Federation Announces Additional Ways To Make a Difference in 2025
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s (JFGC) 2025 Annual Campaign, the primary funding vehicle of Federation’s efforts to enhance Jewish life in Charlotte, officially kicked off January 30 at the 2025 Super Event. Alongside the annual Campaign which funds educational programming, opportunities for engagement, and supports more than 70 beneficiary agencies across greater Charlotte, the community is encouraged to explore three additional giving opportunities that address critical needs and further strengthen our shared future. Identified by our community as areas of priority, these initiatives—Outshine Hate, LiveSecure, and the Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund— provide meaningful ways to extend your contribution further. These opportunities are intended to supplement your Annual Campaign gift, amplifying its impact and ensuring the success of our collective mission while tackling pressing challenges.
Outshine Hate: Combating Antisemitism Through Education and Unity
Antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment have been on the rise, locally and globally. JFGC is addressing these issues headon with Outshine Hate. This ongoing initiative focuses on educating the broader community, uniting diverse groups, and
strengthening the bonds within the Jewish community to combat hate and promote understanding.
Since its inception, Outshine Hate has achieved significant success, organizing impactful events, workshops, and partnerships that have empowered individuals to stand against prejudice and misinformation. However, the fight against antisemitism requires sustained commitment and resources.
Continued support for Outshine Hate will enable the initiative to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and ensure that greater Charlotte remains a place of inclusion and respect.
LiveSecure: Ensuring Safety for the Jewish Community Safety and security remain a top priority for Jewish communities across the country. LiveSecure, a program developed
by The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and the Secure Community Network, provides a comprehensive approach to safeguarding Jewish spaces and events. From security assessments and training to implementing critical safety measures, LiveSecure aims to protect what matters most—our people and institutions. JFNA offers a one-to-one match on donations to our Federation’s LiveSecure fund to double the impact of your gift.
Continued investment in this program ensures that every member of our Jewish community can gather, learn, and celebrate without fear. In an increasingly unpredictable world, the need for a robust security framework has never been more apparent.
Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund: Building Bridges to Israel through the iCenter Initiative
The new Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund is designed to fund the creation of the iCenter for Israel Education and Engagement, a dynamic initiative dedicated to fostering understanding, engagement, and a strong connection with Israel and its people.
Your support of the endowment fund and iCenter initiative will allow Federation to offer innovative programs, educational opportunities, and cultural exchanges celebrating Israel’s diversity and heritage. By helping our community explore and deepen their Jewish identity, the iCenter will serve as a vital hub for learning and connection. As antisemitism and misinforma -
tion about Israel persist, the iCenter represents a proactive step toward creating informed advocates and engaged community members.
Each of these additional giving opportunities—Outshine Hate, LiveSecure, and the Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund—addresses a critical need within our community. Together, they empower us to respond to the challenges of our time with resilience, unity, and purpose. As we move forward with the 2025 Annual Campaign, we invite you to consider supporting one or more of these opportunities in addition to your Annual Campaign pledge. Your contribution will sustain essential programs and help create a stronger, safer, and more connected Jewish community for generations to come. By giving today, you join a collective effort to ensure that our values and heritage endure, even in the face of adversity.
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC) is excited to announce that Erez Kaganovitz, founder of the acclaimed “Humans of Tel Aviv” project, will be the featured Israeli artist-in-residence for 2025. From March 1 to 4, Erez will share his passion for photography and storytelling with the Charlotte Jewish community, culminating in the second installation of the “Unpacking Israel: Masterclass Series” on Monday, March 3, at 7 p.m. at the Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts at Shalom Park.
Erez’s journey to becoming one of Israel’s most compelling visual storytellers began far from
Tel Aviv. He studied journalism and international relations at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem before working as a journalist and parliamentary advisor for several members of the Knes-
set. It wasn’t until he traveled to India that he discovered his true passion. On the banks of the Ganges River, Erez learned to tell stories through photography, capturing entire narratives in a single frame.
After moving to Tel Aviv in 2009, he was struck by the city’s vibrancy and diversity. “I had the feeling that I had just stumbled onto the set of a movie and that every character in the city had his or her own story, attitude, and unique perspective just waiting to be uncovered,” Erez shares. This inspiration led him to wander the streets with his camera, photographing the people of Tel
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Erez Kaganovitz,
Asking the Right Question
CJN
When driving into work on the second-to-last day of 2024, I spotted the American flag at the fire station lowered to half-mast. These solemn gestures, reserved for presidents, high-ranking officials, and other significant moments of national mourning, always give me pause. Checking the news that morning, I learned what many already knew: President Jimmy Carter had passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100.
A week later, standing in the bookstore, I found myself drawn to a table featuring biographies of the late president. The book I chose didn’t begin with his presidency or politics, but rather with his early life — the experiences and character that shaped him
long before he entered the White House. As I read, and as I sought out other tributes to the former president, I noticed something striking: they all seemed to focus not on his time in office, but on his post-presidential life. Rather than leveraging his presidential status for wealth or influence, he returned to his modest home in Plains, devoted himself to humanitarian work through Habitat for Humanity where he physically worked building houses well into his nineties, and continued teaching Sunday school at his small local church nearly every week.
His funeral in early January brought all living presidents together, a rare moment of unity that seemed fitting for a man who had spent his post-presidential years building bridges rather than legacies. As I read about his life, I found myself wondering, “How will I be remembered? What will people say about me after I am gone?
Then came the unexpected news in January of Franki Clement’s passing. As event and communications manager for the Foundation of Shalom Park, Franki coordinated over 1,200 events each year, modernized event management pro-
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cesses, and touched countless lives in our community. Yet what struck me most as I learned more about her in the days that followed wasn’t her impressive accomplishments, but how she achieved them — the warmth she brought to every interaction, the way she lived her values in each moment, whether managing complex events or keeping her office stocked with Hershey’s Kisses for visitors. As her tribute in this issue of the CJN notes, “She embodied the values of perseverance, collaboration, and integrity, inspiring us all to be better colleagues and human beings.” Those words about how she inspired us to be better, about how to live, resonated deeply. By now, I was deep into my reflections about legacy when, just days later, I found myself editing a tribute to honor another significant loss to our community: the passing of Olga Washington. I had met Olga only once, but like so many others, I knew of her profound influence. A Black woman from South Africa who became one of Israel’s most powerful advocates, she transformed reluctant teenagers into eager students and engaged with those who disagreed with her in meaningful dialogue. She accomplished so much, from becoming a law firm partner at twenty-five to speaking at the United Nations, yet what people remembered most was how she lived. Her tribute captured it perfectly: “Many people worldwide were blessed to know her, a bea-
con of light, an exemplary human whose brilliance, warmth, elegance, courage, morality, wisdom, strength, and beauty shined so brightly. She showed us how to live.” Those last words, “She showed us how to live,” echoed in my mind.
As these losses came one after another, I began to see a thread weaving through their stories. Though they operated in different spheres, from international diplomacy to local community events, none of them seemed focused on crafting their legacy. Instead, they simply lived their values consistently, authentically, day after day. They built bridges across great divides and created connections through daily interactions, all serving others in ways that came naturally to who they were.
And then I realized — I had been asking myself the wrong question all along. The question isn’t, “How will I be remembered?,” but “How am I living today?”
The Jewish concept of ma’asim tovim teaches us that good deeds aren’t performed for recognition or remembrance. They’re simply the natural expression of living our values. We act out of an inherent sense of responsibility and morality, not for recognition, legacy, or personal gain. The emphasis is on doing what is right because it contributes to a just and compassionate world.
Carter didn’t build houses with Habitat for Humanity to
craft a post-presidential legacy — he did it because he believed everyone deserved a decent place to live. Olga didn’t share her perspective and wisdom to be remembered — she did it because, in her words, “There can be no justice without truth.” Franki didn’t pour herself into every event and interaction to leave a legacy — she did it because that’s who she was. Their stories remind us that the most meaningful legacies aren’t built consciously; they grow naturally from how we choose to live each day. They emerge not from our concern about future remembrance, but from our commitment to present service. The tributes to these three remarkable individuals don’t primarily recall their achievements or accolades. Instead, they speak of how they lived, how they touched others, how they showed up day after day with authenticity and purpose.
Perhaps that’s the most powerful lesson these losses have taught me. Our legacy isn’t something we craft for tomorrow. It’s something we live today, in each choice, each interaction, each moment of service to others. The question isn’t about how we’ll be remembered, but about how we will live.
Franki Clement’s tribute can be found on page 7. Olga Washington’s tribute can be found on page 18.
The CJN does not assume responsibility for the quality of kashruth 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, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, or any of its employees. Articles submitted by individual agencies bearing their logo are reflective of the opinion of that agency.
Published monthly except July
An affiliate of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte e Charlotte
Shira Firestone, Managing Editor
Shira
The Ripple Effect: How Small Acts Create Big Change
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
Imagine a single drop of water. It seems small, almost insignificant, yet when it hits the surface of a still pond it sends out ripples, creating waves through the water. That is the power of small actions—building momentum, growing stronger, and ultimately creating waves of meaningful change.
This transformative ripple effect is the inspiration behind Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s new monthly giving option for the 2025 Annual Campaign. By making a small, recurring contribution each month, members of our community can create a lasting impact that strengthens local and global Jewish life in profound ways.
Monthly giving makes it possible to combine modest contributions into a powerful force. These donations directly support a wide range of initiatives that reach every corner of our community. Whether it’s educational programs for all ages, celebra-
tions of Israeli and Jewish traditions, or advocacy efforts to ensure safe and inclusive spaces for Jewish engagement, Federation is dedicated to enriching Jewish life in greater Charlotte and beyond. Additionally, campaign contributions fund over 70 local and global beneficiary agencies, offering vital services like mental health counseling, secure spaces for worship, and essential support for individuals and families in need. Globally, your generosity extends to Jewish communities around the world, delivering critical aid and advancing innovative,
Artist-in-Residence
(Continued from front page)
Aviv and sharing their stories. In 2012, inspired by photographer Brandon Stanton’s “Humans of New York,” Erez launched “Humans of Tel Aviv,” a project that has garnered international acclaim, and later “Humans of October 7th,” an ongoing initiative highlighting the human stories of Israelis who stood up against terrorism.
During his time in Charlotte, Erez will bring these powerful stories to life. His residency will include workshops for various local agencies, offering a unique chance to learn from a master storyteller. The “Humans of October 7th” exhibit will also be on display at Shalom Park before and after his visit, providing an extended opportunity for the community to engage with his work.
Erez’s primary community event on March 3, part of JFGC’s “Unpacking Israel: Masterclass Series,” will delve into the complexities of Israeli society. Combining photography and storytelling, Erez will share his unique insights into the lives and experiences of Israelis.
Through his evocative photographs and the stories he tells, Erez invites us to see the world—and each other— through a new lens. Mark your calendars for March 3 and prepare to be inspired by this extraordinary artist and his journey. For more information about the Israeli Artist-in-Residence program or to register for the March 3 “Unpacking Israel” event, visit www.jewishcharlotte.org.
inclusive initiatives in Israel.
The approach of monthly giving also makes philanthropy more accessible. By spreading contributions across the year, community members can align their donations to fit within their budgets in a way that amplifies their impact. Small, steady acts of generosity build on each other, creating a wave of support that touches lives daily and ensures a stronger, more united Jewish future for us all —all for less than the cost of your monthly coffee habit or streaming subscription.
As the 2025 Annual Campaign begins, monthly giving is another option to be part of something bigger. Together, our collective efforts will send ripples across our community and beyond. Each gift—no matter its size—helps sustain programs that change lives and create a brighter tomorrow.
To set up your monthly gift and learn more, visit www.jewishcharlotte.org. Join us in making an enduring difference, one small act at a time.
Buying, Selling or Relocating?
Andrew is an awardwinning agent ready to assist in your real estate journey. Named in the Top 1% of All Real Estate Agents in 2021 by Real Trends. In addition, Andrew is an involved member and leader in our Charlotte Jewish community.
Haim Jalin, featured in Erez Kaganovitz’s exhibit, “Humans of October 7th”
Gidon Lev, featured in Erez Kaganovitz’s exhibit, “Humans of October 7th”
Sue’s Bookshelf
By Sue Littauer
As many of you know, I run Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s Center for Jewish Education’s community book club. Recently, I received an email from one of our members, making me aware of an article, written by Andrew Lapin and published in the Oct. 30, 2024 issue of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), about a letter signed by thousands of authors. The authors declared Israel’s actions in Gaza a genocide and pledged to boycott all Israeli literary institutions in protest. These authors won’t allow their books to be translated into Hebrew, sold in Israel’s bookstores, or featured at any Israeli literary festival. Although I haven’t seen the complete list of signers, at least one of the authors I had chosen for my 2025 book club schedule was prominently named. This prompted me to delve further into this situation.
The signers intend to boycott Israeli literary institutions and activities they associate with Zionism; however, since 85% of adult Jews support Israel according to an America Jewish Committee (AJC) poll, their actions are perceived as antisemitic. The current, working definition of
antisemitism, as provided by the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance), states that while criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic, examples such as “Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor” are showing how anti-Zionism, anti-Israel, and antisemitism overlap.
The prominence and number of signers, as well as the scope of the boycott, inspired pushback from over 1,000 notable Jewish authors and celebrities, who in turn signed an opposing letter. They cited actions carried out by agents, booksellers, and publishers, such as banning books, blacklisting, protesting, and canceling events with Jewish authors. Many signers of the opposing letter are authors wellknown to our book club, such as Elyssa Friedland, Lisa Barr, and Gabrielle Zevin, to name a few.
Zibby Owens and a group of authors decided to fight back. They founded The Artists Against Antisemitism, a 501(c) (3) to raise awareness of antisemitism in the arts, promote education about Jewish history and culture, celebrate Jewish artists, and unite the artistic community. Owens, the author of “Blank” and a guest speaker for our book club’s January Zoom call, decided to take things a step further. “I just thought, ‘Wait, let’s do an anthology.’” Initially, Owens envisioned the essay collection, intended to raise funds for The Artists Against Antisemitism, as a project featuring contributions from group members. However, the scope quickly expanded.
Within days, over 200 writers were invited to “write something original about how you’ve felt since October 7, how being Jew-
ish makes you feel, and what it means to you.” Despite a tight three-week deadline, 75 authors agreed to participate, including actor Mark Feuerstein, reality star Jill Zarin, writers Joanna Rakoff and Amy Ephron, entrepreneur Bradley Tusk, and Rabbi Sharon Brous.
The result is ”On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates,” a diverse collection of essays edited by Zibby Owens. The anthology is a wide-ranging collection of humorous, reflective, and sometimes mournful essays that touch on everything from the Holocaust to pop culture.
So, I asked myself what I could do. I will follow the advice of writer Mark Levenson, who, in the Aug. 1, 2024 edition of The Times of Israel, stated, “You can do something. Buy one of the books of any Jewish or pro-Israel author you choose. Buy a book a month, or more if you’re a voracious reader. It could even make you smarter. And the world could use smarter.” I also resolve to become more aware of what is happening in the literary world, and be vigilant as to any perceived antisemitism on the part of the authors I select for our Jewish community book club. Also, I immediately ordered a copy of the anthology “On Being Jewish Now.” As of this writing, I haven’t received it yet, but when I do, I’ll take the time to review it for you.
Now it’s time to ask yourself what you can do.
Center for Jewish Education Book Club Schedule
The CJE Book Club meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am in Room A110 at Shalom Park. All books are available at the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library at the Center for Jewish Education. Feb. 12
The Lost English Girl, Julia Kelly Mar. 12
The Paris Novel, Ruth Reichl Apr. 9
The Goddess of Warsaw, Lisa Barr May 14
Behind Every Good Man, Sara Goodman Confino Jun. 11
The Escape Artist, Jonathan Freedland Jul. 9
Long Island Compromise, Taffy Brodesser-Akner Aug. 13
Kantika, Elizabeth Graver Sept. 10
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, Lynda Cohen Loigman Oct. 8
There will be no October Meeting Nov. 12
Small World: A Novel, Laura Zigman Dec. 10
Like Mother, Like Mother, Susan Rieger
*Zibby Owens will be joining us on Zoom –Contact sueb.littauer@jewishcharlotte.org for the link
Solidarity Missions
Spotlight on the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival: Must-See
Films
By Michelle Rusgo, Levine JCC Director of Art and Culture and Jeff Turk
Celebrating its 21st year, the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival (CJFF) continues throughout February with a diverse lineup of films highlighting Jewish storytelling and showcasing the best of Jewish cinema from the United States, Israel, and Europe.
The curated slate of films has been carefully selected to illuminate global Jewish experiences and provide memorable moviegoing experiences for all. Year after year, Charlotte audiences praise the festival’s value-added programming, including filmmaker appearances and post-film discussions. These opportunities allow attendees to dive deeper into the creative process, explore behind-the-scenes details, and engage with the powerful themes presented in each film.
This year, the CJFF offers an exciting array of Q&A sessions, special programs, and receptions, including:
UnBroken
This gripping documentary follows the story of the Weber siblings, who escaped Nazi Germany as children after their mother was murdered at Auschwitz. “UnBroken” is a tribute to resilience and hope, offering audiences an intimate glimpse into the strength of the human spirit. Featuring powerful storytelling and heartfelt testimonials, this film is a must-see for anyone who appreciates history told through a personal lens. Director Beth Lane will participate in a Q&A after the screening.
Call Me Dancer
A tale of grit, passion, and self-discovery, the award-winning “Call Me Dancer” follows a young, underprivileged boy in India who dreams of becoming a world-class dancer. Despite cultural and familial resistance, his
unwavering determination takes him on a transformative journey. This heartwarming film explores the intersections of identity, art, and the courage it takes to follow your dreams. Manish Chauhan, the film’s star, will be on-site to share his journey and experiences during a Q&A session.
Auction
With its clever script and surprising twists, “Auction” offers a light-hearted yet thought-provoking exploration of secrets uncovered during an estate sale. As the narrative unfolds, this comedic gem reveals unexpected truths about family, heritage, and the value of the stories we leave behind. A reception highlighting local Jewish artists will follow the screening.
Colleyville
This riveting documentary delves into the shocking 2022 hostage crisis at a Texas synagogue. Through raw footage and candid interviews, “Colleyville” unpacks the harrowing events and celebrates the power of faith, community, and courage in the face of adversity. It’s a timely and poignant reminder of the importance of standing together against hate. Writer/director Dani Menkin and Rabbi Charlie
Cytron-Walker, who was held hostage during the crisis, will participate in a post-screening Q&A led by Rabbi Asher Knight of Temple Beth El, a close friend of Rabbi Cytron-Walker.
Midas Man
“Midas Man” chronicles the life and legacy of Brian Epstein, the visionary manager who discovered and guided The Beatles to worldwide fame. Often referred to as “the fifth Beatle,” Epstein’s story is one of passion, ambition, and groundbreaking influence in the entertainment industry. The festival will conclude with this film, followed by
a closing night reception featuring Beatles tunes performed by members of the local Charlotte band, Coconut Groove.
Israeli Films
The festival’s commitment to showcasing Israeli cinema remains a cornerstone of its programming. These films entertain and educate, fostering a deeper understanding of Israel’s identity and offering audiences a glimpse into its people, culture, and stories.
Israeli films take center stage on Feb. 8 with the award-winning movie “Running on Sand.”
On Feb. 15, “Bliss” reunites esteemed Israeli actors Sasson Gabay and Assi Levy, who deliver
heartfelt, mesmerizing performances. The Israeli film series concludes on Feb. 22 with “Air War,” best described as Israel’s version of the American film “Top Gun.”
The 2025 CJFF continues the tradition of celebrating Jewish identity through the art of film while providing a much-needed cure for the winter doldrums. With extraordinary movies and the bonus of filmmaker appearances, the CJFF is an experience you won’t want to miss!
For tickets and the full lineup, visit the CJFF website at charlottejewishfilm.com.
FEDERATION IMPACT: BENEFICIARY AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
CHARLOTTE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
As a means of bettering our greater Charlotte Jewish community, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte allocates donation funds to local Jewish organizations who embody Jewish values and overall better our community. In recognition of their work, we at Federation wish to bring attention to these organizations and the good that they do.
For more than two decades, the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival (CJFF) has been a cornerstone of cultural enrichment in Charlotte’s Jewish community. Now celebrating its 21st anniversary, the festival is currently in full swing, captivating audiences with its expanded lineup of 18 exceptional films.
“The Charlotte Jewish Film Festival (CJFF) celebrates Jewish culture, history, and identity through the transformative power of film,” shares Michelle Rusgo, director of art and culture at the Levine Jewish Community Center. “By fostering dialogue, understanding, and community connection, it enhances Jewish life and strengthens bonds that unite us all.”
One of the hallmarks of CJFF is its ability to spark meaningful dialogue and connection. Many screenings are followed by engaging discussions, Q&A sessions, and special appearances, offering audiences a chance to delve deeper
into the themes and stories on screen. These moments of connection foster understanding and a shared appreciation for the richness of Jewish heritage.
The Charlotte Jewish Film Festival exemplifies Federation’s mission to enhance Jewish life in Charlotte through the thoughtful exploration of Jewish and Israeli culture. By bringing people together through the arts, the festival not only entertains but also educates and inspires, creating lasting bonds among community members and beyond. This
important programming underscores Federation’s dedication to celebrating Jewish identity and culture in meaningful, engaging ways. To further support the CJFF, Federation sponsored the recent screening of “October H8te,” (screened Jan 28) a documentary discussing the sharp rise in antisemitism post October 7 on college campuses, social media, and throughout the United States. The 2025 Charlotte Jewish Film Festival kicked off on Jan. 25 and will continue through Feb. 23. The lineup features a variety of compelling narratives, including the Israeli film “Running on Sand” (screening Feb. 8), the heartwarming documentary “Shari & Lamb Chop” (screening Feb. 13), and more. Tickets are available online at www.charlottejewishfilm.com.
Remembering Franki Clement: A Life of Dedication, Joy, and Community
By Foundation of Shalom Park Staff
Our Shalom Park family mourns the loss of Franki Anjelica Clement, a beloved colleague and friend who passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025. Franki was a shining light in our community, known for her unwavering dedication, kindness, and zest for life.
Born in Miami and raised in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Franki’s vibrant personality and commitment to others were evident from a young age. She excelled in academics and extracurricular activities at NSU University School, always eager to contribute to a positive environment. Her journey led her to Suffolk University in Boston, where she majored in communications and nurtured her passion for connecting people and creating memorable experiences. It was in Boston that Franki met her soulmate, Robert Clement, at Camp Pinewood in 2009. Their shared love for community and deep affection for each other blossomed into a beautiful partnership. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, welcoming their two children, Calliope and Oscar.
Franki’s career path reflected her passion for bringing people together. She honed her skills in experiential marketing and event management at UCG in Boston and later at Publix Event Planning and Corporate in Charlotte. Her arrival at the Foundation of Shalom Park marked a special chapter in her professional life. Here, she seamlessly combined her talents with her deep commitment to the Jewish community.
As our event and communications manager, Franki was instrumental in organizing and executing over 1,200 events each year. From small gatherings to large celebrations, she ensured every detail was perfect. She even brought us into the digital age with sophisticated event management software, a testament to her dedication to efficiency and excellence. As Terri Beattie, our executive director, shared, “Sometimes I did not know if I
was running the organization or if she was. It now takes three of us to fill her shoes!”
But Franki’s impact extended far beyond spreadsheets and logistics. She infused our workplace with her warmth and positivity. Her love for Taylor Swift, her impeccable fashion sense, and the ever-present jar of Hershey’s Kisses brightened our days. More importantly, she embodied the values of perseverance, collaboration, and integrity, inspiring us all to be better colleagues and human beings.
Franki found immense joy in being a mother. She cherished every moment with Calliope and Oscar, sharing her love for baking, Bravo TV marathons, and, of course, Taylor Swift sing-alongs. Her dedication to her children was evident in everything she did, and she instilled in them the importance of resilience, kindness, and pursuing their passions.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Franki’s role at Shalom Park was coordinating the Friday Shabbatot for Charlotte Jewish Preschool and Charlotte Jewish Day School. She not only organized these events but also attended them with Calliope and Oscar, creating beautiful memo-
ries and strengthening her connection to the community.
To honor Franki’s remarkable life and her contributions to Shalom Park, we have established the Franki Anjelica Clement Foundation of Shalom Park Endowment Fund with a $25,000 seed donation. This fund will ensure that her legacy of dedication and community-building continues to thrive.
Though Franki is gone from us in sight, her spirit will forever remain a part of Shalom Park. We will carry her memory in our hearts as we strive for excellence in our work, just as she did every day. May her memory be a blessing to us all.
To donate to the Franki Anjelica Clement Foundation of Shalom Park Endowment Fund, visit www.shalomcharlotte.org and click “Donate Online” or scan the QR code below.
Franki, Oscar, Calliope, and Robert
Building Stronger Futures: Prevention Strategies for Teen Dating Violence
By Rachel Green, MSW, LCSW, JFS Director of Programs and Services
As a community, we all have dreams for our children and the young people in our lives. We envision them growing up to be kind, confident, and successful— finding their place in the world with the support of healthy relationships. What kind of partner do you hope they find? What kind of partner do you hope they become?
It’s easy to picture them excelling in school or sports. We might even imagine dates to prom or fun college romances. But it can be harder to envision them navigating the complexities
of romantic relationships. Yet, as we reflect on what we want for our children, we must also consider our critical responsibility to guide them through the complicated—and potentially harmful—world of dating and relationships. By learning about teen dating violence and how to talk to the children in our lives about consent and healthy relationships, we can empower them to grow into the thriving adults we hope they will become.
Understanding Teen Dating Violence
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM), and the reality is that teen dating
Jewish Family Services Acknowledgements December 2024
Volunteers: Jessica Alfandary, Marcia Arnholt, Mike Arnholt, Daniel Benjamin, Andrew Bernstein, Jonathan Collman, Andrea Cronson, Julie Dermack, Joni Deutsch, Jamie Fram, Rachel Friedman, Robert Friedman, Meredith Gartner, Richard Goldsmith, Jennifer Golynsky, Gail Halverson, June Hirschmann, Rebecca Hockfield, Tara and Liat Hubara, Bob Jacobson, Etti Krause, Jennifer Koss, Stephanie Kreitman, Marcia Lampert, Eric Lerner, Lisa Levinson, Kim Levy, Adina Loewensteiner, Matt Luftglass, Deb Perelgut, Wendy Petricoff, Barbara Rein, Nina Rose, Janice Shubin, Louis Sinkoe, Teresa Singer, Stuart Singer, Lisa Somerson, Harry Sparks, Lorin Stiefel, Steve Teich, Gail Vogel, Nancy Wielunski, Amanda Zaidman
Chanukah Meal Preppies: Cheryl Alley, Ellen Altman, Shari Baum, Tess Berger, Maria Bloom, Lisa Bourdeau, Marcia Fitzgerald, Sara Friedman, Stacy Greenhut, June and Paul Hirschmann, Johnson & Wales, Judy Kaufmann, Cyma Kline, Penny Krieger, Aileen Greenberg-Kriner, Julie Novak, Fran Samarel, Janette Schwartz, Helene Schilian, Vivian Sternweiler, Beth Stillitano, Renee Tighe
Senior Chanukah Party Volunteers: Jessica Alfandary, Jimmy Clonaris, Dan Coblenz, Jimmy Collins, Andrea Cronson, Rob Friedman, Richard Goldsmith, Gail Halverson, Rebecca Hockfield, Jodie Joseph, Etti Krause, Kim Levy, Susie Meier, Deb Perelgut, Daniel Shelkrot, Lisa Somerson, Barry Woll, Luis Yaquian, Jeff Zaleon
violence is more common than many of us would like to admit. According to Loveisrespect. org, one in three U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults. Nearly half (43%) of U.S. college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.
TDVAM emphasizes that prevention starts with awareness. By understanding the warning signs of teen dating violence, we can provide our children with the tools they need to form healthy relationships.
When we think of teen dating violence, we may picture physi-
cal abuse or yelling. While these are forms of abuse, teen dating violence also includes emotional abuse, controlling behaviors, intimidation, stalking, and more. When talking to teens, it’s important to use clear and relatable language so that they can identify red flags.
Forms of Teen Dating Violence
Food Drives: SPICE of Temple Beth El
Mitzvah Baskets: The Seymour/Korczynski family in honor of Leo Korczynski’s Bar Mitzvah
Shalom Green: Thank to all Shalom Green volunteers for providing fresh produce to our pantry clients
Food Pantry Donations: To our generous community: Thank you for continuing to donate to the food pantry. We continue to collect donations every other Wednesday at the portico entrance to the Blumenthal Center for Jewish Education Building on Shalom Park.
- Emotional abuse: Controlling behaviors, name-calling, humiliation, threats to ruin a reputation or spread rumors, or threats to disclose sensitive information.
- Intimidation: Physical threats to the teen, their friends, family, or loved ones.
- Online stalking: Monitoring online accounts, demanding social media logins, checking private messages, or restricting private social media usage.
- Online intimidation: Threatening to post sensitive material, spreading rumors, or making other harmful online threats.
- Isolation: Efforts to separate the teen from friends and family.
- Power and control: Dictating what the teen wears, who they see, what activities they participate in, or how they spend their time.
- Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, shoving, or any form of physical harm. While this is often the most obvious form of abuse, teens may hesitate to speak up due to fear or shame.
- Stalking: Repeated, unwanted attention or contact that causes fear or safety concerns. This may occur in person or online.
- Sexual violence: Any unwanted sexual act without consent. Teens may not fully understand what constitutes consent, making it crucial to have these conversations early.
Teaching Consent
If we recognize the red flags of unhealthy relationships, how do we teach our children the skills to build healthy ones? One answer is to teach the concept of consent.
Consent is not just about sexual activity—it is the foundation of any healthy relationship. According to Loveisrespect.org, “Consent is an ongoing mutual agreement between partners about what they want to experience.”
The familiar phrase “no means no” oversimplifies the complexities of mutual decision-making and respect. As Loveisrespect. org explains, consent is not reactive but proactive. It is a shared expression of comfort and desire within a relationship.
We can start conversations about consent with our teens by asking: What do you want in a relationship? What feels safe or unsafe to you? What have you observed in movies, shows, or real life that reflects healthy or unhealthy relationships?
Teaching consent isn’t just for teens; it’s something we can instill in children from a young age. Encourage them to ask permission before touching someone, respect others’ boundaries, and understand the importance of saying “no” when something doesn’t feel right. These lessons will prepare them to navigate relationships throughout their lives.
Building a Better Future
By helping our children envision relationships built on mutual respect, safety, and consent, we can work toward the prevention of teen dating violence. Let’s equip young people with the tools they need to thrive and create a future filled with healthy, meaningful relationships.
Recent Study Highlights American Jewish Poverty
By Howard Olshansky,JFS Executive Director
A recent study conducted by the Tulane University Grant Center for the American Jewish Experience, in collaboration with Rosov Consulting, highlights that a significant portion of the American Jewish population faces economic hardship. The study, titled “On the Edge: Voices of Economic Vulnerability in U.S. Jewish Communities,” was commissioned by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study gathered data from a survey of 1,958 respondents, in-depth interviews with 175 participants, and conversations with 38 human service professionals. The Network for Jewish Human Service Agencies, the national membership organization for Jewish Family Service organizations, played a key role in recruiting participants for the study.
The findings challenge the myth that poverty isn’t a Jewish issue. Like households across the United States, Jewish households with children, individuals with disabilities or chronic health issues, and single parents are more likely to experience financial vulnerabilities.
Others within the Jewish community also face economic challenges. Orthodox households, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Russian-speaking Jews are particularly vulnerable.
The study defines economic vulnerability as financial insecurity or instability. According to the findings, situational vulnerability affects 61% of respondents who are currently or recently struggling. This vulnerability is often triggered by unexpected life events such as job loss, health crises, or family dissolution. Other contributing factors include divorce, incarceration, substance abuse, and caregiving responsibilities. In fact, 74% of respondents reported experiencing one or more of these events.
At JFS, these findings come as no surprise. While we lack specific data about poverty in the Charlotte Jewish community, we know that many local families are struggling. Rising housing costs in the Charlotte area, coupled with national inflation and increasing day-to-day expenses, are taking a toll on vulnerable populations—especially single parents and those more likely to be unemployed.
One group JFS sees frequently is older adults. Many seniors living on fixed incomes are just barely getting by. The numbers tell the story: the average monthly Social Security income in North Carolina is approximately $1,800. Meanwhile, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte is $1,400, not including utilities. Add food, healthcare costs, transportation, and other essentials, and expenses far exceed income.
Jewish Family Services Tributes December 2024
In Honor of Frada Mozenter
Cheryl Stafford
Larry & Dale Polsky
Jenny Meiselman
Lynne & Morey Sheffer
Ron & Jan Weiner
Stuart Singer
Carmen Hilton
In Memory of Marilyn Breslau
Robert & Christine Ecker
Olivia Cohen
Ron & Jan Weiner
Aleen Epstein
Robert & Mary Rothkopf
Eric & Lori Sklut
Barry Goodman
Ruth Goldberg
The Richman Family
Gary Silverstein
Mary Jean Kushner
Joanne Sulman
Mollie Roseman
Rose Atkinson
Gertrude Somerson
Lisa Somerson & Kurt McCartney
This issue has worsened over the past few years as rents in Charlotte have risen. Seniors receiving case management services at JFS called their case managers in a panic after receiving notices that their rents were increasing by $200-$400. Without additional support, many faced eviction and homelessness. Thanks to philanthropic support, JFS created a fund to help supplement rent increases for Jewish seniors at risk of losing their homes.
However, seniors are not the only members of our community who are struggling to make ends meet. Many working families, particularly those with a single income, are also under financial strain. According to the Charlotte Business Journal, the annual salary required to live comfortably in Charlotte is $101,388, with $50,700 needed just for basic expenses. This equates to $24.38 per hour for one individual to cover essentials. By comparison, the average salary for a teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is $46,715—or $22.60 per hour.
At JFS, we see many individuals struggling with basic finances and facing additional challenges that impact their ability to manage. These may include mental health issues, a child with a disability, or an aging parent in need of care. Services like the JFS food pantry and case management are critical in connecting clients with the resources they need. For instance, using the food pantry might allow a senior to purchase medications instead of groceries, or help a family pay their utility bill. Case management services may assist
with budgeting or connect clients to caregiving support, transportation resources, credit counseling programs, or government-funded housing and utility assistance programs.
Most importantly, the face of poverty doesn’t always look the way we expect. It’s not confined to one specific area of Charlotte. While lower-income neighborhoods certainly face greater challenges, financial hardship can affect individuals and families in any zip code. If you’ve donated food to the JFS Food Pantry or made a financial contribution, you have been helping someone in need, wherever they may live.
Happy Birthday
Bill Gorelick
Herb Verbesey & Teri Seidman
Burt Greenspon
Burt & Donna Greenspon
Gary Lerner
Paul & Lynn Edelstein
Gloria Lerner
Paul & Lynn Edelstein
Jerry Levin
Herb Verbesey & Teri Seidman
Toby & Dan Ruda
Michael & Beverly Grey
Sandra Levine
Paul & Lynn Edelstein
Happy Chanukah
Ashley Goldberg
Ruth Goldberg
Michael Goldberg
Ruth Goldberg In Appreciation of
Bob Jacobson
Rita Smith
Lauren Stark
Rita Smith
Charlotte’s Largest Menorah Lighting Illuminates Chanukah With Unprecedented Joy
By Rabbi Levi Cohen
This Chanukah, Chabad of Charlotte made history with the city’s largest-ever menorah lighting and a series of events that brought joy and inspiration to thousands. These celebrations embodied the enduring message of Chanukah: the triumph of light over darkness, brought to life through vibrant community gatherings.
At Symphony Park, over 1,200 people gathered to witness the lighting of a towering 18-foot menorah, engineered from PVC pipes by Charlotte’s own Sam DeFilipp. This magnificent menorah stood as a beacon of unity and resilience.
Rabbi Binyomin Weiss led the blessings and lighting, inspiring the crowd. Families enjoyed a variety of activities, including a juggling show, children’s theater, and creative craft booths. Live music by DJ Adam Danze kept the energy high, while Kosher Charlotte served delicious latkes, donuts, and hot cocoa. Rabbi Yossi Groner delivered a powerful Chanukah message, encouraging participants to carry the holiday’s light and meaning into their daily lives.
Chabad of Charlotte partnered with ZABS Place and the Town of Matthews for a menorah lighting at Matthews Town Hall, attended by over 200 people. The ceremony, led by Rabbi Bentzion Groner, included heartfelt reflections on the significance of Chanukah. Rabbi Binyomin Weiss led the menorah lighting and festive songs, while Mayor John Higdon was honored. The celebration highlighted the importance of community and tradition, with the menorah’s glow
bringing warmth and pride to all in attendance.
Music took center stage at the Simply Tzfat concert, where a crowd of 200 enjoyed an uplifting performance by the renowned Israeli trio. Their spiritual melodies and energetic tunes had everyone clapping, singing, and dancing. The concert brought people together for an evening of joy and inspiration, continuing the festive spirit of Chanukah.
Chanukah on Ice provided a magical holiday experience for more than 300 participants. Families skated to the sound of Chanukah music while a breathtaking 6-foot menorah was lit on the ice. The event also featured arts and crafts, adding a creative touch to the festivities, along with classic Chanukah refreshments like latkes and donuts.
Chabad volunteers ensured the light of Chanukah reached everyone in the community by visiting four senior living communities. Over 100 residents participated in menorah lightings, music, and meaningful conversations, creating special moments of connection and joy for those unable to attend larger events.
From the monumental gathering at Symphony Park to intimate moments shared with seniors, Chabad of Charlotte brought the light and message of Chanukah to all corners of the community. The 18-foot menorah, a symbol of resilience and Jewish pride, stood as the centerpiece of a holiday season that will long be remembered.
Kids’ Jewish Food Festival: A Tasty Journey Through Judaism
By Leah Levin
Are you ready to embark on a delicious adventure? The Kids’ Jewish Food Festival is coming, promising a morning full of hands-on fun and, of course, lots of tasty treats! This event is perfect for children ages 4 and up, offering them a chance to connect with Judaism through the universal language of food.
A Hands-On Culinary Experience
Young participants will have the opportunity to prepare a variety of iconic Jewish foods. From braiding challah to assembling flaky bourekas, shaping hamantaschen, and filling rugelach, there will be plenty of culinary creativity to explore. Best of all, they will take their creations home to bake and share with their families.
Connecting Food to Tradition
Each dish at the festival tells a story, and kids will discover the rich history and meaning behind the foods they prepare. Whether it’s understanding the significance of challah on Shabbat or learning why we eat hamantaschen on Purim, every bite becomes a lesson.
Fun for All Ages
Designed for children ages 4 and older, the Kids’ Jewish Food Festival is a fantastic way to introduce younger generations to the flavors and stories that have been passed down through centuries. Parents are welcome to join, making it a great family outing.
Event Details
When: Monday, Feb. 17, 10:30 am–12 p.m.
Where: Chabad of Charlotte, 6619 Sardis Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270
Cost: $15 per child before Feb. 10, $20 per child after Feb. 10
Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today. We can’t wait to see you there! www.JewishBallantyne.com/ jewishfood
Kneading dough for challah
Around the Table: Jews from the Former Soviet Union Celebrate 35 Years in the U.S., Part 2
By Charlotte Rouchouze
This month, I would like to tell you about a few Charlotteans who came to the U.S. during the large wave of immigration from the former USSR that I explained last month. I was particularly curious to learn about their growth as members of the Jewish community, having fled because they were Jews but from a world where being Jewish meant barely more than a note on one’s passport.
First is my friend Olga Klibanov, whom I’ve known since our children attended school together at Jewish Preschool on Sardis. The Klibanovs left their hometown of Kuybyshev (now Samara) in 1989 and, like most others, were routed through Italy. It was there that they awaited their interview with U.S. authorities and, subsequently, the final decision from immigration. Olga explained to me that this step was all the more stressful because once one left the USSR, there was no going back. Exit was taken as an act of betrayal, and USSR passports were immediately revoked, leaving families stateless. Olga’s father is a mathematician with several articles to his name, and once the authorities confirmed his résumé, the U.S. authorities ushered them through without much fuss.
My friend Dr. Margaret Lozovatsky’s family struggled more with this step when they left Belarus in 1990, as they had a
Havurat Tikvah to Host Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat Services
On Friday, Feb. 7, Havurat Tikvah will hold Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat services starting at 6:30 p.m. Following the service, participants are invited to join in Kiddush and hamotzi from their respective locations. To participate, email info@havurattikvah. org by noon on Feb. 5 to RSVP and receive the Zoom link.
Havurat Tikvah is a warm, supportive, and nurturing Jewish Reconstructionist congregation offering Shabbat services, a full spectrum of holiday observances, and religious education for families and single adults. Our diverse community includes families, singles, and both Jewish and interfaith couples, all of whom are committed to social justice and community engagement.
The congregation values and depends on member participation and leadership to enrich our religious services, foster spiritual growth, and guide governance.
Havurat Tikvah is an affiliate of Reconstructing Judaism.
larger group, creating more opportunities for problems. Elderly, sick, or mentally unfit relatives could potentially stall progress on the journey or result in denial of entry to the U.S. A sick aunt of Margaret’s, who was listed on the visa (making departure impossible without her), died the very day before they were set to leave, freeing them to proceed with emigration. Margaret recalls living in an unheated wooden shack in Italy and waiting for daily announcements about who had been accepted into the U.S. During the long hours of waiting, she remembers playing a handheld electronic game— one of the few available in the USSR—and selling tchotchkes at the local market for cash. Finally approved, the family resettled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Margaret spent the rest of her childhood.
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/.
The Klibanovs arrived at JFK in the summer of 1990 with little more than a suitcase and the name of a motel. Olga recalls coming across a man dressed in traditional Hasidic garb at the airport and watching as her dad marched up to him. “Hello, we’re Jews, and we have nowhere to stay! Can you help us?” The man gave them a card with the name and number of a woman and instructed them to call her. After several days at a dingy motel, her father made the call, and the family found themselves taken in by the very heart of Chabad Lubavitch in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The woman found the Klibanovs a place to stay in the basement of Rabbi Yaacov Schwei’s home and gave them instructions to send their children
to Camp Gan Israel the very next morning, which they did. The family received a crash course in Judaism that summer and have been thankful to Chabad ever since. When the Klibanovs moved to Charlotte for a job, Rabbi Schwei contacted Rabbi Groner, who welcomed them to the Charlotte Jewish community.
Unlike Olga’s family, who were sponsored by the Jewish Federation, Margaret’s family was sponsored by relatives who had come to the U.S. earlier, and their contact with Jewish organizations during their resettlement was minimal. Her first memory of a Jewish space was when she got a job as a camp counselor for a Chabad camp in Wisconsin.
“As Russian Jews, we always felt that we were Jewish but never identified with that kind of religious observance that we experienced there.”
Both Margaret and Olga explained that affiliation with religion was—and remains—complicated for many people who grew up under strictly secular communist rule. They have both embraced Jewish holidays and
religious education for their children but sometimes struggle with home-based rituals. Margaret’s husband, Dan, also an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, told me, “It is through the kids that religious tradition is slowly coming back for Russians. The kids go to Sunday school or Jewish day school and bring it home to their parents, who try their best to adjust.”
I then asked them a question I have wondered for a while, keeping in mind that they were only children when they came: What did Russian Jews think about the embrace they received from Jews around the world upon leaving? Neither was certain of the answer, but after our conversation, my sense is that Russian Jews experienced a complicated combination of confusion and appreciation over the help of foreign Jews. Perhaps they did not fully understand why these people were helping them in the ways they were, but the help was appreciated nonetheless. Only later, after experiencing decades templesolelsc.org
(Continued on page 13)
Olga and her family in Italy
Around the Table
(Continued
of freedom to learn about and engage with Jewish culture, tradition, and history, has a deeper understanding of Jewish peoplehood emerged.
We have certainly seen a strong display of Jewish solidarity from Russians since October 7, including public figures such as Natan Sharansky (famous refusenik who became an Israeli politician and activist), Masha Merkulova (founder of Club Z), Izabella Tabarovsky (scholar and activist on antisemitism and anti-Zionism), Naya Lekht (writer and Jewish activist), Eugene Kontorovich (law professor and writer), and Regina Spektor (singer-songwriter). We also have our very own Lena Kosinovsky, who started the ‘Charlotte Stands with Israel’ Facebook page and directs Club Z of Charlotte.
I had the chance to ask Lena about this strong presence of Jews from the former USSR in the pro-Israel community. She told me that they were wellplaced to understand how anti-Zionist rhetoric is used as a weapon against Jews, as it was in the USSR. “There is nothing like seeing the worst parts of your childhood come back to haunt your children and grand-
children. Ex-Soviet Jews immediately recognized the threat and jumped into activism as early as 20+ years ago, when anti-Zionism just started rearing its ugly head. The Russian-speaking Jewish community has been at the forefront of the pro-Israel battle, alerting the rest of the community that the danger is here and growing. That’s why I brought the Club Z chapter to Charlotte six years ago.”
In the last 35 years, Jews from the former USSR have thrived in the U.S. and have left their mark on the American Jewish community. In honor of their anniversary, I will leave you with a recipe that is a staple at holiday meals, of which New Year’s is perhaps the most important. The Soviet communists did not allow Christmas, so many Christmas traditions were reassigned to New Year’s. This is a salad but could be a meal, as it includes every food group in one bowl. Feel free to adapt the ingredients as you see fit. Traditionally, non-Jewish Russians might add ham, but chicken is used in the Jewish community. I personally like mine vegetarian.
Read Part 1 of Charlotte’s article in the December issue of the CJN found in the archives: www. charlottejewishnews.org.
Salad Olivier
Optional add-ins: diced cooked chicken breast, finely diced onion or green onion, or dill
2 large potatoes, peeled
3 hard-boiled eggs
2 carrots, peeled
1 cup frozen peas (canned works too)
1 dill pickle
¼ cup mayonnaise, or to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
In a medium pot, boil potatoes and carrots. Remove each vegetable once tender. Lastly, add peas to boiling water and remove after 5 minutes using a slotted spoon. Roughly chop all the vegetables and the eggs and add them to a medium bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise and seasoning.
Charlotte Rouchouze, PhD is a local French teacher, food blogger, and beaded jewelry designer. Her blog about food traditions from around the world can be found at www. thechildrenstable.com. Contact her at charlotte.rouchouze@yahoo.com.
Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning
FOR THOSE SEEKING A MORE MEANINGFUL JEWISH LIFE.
Winter Semester
Jewish Answers to Life’s Most Challenging Questions taught by Rabbi Michael Wolk Wednesday 7:30 - 9 PM February 5, 12, 19, 26 March 5, 12
Jewish Answers to Life's Most Challenging Questions – This your invitation to join the conversation as we grapple with some of life’s toughest questions, such as Why do good people suffer?, Is everything that happens preordained? and Can’t G-d make a miracle for me? In this six-part course, we will explore multiple understandings of these timeless questions through the eyes of the rabbinic sages as well as those of modern thinkers — including our own.
Tuition for each course is $179, but thanks to a generous grant by Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, this class, along with a printed book, is offered at a reduced rate of $99. Please use the following discount code CJCC99 before you register for the class.
A Conversation with Andy Harkavy, Director of Hillel and Jewish Life at Queens University of Charlotte
By Mary Eshet
Andy Harkavy stepped into his role as the new director of Hillel and Jewish Life at Queens University of Charlotte on August 12, 2024, ready to make a difference. With the semester beginning just days after his arrival, he faced a whirlwind of activity, including the start of classes, the observance of Jewish holidays, and the solemn commemoration of the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel. I had a chance to ask Andy to reflect on his first few months and his vision for Jewish life at Queens.
Mary Eshet: What drew you to this role at Queens?
Andy Harkavy: I moved back to Charlotte in 2017 and was excited about the growing Jewish community at Queens University. It was clear in my conversations with the students, faculty, and staff that there is strong support for creating an inviting and safe environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff at Queens.
ME: What have these first few months been like for you?
AH: Wild and wonderful! I started by learning the systems and meeting students, staff, and faculty through orientation and welcome events. Hillel hosted Paint & Pizza and Welcome Back Shabbat, both well attended and great for building connections. I’ve also had many one-on-one coffee chats to meet people individually.
We organized events like an Erev Rosh HaShanah service, Sukkot: Shabbat Under the Stars, Sukkot Bagel Breakfast: Schmooze & Schmear, and the October 7th - Marking One Year Commemoration. Flexibility is key on campus, so we’ve also responded to current events, such
rael Safe Space) after the tragic news of six hostages murdered on Labor Day Weekend. We followed it with a memorial on the Resident Quad to educate and support the community. Queens’ security was incredible, opening buildings and ensuring safety even during a holiday—we’re so grateful for their support.
These months have been busy, inspiring, and energizing.ME:How would you describe Jewish Life and Hillel at Queens?
AH:Small, mighty, and growing. At our Chanukah party in December, an upperclassman shared with me how much it means to see how Hillel has grown and to see its presence throughout campus. With awesome partners, we have been able to create a robust Jewish experience for college students. Jewish Life at Queens is student-led and powered, supported, and mentored by adults.
ME:What do you see as your mission in this role?
AH:My goal is for Queens Hillel to offer a dynamic, vibrant, and inclusive community where students, faculty, and staff feel strongly connected to Hillel, one another, the greater Charlotte Jewish community, and the Jewish people. Hillel inspires students to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life by facilitating opportunities where students can gain the confidence, knowledge, and skills to take ownership of their own adult Jewish experiences.
ME: Talk about your approach to leading Jewish Life and Hillel.
AH:I am focused on engagement — creating relationships and deep connections that inspire personal growth and cultivate meaning. I want Jewish Life
journeys, no matter the destination, no matter how they are Jewish or how Jewish they are. Our students are empowered to make Jewish connections, take initiative, and find their place within a diverse, vibrant, and welcoming community of their peers. We come together for meals, to learn more about being Jewish, to celebrate holidays, get engaged in social justice work, do homework, or just to grab a snack from the well-stocked fridge and hang out with friends or Hillel staff.
ME:Who are your partners in bringing your vision to life?
AH:The Queens University leadership and faculty are very supportive. It is amazing to have the Stan Greenspon Center for Holocaust and Social Justice Education (Greenspon Center) structure and support.
Judy LaPietra, director; Katie Cunningham, assistant director; and Rabbi Judy Schindler, Jewish scholar-in-residence/social justice lead, are my constant thought partners and collaborators for activities and events.
does behind the scenes to combat hate is so meaningful, and with so much antisemitism and hate in the world, their presence has helped make the campus a safe space for Jewish students. Adrian Bird, Queens University chaplain, has created a strong vision for our Spiritual Life Team. He works to ensure all students feel safe and supported at Queens and provides pastoral care. As Campus haplain, he strives to make pluralism a living reality with our collective interfaith work.
Darryl White, Queens assistant dean of Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement (DICE), is a phenomenal partner who works with students and staff across all identities to break down barriers while celebrating differences.
ME: What is next on your calendar in 2025?
AH:I’m very excited to welcome back students for the Spring semester. We have a few welcome-back events, and we are co-hosting Soul Food Shabbat on Feb. 21. This event, which
the Black Student Union, DICE, and the Greenspon Center, is in its ninth year. Minorities have more in common than not, and this is an opportunity for Black and Jewish students and community members to share culture and tradition and to learn more about each other. I met Adrian Bird and others from Queens at last year’s event, before I knew about the Jewish Life position. I am thrilled that a year later, I am part of the team making Soul Food Shabbat happen!
Soul Food Shabbat Dinner and Program
Feb. 21, 2025, 6 p.m-7:30 p.m.
Queens University
This year’s theme is “Black and Jewish Street Art in Charlotte.” Greenspon Center artist-in-residence and Queens professor, Mike Wirth, and a Charlotte street artist, Abel Jackson, will share their artwork and lead us in a discussion: What makes street art Black or Jewish? What do these artists aim to achieve through their art installations? What would a Black and Jewish collaborative art installation look like? What themes might we all want to include?
The event includes a soul food Shabbat dinner with traditional Jewish and African American foods: challah (the traditional Sabbath bread), collard greens, cornbread, fried chicken, and kugel (sweet noodle casserole).
For almost a decade, Queens students have sponsored a Soul Food Shabbat bringing together the Queens Black Student Union and Queens Hillel for a celebration of Shabbat and an exploration of commonalities as we explore our past and present struggles.
“Soul Food Shabbat is an important model for bridge building,” said Rabbi Judy Schindler. “In recent years, we opened the experience up to the broader Charlotte community and it was a sold-out event and resounding success.”
To register for the event, visit the “Events” section at stangreensponcenter.org.
Andy Harkavy and Rabbi Judy Schindler lead the Erev Rosh HaShanah service, joined by student leaders who were called to the Torah for an aliyah.
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Hadassah Has Heart – In Our Israeli Hospitals and in Charlotte
By Aileen Greenberg-Kriner
February is American Heart Month, but Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) works year-round to fight heart disease and advance heart health. Since October 7, 2023, stress levels, which often lead to heart problems, have been understandably high, especially for Israeli soldiers, the families they left at home, displaced residents, and people running to bomb shelters whenever the sirens wail.
The Irma and Paul Milstein Heart Center at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem in Jerusalem, is the most advanced cardiac center in Israel. Cardiologists and other specialists use state-of-the-art equipment to address complex heart issues and do groundbreaking research. The Milstein Heart Center focuses on many cardiac specialties:
The Linda Joy Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Center for Women is engaged in education and research about gender heart health issues. Heart disease is the #1 killer worldwide, but women’s symptoms are often different from men’s. Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. The Center raises awareness of women’s distinctive heart attack warning signs, advocates for women’s health, provides outreach to high-risk women, and empowers women to take charge of their heart health.
HMO’s Cardio-Oncology Center, which explores the relationship between heart disease and cancer, has grown significantly in recent years, primarily due to higher success rates of cancer treatments. Unfortunately, some cancer treatments can negatively affect cardiovascular health. In early 2024, the prestigious International Cardio-On-
cology Society declared HMO’s Cardio-Oncology Center as Israel’s first Center of Excellence for its multidisciplinary approach to cardiology, oncology, and hematology that results in best-practice patient treatment.
Israel’s first Center for Cardiogenetics opened in 2019 and established HMO as the leader in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases of the cardiovascular system in the Middle East. Genetic testing has become an essential part of the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary heart disease. Doctors can determine the genetic basis of diseases of the heart muscle, abnormalities in heart cell proteins that cause heart arrhythmias, and vascular diseases because of advances in genome sequencing and molecular biology. The genetic information can often lead to life-saving interventions, including specialized drug therapy or embedding a defibrillator.
February Events
Here in Charlotte, join us for Hadassah Health Night at Temple Israel on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. Best-selling author and cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Fisher, MD, FACC, discusses his book “Just One Heart, A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness.” Dr. Fisher will talk about mind-body wellness and transforming the way we live, love, and connect. The event is free and open to the public, but registration on our website is required. Dr. Fisher’s book will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
Spend an evening with fun-loving Hadassah women at Wine & Schmooze on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at Vintner Wine Market in the Arboretum Shopping Center.
Short Story Discussion Group meets on Zoom on Feb. 14 at 11:45 a.m. to talk about “Road Kill” by Israeli author Miryam Sivan from the book “Frankly Feminist: Short Stories by Jewish Women.”
Join Hadassah BookTalk on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. on Zoom to discuss “The Shape of Mercy” by Susan Meissner.
A Busy Month of Chanukah Activities
On Dec. 15, Hadassah Preppies and members of Sisterhood of Temple Kol Ami, coordinated by Helene Schilian, packed 65 Chanukah-themed meals for Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte. Each meal contained roast chicken, latkes, veggies, sufganiyot (doughnuts), chocolate gelt, and challah. Todah rabah to the women who donated their time, talents, and supplies.
On Dec. 22, Hadassah held a Chanukah party/fundraiser for Camp Judaea’s Storm Relief Fund. About 40 women listened to Jeremy Serkin, Camp Judaea development officer, and Francine Safdeye, camper experience director, speak about the Jewish camp experience, programming, storm recovery, and plans for summer 2025. As they ate latkes, sufganiyot, and other Chanukah goodies, Hadassah women also
made a significant donation to the Camp Judaea Storm Relief Fund.
Helpful Information
The next Hadassah CLT Metro Board meeting is Monday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. We welcome Cheri Titlebaum as our new Chapter co-president, who will be sharing the role with Gina Robins. Mazel tov, Cheri!
There are three openings on the 2025 Board: website administrator, Evolve chairwoman, and Celebrate the TaTas Reveal chairwoman. If you want to be more involved but aren’t ready to assume a Board position, vol-
unteering on the Programming or Fundraising committee is a great place to start. If you are interested in holding office or joining a committee, contact Gina Robins at the phone number or email below.
Our website, www.hadassahcltevents.org, has details and links for our events. If you have questions or need additional information, email HadassahCLT@gmail.com or call our general phone number, (980) 553-1880. Follow us on Facebook (Hadassah CLT Metro) and Instagram (Hadassah Charlotte Metro).
Get Heart Smart with Hadassah
By Aileen Greenberg-Kriner
Have you given up on your 2025 New Year’s resolutions already? If so, you’re not alone. According to U.S. News & World Report, 80% of people abandon their resolutions by February. The most common resolutions involve health— eating better, exercising more, losing weight, improving mental health, and personal growth. But without a plan, resolutions are hard to keep.
Dr. Jonathan Fisher, MD, FACC, can help you create that plan. A Harvard-trained cardiologist and best-selling author of “Just One Heart: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness,” Dr. Fisher will
speak about the powerful connection between the heart and mind. The event, hosted by Hadassah, takes place on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Temple Israel. Admission is free and open to the public, but registration is required at www. HadassahCLTevents.org.
With more than 20 years of experience as a practicing cardiologist, Dr. Fisher has helped thousands of patients, while teaching individuals and organizations how to reduce stress, enhance well-being, and lead with
purpose. Drawing from his personal journey and professional expertise, he will share how small, intentional changes can foster heart-centered well-being and transformation.
Dr. Fisher’s work inspires people to embrace the connection between the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of the heart. His approach leads to greater health, resilience, and joy. During the event, he will discuss practical strategies for reducing stress through mindfulness and self-compassion, finding meaning in life’s challenges, and strengthening relationships through openness and connection.
Resolutions don’t have to start in January. February is American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to set a new goal: take small, meaningful steps to awaken your heart and transform your life.
Dr. Jonathan Fisher
Preparing Chanukah meals for Jewish Family Services of Charlotte
“I opened my donor advised fund in 2001 and recently updated my legacy plan. FCJC helped design a plan that is both simple and meaningful. FCJC provides great value by enabling donors to seamlessly channel their philanthropy to non-profits for which they have passion, in both the Jewish and the general communities.”
Rich Osborne
For more information, contact Phil Warshauer at (704) 973-4544. www.charlottejewishfoundation.org
Staying active here is so easy
Whether you want to spend your time doing what you love most or try something new, you can find it at Brookdale Carriage Club Providence. Step out of your cozy, comfortable apartment and explore our 44 amazing acres to enjoy relaxing walks, fishing, golf, swimming and so much more. Come see what experience awaits.
For more information or to schedule a tour, call (704) 899-1990
Brookdale Carriage Club Providence
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Remembering Olga Washington
By Marcy Braverman Goldstein, Ph.D., Club Z Charlotte educator and parent
Beloved Olga Washington, I never expected or wanted to describe Olga in the past tense, but here we are after her untimely passing. Many people worldwide were blessed to know her, a beacon of light, an exemplary human whose brilliance, warmth, elegance, courage, morality, wisdom, strength, and beauty shined so brightly. She showed us how to live.
In 2020, Olga became Club Z Charlotte’s regional director and educator. Teens who had been in the “my mom signed me up” category shifted to “When is the next class with Ms. Olga?” They enjoyed playing in the woods with her at fall retreats and receiving end-of-year “most likely to” awards that captured each person’s talent because she had taken the time to deeply see every student. After October 7, Club Z and Charlotte Stands with Israel (CSI) organized a rally that the teens eagerly helped plan. At that event and others, we watched Olga, notoriously wrapped in an Israeli flag, use her strong, compelling voice that
seamlessly blended the strength of her convictions with civility and poise. A featured speaker at Club Z National Conferences, she inspired and educated hundreds of people. She was promoted to national director of programming and engagement and then to chief operating officer. Olga continued to teach. In February 2024, at UNC-Chapel Hill, she presented “Cut From the Same Cloth: Israel-South Africa Relations,” which captivated the audience, including anti-Israel activists who spoke with her afterward about the Israel-Gaza war for forty-five minutes, a possibly unheard-of dialogue that at least slightly diminished the political divide at that infamously hostile campus. For an upcoming series presented by CSI in partnership with Club Z called “Jewish Parents Guide to Israel, Antisemitism, and College,” Olga was set to speak on “The Great Apartheid Lie.” No one else on earth was as perfectly suited to clarify this topic– she skillfully deconstructed the accusation of Israeli so-called “apartheid,” explaining that misuse of this term is ignorance that erases the experience and suffering of black South Africans, such as herself.
Born and raised in South Africa, Olga accomplished so much internationally: partner at her law firm by age twenty-five, chief executive officer of DEISI (Defend, Embrace, Invest, Support Israel) International, recipient of the 2016 Jerusalem Award from the World Zionist Organization, board member at Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel,
speaker at the 49th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), participant at a UNHRC event hosted by UN Watch in Geneva, #1 among the 25 Young ViZIONaries from The Jerusalem Post and Jewish National Fund in September 2023, and more.
Olga kickstarted Israel education programming for teens in Charlotte. She said that it was her great delight to teach, but I initially did not fully understand what she meant. How could teaching teenagers be really wonderful? When her career shifted to focus on Israel-Africa relations, she asked me to be the educator. So now I, too, know the joy of teaching Jewish teens about their homeland and heritage. A favorite Olga-aphorism is that “There can be no justice without truth.” I am grateful to have the incredible opportunity and responsibility to pass on truths and debate skills to students who become armed with knowledge and confidence to speak up persuasively for our people and Israel.
Olga was more than what words can capture. She lit up rooms, warmed hearts, and cherished people. She was a
fearless advocate for truth, justice, and unity. She seemed like a prophetess, a quintessential humanitarian, and a gift to our world. It feels as if a glitch in the system took her too soon. Such a shocking, devastating loss, especially for her husband, Joshua Washington, their sons, Ezra and Judah; father, Kenneth Meshoe; and in-laws, Dumisani and Valerie Washington. Her mother, Lydia, died in January 2023. Thankfully Olga made an incredible impact on many people who will impact more people, and so on. We will forever be inspired by her example and do everything possible to bring her mission for Israel to fruition.
Beloved Olga, beacon of Light, I miss you! Wishing you eternal peace. I hope that you are working wonders for our world in a different way. If anyone can, it’s you.
Baruch Dayan Ha Emet
Olga Washington speaking at a Club Z conference
Photo by Andy Henderson
How Friendship Circle’s Sunday Group Programs Enrich
Lives
By Nick Perez
Friendship Circle's Sunday group programs are a beacon of inclusivity and connection within our community, offering a nurturing environment to build friendships and develop essential life skills. The programs provide a structured yet flexible setting where participants engage in activities such as games, music, movement, and sensory science projects, all tailored to
their unique needs.
Central to the Sunday group programs are the genuine interactions among peers of varying abilities — participants and Teen Friends. These interactions foster meaningful relationships, enhancing a sense of belonging and self-esteem. For the Teen Friends, this experience cultivates leadership skills and empathy, creating a reciprocal bond that enriches both parties.
The impact of Sunday group programs extends beyond the immediate participants; they strengthen the fabric of our community and enrich the lives of all involved by promoting inclusivity and understanding. By bringing together individuals of varying abilities, the progra challenges societal norms and fosters a culture of acceptance and friendship.
(Continued on page 21)
LEGACY DONORS
The following individuals/families are in the Book of Life Society and have granted us permission to share with you that Charlotte Jewish Preschool has been included as a beneficiary of their legacy gift.
Anonymous* (1)
Susan and Benjamin Aizenman
Anthony and Brooke Amo
Brian and Glenda Bernhardt
Susan P. Bessey
Lillian (OBM) and Irving Bienstock
David and Bonnie Bornstein
Michael and Karen Coates-Traynor
Jennifer and Jonathan Collman
Andrea and Jeremy Davids
Jill and Michael Dinerman
Elizabeth Ren and Michael Grunwald
Dale Lederer (OBM)
Eric and Susan Lerner
Elissa and Joshua Levine
Adina and Josh Loewensteiner
Staci and Darren Mond
Elizabeth and Jeremy Naman
Marcelle and Allan Oxman
Rachel and Darren Pierce
Julie and Scott Rizzo
Andrew and Jennifer Rosen
Renee and Philip Schreibman
Morey and Lynne Sheffer
Allen Sherman
Jonathan and Stephanie Simon
Anne and Mike Sinsheimer
Ruth Ann and Tom Smith
Steve and Emily Snyder
Stephanie and Steven Starr
Amy and Ross Udoff
Amy and Mark Vitner
Janice and Ronald Weiner
Evan and Debby Weiss
Eric and Joanna Wisotsky
Marisa and Joe Zeibert
*Donors who wish to remain anonymous OBM - Of Blessed Memory charlottejewishfoundation.org
Teen Friends and Special Friends play an interactive game.
One of the Friendship Circle Friends enjoying the slide at Sunday Circle.
Jewish Preschool on Sardis Welcomes Back Alumni
By Hiley Davis
On Nov. 1, 2024, Jewish Preschool on Sardis (JPS) welcomed old friends back for the alumni Shabbaton. Graduates from both 2023 and 2024 came together for a special Shabbat dinner with their families and old classmates. Friday night was full of laughter and joy as the graduates reunited and the night’s festivities began. They created beautiful challah boards
and participated in a Shabbat scavenger hunt around the preschool. Afterward, they lit candles, heard Kiddush, and enjoyed a delicious Shabbat dinner with challah!
The fun didn’t stop after dinner. Once the meal concluded, the night continued with separate Shabbat-themed activities for parents and kids to enjoy. A mother spoke to the group about the positive impact JPS has had
on her family and the joy of attending preschool there with everyone. The alumni Shabbaton was a wonderful evening full of connection, friendship, and Jewish pride!
Friendship Circle
(Continued from page 20)
For parents, these Sunday sessions offer a valuable respite while their children are engaged in a safe and supportive setting. Knowing their children are sharing time with compassionate Teen Friends allows parents to rest and recharge, contributing to the well-being of the entire family.
Supporting or participating in Friendship Circle's Sunday group programs allows one to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate community.
Each act helps sustain these vital programs, ensuring they continue to touch lives and build bridges of friendship for years to come. In a world where genuine connection is invaluable, the Sunday group programs stand as a testament to the power of friendship and the profound impact it can have on individuals and communities alike.
Friendship Circle is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. To learn more, visit Friendshipcirclenc.org
Friends completing a scavenger hunt during a Sunday Group Program.
Mila and Emma create their own challah boards.
Fun throwback photos on display
Happy Birthday to the Trees!
Happy Birthday to the trees! It’s amazing we have a holiday celebrating trees and nature! Tu B’Shvat is a chance to appreciate our earth. Go on a nature walk or plant a tree. Simply enjoying nature is the best way to celebrate.
Time flies! It seems like yesterday my kids were preschoolers, now they’re in college. My family moved about eight years ago to a new house here in Charlotte. My husband and I happened to be driving near our old house about a month ago, and we decided to make a slight detour and swing by and see how our old house looked. The house looked the same, but what really caught our eye were two trees planted on the side of the house. My kids attended religious school at Temple Beth El, and they were each given a small sapling to plant on Tu B’Shvat many years ago. Well, just like my children, these trees are no longer small. My husband and I sat back in awe at the sight of these now tall trees.
This Tu B’Shvat, spend time with your kids in nature, maybe plant a tree. Kids, like trees, don’t stay small forever. Shalom! –Miss Sara
Do you know?
Some of these yummy foods grow on trees, while others grow in the ground. Can you circle all the foods that grow on trees?
ManilowLooks Like He Made It
Across
1. Two Presidents 6. Jonathan Pollard, once 9. Make challah, e.g. 13. “American Pie” destination 14. Romantically pursue 15. Neglect to mention 16. Insurance company with a very well known jingle by 47-Across 18. Bad points 19. Very capable 20. #1 hit by 47-Across 21. New York hometown of 47-Across 25. I, at ulpan 26. Poetic palindrome
27. Toothpaste-pushing org.
28. Former Swedish cars
30. Possible class for native Swedish speakers, for short 32. Common can material
35. Apt #1 hit for 4739. Either of two books of the Apocrypha: Abbr.
40. Forensic focused TV show
41. Repeal a levy 42. Amtrak listing,
heavy
5. Furthest from posh
6. Organized bartering occasions
7. Haifa and Eilat, e.g. 8. Start of many Israeli holidays
9. Southern home of many (former) Jewish New Yorkers
10. “A Stranger ___ Us” (Lumet film)
11. Protein bar brand
12. Crafts site
17. It’s the path to the Dark Side
20. What a cancelled name often becomes 21. “Now, where ___?”
briefly
44. Dominate, to gamers
46. Frankfurt freezer cubes
47. Singer born June 17, 1943 (with the last name Pincus)
50. Spoof of 20-Across, as sung by Homer Simpson
52. ___ Steve (spelling instruction, three words)
53. “The Time Machine” people
54. Where 47-Across might celebrate his birthday?
58. Chess word
59. It can be behind the eightball
60. More secure
61. What the words “dungeon” and “crustacean” have, when spelled correctly
62. Stat. for Mahomes
63. The Ari’s city
Down
1. Michaels and Roker
2. Lions or Tigers, on scoreboards
3. Classics star Gardner
4. It can be precious or
22. How the Israelites were left after the Torah was given 23. Makeup artists?
24. He played Batman
29. Says “Shalom”, in Western Europe
31. Kirk and Spock, e.g., on the Enterprise
33. Chip-making giant
34. New Zealand mystery writer Marsh
36. Plug-in vehicle, briefly
37. Least cloudy
38. Major Austin, TX festival
43. Stab
45. Start a Shabbos meal, perhaps
47. G major’s middle
48. An “Evolution of Jewish Music” singer
49. Ancient Americans
50. Bit of office correspondence
51. Israeli hero Ramon
54. Pretend to be someone else
55. Like one not hitting shots
56. It may be split at a restaurant
57. Works at a museum?
IMAGINE A LIFE OF HEALTH
Tricia Rodney
Bal Tashchit and Beyond: E-Waste Recycling
By David H. Rosenthal
Stashed away in many of our homes are old cables, generations of USB cables and devices, gadgets, mobile devices, and laptops/desktops. Estimates point to $62 billion worth. We know these items will not be used again; however, we are also aware these don’t belong in the trash.
Globally, a paltry 12% of small electronics get recycled, according to a 2024 UN report. The numbers don’t improve for larger electronics. Billions of pounds of equipment, from old iPods to broken TVs, get thrown away, commonly known as e-waste. This “waste” contains valuable metals, ending up in landfills with dangerous chemicals that can leach into the soil and groundwater. Beyond this, there’s a veritable treasure trove of critical materials lost when these devices aren’t recycled.
Many of the critical minerals needed for smartphones and clean energy tech, including solar panels and electric vehicles, also come from countries with records of abusive mining conditions. Metals, including indium (touchscreens), tantalum (capacitors for energy storage), and germanium (semiconductors, microchips), are typically
not found in the United States, so recycled electronics are a sustainable way to build up a domestic supply chain of these elements.
The world’s e-waste problem is growing, in part due to the production and consumption of more electronics, including products that can’t be repaired or are designed with short lifecycles. The 137 million pounds of e-waste created by humans in 2022 breaks down to 17 pounds of e-waste per person. Only about 22% of it was formally collected and recycled. Compare that to the more than 50% of aluminum cans recycled, and it’s easy to see we have some work to do.
The scramble to recapture an estimated $62 billion worth of unclaimed materials has created an informal e-waste recycling market with harmful consequences. This includes the rise of urban mining, where electronics are recycled and refined on the streets of low-income countries. This leads to toxic fumes harming local workers and residents and corrosive chemicals being dumped in rivers. The UN estimates that about half the world’s recycled e-waste goes through informal channels.
“By recycling a product,
you’re able to offset the energy and the materials it would take to manufacture a new one,” states Callie Babbitt, a professor in the Rochester Institute of Technology’s sustainability department. “And that means we don’t have to mine as many materials from sometimes vulnerable and ecologically sensitive parts of the world.”
Recycling e-waste is not as straightforward as recycling aluminum cans. Many big-box stores will recycle your old electronics for you, as will a growing list of recycling centers. E-waste is one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams in the world. Further, mining for the critical metals needed to manufacture electronics is extremely energy-intensive and a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling components is essential in mitigating climate change, damage to local ecosystems, and biodiversity impacts.
So how can you recycle your e-waste? You can seek out certified e-waste recyclers in your area. In Charlotte, Foxhole Disposal and Recycling Center (https://wipeoutwaste.mecknc. gov/facility/foxhole-disposal-and-recycling-center), 17131 Lancaster Hwy, Charlotte, NC 28277. A fee may be levied for
certain items.
You can actually drop off many old electronics at big-box stores, Best Buy and Staples. You can take batteries, light bulbs, and plastic bags to Lowe’s and Home Depot. Some retailers offer trade-in, trade-up programs for certain devices, as does the popular refurbished electronics marketplace Back Market. There are also smaller sites like Decluttr and Swappa that accept old gadgets and give you credit on refurbished ones. Many items will be accepted at certain Goodwill locations in partnership with Dell to recycle e-waste. If you’re still at a loss for drop-off sites, Earth911 and Call2Recycle have
handy hyperlocal guides. Those drawers full of cords and old gadgets aren’t going to recycle themselves. Now that the holiday season has passed, consider giving those materials back to the world. If you just bought a new phone, for instance, don’t throw the old one in the trash. Definitely don’t put it in that drawer in the back of your closet. Someone will probably pay good money to take it off your hands. Jewish tradition teaches and commands responsibility, the importance of caring for the environment, for we must act as partners in preserving creation. If you are interested in supporting Shalom Green, by volunteering your time or financially, please visit our website at www.shalomgreenCLT.org or email us at info@shalomgreenCLT.org. Connect with us on Facebook at Shalom Green: Shalom Park Environmental Initiative and on Instagram and Twitter @shalomgreen_CLT.
Jewish Groups Pushed Meta To Crack Down on Hate Speech. Now,
By Asaf Elia-Shalev
Jan. 13, 2024 (JTA) Six months ago, Jewish groups celebrated a policy win when Meta banned the use of “Zionist” as a coded slur against Jews and Israel. Now, the same organizations are condemning the company for dramatically loosening restrictions on speech across its social media platforms.
“It is mind-blowing how one of the most profitable companies in the world, operating with such sophisticated technology, is taking significant steps back in terms of addressing antisemitism, hate, misinformation and protecting vulnerable and marginalized groups online,” the Anti-Defamation League’s CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, said in a statement.
Greenblatt was responding to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement that the company would do away with its factcheck program and broaden the terms of what can be said on Facebook and Instagram. It will also stop using automation to detect and remove hate speech — limiting its use to catching terrorism, child sexual exploitation and other offenses.
“This is a trade-off,” Zucker-
Company is Reversing Course
berg said in a video message. “It means that we’re going to catch less bad stuff, but we’ll also reduce the number of innocent people’s posts and accounts that we accidentally take down.”
Zuckerberg, who is Jewish, said the moves respond to what he called a “cultural tipping point” following the U.S. presidential election. Conservatives have long alleged that Meta suppresses right-wing speech, and Zuckerberg’s advisors and detractors both explained the move as a strategic pivot toward accommodating a political era increasingly shaped by Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
To replace its fact-checking program, Meta said it would introduce a “community notes” feature similar to the one on X, the social media platform owned by Trump ally Elon Musk, and
otherwise favor allowing users to rebut posts they view as objectionable over removing them entirely.
“We want to undo the mission creep that has made our rules too restrictive and too prone to over-enforcement,” the company said in its announcement. “We’re getting rid of a number of restrictions on topics like immigration, gender identity and gender that are the subject of frequent political discourse and debate. It’s not right that things can be said on TV or the floor of Congress, but not on our platforms.”
The changes could significantly affect what users see on social media. Last year, Meta’s automated systems detected approximately 95% of hate speech violations on Facebook and 98% on Instagram, according to data self-reported by the company. Millions of posts were removed as a result.
That was a positive sign for advocates who have battled the proliferation of antisemitism and other hate speech online. Meta has historically invited outside input when faced with content questions, and Jewish groups, such the ADL, the World Jew-
ish Congress and a nonprofit focused on online antisemitism called CyberWell, have lobbied the company for years hoping to rein into online antisemitism.
Now, those groups are balking at the social media giant’s retreat from policing the content on its platforms, which it announced after a six-week post-election policy overhaul reportedly con-
ducted by Zuckerberg and just a handful of confidantes.
The World Jewish Congress, for example, criticized Meta’s new reliance on user-generated “community notes” to combat misinformation, arguing that it shifts the burden of addressing hate speech onto marginalized groups.
(Continued from page 25)
“In an online environment already rife with hostility, reducing protections and clear guidelines will open the floodgates to content that fuels real-world threats, including violent acts targeting Jewish communities,” said Yfat Barak-Cheney, executive director of the organization’s Technology and Human Rights Institute.
The debate of how to police misinformation is a matter of enormous consequence for Jews given that studies show a strong link between the spread of conspiracy theories and antisemitic attitudes.
“This change means one thing, very in line with the trend of both the quantity and quality
of content that we have seen on X since Musk acquired Twitter – more hate speech, more politicized content, more silos and less effective responses from the platforms,” Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor, who heads the Israel-based CyberWell, said in a statement.
“This change particularly undermines the safety of all marginalized communities, including the Jewish community which is currently experiencing one of the worst onslaughts of widespread Jew-hatred in both online and offline spaces,” Montemayor added.
Soon after Meta announced the policy shift — first in an
Instagram Reel by Zuckerberg, then in a Fox & Friends appearance by Joel Kaplan, a Republican operative who has long worked for Meta and was recently named president of global affairs — leaked training materials surfaced with examples of derogatory statements that will now be permitted on the company’s platforms.
The materials, obtained by the left-wing news organization The Intercept and not disputed by Meta, include antisemitic examples, such as “Jews are flat out greedier than Christians.” Other examples of permitted hate speech target other groups, with statements like “Gays are
Meg D. Goldstein Attorney-At-Law
freaks!” and “Immigrants are grubby, filthy pieces of shit.”
Some hateful statements about Jews remain prohibited under the new policy. For instance, content moderators are instructed to remove comments such as “Jewish women are slutty” under guidelines addressing “insults about sexual immorality.” Similarly, Meta’s rules continue to ban the use of certain curse words directed at protected groups; for example, “Ugh, the fucking Jews are at it again” would not be allowed.
Meta did not immediately respond to a request about the fate of the ban on using “Zionist” as a proxy for Jews and Israel in hate speech.
The company also did not signal any changes to its ban on Holocaust denial in its announcement, and the leaked materials also did not address the ban, which Zuckerberg announced in 2020, reversing a previous position under pressure from Jewish groups. Some education and advocacy groups say automatic detection of hate content has ensnared their efforts to create educational content about the Holocaust; nearly all “algorithmic overreach” of that nature would be a thing of the past under Meta’s new approach.
Joyce Levin
7-20-1942 - 11-16-2024
Alvin Lebowitz 10-28-1940 - 12-4-2024
Olivia Cohen 10-8-1960 - 12-8-2024
Michael Dorfman 3-13-1943 - 12-8-2024
Barry Goodman 1-26-1940 - 12-16-2024
The Hebrew Cemetery joins with the community in remembering the names of those who have been buried in the cemetery in the month of November, 2024.
Newspaper archives are a treasure trove of collective memories, providing a snapshot of our history. The following in an excerpt from the article in The Charlotte Jewish News, March, 1990. To read the rest of the article and other issues of The CJN, visit the archives at https://www.digitalnc.org/newspapers/charlotte-jewish-news-charlotte-nc/.
Looking Back: Year 1990
Operation Exodus Begins: Federation Board Unanimously Supports Russian Resettlement Effort
In keeping with the Charlotte Jewish community’s commitment to our global Jewish community, the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Charlotte Jewish Federation unanimously agreed to participate in the resettlement locally of Soviet Jews.
The Council of Jewish Federations, in an historic and unprecedented request, has asked Federations throughout the United States to help resettle 80,000 Soviet Jews who are waiting for placement. In keeping with the equitable, collective responsibility formula developed by Mendel Berman, President of the Council of Jewish Federations, and his task force, Charlotte has agreed to participate by beginning to resettle Soviet families.
According to the request of CJF and UJA, communities throughout the United States and Canada are being asked to resettle families and raise money to help defray the cost of resettlement of Soviet families emigrating to Israel. In addition to the 40,000 Soviets who must be resettled in the United States, the North American Jewish community is asked to help raise an additional 420 million dollars above and beyond their regular obligations to help defray the emergency costs of Israel’s resettlement and needed aliyah. This special campaign has been named “Operation Exodus” and will be implemented in Charlotte later this year. In addition to resettling a number of Soviet families or raising our fair share of dol-
lars to go into a national pool earmarked to help defray the cost of resettlement in the United States, we must also raise 56% of our 1988 campaign result, which translates into $660,000 payable over a three-year period. What makes this effort even more challenging is that the dollars are needed now since the needs of the emigres must be met through the building of houses in Israel, job training in Israel, teaching of English and Hebrew, and the list goes on and on.
Locally, the Charlotte Jewish Federation is spearheading the development of a coalition for Soviet Jewry which will be a communalization of the total effort to help meet the needs of Soviet Jews. All agencies and organizations will be participating in this histor-
ic event. As developments break, the Jewish community will be kept informed. For more information on the historic efforts now taking place, or if you would like to help in
the Soviet resettlement, please call the Charlotte Jewish Federation office at 366-5007.
Remembering the Emigration of Soviet Jewry, photo from Jewish Federations of North America
Nearly Half the Globe Has “Elevated Levels” of Antisemitic Beliefs, ADL Survey Finds
By Asaf Elia-Shalev (JTA)
January 14, 2025 Nearly half of adults around the world have “elevated levels of antisemitic attitudes,” the Anti-Defamation League reported in its latest global survey of anti-Jewish beliefs.
In addition, the survey found that one-fifth of the world has not heard of the Holocaust. About half accept the Holocaust’s historical truth.
Known as the Global 100, the survey represents 94% of the world’s population through responses from a sample of more than 58,000 adults across 103 countries and territories.
As it has in its previous surveys, the ADL determined levels of antisemitism by posing 11 antisemitic statements to each respondent and asking how many they agreed with. The group said that 46% of respondents agreed with most of the stereotypes tested, which include statements like “Jews have too much control over global affairs” and “Jews don’t care about what happens
to anyone but their own kind.”
By that measure, the level of global antisemitism documented by the ADL appears to have sharply increased from 2014, when the group first did such a survey and found that 26% of adults were “deeply infected with anti-Semitic attitudes.”
The comparison isn’t perfect because that study contained a slightly different list of questions, asking if Jews have too much power in international financial markets (that question was replaced by asking if Jews have “a lot of irritating faults”).
The 2014 survey also covered less of the world, but the total number of people estimated to have such beliefs doubled from 1.1 billion to 2.2 billion adults.
Over that time, according to the United Nations, the global population increased by about 1 billion, from 7.2 billion to 8.2 billion.
According to the survey, awareness of the Holocaust and acceptance of its historical truth are much higher. In 2014, about
Nova Massacre Survivor Yuval Raphael To Represent Israel in 2025 Eurovision Music Contest
By Philissa Cramer
(JTA) January 22, 2025 A survivor of the Nova music festival massacre will represent Israel in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest.
Yuval Raphael secured the position on Wednesday when she won “Rising Star,” the Israeli TV show that produces each year’s Eurovision entrant through a combination of professional judges and public voting.
Raphael beat out three other finalists, including the Christian Arab Valerie Hamaty and Daniel Wais, whose father was murdered by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023, and his mother abducted and later killed in Gaza.
Her win was propelled in part by her soulful rendition of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” whose lyric “You can dance” echoes the Nova survivors’ movement’s mantra “We will dance again.”
Now, Raphael will perform in Basel, Switzerland, in May in an international competition that last year drew fierce protest over Israel’s participation because of the Israel-Hamas war. Israel’s song for the competition — which last year had to be reworked after the competition’s organizers deemed the lyrics overly political — will be selected this spring.
half of respondents said they hadn’t heard of the Holocaust versus 20% in the new edition of the survey. Back then, a third said they had both heard of the Holocaust and believed historical accounts were accurate. Today, that figure stands at 48%, though it dips to 39% for those ages 18-34.
The ADL’s findings are the latest evidence suggesting a surge in antisemitism around the world in recent years and following Hamas’ Oct. 7 2023 attack on Israel and the outbreak of the war in Gaza.
The competition falls a year after Raphael testified in front of the United National Human Rights Council about her experience on Oct. 7, when Hamas launched the war with its attack on Israel, killing roughly 1,200 people, about a third of them at the Nova festival. She described piling into a bomb shelter with dozens of other festival-goers as terrorists assaulted them.
“When the bodies of those murdered fell on us, I understood that hiding under them was the only way I could survive this nightmare,” she testified. Of the 51 people in the shelter, she said, 40 were killed that day. She added, “The physical injuries I sustained that day are healing, but the mental scars will stay with me forever.”
Raphael, 24, launched her singing career after the attack and has participated in music workshops for festival survivors. She said before her performance on the singing competition that she wanted to bring her story to Basel.
“I want to tell them the story of the country, of what I went through, of what others went through,” she said on air. “I want to tell the story, but not from a place of seeking pity. I want it to be from a place of standing strong in the face of this, and in the face of the boos I’m 100%
“Antisemitism is nothing short of a global emergency, especially in a post-October 7 world,” ADL CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt said in a statement.
“We are seeing these trends play out from the Middle East to Asia,
from Europe to North and South America.”
Greenblatt’s tone reflects an alarm about antisemitism that wasn’t as widely shared when the group released the previous edition of the survey in 2014. Several commentators took issue with the survey’s methodology and conclusions. Abe Foxman, the head of the ADL at the time, for example, fended off allegations that the ADL was hyping up the problem.
“We frequently get accused of seeing anti-Semitism everywhere, and we’re very conscious about the credibility,” Foxman said at the time. “We were cautious, we were conservative, to understate rather than overstate.”
In a press briefing, Greenblatt highlighted as especially troubling that antisemitic attitudes are increasingly prevalent
among young people. The survey found that half of respondents ages 18 to 35 revealed heightened levels of antisemitic sentiments, which is 13% higher than the figure for those over 50.
He blamed the problem on a number of factors including the workings of social media, where some limits on hate speech were recently lifted, and on what he characterized as a “nonstop fountain of antisemitism” emanating from the Qatari-owned broadcast network Al Jazeera. He also said that antisemitism was being normalized through some left-wing professors who allegedly camouflage their bigotry using scholarly rhetoric. Larger historical trends are also at fault for people’s negative attitudes about Jews, according to Greenblatt.
“The rise of conspiracism and populism and polarization has created a climate that’s fertile for scapegoating,” he said. “We have seen this throughout history and we are seeing it now.”
The countries and territories that scored highest on the ADL’s index of antisemitism were the West Bank and Gaza — where Israel is currently fighting a multi-front war with terror groups that has a mounting death toll — Kuwait and Indonesia, where at least 96% harbor high levels of anti-Jewish sentiment. The index score for the Middle East and North Africa as a whole was 76%.
The countries with the lowest levels of antisemitism were Sweden, Norway, Canada and the Netherlands which all scored 8% or lower.
Watch: Yuval Raphael
Antisemitic graffiti painted in a fenced-off area of Temple De Hirsch Sinai in Seattle, Washington, on April 16, 2023. (Courtesy of Rabbi Daniel Weiner)
Moishe House Develops Umbrella Brand “Mem Global,” Ushering in a New Era of Jewish Young Adult Engagement
Moishe House, the global leader in building vibrant, peer-driven communities for Jewish young adults in their 20s and 30s, is proud to announce the launch of Mem Global, the umbrella brand for its suite of programs serving young Jewish adults throughout the world. This evolution represents a significant milestone as the organization continues to expand its impact and offer diverse, global Jewish experiences to young adults worldwide.
Since 2006, Moishe House has supported Jewish young adults in creating impactful, peer-driven communities. Now, as Mem Global, the organization is embracing a refreshed identity that highlights the breadth of its offerings while maintaining the welcoming, authentic spirit that has always defined its work. While Mem Global will be the new umbrella brand, the flagship programs such as Moishe House, Moishe Pods, Moishe House Without Walls, Embark, Camp Nai Nai Nai, Base, Learning Retreats and the Jewish Learning Collaborative will all continue to thrive as part of the Mem Global family of programs serving young Jewish adults.
Mem Global Brings Jewish Community Wherever You Are
The new umbrella name, Mem Global, reflects the organization’s global reach and mission to foster Jewish connection and leadership across various communities. This brand evolution maintains the core values that made Moishe House successful while creating a platform for future growth and innovation.
“Mem Global reflects the wide range of experiences and diversity of our programs we offer to Jewish young adults around the world,” said David Cygielman, CEO of Mem Global. “We founded Moishe House as one house where young adults could create meaningful Jewish community. That model spread around the world. Today, beyond the houses, we engage young adults in so many ways and places as they develop Jewish communities and become leaders themselves. This is the right moment for to evolve our branding and it will enable future growth while staying true to our foundational principles of impact, peer-driven leadership, and meaningful connection.”
Stronger Global Impact While Maintaining Local Roots
Under the Mem Global umbrella, flagship programs like Moishe House, Moishe House Without Walls (MHWOW), Base, Camp Nai Nai Nai, Retreatology, Learning Retreats, Embark, and the Jewish Learning Collaborative (JLC) will continue to thrive. Each will retain its unique identity while benefiting from the unified strength of the parent brand. This rebrand also sets the stage for launching future programs, creating more opportunities for young adults to engage with Jewish life.
The Mem Global rebrand provides a cohesive structure for these initiatives while offering
clarity to both participants and supporters.
A Strong Commitment to Working with Partners
Mem Global remains committed to maintaining strong partnerships with other Jewish nonprofits and foundations as part of evolution. Collaboration with local, national, and international partners will ensure that Jewish young adults around the world have access to Jewish experiences that feel relevant, exciting, and uniquely their own.
“Our dedication to working with peers in the Jewish nonprofit world is as strong as ever,” said Cygielman. “By working
together, we amplify our impact and ensure that the future of Jewish life is vibrant, enriching, and filled with opportunities for young adults to connect with their heritage.”
About Mem Global Mem Global is a nonprofit organization that creates peer-driven, community-building programs for Jewish young adults worldwide. Through its diverse suite of programs, including Moishe House, MHWOW, Base, Camp Nai Nai Nai, Retreatology, Mem Global Learning Retreats, Embark and the Jewish Learning Collaborative, Mem Global fosters community, learning, and leadership by supporting Jewish young adults to create meaningful Jewish experiences for themselves and their peers. With a global reach and local impact, Mem Global supports the next generation of Jewish leaders to build Jewish community wherever they are.
For more information, please visit www.memglobal.org or contact: dave.press@memglobal.org.
Lee Yaron’s account of Oct. 7 attacks named Jewish book of the year
By Andrew Silow-Carroll (JTA), Jan. 22, 2025
Israeli
journalist
Lee Yaron’s account of the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel and their aftermath was named the book of the year at the 74th National Jewish Book Awards, making her the youngest author ever to win the honor.
The Jewish Book Council, which sponsors the awards, said that “10/7: 100 Human Stories,” provides “a vital window into the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how internal political turmoil in Israel has affected it, offering the narratives not of politicians or the military but of the lives of everyday people who lived tenuously on the border with Gaza.”
Yaron, 30, speaking to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency last September, said that her impulse to interview survivors, first responders and eyewitnesses to the attacks grew out of her own grief and sense of shock over the Hamas attacks, which killed some 1,200 people and took hundreds hostage.
“I had a mission, I knew what I needed to do, and I was focused on this,” said Yaron, who divides her time between New York and Israel. “The book helped me to deal with my grief and my sense
of hopelessness.”
Yaron is among a number of Israeli authors, as well as books about Israel, due to be honored by the JBC at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Wednesday evening as part of the JCC’s Books That Changed My Life Festival.
Amir Tibon won the award for autobiography and memoir for “The Gates of Gaza: A Story of Betrayal, Survival, and Hope in Israel’s Borderlands,” which centers on his rescue by his father and mother as Hamas terrorists invaded his neighborhood at Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
Ayelet Tsabari won the JJ Greenberg Memorial Award for Fiction, her first, for her novel “Songs for the Brokenhearted,” a family drama that draws on her Yemeni Jewish background. The Hebrew Fiction in Translation award went to Maya Arad for her book “The Hebrew Teacher,” translated by Jessica Cohen. The collection of novellas largely focuses on Israelis living in the United States.
In the visual arts category, several authors shared the award for “101 Treasures from the National Library of Israel”; the Jerusalem-based library last year celebrated its move to a new state-of-the-art building.
“It’s especially meaningful that this year’s awards are going to a number of Israeli authors and books on Israel,” Elisa Spungen Bildner, the Jewish Book Council’s president, said in a statement. “These works offer critical opportunities for engagement, debate, and dialogue for our community–one of the most fundamental roles of literature. We are proud to uplift and support these books and bring them to new readers across the world.”
The JBC also honored Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg, 91, with its Lifetime Achievement Award for his latest book, “The Triumph of Life: A Narrative Theology of Judaism.” Greenberg is a leading Modern Orthodox theologian, and the JBC said his book represents a “culmination of his many decades of thinking and teaching about Jewish philosophy and theology,” according to the statement.
Yael van der Wooden won the Goldberg Prize for Debut Fiction for her novel “The Safekeep.” The highly anticipated novel, by a writer who is originally from Tel Aviv and currently resides in the Netherlands, is a love story set in a 1960s Holland haunted by the legacy of World War II.
The JBC presented its Men -
torship Award to Aaron Lansky, the founder of the Yiddish Book Center, a repository, museum and Yiddish learning center in Amherst, Massachusetts. Lansky, 69, who according to the judges “fundamentally reshaped the fate of one of the great Jewish languages’ histories,” is set to retire in June. The mentorship award is named in honor of Carolyn Starman Hessel, the former executive director of the Jewish Book Council.
Other winners include:
Family Book Club: “The Last Dekrepitzer,” by Howard Langer. History: “Reading Herzl in Beirut: The PLO Effort to Know the Enemy,” by Jonathan Marc Gribetz.
Holocaust: “Occupied Words: What the Holocaust Did to Yiddish,” by Hannah Pollin-Galay and “Warsaw Testament,” by Rokhl Auerbach, translated by Samuel Kassow.
Education and Jewish Identity: “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew,” by Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby. Contemporary Jewish Life & Practice: “The Madwoman in the Rabbi’s Attic: Rereading the Women of the Talmud,” by Gila Fine.
American Jewish Studies: “A
Cold War Exodus: How American Activists Mobilized to Free Soviet Jews,” by Shaul Kelner. Biography: “Leonard Cohen: The Man Who Saw the Angels Fall,” by Christophe Lebold. Children’s Picture Book: “Sharing Shalom,” illustrated by Selina Alko.
Young Adult Literature: “Night Owls,” by A. R. Vishny. Middle Grade Literature: “Finn and Ezra’s Bar Mitzvah Time Loop,” by Joshua S. Levy.
Food Writing and Cookbooks: “Forbidden: A 3,000-Year History of Jews and the Pig,” by Jordan D. Rosenblum.
Poetry: “The Story of Your Obstinate Survival,” by Daniel Khalastchi.
Modern Jewish Thought and Experience: “Tablets Shattered: The End of an American Jewish Century and the Future of Jewish Life,” by Joshua Leifer. Sephardic Culture: “Entwined Homelands, Empowered Diasporas: Hispanic Moroccan Jews and Their Globalizing Community,” by Aviad Moreno.
Women’s Studies: “Holy Rebellion: Religious Feminism and the Transformation of Judaism and Women’s Rights in Israel,” by Ronit Irshai and Tanya Zion-Waldoks.
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