Frank In the tradition of the great 19th-century domestic novels, Judith Frank brings us the tale of Matt and Daniel, a couple living in Northampton, MA, whose lives are torn apart by tragedy when Daniel’s twin brother and his wife are killed in a Jerusalem suicide bombing. They leave behind two children whom they bequeathed to Daniel’s care. The novel presents the often-conflicting need for self-preservation and the desire to step up for one’s partner in moments of crisis. Frank is a compassionate but honest storyteller; she succeeds in engaging in serious discussions about the Middle East conflict in the context of Matt and Daniel’s struggle to become a family with their new wards.

“The Hilltop” (Scribner) By Assaf Gavron Equal parts comedy and tragedy, Assaf Gavron’s sprawling seventh novel takes us to a fictional West Bank settlement deemed illegal by the Israeli government. In so-called Ma’aleh Hermesh C, a small group of pioneering Jews have put down roots. The novel focuses loosely on brothers Roni, a failed entrepreneur, and Gabi, who has become a Breslov Hasid. The Hilltop alternates between the brothers’ lives at the outpost — Roni has hatched a misbegotten plan there to sell olive oil made by Palestinians living nearby and Gabi, a synecdoche for Israel itself, experiences increasingly violent and self-sabotaging outbursts — and their troubled past as orphaned kibbutzniks.

“Rocket and Lightship” (W.W. Norton and Company) By Adam Kirsch Literary critic and poet Adam Kirsch’s new essay collection provides a lesson in thinking itself. In Rocket and Lightship, his seventh book, Kirsch takes on writers, philosophers, cultural critics and theorists. His subjects include Cynthia Ozick, Slavoj Zizek, David Foster Wallace, and Charles Darwin. Each of the essays radically alters generally accepted ideas about its subject. For example, on the limits of Darwinian thought, Kirsch writes, “It is human nature to be violent and competitive, and it is human nature to be compassionate and cooperative. Unlike the animals, we are aware that such alternatives exist, and have no choice but to choose between them, not just once and for all, but every time we act.”

“Paper Love” (Riverhead) By Sarah Wildman After finding photographs of a beautiful girl named Valy among her late grandfather’s belongings, Sarah Wildman, a journalist, goes in search of her grandfather’s “true love,” whom he left behind in war-torn Berlin back in 1938. The author traveled to Europe again and again in search of anyone who might have a glimmer of knowledge about the young woman. In unraveling this mystery, Wildman rescues Valy’s story from oblivion, proving how a single narrative can illuminate the tragedy of the Holocaust. At its core, the memoir is a meditation on Jewish identity after the last of the survivor generation has passed.

“The Zone of Interest” (Knopf) By Martin Amis One of the year’s most shocking books, The Zone of Interest is also one of its most gripping. The story, which takes place in a concentration camp, follows three characters through their daily routines — Paul Doll, an uber-Nazi; Angelus Thomsen, a more halfhearted one; and Szmul, a Jewish prisoner who stays alive by acceding to the Nazis most horrific of demands: pulling bodies out of the gas chambers. A Holocaust satire, the book is heretically funny. There’s also a love story: Thomsen lusts after Doll’s aloof wife, Hannah. But Martin Amis’ 14th novel is really an exploration of the Holocaust’s soul-sucking absurdity for both victim and perpetrator. Y

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 27

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The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 28

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 29

Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s “Lower Guilt” Latkes

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz

By Gabrielle Birkner (JTA) — Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz — South Florida congresswoman, chair of the Democratic National Committee, mother of three school-age children — is also, apparently, something of maven in the kitchen. Wasserman Schultz (aka @cleancookingcongresswoman) maintains an Instagram account devoted to her culinary adventures, and was tweeting over the weekend about, what else, latkes. “Was flipping through old recipes and came across this — only three days to Hanukkah and more of these!” she tweeted, along with a

photo of golden brown potato pancakes. Getting latkes just right can present something of a challenge: forget to squeeze the water out of the potatoes and you’re likely to get a patty that’s heavier than it is crispy; fail to flip at precisely the right time, and the product may be more burnt than golden. So we decided to ask Wasserman Schultz for her formula for the perfect latke. Explaining her decision to include grated sweet potato and parsnip, in addition to traditional baking potatoes, she told JTA via email: “My New Year’s resolution last year was to eat healthier without giving up my favorite ‘Jewish soul foods’. So, throughout the year, I set out to adapt our favorite traditional Jewish recipes to a ‘clean cooking,’ healthier version. During Passover I made pizza with a matzo farfel crust and I didn’t want to give up latkes at

Hanukkah, so I found this root vegetable recipe, which I adapted a bit for my family’s tastes.” But because latkes are a favorite in the Wasserman Schultz household, she’ll be serving up traditional ones in addition to the “lower guilt” option. “Less guilt in a Jewish household, who knew it was possible?” the congresswoman told us. It is possible — and here’s the recipe, which Wasserman Schultz adapted from MyRecipes.com. Debbie’s (aka @CleanCookingCongresswoman) Healthy Root Vegetable Latke Recipe 2 c. grated peeled sweet potato 2 c. grated peeled baking potato

1 c. grated peeled parsnip 3 oz. all-purpose flour (about 2/3 c.) 1/2 t. ground cumin 1/2 t. kosher salt, divided 2 lg. eggs 1 c. grated onion 2 T. olive oil, divided 1 T. chopped dill (optional) 3 T. water 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 t. kosher salt 1/8 t. ground red pepper Preparation: Preheat oven to 325°. Place first 3 ingredients on paper towels; squeeze till barely moist. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a

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knife. Combine flour, cumin, 1/4 t. salt, eggs, and onion in a bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed till blended. Add potato mixture; beat with a mixer at low speed till combined. Heat a lg. nonstick skillet over med. heat. Add 2 t. oil; swirl. Heap 3 T. potato mixture into pan to form a patty; flatten slightly. Repeat procedure 5 times to form 6 patties. Reduce heat to med.-low; cook 6 min. on each side or till golden brown. Place latkes on a baking sheet; keep warm in oven. Repeat procedure twice with remaining oil and potato mixture to yield 18 latkes total. Sprinkle latkes with 1/4 t. salt. Garnish with dill, if desired.Y

The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2015 - Page 30

For Third Night of Hanukkah, Three Sundaes By Anthony Weiss Portland (JTA) — Hanukkah menorahs burn in the window of Miss Zumstein Bakery and Coffee Shop on Portland’s east side, and inside 22 guests sit facing one another at a long row of tables. The group is celebrating the third night of Hanukkah with sweet and fatty treats. But, rather than sufganiyot, the jelly donuts that have become an iconic Hanukkah dessert, ice cream sundaes are front and center in this latest installment of the Morgan Street Theater, a culinary pop-up devoted to three-course tasting menus of ice cream sundaes accompanied by stories. At the head of the table stands Jared Goodman, the chef, master of ceremonies and sole proprietor of Morgan Street Theater. His short-cropped brown hair, oblong glasses, and boyish face, matched by a boyish enthusiasm, make him seem much younger than his 34 years. His apron’s psychedelic swirl of skulls, enormous snakes, and what appear to be geishas playing Kleenex-box guitars, makes a slightly surreal contrast to his self-description as the stay-at-home dad to a 2-1/2-yearold daughter. After introducing himself, he begins the evening with a retelling of the Hanukkah story which, he confesses, he has not rehearsed. “There were these people called the Jews. And the Jews were living in … I’m gonna need some corrections here … I think

in the land that is known as Israel … Palestine … we’ll call it the Middle East. The Jews were living in the Middle East. And they were living under the Syrians. But I’ve heard it was either the Syrians, the Greeks or the Romans. So we’ll say they were living under non-Jewish rule.” Seemingly unfazed by his stumbles, Goodman plows forward with his tale. “And they held off the Syrians long enough to … actually, I think they won. Anybody want to correct me on that?” Nobody does, and so the story of Hanukkah ends in triumph once again, and Goodman heads off to the kitchen to plate the first course while the guests introduce themselves to one another and chat. It is an eclectic group, including a farmer who raises rare heritage breeds of duck, a professional harpist who also works as a traffic engineer, a mixologist, a high school choir director and the president of Portland’s Jewish federation. All have paid $25 for the event. Each course is intended as a commentary upon the traditions of Hanukkah. So, the first course, “Festival of Light,” features a passionfruit sufganiya served with a champagne-raspberry sorbet and a brie fondue. For the second course, Goodman recounts the Hanukkah deepfrying parties he and his wife used to throw, then veers into a disqui-

sition on two of his personal passions — the virtues of making ice cream sandwiches with bread rather than cookies, and the merits of the shrub, a form of vinegary fruit syrup, which he offers for sale. He then serves “The Geltwich,” featuring gelt-flavored ice cream (although the ice cream is not made from actual gelt, probably to the benefit of its flavor) served between two slices of sourdough bread, drenched in a raspberry shrub flavored with thyme. For the last course, Goodman proposes that the guests play a game of dreidel. He distributes gelt and dreidels and then runs through the rules of the game. “If it lands on Hay, you take half of it. If it lands on Nun, you get none of it. If it lands on Gimmel, you get all of it. But … I don’t remember what happens when it lands on Shin.” The more experienced players fill in the gap (return a coin to the pot), and Goodman returns with “Americana Hanukkah,” a sort of deconstructed latke in the form of a crispy potato bird’s nest served with fresh sage ice cream and pool of salted pumpkin caramel sauce. The meal (if three courses of ice cream can be considered a meal) is all the more extraordinary considering that Goodman, by his own account, ate virtually no fruits or vegetables before the age of 24, subsisting on a junk food diet of pizza, pasta, hamburgers and pancake mix. It is only over

the last several years that he has even taught himself to cook. “I don’t have a culinary background,” Goodman told JTA. “I’m just this guy who wants to be a teacher, is a stay-at-home dad, and I have these crazy ideas.” The sundae tastings began as an experimental project in late 2013, but the Morgan Street Theater has garnered a following, as well as fans in high places. The Portland edition of the food blog Eater named it one of the city’s eight hottest pop-ups, and earlier in December the Portland Art Museum invited Goodman to craft sundaes inspired by its collection of American art. The Hanukkah event is the second of a six-part series for the Jewish holidays, which Goodman launched at the urging of Nate DeGroot, a Hebrew College rabbinical student who spent the summer organizing grassroots Jewish events on Portland’s east side. The sundaes for the Jewish series are not certified kosher, but are kosher style — no meat with the dairy. Goodman has already served up Sukkot, and in the com-

The Geltwich, an ice cream sandwich created by Jared Goodman for his Hanukkah pop-up. (Jared Goodman)

ing months he will stage additional events for Tu biShevat, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot. The evening ends with applause, and the reviews from the guests are generally positive. As the guests rise from the tables and begin to disperse, Goodman rates the evening a success: “It was boisterous. People were talking to people they didn’t know, and the plates came back empty.” Y

What’s the best holiday? Hanukkah, of course... You eat pancakes every day, spin your dreidel to your heart’s content, and from all sides money comes pouring in. What holiday can be better than that? -- Sholom Aleichem in Philip Goodman, “Rejoice in Thy Festival”

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