Federation Welcomes Eylon Levy
During 2025 Super Week
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte invites the entire Jewish community to come together
“As One” Super Week — a celebration of unity, purpose, and shared strength. This year’s Super Week will feature two hallmark events: the Super Event on Thursday, Jan. 30, and the Jewish Charlotte Day of Giving (JCDOG), formerly Super Sunday, on Feb. 2. These events mark the official kickoff to the 2025 Annual Campaign and highlight the incredible impact of our collective generosity.
2025 Super Week
The Super Event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Temple Israel and will be co-chaired by Rachel Putterman Friedman and Lisa Strause Levinson. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Eylon Levy as our guest speaker. A former spokesperson for the Israeli government during the 2023 Israel–Hamas war and an
internationally recognized voice for Israel, Levy brings unparalleled insights into Israel’s challenges and triumphs through his podcast “Israel: State of a Nation.” His experiences as a media advisor to President Isaac Herzog and an anchor at i24NEWS will provide a captivating and thought-provoking evening.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired by Levy’s unique perspective on Israel’s evolving narrative and to join with the community in celebrating the start of our 2025 Annual Campaign. This event is not just a fundraiser—it’s a night to connect, engage, and take pride in the impact we create together.
The Super Event serves as an exciting kick-off to the 2025 Annual Campaign, the cornerstone of Federation’s mission, which raises the funds necessary to sustain critical programs and services and support over 70 beneficiary agencies locally and globally.
The energy continues on Sun-
day, Feb. 2, 2025, with the Jewish Charlotte Day of Giving (JCDOG), a day for the community
to come together to support the 2025 Annual Campaign. More than 100 volunteers from across
our community will connect with over 1,000 fellow community members throughout the day, making it easier than ever to pledge support for initiatives that strengthen Jewish life in Charlotte, Israel, and around the world. Every gift will help fuel vital programs in education, engagement, security, and social services.
What “As One” Means for Our Community
This year’s theme, “As One,” reflects Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s mission to unify and uplift our community through education, engagement, and philanthropy. As the community convener, Federation merges individuals, families, and organizations to create meaningful pathways to ensure a vibrant and secure Jewish future.
“Our theme, ‘As One,’ embodies the strength of our community when we unite for a common purpose,” said Lisa
Charlotte Jewish Film Festival Announces Stellar 2025 Lineup
By Michelle Rusgo, LJCC Director of Art and Culture
The Charlotte Jewish Film Festival (CJFF) is marking its 21st anniversary in style with an expanded lineup of films and special events highlighting Jewish culture, history, identity, and storytelling. From Jan. 25 to Feb. 23, 2025, the festival will showcase a diverse lineup of 18 films, with screenings held at various venues across Charlotte, including the Levine Jewish Community Center (LJCC), Temple Israel, Temple Beth El, and The Independent Picture House.
This year’s celebration begins even before the official opening night with a free preview screening of “Iron Ladies” on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the LJCC. This empowering documentary tells the story of trailblazing Jewish women who overcame barriers in politics and leadership. Designed to raise
awareness and build excitement for the film festival, the screening kicks off the festival by engaging Charlotte audiences with the film’s themes and its relevance to contemporary issues.
The CJFF officially kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 25, with the debut of the highly anticipated comedy, “Bad Shabbos.” The film, a hilarious and heartfelt
exploration of tradition and chaos, sets the stage for this year, blending humor with cultural reflection.
Directed by Daniel Robbins, who is scheduled to attend the opening night screening, “Bad Shabbos” follows an interfaith couple’s attempt to host a picture-perfect Shabbat dinner. Packed with mishaps and poignant moments, the movie has been hailed as a fresh take on family dynamics and sets the tone for a festival that celebrates Jewish humor and resilience. Starring Kyra Sedgwick, “Bad Shabbos” debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival where it won the Audience Award. The opening night event will take place at Temple Israel, complete with a red-carpet reception following the film.
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“Shari & Lamb Chop” documentary at this year’s CJFF
Eylon Levy
Editor’s Corner
As a writer, I am deeply attuned to the importance of word choice. Words shape perceptions, influence thoughts, and ultimately create realities. Each January, this awareness surfaces in how I approach the new year. Instead of making resolutions focused on what I won’t do (“I won’t eat sugar” or “I won’t overspend”), I set intentions that emphasize what I want to create and who I want to become. I visualize the healthy body and bank account that I want to create. And the words I use to articulate that, even to myself, affect in a very real way, the way that I engage with the ideas.
This sensitivity to language
makes it all the more surprising that it took a recent LinkedIn post to make me question a term I’ve used countless times: “nonprofit.” I hold a masters degree in nonprofit management and have worked in communications and marketing with nonprofits for, dare I say it, decades. And until now I couldn’t really identify what was behind the response I would get when I proudly told people I work with nonprofit organizations. It wasn’t exactly condescending or dismissive, but there was often a subtle shift in their expression, as if the word “nonprofit” itself somehow made the work less legitimate — as if working for a nonprofit meant choosing a path of noble sacrifice rather than professional achievement. In our Jewish tradition, we understand deeply the power of words. From the very beginning of Genesis, where God creates the world through speech (“And God said, ‘Let there be light’”), to the extensive rabbinic teachings about shmirat halashon (guarding one’s tongue), our sages recognized that words are not mere labels — they are in-
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struments of creation that shape our reality.
So why do we still define an entire sector — one dedicated to creating positive change in our communities — by what it doesn’t do?
Think about it for a moment. We’ve labeled organizations that feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, educate our children, and preserve our cultural heritage as “non” profits. As if their primary identity is the absence of something, rather than the presence of tremendous social value they create every single day. What if, instead of “nonprofit,” we started calling them “social profit” organizations? I wish I could coin this term or claim ownership, but in her LinkedIn post, Emanuel Ghislain wrote, “Why on earth do we still say ‘nonprofit’? Seriously — think about it. It’s absurd. Non-profit. No money, no gain, no glory. It’s not just a word choice; it’s an entire mindset that drags an entire sector under. Words create worlds. And every time we call them ‘nonprofits’, we’re casting them as penniless do-gooders rather than the game-changing forces they actually are. What if we scrapped this dusty old label? What if, instead, we called them ‘social profit’ organizations? Imagine the shift. Suddenly, they’re defined by the value they create — value that
has zero to do with shareholders and everything to do with changing lives. Language sculpts perception, and perception shapes worth. So let’s stop boxing these organizations in by what they lack. It’s high time we celebrate them for what they truly are: catalysts of social profit.”
I love this part: “…the game-changing forces they actually are.” Yes!
In Charlotte’s Jewish community, we see this social profit generation every day. We see these game-changing forces in action. Our organizations don’t just operate programs — they build community, preserve tradition, educate future generations, and care for those in need. They create value that ripples out far beyond their immediate services, strengthening the fabric of our entire community.
The Charlotte Jewish News is a nonprofit, and as Jewish Charlotte’s main communication vehicle, we are proud to represent, inform, and engage our whole community. This month, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, the nonprofit that supports the Charlotte Jewish News and more than 70 other Jewish agencies, kicks off its 2025 Annual Campaign. The funds raised through the campaign directly strengthen Jewish identity through community-wide events and education, enable beneficiary agencies to
provide essential social services to those in need, and support initiatives that combat antisemitism and advocate for Jewish causes.
If you’re reading these words, it is likely you are engaged in some way with one or more of these amazing nonprofits. When you think about their importance in your life, you recognize that for you there is nothing small or lacking at all.
So next time someone asks me what I do, I will tell them that I work with social profit organizations. I can’t wait to see the expression on their faces and to answer the questions that I anticipate will follow. And the next time you’re discussing an organization that serves our community and means so much to you, try using the term. Feel how the words shape a different story — one of creation rather than limitation, of abundance rather than scarcity. Because these organizations shouldn’t be defined by a financial structure — they should be defined by the lives they transform, the communities they strengthen, and the better world they help create.
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Reintroducing the Bernstein Leadership Group: Chart Your Course
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC
Communications Specialist
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is excited to reintroduce the Bernstein Leadership Group (BLG), a program that has shaped Jewish leaders in the Charlotte community for more than 20 years. Established through the vision and generosity of Don and Bobbi Bernstein, BLG has provided young Jewish professionals with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to lead with purpose and impact. After a hiatus since the 2019–2020 class, Federation is thrilled to relaunch this transformational program with its 13th class under the theme “Chart Your Course.”
BLG is an 18-month leadership development program designed for Jewish young adults between the ages of 25 and 45. Participants deepen their connection to Jewish values, gain a comprehensive understanding of Charlotte’s Jewish communi-
Super
Week
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ty, and develop the leadership skills necessary to address the challenges of the future. The pro gram focuses on three intercon nected areas: community, Jewish identity, and leadership building. To lead effectively, partici pants in the Bernstein Leader ship Group explore the history and dynamics of Jewish life in greater Charlotte, gaining insight into its agencies and challenges. The program emphasizes Jewish identity through its unique cur riculum, which combines Juda ic text study, leadership theory, and business skills to foster eth ical decision-making. Sessions on communication, leadership presence, team building, and guidance on lay-professional relationships provide a strong foundation for future communi ty roles.
or Relocating?
Strause Levinson. “We are excited to inspire and energize our community as we begin the 2025 Annual Campaign.”
Rachel Putterman Friedman added, “The Super Event is a time for all of us to come together — not just to support Federation’s mission, but to celebrate the profound impact we make when we act as one.”
“As One,” we address the challenges of today while building for tomorrow. Through initiatives such as the new iCenter for Israel Education and Engagement, Federation deepens our community’s connection to Israel by offering cultural ex -
changes, expanded educational opportunities, Hebrew learning, and more. Programs like NextGen inspire young professionals to connect with their Jewish heritage and community, while Women’s Philanthropy brings women together to lead with purpose and generosity. Federation also works tirelessly to address the rise of antisemitism through its Jewish Community Relations Council and its Outshine Hate initiative, ensuring our community feels safe, supported, and empowered to stand against hate.
Get Involved
“As One” also serves as a call to action, uniting us to ensure
that Jewish life thrives for generations. During Super Week and beyond, we invite you to be part of this effort by joining us for the Super Event, saying “yes” to the call on JCDOG, and contributing to the 2025 Annual Campaign. Together, as one, we are stronger, more resilient, and capable of creating a brighter, more connected future for Jewish Charlotte and the global Jewish community. To register for the Super Event please visit us online at www.jewishcharlotte.org.
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Rachel Putterman Friedman (left) and Lisa Strause Levinson (right), 2025 Super Event co-chairs
Day of Giving Jewish Charlotte
Super Sunday is being transformed into Jewish Charlotte Day of Giving!
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, volunteers from across greater Charlotte will come together on Jewish Charlotte Day of Giving to connect with over 1,000 community members, making it easy for everyone to make their pledge to the 2025 Annual Campaign and support essential programs and initiatives that help to ensure a vibrant, safe Jewish community here in Charlotte. Remember to say “yes” to the call!
In a fun play-on-words with the acronym “JCDOG,” we are inviting everyone to get their pets involved in this exciting new initiative. Post photos of your furry friends on social media using the hashtag #JCDOG and share why you give to the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s Annual Campaign.
JewishCharlotte
#JCDOG
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte Joins 2024 General Assembly: Uniting to Advocate and Act
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
This past November, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC) joined thousands of delegates from Jewish Federations across North America at the 2024 General Assembly in Washington, D.C. The event, themed “As One,” in line with the upcoming 2025 Annual Campaign, brought together leaders, advocates, and allies to address critical issues facing the Jewish community, strengthen bonds, and chart a course for impactful action.
At the heart of the General Assembly was a shared mission: to advocate for Israel, combat the rise of antisemitism, and forge meaningful connections that will empower Jewish communities to thrive. Israeli President Isaac Herzog captured the essence of this mission in his address, emphasizing the critical need for action and solidarity: “We fight for our hostages. We fight for our people. We fight for our Jewish
values. We fight for our Jewish communities.” Participants also heard from other inspiring speakers, including last year’s JFGC-
Super Event speakers Rabbi David
and Sheryl
who shared unique insights into the challenges and opportunities
ahead. The General Assembly celebrated Jewish culture with powerful performances, including Shufuni, an Israeli band
formed after October 7 to share Israeli stories through music and song. Alongside other Israeli and Jewish artists, these performances highlighted the vibrant traditions that unite and sustain the Jewish people. (We were thrilled to have Shufuni visit Charlotte later in November to perform for our local community.).
For the 11 JFGC delegation members, this experience underscored the power of community and collaboration. The relationships forged during this assembly will continue to strengthen advocacy efforts, ensure continued support for Israel, strengthen the fight against antisemitism, and secure a bright future for our Jewish community.
The lessons and inspiration taken from the General Assembly have left an impact on our community and other Jewish communities across the nation. Together, we are stronger, more united, and ready to act.
Wolpe
Sandberg,
Members of Federation staff at the main stage for the Stand Together Event, the kickoff to the General Assembly
Julie Platt, JFNA chair of the Board of Trustees (left) and Sheryl Sandberg (right)
Charlotte delegation at the General Assembly
Charlotte Jewish Film Festival
(Continued from front page)
A standout addition to this year’s lineup is “Never Alone” by acclaimed Finnish director, Klaus Härö. Härö, known for his resonant storytelling, is often hailed as the Finnish Steven Spielberg. Like Spielberg, Härö is a man of faith, known for his ability to wrap important topics in well-acted, expertly executed dramas that entertain and educate, along with moments of raw emotion. This moving drama tells the true story of refugees seeking safety in Finland during World War ll. It delves into themes of grief, friendship, and rediscovery. “Never Alone” examines how personal loss can bring people together in unexpected ways, making it a moving addition to the CJFF slate. “Never Alone” will be showcased on Sunday, Jan. 26 at Temple Israel.
Among this year’s most anticipated screenings is “Shari & Lamb Chop,” a heartfelt documentary directed by Lisa D’Apolito. The film dives into the extraordinary life and career of Shari Lewis, the legendary puppeteer whose beloved character, Lamb Chop, became a cultural icon. “Shari & Lamb Chop” captures the profound impact on generations of children while cel-
ebrating the enduring legacy of Lamb Chop’s whimsical charm. A special highlight of the screening, held at the LJCC, will be the presence of Mallory Lewis, Shari’s daughter, who will bring Lamb Chop to life for the audience following the film. Now in its 21st year, the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival continues to foster dialogue and connection. Many screenings will be accompanied by engaging discussions, Q&A sessions, and special appearances, creating opportunities for audiences to delve deeper into the themes and sto-
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.
Jan. 8
Blank*, Zibby Owens
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 Elixer 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
ries presented on the screen. From laugh-out-loud comedies like “Bad Shabbos” to moving dramas like “Never Alone,” the best of Israeli films like “Running on Sand” and “Bliss,” and heartwarming documentaries like “Shari & Lamb Chop,” this year’s CJFF promises something for everyone. Whether you are a longtime attendee or a newcomer, the festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Jewish identity through the art of film. Tickets for individual screenings are $15. To accommodate
movie lovers, an early bird special all-festival pass is available for $154 until Jan. 15. After this date, the all-festival pass is available for $172. For more information and the full lineup, visit the CJFF website at charlottejewishfilm.com.
HOUSE
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.
It is a simple concept: a house where young Jewish adults can connect. From Shabbat dinners to holiday celebrations, social action initiatives, and Jewish learning opportunities, Moishe House empowers young leaders to build community by creating meaningful, home-based experiences. As part of a global network spanning more than 27 countries and engaging more than 70,000 young adults annually, Moishe House serves as a vibrant hub of peer-led programming and Jewish life for those in their 20s and early 30s.
In Charlotte, the mission of Moishe House aligns seamlessly with the goals of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and its NextGen initiative. Together, these programs create a powerful synergy, enabling young Jewish adults in Charlotte to connect with each other and with the global Jewish community, their heritage, and the values that shape Jewish life.
“As a proud partner and beneficiary of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, Moishe
House thrives on its mission to provide a vibrant Jewish community for young adults by supporting leaders in their 20s as they create meaningful home-based Jewish experiences for themselves and their peers.” Says senior director of advancement, Dave Press, “We aim to empower these community builders to create inclusive, peer-led, and pluralistic spaces where young adults can deepen their connection to Judaism while making friends and having fun. Federation’s unwavering support over the years enables us to offer transformative experiences in Charlotte and beyond, ensuring Jewish young adults have the resources and opportunities
to lead, learn, and engage in meaningful ways.”
For alumni and those who don’t live in a Moishe House, the Moishe House Without Walls program extends this model, empowering individuals to host their own programs and further spread the spirit of connection. A new “Moishe Pod” recently opened in October 2024 in Charlotte’s NoDa (North Davidson) neighborhood. This new Pod comes to us at an important time, as many young Jewish adults are seeking spaces to explore their identities and build connections.
As Moishe House grows and evolves, it remains a local hub of creativity and connection, inspiring young Jews to take ownership of their Jewish journeys By supporting innovative programs like Moishe House, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte ensures that Charlotte remains a thriving, welcoming home for Jewish young adults at every stage of their journey. FEDERATION IMPACT:
The Audience Award winner at the Tribeca Film Festival, “Bad Shabbos” starring Kyra Sedgwick will kick off opening night at the 21st annual CJFF.
Charlotte Jewish Film Festival kicks off with pre-festival preview screening of “Iron Ladies” on Jan. 22.
“Never Alone” at the CJFF Jan.26
Geddy Lee of Rush To Speak at International Holocaust Remembrance Day Event at Stan Greenspon Center
By Mary Eshet
As first announced in the De
-
cember Charlotte Jewish News, the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center will host rock legend Geddy Lee for a community commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27, 2025. Best known as the lead vocalist and bassist of the iconic rock band Rush, Geddy brings a deeply personal perspective to this remembrance: his parents, Mary and Morris Weinrib, were Holocaust survivors who endured and survived Auschwitz.
The Greenspon Center, dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust while fostering dialogue on social justice and combating antisemitism, chose this date for its annual marquee event. International Holocaust Remembrance Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2005 and is observed on Jan. 27, marking the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945. This observance emphasizes the global responsibility to remember the Holocaust, educate about its causes and consequences, and
combat rising antisemitism and hate worldwide.
The Greenspon Center also participates in the Jewish community’s commemoration of Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Memorial Day, observed on
the 27th of Nisan in the Jewish calendar, typically in April or May. Established by the Israeli Knesset in 1951, Yom HaShoah serves as a day of remembrance specifically for Jewish victims of the Holocaust, emphasizing the
unique Jewish experience of this atrocity and the profound loss to the Jewish world.
“Our decision to focus on International Holocaust Remembrance Day reflects our mission to reach a broader audience,” said Judy LaPietra, director of the Greenspon Center. “By commemorating this day, the Center aligns itself with global initiatives to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust transcend borders and resonate with people of all backgrounds. It recognizes that the horrors of the Holocaust serve as a warning not just for Jewish communities but for humanity as a whole.”
Featuring Geddy Lee for the 2025 event is consistent with the Greenspon Center’s mission to engage a broader audience, given his profound personal connection to the Holocaust and his widespread influence as a renowned musician and author.
“I had also read Geddy Lee’s memoir, “My Effin’ Life,” which showcases not only his passion for music but also his skill as a storyteller,” said LaPietra. “In it, he recounts his parents' experiences as Holocaust survivors and
how their resilience and trauma they endured shaped his upbringing and worldview.”
“My Effin’ Life” is an enjoyable read that makes one feel they know Geddy Lee as a friend. It is also a period piece set in Canada, including Geddy’s early years in the 1950s and ‘60s. He relays memories of the ice-skating culture, hockey, baseball, and baseball cards. He also shares his experiences with antisemitism, which he refrained from sharing with his parents, as they had gone through so much in the Holocaust.
Geddy included an entire chapter on his parents’ experience in the Holocaust, saying he felt duty-bound to tell their story because “I feel we’re living in an era that seems to have forgotten what can and will happen when fascism rears its head. I think we all need reminding of it in the face of those who either deny the past or never knew about it in the first place.”
Chapter Three pieces together his parents’ experiences based on information shared, especially
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WANT TO TRY OUT A NEW BOARD GAME?
LEVINE-SKLUT JUDAIC LIBRARY AT SHALOM PARK 8
Community members are also welcome to bring their own favorite board games to share at the event. JAN 5-8 pm
Looking to play one of the classics? Come grab dinner, pick out a game, and meet others in your community.
• CODENAMES
• THE CHAMELEON
• GIANT SORRY
• POP UP PIRATE
• UNO
• YAHTZEE
• CARD GAMES
• ZINGO
• REALLY LOUD LIBRARIANS
• MONOPOLY DEAL
• PUZZLES
Games for all ages!
Geddy Lee
Geddy Lee
(Continued from page 8)
by his mother, who talked to her children about it a lot. He shares stories about the small Polish town where his mother lived and the impact of the Nazis’ arrival with harsh rules for Jews, and the destruction of the community’s synagogue.
Geddy acknowledges that the history imparted in those pages is harrowing and painful for readers and him. He writes about the atrocities of Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen and includes the story of how his parents met in the camp. He writes of the guilt felt by children of survivors, who know their parents experienced unimaginable horrors and made tremendous sacrifices so their children could survive.
Later in the book, he describes how being with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the band KISS, both of whom are Jewish, gave him an opportunity to reevaluate his tribal roots. While he had moved away from the religiosity of Judaism, he wanted to celebrate the talented, the successful, and the humorous in Jewish culture. He reflected that in his early teens, he would deny his Jewish identity and remembers being introduced as “Geddy — he’s a Jew, but he’s okay.” He
realized later that by not standing up to those making antisemitic remarks, he was helping to perpetuate a stereotype and even being complicit in fomenting hatred for his own people.
As a rock icon with a global following, Geddy Lee brings unparalleled visibility to this year’s Holocaust remembrance event. His influence extends far beyond music, inspiring fans with his intellect, humility, and advocacy. Featuring Geddy ensures that the event resonates with a wide demographic, including younger audiences and individuals who may not traditionally engage with Holocaust education. His presence also highlights the responsibility of future generations to remember and educate, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant in combating antisemitism, hate, and intolerance today. As denial and revisionism grow, the commitment to teaching this history accurately and effectively becomes more urgent to prevent such atrocities from being
repeated. The opportunity to see and hear from Geddy has been met with great enthusiasm. “For those who know him, the reaction has been one of disbelief,” said LaPietra. “Seeing him in person provides a rare opportunity to connect with a rock icon. His live speaking engagements are relatively rare, making this event a truly special occasion. Fans are eager for the chance to hear from him directly and to ask questions. I am so very honored and grateful that he is supporting the mission of the Greenspon Center.”
For more information about sponsorship or advertising, contact Judy LaPietra at Lapietraj@Queens.edu. For tickets to A Conversation with Geddy Lee, visit https://www.stangreensponcenter.org/events/or scan the QR code below.
Stan
Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center
Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning
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.
Experience the Magic of Camp Gan Israel
By Leah Levin
Get ready for an unforgettable summer as Camp Gan Israel (CGI) celebrates 12 incredible years of fun, friendship, and Jewish pride! Part of the world’s fastest-growing network of Jewish day camps, CGI has earned a stellar reputation as a leader in Jewish camping, continuously introducing innovative programs and exciting activities that children love and parents trust.
Why choose Camp Gan Israel?
At CGI, your child will experience a summer filled with adventure, creativity, and connection. From thrilling field trips to hands-on activities, our warm and caring environment fosters a deep sense of pride in our Jewish heritage.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to instill Jewish values in children of all backgrounds and levels of observance. Through immersive experiences such as challah baking, drama, Jew-
ish crafts, and songs, campers embrace their roots in a joyful, spirited atmosphere. Every moment at CGI is designed to create cherished memories and lasting friendships.
This summer, give your child the gift of the Camp Gan Israel experience.
Camp Details
This year, we have four weeks of nonstop fun from June 23July 20. Choose single weeks
or sign up for all four to enjoy special savings!
Our camp is divided into three dynamic groups to ensure age-appropriate programming and maximum engagement:
- Junior CGI: Rising K - Rising 3rd Grade
- Senior CGI: Rising 4th - Rising 6th Grade
- CGI XTREME: Rising 7th -8th Grade (offered for the first two weeks only: June 23-July 4)
Ready to join the fun? Visit www.CGIBallantyne.com for more details and to secure your child’s spot today.
This summer, let your child discover the magic of Camp Gan Israel—the perfect blend of fun, friendship, and Jewish pride. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Hands-On Jewish Learning: How CKids Hebrew School Inspires the Next Generation
By Rabbi Levi Cohen
A Vibrant Approach to Jewish Education
Chabad of Charlotte’s Hebrew School is transforming Jewish education with a handson, dynamic curriculum that brings Judaism into students’ daily lives. For families seeking a meaningful Jewish experience without the commitment of fulltime Jewish day school, Hebrew School offers a powerful way to make traditions tangible and accessible.
Hands-On Learning Through CKids Curriculum
This year’s curriculum, developed by CKids and used at hundreds of Chabad centers
worldwide, focuses on vibrant, experiential learning. Students have explored the neshama (soul) and its mission through activities like crafting mezuzah cases to hang on their bedroom or front doors, building shofars from scratch at the Shofar Factory, and using snap circuits to illuminate a model village with the “light of mitzvot.” These projects teach the importance of mitzvot and inspire students to bring their learning into their homes.
“I love Hebrew School so much — I wish every day was Hebrew School day!” says Lev Hausman, a newer student whose enthusiasm reflects the program’s success.
Enriching Jewish Life Beyond the Classroom
The Hebrew School is part of a broader youth initiative led by Rabbi Levi Cohen, with programming coordinators Rachie Lerer and Mushka Friedman driving its creativity and impact. In addition to weekly classes, the team offers a lively children’s program during synagogue services and the newly launched Jewish Birthday Club.
Jewish Birthday Club: Celebrating in a Meaningful Way
The Jewish Birthday Club celebrates the significance of a child’s Hebrew birthday. Coordinators visit the child’s home with a personalized gift and activity kit, such as decorating a tzedakah box or baking birthday cupcakes. These celebrations make the day special and memorable while instilling Jewish values in a meaningful and personal way.
Bringing Judaism Home
Chabad of Charlotte’s Hebrew School is more than just a place to learn — it’s a space where Judaism comes alive, empowering children to live Torah and mitzvot with pride and joy.
For more information about our Hebrew School and its innovative programs, please contact us at (704) 366-3984 or email Lcohen@ChabadNC.org.
Sarah and Maya Blecher enjoying their art elective
Whitewater rafting is the highlight of the Xtreme overnight trip.
A group of CGI senior girls managed to escape at Escapology.
Temple Beth El Invites Community to Celebrate Cantor
Danielle Rodnizki’s Installation
By Madeline White
Temple Beth El invites the community to a weekend of music, connection, and celebration as we honor the installation of Cantor Danielle Rodnizki on Jan. 10–11, 2025. Since joining Temple Beth El in July 2024, Cantor Rodnizki has brought new energy to our congregation, inspiring us with her creativity, warmth, and passion for Jewish music.
Cantor Rodnizki expressed, “I cannot wait to build meaningful relationships with each and every one of you.” The weekend will celebrate her new role and an opportunity to come together
of her early experiences leading services and song sessions. Her career has taken her from Central Synagogue in New York to Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, New York, and now to Temple Beth El. From her first visit to our Shalom Park community, she felt a deep connection.
“From the moment I arrived in Charlotte, I felt the goodness — the true menschiness — that emanates from everyone in this community,” she reflected. “It felt like the possibilities of what we could build together would be endless.”
Cantor Rodnizki’s installation weekend will reflect her
Cantor Danielle Rodnizki
INSTALLATION WEEKEND
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 - SATURDAY, JANUARY 11
Join us as we honor Cantor Danielle Rodnizki and the music, joy, and leadership she brings to Temple Beth El.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 | 6:13PM
Shabbat Evening Service with the Installation of
JANUARY 10
JANUARY
Temple Solel and the Next Generation
By Robin I. Spivock, Temple Solel Board Secretary
Temple Solel, like many other small synagogues, is more than just a temple.
Temple Solel is truly a family. We always welcome each other with open arms, and it is not an effort to welcome new members to the fold. We talk to each other, enjoy each other's company, and truly enjoy being with each other. We try to impart this atmosphere to our youth.
Our “next generation,” the b'nei mitzvah, are integral keys to the future of Solel and to their own futures. To keep any synagogue alive and growing, we need our youth. That is why we cherish them so much and encourage them to keep active and grow with us. Without our youth, we do not have a future.
We are so fortunate to have them active in our synagogue. They help with our "Manna Bag" project – assembling bags containing socks, water, food, resource information and more. These bags are handed out to the homeless and people in need. They also help at the Men's Shelter by preparing and serving food to men in need,
participate in projects that help children around the world, and much more.
Our youth are also active participants in celebrating our religious holidays – the High Holidays, Simchat Torah, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, and more.
We were very fortunate to have three B'nei Mitzvah this year: Ethan Monday, Cooper Coughenour, and Olivia Blancke. Each of our b'nei mitzvah students chose a very special tzedakah project that had true meaning for them.
I spoke with these three young adults, all of whom had their b'nei mitzvah this year, to get their views on their tzedakah projects:
Soccer Without Borders, Wren's Village, Bethel Men's Shelter, and what being Jewish means to them.
Here is the wonderful outcome of the interviews:
Ethan Monday
You had a wonderful bar mitzvah project for tzedakah: Soccer Without Borders
Why did you choose this project and what does it mean to you?
Start
Because I love soccer and wanted to take something I love and use that to help raise money for a good cause. With this project, it also teaches kids the fun of soccer as well as teaching the kids English so that they have a better chance to do what they want in life.
What does being Jewish mean to you?
Being Jewish means to me that I get to participate in my culture and history. And to be part of a group that celebrates the same things as me.
How will you pursue leadership opportunities in the future?
Leadership means being able to help others that may not have many friends or are being bullied, so that they have someone who they can talk to and have fun with – a friend.
Do you have any plans to keep involved with Temple Solel?
I plan to keep coming to services and continue to participate in events that the temple has, like the manna bags, as well as just being there to help.
Cooper Coughenour
You had a wonderful bar mitzvah project for tzedakah: Wren's
Village
Why did you choose this project and what does it mean to you?
A friend of mine, his little sister had cancer. His mother started a charity, Wren's Village. I donated money towards it and was given a signed football.
I decided to raffle off this football to raise money for Wren's Village.
What does being Jewish mean to you?
To me, being Jewish means following my family traditions and honoring my family that was in the Holocaust.
Being strong and faithful in honoring my family.
How will you pursue leadership opportunities in the future?
I am on the wrestling team at school and hope to lead it in the future.
In addition to that, I am in a community service club at school – the Interact Club. Currently, we are hosting a toy drive for Toys for Tots, an event to collect toys for kids who won't get any for the holidays.
Also, in the future I plan to start a charity and volunteer to help people, like my friend's
mother.
Do you have any plans to keep involved with Temple Solel?
I plan to keep involved with Temple Solel until I go to college. When I go to college, it will most likely be out of town, so it will be difficult to be involved. I do plan on getting involved with a temple near where I go to college though, and wherever I may end up living.
Olivia “Livy” Blancke
You had a wonderful bat mitzvah project for tzedakah: Bethel Men's Shelter
Why did you choose this project and what does it mean to you?
I chose Bethel Men's Shelter because I help out there all the time. I enjoy helping the men, feeding them a warm meal. It means a lot to me knowing that I am helping the men.
What does being Jewish mean to you?
Being Jewish means being a part of a good community, celebrating different holidays (which is fun).
I am proud of being Jewish.
Discover Israel: New Sites Worth Visiting
By Omri Avidar
Israel is often synonymous with iconic landmarks: the Western Wall, the Dead Sea, and Masada—each steeped in history, spirituality, and natural beauty. For many visitors, these are the must-see experiences, a way to touch the past and the present all at once. However, for those who have already explored these highlights, there are many lesser-known destinations and experiences that can offer a fresh perspective on the country.
At the same time, for those visiting Israel for the first time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the abundance of sites. While the classics are certainly worth experiencing, Israel’s charm is found not only in its historical landmarks but also in its diverse landscapes, vibrant local cultures, and the mix of ancient traditions and modern innovation.
Some of these sites are deeply connected to the tragic events of October 7, 2023, while others showcase Israel's cultural, historical, and natural treasures in unexpected ways. These are places that tell the stories of resilience, creativity, and the human spirit in the face of adversity, as well as offer new dimensions of beauty and wonder across the country.
Sites Connected to the Israel-Hamas War
Hostage Square, Tel Aviv
Located in the heart of Tel Aviv, next to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, this square has become the central gathering place for solidarity with the hostages and their families. It is here that daily support rallies are held, including large-scale demonstrations broadcast around the world. The square features nu-
Temple Solel
How will you pursue leadership opportunities in the future?
I plan to help out more at Bethel Men's Shelter.
Do you have any plans to keep involved with Temple Solel?
Continuing to be a part of Temple Solel is my plan for the future.
Temple Solel is so fortunate to have such intelligent, caring young adults in our midst. And this is not meant for just the three above, but for all of the young people and adults in our congregation. We are very fortunate to have a younger generation that is active and really seems to enjoy being part of our synagogue.
I would say that our future, and the future of our Jewish religion, is in pretty good hands.
merous evolving displays, such as a clock counting the days and minutes of captivity, a long dining table symbolizing the contrast between the comfort of a family Shabbat meal and the harsh reality faced by the hostages, a tunnel installation evoking the conditions of Gaza’s underground hideouts, a moving display of empty chairs, and many other powerful exhibits.
The square is also a hub of activity, where visitors can purchase symbolic items like ribbons, t-shirts, and pins, and often meet the hostages’ family members who share their stories firsthand. There's always something happening in the square, always something new to see, making it a must-visit site for anyone wishing to connect deeply with this tragedy.
It is my hope that by the time of your visit, these displays will only remain as memories, and the hostages will all have safely returned home.
Nova Festival Site, Re’im, Western Negev
The Memorial for the Victims of the Nova Festival has, in many ways, become the "Yad
Vashem" of our time. It stands at the site where the Nova Festival took place on the night of Oct. 6, a celebration tragically transformed into the scene of the worst massacre in Israel’s history. The numbers are staggering — 364 murdered and 44 kidnapped to Gaza, subjected to unimaginable horrors.
The memorial is both simple and haunting. Photos of the victims and hostages are displayed on metal pillars, creating an illusion of them continuing to dance. This poignant installation began spontaneously, just two months after the tragedy, when a private initiative placed the photos there and DJ Skazi performed in memory of the fallen (search "Skazi Nova" on YouTube). Since then, families and the Jewish National Fund have expanded the site with numerous displays and tributes.
The memorial captures the beauty and vitality of the young people who came to celebrate life but were met with evil in an instant — a transition from paradise to hell. It is a profoundly emotional place, where tears flow naturally as visitors confront both the joy that once was
and the horror that followed. Burnt Cars Memorial, near Moshav Tekuma
This site memorializes the victims of the October 7 attacks. Formed from scorched vehicles recovered from the Nova Festival massacre and surrounding areas, the site symbolizes the horror of that day. Over 860 damaged cars were brought here, most irreparable, many targeted by gunfire to murder their occupants. This powerful memorial honors the many lives lost and serves as a stark reminder of the tragedy and resilience of those affected.
Sderot Police Station Memorial
This site memorializes the citizens of Sderot and the brave police forces who stood on the frontlines during the October 7 attacks. The newly inaugurated
Memorial and Heroism Garden, opened exactly one year later on October 7, 2024, now stands on the former site of the police station. It tells the story of the fierce battle that unfolded there and honors the memory of the dozens who tragically lost their lives in Sderot on that fateful day.
Exciting New Destinations to Explore
Several exciting destinations have opened recently, offering unique experiences that are not connected to the war but represent Israel’s thriving cultural scene.
The National Library Building, Jerusalem
This new architectural marvel, located between the Knesset and the Israel Museum, is a must-vis-
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The National Library Building, Jerusalem
Jewish Family Services of Charlotte Welcomes New Board Members and 2025 Leadership Team
By Julie Loftis, JFS Marketing Specialist
Jewish Family Services (JFS) is delighted to announce its new board members and leadership team for 2025. Andrew Bernstein leads the organization in his second year as president, alongside Rachel Friedman as president-elect. Daniel Benjamin assumes the role of treasurer, succeeding Jonathan Collman, who served with dedication for four years, while Rebecca Hockfield takes on the secretary position. Jennifer Golynsky will complete the Executive Committee as the immediate past president. Andrew Bernstein shared, “JFS provides a wide array of services to so many people. The span of offerings and number of people they touch is impressive. I am honored to be part of such a dynamic and engaged board and to offer my support to the talented professionals who live the orga-
nization’s mission, vision, and values by engaging, connecting, and healing our community.”
As we begin 2025, we would like to extend a warm thank you and best wishes to our outgoing board members, Marcia Lampert and Matt Luftglass, and recognize them for their remarkable service. Marcia’s six years on the board included chairing the Agency Services Committee and contributing to several other initiatives. Matt, a two-term board member, has been a steadfast advocate, participating in numerous committees and volunteering extensively.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank Andrea Cronson, Julie Dermack, Joni Deutsch, Meredith Gartner, Jennifer Koss, Eric Lerner, Adina Loewensteiner, Nina Rose, Stuart Singer, Steve Teich, and Amanda Zaidman who will continue to serve on the board this year. We
appreciate the ongoing time and effort they give to support JFS.
JFS is excited to welcome four new board members who bring diverse skills, experiences, and a shared passion for supporting the organization’s mission:
Blair Goldsmith, a Charlotte native, has extensive experience as a licensed clinical social worker and is deeply involved in local Jewish life. She has volunteered with JFS on the Mental Health Resiliency Roundtable and Agency Services Committee and has co-chaired the Live Laugh Give event for two years.
Brian Ablitz is lead neuropsychologist for Atrium Health/Carolinas Rehabilitation. He brings professional expertise and a personal connection to JFS, having been adopted through JFS Detroit. He has served on multiple Jewish community boards and committees and is committed to advancing JFS’s mission.
Jeff Zaleon is a retired Certified Public Accountant with decades of volunteer service to Jewish organizations, and he brings financial acumen and board leadership experience to his new role. His involvement spans Jewish Federations, Hillel, and the JFS Finance Committee.
Glenn Kunkes, a structured finance partner at Mayer Brown LLP, has been active in Jewish leadership programs, fundraising efforts, and creating Popups with Purpose, a nonprofit supporting
various causes. Each board member is committed to the success of JFS’s full range of programming, counseling, and social service assistance. This leadership team generously contributes time and valuable knowledge, by actively serving on committees that focus on various topics, essential to the success of JFS. This active involvement assists those facing daily challenges, life transitions,
new hardships, and unexpected crises. Programs provide education, engagement, counseling, food, case management, financial assistance, resources, and referrals. For more information, visit jfscharlotte.org.
Jewish Family Services Tributes November 2024
For a speedy recovery of Barbara Berko Deitz
Stanley Greenspon
Happy Anniversary
Howard & Julie Levine
Paul and Lynn Edelstein
Happy Birthday
Bill Gorelick
Stanley Greenspon
Harry Lerner
Paul and Lynn Edelstein
Harry Swimmer
Paul and Lynn Edelstein
Janice Weiner
David and Beth Thrope
Michael Goldberg
Ruth Goldberg
Steven Langman
Ann Langman
In honor of
Jerry and Barbara Levin
Sanford and Lois Benjamin
Larry and Dale Polsky
Leonard and Judy Marco
In Memory of Aleen Epstein
Alan and Madeline Aron
Paul and Lynn Edelstein
Steven and Sharon Hockfield
Gary Silverstein
Donald Hodes
Robert and Barbara Bernhardt
Steven and Sharon Hockfield
Gerald Crane
Paul and Lynn Edelstein
Lee Marx
Matt and Fran Samarel
Mindy Jacobs
Matt and Fran Samarel
Robert Siegel
Harvey and Barbara Klipper
Ann Rosenthal
Linda Schwartz
Gary Silverstein
Rosemary Zulman
Olympus International Alumni, Inc.
Jewish Family Services Acknowledgements November 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, Marty Goldfarb, Richard Goldsmith, Jennifer Golynsky, Gail Halverson, June Hirshmann, Rebecca Hockfield, Tara and Liat Hubara, Bob Jacobson, Rikki Kinitsky, Etti Krause, Jennifer Koss, Stephanie Kreitman, Marcia Lampert, Eric Lerner, Kevin Levine, Lisa Levinson, Kim Levy, Adina Loewensteiner, Matt Luftglass, Frada Mozenter, Deb Perelgut, Barbara Rein, Nina Rose, Janice Shubin, Teresa Singer, Stuart Singer, Lisa Somerson, Lorin Stiefel, Steve Teich, Gail Vogel, Bob Weinstein, Nancy Wielunski, Amanda Zaidman
Hadassah Meal Preppies: Gina Bonfiglio, Geneva Boxer, June Hirschmann, Paul Hirschmann, Judy Kaufmann, Penny Krieger, Aileen Greenberg-Kriner, Becky McCullough, Jered Mond, Betsy Olinger, Yvette Jacobson
Food Drives: Barry Green and The Shalom Club of Sun City
Mitzvah Baskets: The Philipson family in honor of Isabel Philipson’s bat mitzvah
Special Thanks: Judy Kaufmann for donations of Thanksgiving turkeys
Shalom Green: Shalom Green volunteers for providing fresh produce to our pantry clients
Food Pantry Donations: Our generous community 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 at Shalom Park.
Israel Travel
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it site in Jerusalem. After years of being tucked away within the Hebrew University campus, the National Library has finally reclaimed its rightful place at the heart of Jewish culture. The "People of the Book" now have a home worthy of their rich literary and historical treasures.
Beyond its stunning design, the library houses a vast underground repository containing 4.2 million titles of Jewish and Israeli creations. Visitors can marvel at exquisite displays of priceless manuscripts, ancient Bibles, Talmudic texts, and rare books of immeasurable value. The library preserves the past and invites visitors to engage with the intellectual and cultural heritage of the Jewish people.
ANU – Museum of the Jewish People
The Anu Museum in Tel Aviv is a must-visit destination, offering a fascinating exploration of Jewish history, culture, and identity. As the world's largest Jewish Museum, it features cutting-edge exhibits, interactive displays, and personal stories that highlight the diversity and resilience of the Jewish people. Be sure to visit the Synagogue Hall, showcasing historic synagogue models from around the globe; the Heroes exhibition, celebrating influential Jewish figures; and exhibitions on the Foundation, Journey, and Identity of the Jewish nation. Don’t miss the chance to explore your own heritage by searching your family name in the museum’s database. A visit to Anu is both inspiring and unforgettable — highly recommended!
Israel Aquarium, Jerusalem
Adjacent to the Biblical Zoo, the Israel Aquarium is a fantastic family-friendly destination. Focusing on the Israeli marine ecosystems of the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and Sea of Galilee, it blends education with entertainment, making it highly recommended for both children and adults.
Sussita (Hippos) National Park, Near the Sea of Galilee
After years of preparation, the Israeli Nature and Parks Authority has reopened Sussita National Park to visitors. Perched on a hill in the Golan Heights, east of the Sea of Galilee and across from Kibbutz Ein Gev, this archaeological gem preserves the stunning remains of the ancient city of Hippos. Recent renovations have transformed it into a must-visit destination, featuring breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee and its surroundings. Excavations have uncovered a Greco-Roman city with mosaics, temples, and theaters, making it a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
Visiting these new destinations is not just about exploration — it’s about connection. Each
site tells a story, whether of resilience in the face of tragedy, the innovation of a modern nation, or the deep historical roots that anchor the Jewish people to this land. As a guide, I’ve witnessed how these places move visitors, offering them fresh perspectives and unforgettable experiences. When planning your next trip to Israel, consider stepping off the beaten path to discover these remarkable sites. They’ll deepen your appreciation for the country and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Israel is a land of layers, constantly uncovering new facets of its story. Come and experience it for yourself. There's always something
new to explore, even in a land as ancient as ours.
Omri Avidar is a licensed tour guide and resident of Kfar Vradim. He has loved traveling the trails of Israel since he was a child. Omri is a fourth generation resident of Israel, and inherited his love of Israel and the land from his ancestors. In 2013, after years in a senior, high-tech position, Omri decided to turn his passion into a reality and, ever since, he delightfully shares the beauty of Israel, its sites, and its people with those who tour with him. For information on upcoming tours, contact Omri at www.omri-travel.co.il.
Israel Aquarium, Jerusalem
Nova Festival Site, Re’im, Western Negev
Sderot Police Station Memorial
Introducing the 11th Annual Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions
By Talia Goldman Superheroes
from seven states united on the soccer field, wearing their brightest pink uniforms and fiercest attitudes. With sassy, creative team names like “Hit Me with Your Breast Shot,” “Rack Attack,” and “Hakuna Ma Tatas,” the event was a perfect blend of fierce competition and lighthearted fun.
The Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions is more than just a soccer event; it celebrates joy, strength, and community spirit in Greater Charlotte. These heros, armed with cleats and courage instead of capes, showcased camaraderie, intense competition, and a shared mission: raising awareness and funds for uninsured patients needing mammography services. Participants also enjoyed delicious meals, thanks to our wonderful vendors, fun swag, and access to essential breast health information.
This year, we honored two incredible women: Rabbi Judy Schindler and Susan Kent, both cancer survivors who shared their inspiring journeys. Susan encouraged others with her advice: “Let your family and friends help you fight the disease, and allow them to help you stay positive.” Rabbi Judy, in her uniquely moving way, touched the hearts of attendees at the tournament with
her story of resilience and the power of community, reminding us of the profound strength we can find in one another.
As we celebrated the athletes, we also looked to the sidelines where the next generation cheered them on. These children represent the future, learning the values of compassion, determination, and giving back.
In the United States, a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is about 13% — a sobering 1 in 8 chance. In North Carolina, nearly 10% of women are uninsured, with even higher rates among women of color. The cost of a mammogram in the state ranges from $240 to $454, creating significant barriers for many women. Since the COVID-19
Your Impact
“Giving Jewishly is important to us and influenced our decision to move our donor advised fund from Fidelity to FCJC. Now, every recipient of our charitable giving sees our connection to the Jewish community. That means a lot to us. Our FCJC fund is the central source of our giving and the FCJC team has introduced us to a variety of new giving opportunities. We will continue to tap into their expertise as we embark on the development of our long-term charitable plan.”
Gary and Stephanie Starr
pandemic, the tournament has focused on ensuring uninsured women in Charlotte can access life-saving mammograms.
In 2024, Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions will contribute $65,000 to fund mammography services for uninsured women. This donation will benefit Atrium’s Levine Cancer Institute and Novant Health, bringing their total contributions since 2014 to over $400,000.
This incredible achievement would not be possible without the generosity of our extended community. From personal donations to corporate matches, every contribution, large or small, has made a profound difference.
For Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions, October’s
For more information, contact Phil Warshauer at (704) 973-4544. www.charlottejewishfoundation.org
soccer matches ensure that uninsured women can access the mammograms they need by December. Together, we are making a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for your support.
As we prepare for another year of impact, we invite you to join us in our mission to make breast health services accessible to all women in our community. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one match at a time. Contact us or learn more about our mission at celebratethetatas. org.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
Team Kitti’s Titties, named after their captain's late mother Kitti, proudly displays the Pink Bra award for most spirited team.
Page Ramsay Stroup, M.S. and Rabbi Judy Schindler setting up for lunch
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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
5800 Old Providence Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28226
Celebrate the TaTas collage revealed
January Blues: Why This Month Challenges Mental Wellness — and How to Navigate It
By Howard Olshansky, JFS Executive Director
While May is officially recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, January is a critical time to focus on mental wellness. The beginning of the year is often associated with fresh starts, resolutions, and renewed energy, but for many, it’s a month fraught with challenges. As the warmth of Chanukah lights fades and families settle back into routines after school breaks and holiday travels, the colder, darker days of winter often bring financial and emotional stress. January can feel less like a new beginning and more like a mountain to climb. This year, the added pressures of global crises, ongoing transitions in political leadership following the recent election, and lingering economic uncertainty create a heavy backdrop to the challenges January already brings. These factors make prioritizing mental health not just helpful, but essential.
Post-Holiday Blues: The Emotional Letdown
Busy Decembers often come with moments of joy and connection. But once the menorahs are stored away and school and work routines resume, a sense of emotional letdown can set in. For many, January feels like a void after the busyness of holiday activities and family gatherings. This “post-holiday blues” can leave people feeling unmotivated
or isolated.
The best way to navigate this emotional letdown is to create new, meaningful moments in the quieter weeks of January. Plan small, low-pressure activities to look forward to, such as a family movie night or reconnecting with a friend over coffee. Volunteering at a local organization can also provide purpose and connection. And remember, it’s okay to feel a bit “off” during this transition — these feelings are normal and often temporary.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): When Winter Weighs Heavy
January’s short, dark days aren’t just a nuisance — they can significantly impact mood and
energy levels. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to seasonal changes, affects many people during this time of year. Symp-
Hadassah
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Hadassah Medical Organization a “Best Specialized Hospital” for Oncology for the fourth year. At The Reveal, Amalia Warshenbrot was recognized for her leadership and contributions to Hadassah Charlotte Metro. Amalia was VP of Education and, for the past 13 years, has led the chapter’s monthly Short Story
toms such as fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating can make even small tasks feel overwhelming.
For those struggling with SAD, sunlight — or the lack of it — is a key factor. To combat this, spend time outdoors during daylight hours, even just for a brief walk. Light therapy lamps, designed to mimic natural sunlight, can also help. Pairing these strategies with regular exercise, which boosts mood-regulating endorphins, can make a noticeable difference. Additionally, creating a warm and inviting home environment — one filled with small touches of brightness or organization — can help counteract the seasonal gloom.
Financial Stress: The Costs of Holiday Breaks and Travel
While Chanukah may not come with the intense commer-
cial expectations of other holidays, winter break often brings its own financial pressures. Families frequently travel, entertain children who are out of school, or splurge on activities to fill the downtime. By January, these expenses can lead to financial strain. This is compounded by the broader challenges of inflation and economic uncertainty, which many feel acutely.
Managing financial stress starts with small, practical steps. Create a realistic budget for the month and identify areas to save or cut back. Shift your mindset away from guilt over past spending and focus on how to make intentional financial decisions moving forward. Practicing gratitude — acknowledging the value of shared experiences over material costs — can also help
on page 19)
Discussion Group. Thank you to all the local businesses who donated items for the auction, and the Hadassah volunteers who worked so hard to make this year’s Celebrate the TaTas so successful.
Other Events Quit “dragon” your feet! The last day to order your official 2025 National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card is Jan. 31. You can order cards for multiple people, and you do not have to be a Hadassah member to purchase your card through Hadassah. Order now on our website.
Join us Thursday, Feb. 20, 7-9 p.m. for Hadassah Health Night, when 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.” The event is free and open to the public, but you must register. The book will be available for purchase at the event.
Come in from the cold and join other women at Hadassah Wine & Schmooze on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. at Vintner Wine Market in the Arboretum Shopping Center.
Short Story Discussion Group meets on Jan. 10 at 11:45 a.m. on Zoom to talk about “The List of Plagues” by Audrey Ferber in “Frankly Feminist: Short Stories by Jewish Women.”
Join Hadassah BookTalk on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. on Zoom to discuss “Behind Every Good Man” by Sara Goodman Confino.
veal.
The next Hadassah CLT Metro Board meeting is Monday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Interested in membership? Contact Laurie Sheinhaus at the phone number or email below or attend one of our events. 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).
Natalie Robinson painting at The Re-
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January Blues
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reduce financial anxiety.
Uncertainty and Anxiety: Adjusting to Political Transitions
With the recent election behind us, January marks a period of change as newly elected officials prepare to take office. For many, this transition period brings uncertainty and heightened attention to political developments, particularly on issues that affect the Jewish community, Israel, or broader societal concerns. Constant exposure to news and speculation can lead to anxiety and feelings of helplessness.
One of the best ways to reduce this kind of anxiety is to set boundaries around news consumption. Stay informed, but limit how much time you spend reading or watching distressing updates. Instead, focus on actionable ways to stay engaged, such as participating in local advocacy efforts or attending community events. Practices like mindfulness meditation, journaling, or even taking a technology break
can help you feel grounded amidst the noise.
Failed Resolutions: The Pressure to Be Perfect
The New Year often comes with resolutions for self-improvement, but these can quickly become a source of stress. Ambitious goals that feel unattainable, whether about health, career, or family, can lead to frustration and feelings of failure.
The solution lies in reframing how we approach resolutions. Set small, realistic goals that focus on progress rather than perfection. For example, instead of committing to exercise every day, start with two or three manageable sessions per week. Celebrate small victories along the way, and remember that personal growth is a journey, not a race.
Isolation: The Quiet After the Storm Winter break is often a time of connection, whether traveling to see extended family or hosting gatherings at home. But once the break ends and everyone returns to their routines, Janu-
ary can feel isolating. For those who live alone or are far from family, the absence of holiday gatherings can deepen feelings of loneliness.
Fostering connection is vital during this time. Reach out to friends, neighbors, or community members for simple acts of connection — a quick phone call, an invitation to coffee, or attending a local class or event. Volunteering is another excellent way to build relationships while contributing to the community. Even small efforts to connect can have a significant impact on your mental well-being.
While January’s challenges are unique to the season, Jewish Family Services (JFS) is here to support you year-round. Whether you’re navigating the emotional letdown after the holidays, managing financial stress, or seeking tools for emotional resilience, JFS offers resources, guidance, and community connection to help you through not just this season, but all seasons.
This January, take the time to
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.
Aleen Epstein 9-20-1938 - 11-20-2024
Danny Bernstein 2-2-1951 - 11-22-2024
Toby Spitzer 1-8-1930 - 11-22-2024
prioritize your mental wellness — not just as a resolution, but as a commitment to yourself. Whether through small acts of self-care or reaching out for help when you need it, every step you take is a step toward a healthier, more fulfilling year. For more information, visit jfscharlotte.org.
Bal Tashchit and Beyond: Shalom Green Celebrates 10th Anniversary
By Summer Minchew
2025 marks the 10th anniversary of Shalom Green: The Shalom Park Environmental Initiative and the Shalom Park Community Garden. In 2015, The Foundation of Shalom Park, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, the Levine Jewish Community Center (LJCC), Temple Israel, and Temple Beth El came together to launch Shalom Green, whose goals remain constant to this day, reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and operations on Shalom Park, providing environmental education, and fostering community-wide conversation about and action toward environmental sustainability.
Founding collaborators agreed on a central project, the Shalom Park Community Garden, which was envisioned as a hub for Jewish and environmental learning with a focus on promoting stewardship of the planet and our community. The Shalom Park Community Garden turned an unused lawn into a functioning outdoor classroom and organic garden with help from the ClearPath Foundation, community members, and five Shalom Park Partners. The garden was
built and planted by community members in the fall of 2015 and was designed by Bobbie Mabe of Growth Through Gardening, who still supports the garden as its part-time garden coordinator. Rabbi Judy Schindler, rabbi emerita of Temple Beth El and Sklut professor of Jewish studies at Queens University, was among those instrumental in helping Shalom Green spring to life. Rabbi Judy reflects, “Every time I pass by the Shalom Park Community Garden, I smile. Every time I read in the Charlotte Jewish News of a great educational program that Shalom
Green is leading, I am moved. When I visit the website and see the powerful blogs being written that promote sustainability, I am proud of the work that has been done to take the seeds of an idea we had ten years ago and make it blossom so beautifully. Every time I see the leaders of Shalom Green bring their passion to the community, I am awed. When I learn about the fruits and vegetables grown in the garden given to the Jewish Family Services food pantry to fill the plates of those struggling economically, I am touched.”
She continues, “Ten years ago,
Anonymous* (6)
Ann and Bob Abel
Bernie and Teri Ackerman
Michele (OBM) and Harvey Barer
Michael and Meredith Baumstein
Sanford and Lois Benjamin
Raymond Monty Bennett
Milton and Arlene Berkman
Nancy and Sam Bernstein
Lillian (OBM) and Irving Bienstock
Peter Martin Blair
Barry Bobrow and Karen Knoble
LEGACY
Edward and Roberta Bograd
David and Bonnie Bornstein
Bunny Bramson
Justin Bregman and Diana Warth Bregman
Barry H. Brodsky
Doris Cagle (OBM)
Suly and Richard (OBM) Chenkin
Steven and Olivia (OBM) Cohen
Irv and Deedee Gould Cygler
Gene and Deedee Daumit
Arlene and Gary (OBM) Davis
Paul and Lynn Edelstein
David M. and Aleen (OBM) Epstein
Rabbi Murray and Barbara Ezring
Melvin W. and Caren N. Frank
Robert and Beverly Friedman
Albert and Phyllis Garten
Rhoda (OBM) and Aaron (OBM) Gleiberman
Alan (OBM) and Ruth Goldberg
Mark and Linda Goldsmith
Margi L. Goldstein
Joy and Neal Golub
Jennifer Cohen Golynsky and Leon Golynsky
Scott and Rebecca Goodman
Bill and Patty (OBM) Gorelick
Keith E. Greenspon
Roslyn Greenspon
Adam and Kim Levy and I simply had the idea of building an educational community garden, but those who have volunteered, led, planted, and taught, brought that idea to reality. What has been accomplished with Shalom Green has surpassed my expectations. Still, I have faith that each generation of leaders and children will be drawn to the garden to get their hands dirty and get in touch with the earth that belongs to G-d, to us, and to our future.”
Now entering its 10th year, the Shalom Park Community Garden is still thriving. The garden now features more than 15 raised beds and produces more than 300 pounds of produce on average each year. The garden is home to a mix of annual and perennial plants, including crops with significant religious associations, such as parsley, pomegranates, olives, and figs.
The garden serves as a backdrop for a variety of educational activities, including youth, adult, and senior engagement. In 2022, with financial support from Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, Shalom Green added an outdoor education center with seating for 30, which is the location for multiple formal and
Stanley Greenspon
Richard (OBM) and Barbara Herd
Steven and Sharon Hockfield
Robert (OBM) and Linda Isser
Donald and Susan Jacobs
Florence Kaufman Jaffa
Sol (OBM) and Janet (OBM) Jaffa
Dana and Andrew Kapustin
Robert and Nancy Kipnis
Paula and Richard Klein
Lorrie and Barry Klemons and Family
Lee and Sheila (OBM) Kritzer
Dale Lederer (OBM)
Alison and Mark Lerner
Eric and Susan Lerner
Harry and Gloria Lerner
Barbara and Jerry Levin
Howard Levine and Julie Lerner Levine
Elissa and Joshua Levine
Leon (OBM) and Sandra Levine
Miles and Debra Levine
Sol Levine (OBM)
Ellis Levinson (OBM)
Sam and Linda Levy
Joshua and Adina Lowensteiner
Rose (OBM) and Abe (OBM) Luski
Isaac (OBM) and Sonia (OBM) Luski
Audrey Madans (OBM)
Michael Meiselman (OBM)
Staci and Darren Mond
Marcelle and Allan Oxman
Wendy and Adam Petricoff
Debora and Ed (OBM) Pizer
Baila (OBM) and John (OBM) Pransky
Alan and Jan Raznick
Linda and Elias Roochvarg
Wendy and Frank Rosen
Karen and David Rosenthal Family
Dan and Toby Ruda
Mark Sahn (OBM)
informal gatherings. Popular events include Growing Microgreens, Green Sprouts, and the Shalom Green Garden Club.
The Garden is a living representation of tikkun olam, Hebrew for “repairing the earth,” powered by community volunteers of all ages; the garden grows fruit and vegetables for donation primarily to Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte’s food pantry. With heightened awareness of food insecurity and the correlation between environmental justice and social justice, Shalom Green volunteers work year-round to maintain the garden and its grounds, plant, weed, water, and harvest. Garden engagement has grown from 150 volunteer hours in its inaugural garden season to over 350 in 2024.
Shalom Green continues to honor its role as a partner to Shalom Park organizations in providing educational programming through an environmental lens. Emily Russell, LJCC social action coordinator, stated, “Shalom Green continues to enrich our LJCC membership by offering meaningful opportunities to volunteer, connect, and learn. The
(Continued on page 27)
Fern T. Sanderson
Gerry and Barbara Schapiro
Michael Scharf
Marty and Elaine Schefflin
Albert (OBM) and Dorothy (OBM) Segal
Melvin Segal
Morey and Lynne Sheffer
Ruth Silverman (OBM)
Gary and Maxine (OBM) Silverstein
Louis A. Sinkoe and H. Kevin Levine
Lori and Eric Sklut
Leonard (OBM) and Ann (OBM) Slesinger
Ira and Stacey Slomka
Marc and Shari Sokolowicz
Marcia Solomon
Bob (OBM) and Carol (OBM) Speizman
Stephanie and Steven Starr
Norman Steinberger (OBM)
Joseph (OBM) and Renee Steiner
Ken and Marcia Stern
Sam (OBM) and Alene (OBM) Strause
Irving (OBM) and Sylvia Swartz
Marilyn (OBM) and Harry Swimmer
Eleanor and Morton (OBM) Turk
Amy and Ross Udoff
Robert and Ellie Valenstein
David and Debra Van Glish
Judie and Michael Van Glish
Janice and Ronald Weiner
Anne and Michael Weiss
Eric and Joanna Wisotsky
Marc and Kim Wojnowich
Mary (OBM) and Simon (OBM) Wojnowich
*Donors who wish to remain anonymous OBM - Of Blessed Memory
Shalom Park Community Garden
Student Council Election and Policy in Action at Charlotte Jewish Day School
By Monica Ribreau
Charlotte Jewish Day School (CJDS) Student Council is in full swing, and initiatives are underway! This November, we had a total of 40 students running for positions in grades 2-5. One class representative is elected for each grade, in addition to the highly coveted vice-presidential role in 4th grade and CJDS president in 5th grade.
All student candidates had to compose and deliver a speech to their constituents, and then voters participated in a “primary” election to narrow down the candidates to the top two. Campaigning ensued, and students were promoting their platforms, which ranged from a promised extra recess and improved lunch menu items to a fundraiser for Israel. Students were vying for votes and working hard! Candidates for president and vice president had to deliver one last speech to the entire school; many even designed slideshows to highlight their platforms.
The CJDS elections were held on Nov. 5, and the voters
spoke! CJDS class representatives are Jules Goldblatt (2nd), Shani Reichenthal (3rd), Nadav Avin (4th), and Amilia Shuster (5th). CJDS vice president went to Rocha Groner, and president
was awarded to Beatrice Brink! Congratulations to all! Participating in student council provides many benefits; it develops leadership skills, enhances communication skills, and promotes responsibility, teamwork, and community involvement. Just the conversation about the qualities of an appropriate candidate allows focus on being kind, responsible, and re-
spectful. Students who choose to run for office “put themselves out there” to knowingly accept the results from the ballot box—win or lose. Disappointment and the lessons learned to move forward are powerful and sometimes painful learning experiences that all of us face throughout our lives.
In addition to learning about the democratic process, student council offers a sense of achievement and recognition for students’ efforts. When students see their dreams put into action, it reinforces the value of their ideas and contributions. So next time you see nachos in the lunchroom, remember that the student council made it possible!
Left to right: Amilia Shuster, Rocha Groner, Nadav Avin, Shani Reichenthal, Jules Goldblatt and Beatrice Brink.
Soup-er Shabbat
I love this time of year. January is here, Chanukah is behind us, and winter stretches ahead. For me, nothing beats a cozy soup-er Shabbat. A cold January Friday night just calls for soup, paired with challah to feed both my belly and my soul. Homemade is best, but store-bought works in a pinch—it’s less about the food and more about the feeling. Soup is warm, calming, and peaceful, just like Shabbat. It’s a time to pause, savor family moments, and breathe. So, whether it’s chicken, potato, or tomato, try a soup-er Shabbat this January. And don’t forget to share your favorite soup recipe with me—I’m always looking for something new to try! Here’s one of my family’s fa vorites from “300 Sensational Soups” by Carla Snyder and Meredith Deeds. (Pro tip: slice that challah and make grilled cheese sandwiches to go with it!)
~ Miss Sara
Roasted Tomato Soup
6 cups (3 pints) cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chopped onion
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 cup whipping cream
Heat the oven to 400°. On a baking sheet, combine the cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and the salt and pepper. Toss the ingredients to coat evenly and spread them in a single layer. Roast the tomatoes until they are shriveled with brown spots, about 35 to 45 minutes.
In a large pot, heat the butter and the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes with their juice, the broth, the thyme, and the roasted tomatoes, including any liquid on the baking sheet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 40 minutes.
Using a food processor or blender, puree the soup until it's smooth. (I strain the soup after this step to make sure it is extra smooth!) Return it to the pot and stir in the cream. Without letting the soup boil, warm it over medium heat, stirring often, until steaming. Add salt and pepper, if necessary.
Help the chef find the bowl of soup
Shabbat Word Search
Find the following words in the puzzle. Words are hidden → ↓
Hits of the ‘80s
Across
1. Where astronauts from the US might live for a while
4. Occasional tefila
9. Israeli kiosk at some malls
14. “Not interested”
15. Battery component
16. Result of being seasick
17. Hannah’s ode to Samuel? (1987)
20. President who won a Nobel Peace Prize
without making a peace treaty
21. Sarah, to Abraham
22. Song that’s a mantra for prophets? (1986)
27. Summer, in Paris
28. World Cup cry
29. Finish
30. Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel
32. Big fans, nowadays 34. Smells
36. ___ shalt not...
39. Nachshon ben Aminadav’s motivational
song? (1987)
42. Digits in binary
43. Animated TV twin
45. Be a rebbe, e.g.
47. “I”, to Moran
48. Advisory group to POTUS
51. Hustle and bustle
52. US smuggler-stopping org.
55. Song about Lavan? (1987)
59. Overly delicate
60. Stereotypical surfer dude name
61. Song about how manna can be prepared? (1980)
66. Like much of Lamentations
67. Not fulfilled, as a goal
68. Be’er Sheva to Ein Gedi dir.
69. Pioneer mail-order merchant
70. Some suit components
71. ‘90s put down
Down
1. Cushiony shoe part
2. Drill attachment with teeth
3. Barley bundle, in Ruth 4. Part of Purim or Chanukah?
5. Chapel Hill school:
Abbr.
6. ___-CAH-TOA (trig mnemonic)
7. Israel Prize winner Bar-Shalom (daughter of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef)
8. Current King of Spain
9. Sushi staple
10. Comfy, like your abode
11. Satirist Horowitz often seen on Fox News
12. He is Groot
13. Made Bubbi happy, perhaps
18. Former owner of Abbey Road Studios
19. Laura of “Jurassic World: Dominion”
23. Famous fictional snowman
24. “99 Luftballons” singer
25. First name of one often in headlines the last few months
26. Like a Hasmonean coin
31. Vessel letters
32. Tally
33. What most do for Shabbat lunch kiddish
35. “How could I be so stupid?!”
36. Wand-waving org. at the airport
37. Some kosher birds
38. New Israelis
40. It gets the bawl rolling?
41. “___ only known”
44. Some winter coats
46. Fights
49. Remain
50. Obligated yid
52. Bill ___ (fictional time travellers)
53. Israeli condiment
54. With “Top,” some golf balls
56. Bob Dylan “Masters ___”
57. Exact duplicate
58. Free electron, for one
61. They may be ripped with effort
62. Mets div.
63. Motion approval
64. Some conversation fillers
65. Having just put a coat on?
(Answers on page 27)
Education and Youth
Friendship Transcending Boundaries: Alivia and Alli
By Nick Perez
Friendship Circle of Charlotte is more than a nonprofit organization; it’s a community where friendships blossom and barriers fade. Dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships between individuals with special needs, known as “Special Friends,” and their typically-developing peers, or “Teen Friends,” the organization creates spaces where everyone feels valued and connected.
At the heart of Friendship Circle’s mission is the Friends Together program, which pairs teens and their Special Friends for weekly one-on-one meet-ups tailored to their shared interests. Whether painting, playing games, or simply sharing stories, these moments go beyond activities to build bonds of trust, joy, and mutual growth.
It’s within this inspiring program that Alivia, a high school student, and Alli, her Special Friend, have created a connection that is as heartwarming as it is life-changing.
Every Tuesday afternoon,
Alivia and Alli share time that transcends simple activities. Together, they’ve built a bond that embodies Friendship Circle’s Friends Together program — connection, understanding, and joy.
“When we first met, Alli was shy and quiet,” Alivia recalls. “I was, too. But over time, we’ve grown comfortable with each other, sharing experiences and just enjoying our time together.”
Alli, who finds large groups overwhelming, thrives in the quiet, one-on-one environment
provided by Friends Together. For her, the art room is a sanctuary where she can express herself freely, away from the overstimulation of bigger gatherings.
“Alli lights up in the art room,” Alivia shares. “She’s not just creating something; she’s building confidence and finding her voice.”
Alli’s mom has often shared how much the program means to her daughter. It provides a safe space for Alli to connect with others, which encourages her to step out of her comfort zone. “She always looks forward to coming here,” Alivia says, “even on days she’s reluctant to leave the house.”
For Alivia, the impact is mutual. “Every week, Alli amazes me. She’s taught me so much — from her love of horses and her interest in skydiving, I always leave with a new perspective, inspired by her resilience and curiosity.”
The smiles exchanged during their sessions are a testament to the power of friendship. Alivia sums it up best: “Seeing Alli
happy makes me happy. It’s not just about what we do; it’s about being there for each other.”
In Friendship Circle’s Friends Together program, Alli and Alivia’s bond represents a beautiful reminder of the impact that genuine connection can have, not just on those with special needs but also on the friends who walk alongside them. Their journey is a heartfelt example of the inclusivity and joy the program seeks to foster.
Alli and Alivia
VILLAGE life
The Village on Morehead exemplifies sophisticated retirement living in the Queen City. Surrounded by the heritage neighborhoods of Eastover, Myers Park and Dilworth – its impeccable finishes, Aspenwood service detail, dining and resortstyle amenities make it the premier address in Charlotte. Impressive, spacious residential floor plans, floor to ceiling windows, expansive terraces allow a heightened level of indoor-outdoor living. Spaces designed for entertaining, fitness, relaxation and a dedicated team provide a secure, lock and leave lifestyle for members.
My Journey from Club Z High School Student to UNCC's Students Standing with Israel President
By Rachel Rubin
In the fall of 2024, I attended the annual Club Z Retreat in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina as a Club Z alum. Previously, I had not understood what our Chief Zionist Officer Masha Merkulova meant when she said, "I learn more by looking from above." But as a graduate helping to lead the high school students, I gained a new, deepened perspective.
The weekend was amazing. During free time and group activities, such as the glow stick program at night sitting on log benches by the lake, I heard new members enrolled in Club Z this school year talk about their experiences with antisemitism at school and that they were losing friends. One person spoke about two boys throwing a rock at her head, which narrowly missed, because she wore a shirt with an Israeli flag that day. Another told a story about an anti-Israel rant a teacher went on in class.
Years ago, I had been fully planning to passively ride out the crazy waves of antisemitism, but Club Z and this retreat in particular helped me fully realize that change starts with the teens of
today. Charlotte educator Marcy Goldstein led several classes about Israel and Zionism. Rabbi Oppenheim offered an engaging and interactive session about moral dilemmas. We experienced an authentic Shabbat dinner and Havdalah ceremony. We participated in educational sessions, went to the lake, took archery lessons, enjoyed volleyball, made bracelets, and joined in other fun activities. All the excitement culminated on the second night when we played Liberate Jerusalem, and the winner of this and other competitions received awards by the bonfire. All the teens, staff, and alumni at the retreat really supercharged my enthusiasm, which prepared me for beginning life at college.
As a freshman at University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), I dove into leadership as president of the Students Standing with Israel (SSI) chapter, founded the previous school year by Georgia Engelhardt, my friend from Club Z.
On Oct. 5, 2024 I heard about a giant walk-out that would be taking place on my campus on October 7 in support of Palestine. As a single person, I would not
be able to stand by myself as a counter-protest. So I went to the store, bought a pile of posters, and wrote positive messages about peace and support of Israel such as "I Stand With Israel," "Never Forget October 7, 2023," "We Will Dance Again," "Bring Them Home," and "End Jew Hatred." During conversations with fellow students, I learned that multiple people don't feel safe with a protest against Israel on the one-year anniversary of the worst massacre of Jews in nearly a century. I put out the word on our WhatsApp group, UNCC Stands with Israel, and Club Z regional director Lena
Kosinovsky announced it in the Charlotte, NC Stands with Israel Facebook group. By the next day, UNCC students, Club Z parents, and other community members showed up on campus with me. Together we stood silently with our posters as a group of students and the professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies marched by chanting antagonizing anti-Israel slogans. A professor of anthropology stopped by and said that he studies campus protests but did not say anything about the tragedy of the Oct. 7 attack. Standing alongside my community made me realize that one person alone can't make much of a difference, but the influence we
have on others can really change the world. Being president of SSI has already taught me so much about the lack of transparency between the university and its students as well as the bias that haunts so many people who the university is not fully educating. Getting a Club Z education in Charlotte was a marvelous experience. And leading SSI at UNCC is the next phase in my journey. While IDF soldiers courageously risk their lives to defend the Jewish people and our homeland, we students can and should step up to participate in the parallel war of words on high school and college campuses worldwide. I'm so thankful to Club Z and am ready to fight this fight to defend truth, my people, and Israel.
Annual Club Z Retreat
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, October, 2016. 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 2016
Bernstein Leadership Group Graduates Its 10th Class
This August marks the graduation of the 10th class of the Bernstein Leadership Group (BLG). This prestigious 18-month program, offered by the Jewish Federation, provides young adults (ages 21–45) with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our Jewish community.
Throughout the program, BLG participants explore the Jewish tradition of social responsibility and develop valuable leadership skills that empower them to make meaningful contributions to improving our community. The program is generously funded by Don and Bobbi Bernstein.
Recruitment for Class XI of the Bernstein Leadership Group will begin this fall. For more information about how you or someone you know can participate in this exciting program, please contact Tair Giudice, director of outreach and engagment at 704-944-6759.
The Graduates:
Eric Althofer, Lauren Althofer, Kadey Ballard, Adam Berman, Ivy Berman, Elizabeth Bernstein, Melanie Brown, Bene Burpee, Melissa Duller, Alexis Fish, Ben Fish, Jamie Krusch, Jonathan Kulbersh, Ellie Kunkes, Glenn Kunkes, Alyssa Levine, David Levine, Madison Levine, Scott Lieberman, Gabe Mathless, Jeremy Naman, Liz Naman, Yael Rosenberg-Osvski, Michael Rousso, Sheri Sisson, Nicole Solis, Becca Stern, Jessica Weill, Lisa Wielunski
Shalom Green
(Continued from page 20)
Shalom Park Community Garden provides a nurturing space for both mental and physical well-being, allowing participants to enjoy the healing benefits of working the soil and spending time outdoors. As an added mitzvah, the garden’s harvest supports Jewish Family Services, bringing nourishment to others and joy to the heart. Their annual environmental film event sparks inspiration, combining education with actionable ideas to embrace our role as shomrei adamah, guardians of the earth. Through these efforts, Shalom Green, and its ongoing partnership with the LJCC, beautifully embodies the Jewish values of tikkun olam and community care.”
On behalf of the board of Shalom Green, we wish to express heartfelt gratitude to everyone who was involved in the formation of Shalom Green and the Shalom Park Community Garden. Your work, wisdom, and foresight were a catalyst for all that we have been able to achieve over the last 10 years. None of this would be possible without the extraordinary efforts
of our current and former board members, garden volunteers, dedicated community members, our garden coordinator, and the steadfast support of our Shalom Park Partners. As we look to the future, we are reminded of the story of Honi and the Carob Tree. We plant because of those who came before us, and we plant now for those who will come after us.
According to Ryan Snow, regional director of the U.S. Green Building Council, who led the campus-wide sustainability charrette in 2015, “Faith-based organizations are entrusted with the stewardship of both people and resources. Rallying communities to take decisive action in reducing waste, boosting efficiency, and enhancing health within their buildings is a natural and vital extension of this responsibility. After a decade of Shalom Green’s efforts, the lasting impact on the campus, community, and planet will be profound and far-reaching.”
Shalom Green is hosting several events in 2025 that will honor our 10th anniversary including
Havurat Tikvah Rings in New Year with In-Person Community Shabbat Services
Havurat Tikvah will hold a Community Shabbat Service on Jan. 25, 10 a.m., at Avondale Presbyterian Church, 2821 Park Rd., in the classroom next to the office (see signs at the door). Following services, a social will be held along with kiddush, challah and blessings.
Havurat Tikvah is a warm, supportive, and nurturing Jewish Reconstructionist congregation with Shabbat services and a full spectrum of holiday observances, as well as religious educational options for both families and single adults. We are a diverse group of families, singles, and Jewish and interfaith couples who participate in projects that promote social justice.
We value and depend upon member participation and leadership for our religious services,
spiritual growth, and governance.
Havurat Tikvah is an affiliate of Reconstructing Judaism. 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/.
our annual Fig Tree Cutting, a special garden bed commemoration ceremony, and our annual Friends of the Community Garden Celebration. All events will be posted on our website at shalomgreenclt.org.
Jewish tradition teaches the importance of caring for the environment, for we must act as partners in preserving creation. If you’re interested in volunteering with or donating to Shalom Green, visit our website at www. shalomgreenCLT.org or email info@shalomgreenCLT. org. Connect with us on Facebook at Shalom Green: Shalom Park Environmental Initiative and on Instagram @shalomgreen_CLT.
18 Notable Jews Who Died in 2024
JTA Staff, Dec. 19, 2024 (JTA)
As 2024 comes to a close, we look back and mourn the Jewish icons who have left outsized legacies on politics, the arts, sports and everything in between.
In chronological order, here is a selection of obituaries of 18 notable Jews who died in 2024.
Pearl Berg
At the time of her death, Pearl Berg was thought to be the oldest Jewish person in the world, and the ninth-oldest overall. A philanthropist active in her local Hadassah chapter, Berg was married for 58 years to Mark Berg, a businessman and investor. He died in 1989. “She maybe had a sip of Sabbath wine but she didn’t drink, she didn’t smoke, she ate sensibly, she had good emotional balance and she clearly had remarkable genes,” Berg’s youngest son, Robert Berg, told the Los Angeles Times. She died on Feb. 1 at 114.
Charlie Biton
In 1971, Charlie Biton co-founded the Israeli Black Panthers, a movement that fought against the racism and poverty experienced by Mizrahi Jews in Israel. That set Biton on a course of activism and politics that would have seemed unlikely for someone with limited schooling and a criminal background. Biton rode the success of his protest group to a 15-year career as a member of Israel’s parliament, serving from 1977 to 1992 mostly alongside communists in the Hadash faction. Biton distinguished himself as a fighter for social change and an early voice for peace with the Palestinians. He died on Feb. 24 at 76.
Richard Lewis
Comedian Richard Lewis parlayed his neurotic Jewish personality and self-deprecating humor into a 50-year career as a standup and actor. Most notably, he starred in the ABC sitcom “Anything but Love,” and played a fictionalized version of himself in HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” from 2000 until 2024. Said Larry David, the show’s creator and Lewis’ close friend, “He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest.” He died on Feb. 27 at 76.
Martin Greenfield
Martin Greenfield survived Auschwitz and Buchenwald, where he learned to sew after accidentally tearing a Nazi soldier’s shirt. After immigrating to the United States, he became a master tailor who dressed a series of presidents from Dwight Eisenhower to Barack Obama. Working out of a third-floor office in his East Williamsburg factory, Greenfield became one of the best-known — and some would say best — men’s tailors in the country. “Receiving your first tailoring lesson inside a Nazi concentration camp was hardly the ideal apprenticeship,” Green-
field recalled in his memoir. “I would have much preferred to hone my craft on Savile Row or in the mills of Milan. Looking back, though, that moment in the camps marked the beginning of the rest of my life.” He died on March 20 at 95.
Joe Lieberman
Joseph Lieberman served as a senator from Connecticut for 24 years and, as Al Gore’s running mate in 2000, became the first Jew on a major presidential ticket. A moderate — some would say conservative — Democrat turned independent, Lieberman was known for his attempts to build bridges in an increasingly polarized Washington, sometimes losing old friends and allies along the way. Lieberman died on March 27 at 82.
Ken Holtzman
Ken Holtzman, who played 15 seasons in the major leagues, was the winningest Jewish pitcher in baseball history. The MLB veteran threw two no-hitters, won four World Series rings and made two All-Star teams. A leftie, he played for the Chicago Cubs in two stints; the Oakland Athletics, where he won three consecutive titles from 1972-1974; the Baltimore Orioles; and the New York Yankees, where he won his fourth ring in 1978 despite not appearing in the series. In his retirement, he worked at his hometown Jewish community center. He died on April 15 at 78.
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky
A leading figure in the Chabad-Lubavitch community, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky was known for his efforts to build the Hasidic movement’s global outreach efforts and for his personal ties with community members. As chairman of various Chabad affiliates, Kotlarsky played a key role in carrying out the vision of the movement’s late leader, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, known as the Rebbe, in launching what are now more than 5,000 outreach centers in more than 100 countries. “He was caring for everybody and that’s why everybody feels so close,” said one rabbi who flew to Brooklyn from Amsterdam for his funeral. Kotlarsky died on June 4 at 74.
Kinky Friedman
As a cigar-chomping, mustachioed Texan country singer and mystery novelist, Kinky Friedman’s body of work often seemed like the un-kosher marriage of the Borscht Belt and the Bible Belt. The frontman for the flamboyant 1970s country group Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, he was notorious for satirical songs such as “They Don’t Make Jews Like Jesus Anymore,” a raucous sendup of racism, while also turning serious with works like the 1973 song “Ride ’em Jewboy,” a haunting elegy on the Holocaust recorded by Willie Nelson and sung in concert by Bob Dylan. Friedman died on June 27 at 79.
Ruth Westheimer
A Holocaust survivor and Israeli military veteran, the diminutive Ruth Westheimer charmed and educated millions of listeners as the taboo-breaking radio sex therapist known as “Dr. Ruth.” Her program, “Sexually Speaking,’” which launched in 1980 on the now-defunct WYNY-FM, broke broadcasting taboos around talking about sex and helped make her the most famous sex therapist in the world — albeit one with a motherly demeanor and thick German accent. She was a firm believer in sex as healthy dialogue among consenting partners, and also emphasized psychology over biology. “When it comes to sex, the most important six inches are the ones between the ears,” she once famously said. She died on
July 12 at 96.
Queenie Hallegua
When a JTA correspondent visited Kochi, India in 2020, a researcher said only two Jews were still living in Jew Town, a once-vibrant community where perhaps 3,000 Jews lived at its peak in the 1950s. The death of Queenie Hallegua, the last of the Paradesi, or “foreign,” Jewish women in Kochi, left her nephew Keith as the last Jew there. Queenie Hallegua was the warden and managing trustee of the Paradesi Synagogue, a 450-year-old landmark, from 2012 to 2018. Queenie and her late husband Sammy hosted Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, when they came to the Paradesi Synagogue in 1997. She died on
Aug. 11 at 89.
Silvio Santos
Silvio Santos, a son of Sephardic Jewish immigrants, rose from working-class roots to become one of Brazil’s wealthiest men and a popular television personality. Born in Rio de Janeiro, the former street vendor built a media empire, including SBT, one of Brazil’s top three television networks. Calling him “Brazil’s first-ever celebrity billionaire,” Forbes magazine once compared him to Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg. He died on Aug. 17 at 93.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin
Hersh Goldberg-Polin moved with his family to Israel when he was a child and became a symbol of the plight of Israelis held hostage in Gaza after Hamas terrorists abducted him from the Nova music festival on Oct. 7, 2023. His parents, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin, became prominent advocates for bringing the hostages home, sharing frequently and eloquently about their son, whom they described as a wise, inquisitive, kind and gentle soul who was an engine of justice in the family and beyond. He and five other hostages — Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi, Alex Lubnov and Carmel Gat — were killed as Israeli troops closed in on the tunnel below Rafah where they had been held; they were 23, 24, 25, 27, 33 and 40 years old when their bodies were recovered on Aug. 31. “I no longer worry about you,” Rachel Goldberg-Polin said at her son’s funeral. “I know you are no longer in danger.”
Mark Podwal
In Mark Podwal’s illustrations — created for children’s books, major newspapers, synagogue tapestries and gallery walls — he devised a Jewish visual vocabulary that made him one of the best known Jewish artists of his era. He also became the only working dermatologist whose works on paper are included in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Modern and Contemporary Art Collection. He died on Sept. 13 at 79.
Fania Brantsovsky
Fania Brantsovsky was the last surviving member of the Jewish underground in the Vilna ghetto and a keeper of the flame of the city’s once-glorious Yiddish past. Brantsovsky escaped the ghetto in 1942 and fought against the Nazis and their local collaborators in the Rudninkai forest with a group of Jewish partisans under the command of Abba Kovner. In the years after the war, she became a lifelong advocate for the memory of Lithuanian Jewry and their Yiddish language. She died on Sept. 22 at 102.
Lily Ebert
A Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor, Lily Ebert went on to educate millions on TikTok and cultivate a late-in-life friendship with King Charles III. After surviving Auschwitz and living in Switzerland and Israel, Ebert eventually moved to Britain in 1967. She gave testimony at museums and universities and cowrote a book about her experience with Dov Forman, one of 38 great-grandchildren among her descendants. With Forman, she co-created a TikTok account to educate social media users about the Holocaust and the prevalence of antisemitism. Forman was 16 at the time they created the account in 2021; at the time of her death, it had 2 million followers. Ebert died on Oct. 9 at 100.
Lynda Obst
Lynda Obst, a film producer whose credits include “Interstellar,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “Contact,” “One Fine Day” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” was an editor at The New York Times magazine before going to Hollywood in the late 1970s. She produced her friend Nora Ephron’s directorial debut, “This Is My Life” (1992), and was the executive producer for Ephron’s wildly successful romantic comedy “Sleepless in Seattle” in 1993. She became deeply engaged with Judaism while helping her son recover from addiction. She died on Oct. 22 at 74.
Bernie Marcus
Bernie Marcus, the billionaire who co-founded Home Depot, became a Republican megadonor and supporter of civic and political causes in the United States and Israel. Marcus’ legacy includes the transformation of downtown Atlanta with the establishment of the Georgia Aquarium; a massive advance in autism awareness and research thanks to the Marcus Autism Center, also in Atlanta; and the founding of the Israel Democracy Institute in Jerusalem, an important think tank focused on governance. In his final years, he directed his energies toward combating antisemitism on college campuses. He died on Nov. 4 at 95.
Felice Gaer
For over 30 years, Felice Gaer Baran directed the American Jewish Committee’s Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights, assuring Jews a seat at the table in global debates around torture, political repression, LGBT rights and antisemitism. As head of the only human rights division within a major Jewish organization, Gaer (who used her maiden name professionally) witnessed gratifying success in advocating for women’s rights, torture victims and the protection of political dissidents around the world. She died on Nov. 9 at 78.
Senator Joe Lieberman
Dr. Ruth Westheimer
What’s Everybody Reading? Readers Suggest the Defining Jewish Books of the 21st Century
By Andrew Silow-Carroll
Dec. 22, 2024 (JTA), Last December, in a column about the Jewish books of 2023, I predicted that “next year’s list will include a slew of books dealing with the crisis in Israel or will be read through the lens of the war.”
It was an easy call: If this year’s nonfiction Jewish authors didn’t focus directly on the tragedy or aftermath of Oct. 7 — Israeli journalist Lee Yaron in “10/7: 100 Human Stories,” massacre survivor Amir Tibon in “The Gates of Gaza” and Adam Kirsch in “On Settler Colonialism: Ideology, Violence, and Justice,” to name a few — many added a chapter on the crisis to projects that had long been in the works.
Joshua Leifer told me he had to rewrite “about 20,000 words” of “Tablets Shattered: The End of an American Jewish Century and the Future of Jewish Life,” his autobiographical critique of the Jewish mainstream. Three books of Jewish theology intended for wide audiences — “To Be a Jew Today” by Noah Feldman, “The Triumph of Life” by Rabbi Irving “Yitz” Greenberg and “Judaism Is About Love” by Rabbi Shai Held — included additional chapters taking into account the fresh wounds and nascent implications of the attack and the war.
In a typical year, the books by Leifer, Feldman, Greenberg and Held — and perhaps “The Amen Effect,” an inspirational volume by Rabbi Sharon Brous — would have competed for the book that best captured the Jewish moment and discourse. It’s a category I’ve been thinking about lately, after asking JTA readers to suggest Jewish books that define 21st-century Jewry and that — here’s the key part — are likely to be found on the shelves of the Jewish readers they know. I was inspired by universally read, era-defining books like 1958’s “Exodus” by Leon Uris, which fed and presaged the Zionist fervor of the 1960s, and “World of Our Fathers” by Irving Howe, which in the 1970s remembered
what the children and grandchildren of Eastern European immigrants were already starting to forget.
I’ll get to the readers’ nominees in a moment, but I want to start by suggesting that it is still too early to pick a book, or books, that best reflects where Jews have landed in the wake of Oct. 7. The war still grinds on, and the Jewish community remains uncertain how it will end or what it will ultimately mean. Some themes are emerging, including resurgent antisemitism, the international isolation of Israel, a rupture between Jews and the political left, and perhaps a return to Jewish religious practice and belonging. Any author will need some time and distance to make sense of the upheaval.
It may not be surprising then that the book most frequently suggested by the dozens of readers who responded to my callout, “People Love Dead Jews,” anticipated these upheavals and the Jews’ sense of abandonment.
Novelist Dara Horn’s first nonfiction collection, published in 2021, posited that societies that are happy building memorials and museums to Jewish suffering are reluctant to show respect or understanding to actual living Jewish communities. The book “really helped me wrap my head around present-day antisemitism,” wrote reader Marianne Leloir Grange.
For many readers, “People Love Dead Jews” serves as a skeleton key to understanding the worldwide backlash against Israel in a war that began when Hamas slaughtered 1,200 mostly Jews on Oct. 7. As Horn explained in an interview in April with the online European Jewish magazine K., “You’ll see that people love dead Jews, as long as they’re vulnerable and helpless. In fact, I found it remarkable how much people seemed to relish the idea of showing their support for murdered Jews, until Israel responded with force. That’s how people love the Jews: powerless to stop their own slaughter. As soon as the Jews show any ca-
pacity for action, it’s all over.”
(When I asked Horn this week what books spoke to her this year, she said she appreciated Kirsch’s book, the anthology “Young Zionist Voices” edited by David Hazony, and Benjamin Resnick’s dystopian novel “Next Stop.”)
Another frequently mentioned book seemed almost to act as a balm to Horn’s thesis: “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride. Last year’s best-selling, prize-winning historical novel is set in a small Pennsylvania town at a moment when immigrant Jews and poor Black families found common cause. “‘The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store’ by James McBride is probably one of the most popular recent books likely to be on an American Jew’s bookshelf,” Galina Vromen wrote me. “I would argue that part of the attraction to Jews today is in light of antisemitism and nostalgia when Jews and Blacks saw themselves on the same side of just causes and Jews were not regarded as enemy white people.”
Vromen, a novelist, had a number of strong suggestions for the kinds of recent books likely to be on American Jewish bookshelves, including “The Netanyahus,” Joshua Cohen’s 2021 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that serves as a cutting critique of present-day Israeli politics; “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay,” Michael Chabon’s best-selling 2000 novel about the Jews who pioneered superhero comics; and “Start-Up Nation” by Dan Senor and Saul Singer. The last one, published in 2009, presented Israel as an incubator of high tech innovation (and coined an enduringly popular nickname for the country) and offers readers a comforting rebuke to the activists who see Israel as an oppressor and colonizer.
A number of readers recommended Philip Roth’s 2004 novel “The Plot Against America,” which imagined an America run by the populist, isolationist, Nazi-sympathizing and antisemitic Charles Lindbergh in the early years of World War II. The book has had a number of lives: Roth said he wrote it as a rumination on Jewish security in America, but by 2016 it was seen by Donald Trump’s critics as an eerie prophecy of his rise and first election; HBO adapted it for a miniseries in 2020; and this year the New York Times named it one of the “100 Best Books of the 21st Century.”
Beyond that, no other book was suggested by more than one reader, although the ones they did mention seem like strong contenders for the current Jew-
ish book shelf: “Everything Is Illuminated,” Jonathan Safran Foer’s 2002 magical realist novel that anticipated the current vogue for works about Jewish roots tours in Eastern Europe; “My Promised Land” by Ari Shavit and “Like Dreamers” by Yossi Klein Halevi, two 2013 nonfiction works by Israeli authors attempting to explain the country’s heart and soul; and Deborah Lipstadt’s 2019 “Antisemitism: Here and Now” (although I am guessing her 2005 memoir “History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier,” which became the motion picture “Denial,” is better known).
Samuel Freedman’s “Jew vs. Jew: The Struggle for the Soul of American Jewry,” published in 2000, fell just short of the 21st century, but was a prescient look at the internal political and religious divides that would only yawn wider in the coming decades.
I was also pleased to hear from readers who suggested cookbooks. “Jerusalem” by Sami Tamimi and Yotam Ottolenghi (2011) not only kicked off a mania for high-end Middle Eastern
cooking but presented a complex and even hopeful version of Jewish and Palestinian coexistence (which did not, over time, include the authors). Joan Nathan’s “Jewish Cooking in America” (1994) cemented her role as Jewish cuisine’s Julia Child. And it’s the rare kosher-keeping home cook who doesn’t own a volume in Susie Fishbein’s “Kosher By Design” series. Fishbein “single-handedly raised Jewish cooking to a gourmet level [and] opened the floodgates to a new sub-industry,” Barbara Kessel wrote me from Jerusalem.
What became clear from my unscientific survey is that in a polarized and media-saturated age, there are fewer books that American Jews might have in common than, say, 40 years ago. But maybe that’s OK. Each year sees a flood of new Jewish books, capturing voices beyond the ashkenormative assumptions of the 20th century and as diverse as the people who write and read them: Mizrachim, women, interfaith families, LGBT Jews, Jews of color, Jews by choice, the religious, the formerly religious.
“Today, my understanding of Jewish life is so much bigger (and richer),” the writer Erika Dreifus wrote me, remembering her own childhood among Ashkenazi Jews in the metro New York area. “I’m so much more aware of Jewish experience that differs from my own.”
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.
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