The Jewish News - January 2015 by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

ALAN Dershowitz

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 THE RITZ-CARLTON SARASOTA

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January 2015 - Tevet/Shevat 5775 INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

10A 17A 22A 24A 28A 31A 1B

Community Focus Jewish Interest Israel & the Jewish World Commentary Focus on Youth Life Cycle Jewish Happenings

5A Mensch of the Month: Betty Silberman

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15A

Chabad of Bradenton’s Community Torah Dedication

Volume 45, Number 1

“What’s Keeping You From Performing Your Life?”

An interview with Jeffrey Tambor, this year’s People of the Book guest speaker B y Marty Fu gate veteran of ﬁlm, television and the Broadway stage, the multitalented Jeffrey Tambor has created a range of unforgettable characters – from George Bluth, the dysfunctional patriarch of Arrested Development, to Maura, the transitional/ transgendered hero of Transparent. In his presentation this month for the Federation’s People of the Book, “What’s Keeping You From Performing Your Life? – With a Jewish Twist,” Tambor will challenge us to get in touch with the most unforgettable character of all – our real self. Part seminar and part stand-up, Tambor’s hilarious, one-man show encourages audiences to face their fears and discover their potential. What do you mean by performing you r life? The opposite of rehearsing your life. All the world is a stage, right? Well, get on stage and actually start living instead of thinking, evading, rationalizing and endlessly procrastinating. Really, it boils down to one big question: What’s keeping you? A s in: What’ s k eeping you from being happy? No. I’m a Jewish son of Hungarian-Russian parents. My talk has nothing to do with happiness. So, it’ s not abou t the pu rsu it of happiness. The pu rsu it of less u nhappiness?

It’s about the pursuit of whatever it is you want – or the lack of pursuit. Why do so many people stop? Why do people settle for a comfortable niche instead of attaining their dreams? People come to a fork in the road, and they stop. What’s stopping them? It’s usually nothing external. R ight. There’ s no ogre in the road going, “T u rn Jeffrey Tambor back ! ” No. Most of the time, it’s you. I’m really interested in the person who has a play in their desk and says, I never did ﬁnish that play. Or the guy who goes, I really love flying model airplanes, but I’ve never really gotten back to that. I’m saying, “Get back to it! Get back to the fork in the road.” How does your Jewish heritage inﬂuence your comedy? That’s a very interesting question. I was born into a Jewish family, raised in that heritage, and bar mitzvah’d at gunpoint. Comedy’s a big part of that heritage – meaning it’s something you learn. I didn’t

Jeffrey Tambor...continued on page 2A

Women’s Day a Double Mitzvah with Camryn Manheim B y A deline Silve rman

est speaker ever!” “What a great day!” holiday gifts to benefit children in the Guardian ad These comments and the smiling faces Litem foster care program – this year’s mitzvah projThe Family Jeweler 14276committee of the women inName: the ________________________________________________ audience were amect. They also thanked their hard-working Invoice Ref #: ________________ ple evidence that this was certainly one of the best members whose commitment and efforts clearly paid Women’s Day events yet. Acclaimed off. Nancy Swart, Federation actress and activist Camryn Manheim president, praised the co-chairs captivated her audience with intellias “beautiful and vibrant young gence, inspiration and humor during her women who have taken leader“Mitzvah Therapy: Living Life Genership roles in our community.” ously” presentation at the sold-out lunBrittani Froug, a recipient of cheon on December 2 at Michael’s On a Federation vocational scholEast in Sarasota. Ms.before Manheim’s speech arship, spoke about how a car This Proof must be signed and returned SRQUSY we can proceed with your This isthe yourJewish tradition touched onorder. putting accident changed her life and Proof prior to printing. Please examine all spellof “repairing the world” into practice. inspired her path, “to be the best members ing and information carefully. RFJD will not be The event was presented by Nashim nurse that I can be. Thanks to attend USY held responsible for any unnoticed errors. Any Camryn Manheim L’Tova (Women for Good) of The JewFederation, the sky is my limit.” errors found after printing will be customer’s sole convention ish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, which is coHelen Glaser had the pleasure of introducing in Orlandoresponsibility. chaired by Ros Mazur and Allison Silver Schwartz. the keynote speaker, describing Ms. Manheim as Approval The event’s co-chairs, Melissa Howard and Lee “a unique Hollywood story.” Ms. Manheim told ApprovedSax, welcomed guests and thanked them for bringing Women’s Day...continued on page 3A

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January 2015

FEDERATION NEWS Jeffrey Tambor...continued from page 1A

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start out as a bouncy funny kid. I was dry, overweight, and had a bilateral lisp. But if you’re a kid like me, you pick up comedy as a coping strategy. Adapt or die. Or be funny or die. It’s very Darwinian. And if you want to be funny, the Jewish experience will give you all the tools you need. It occu rs to me good comedians are good storytellers. And that’s deﬁnitely in the Jewish toolk it. Absolutely. Our greatest stories keep us alive. Passover, Purim – they’re stories of survival and connectedness and memory. And not only the sacred narratives. That’s true of Jewish literature, as well. The first guy who hit me over the head was Philip Roth; there’s a Jewish storyteller. Portnoy’s Complaint is a great example. Not to everybody’s taste, but that is a Jewish viewpoint. And very liberating. So a good story can set you free. And a bad story can get you stuck. That’s something Joseph W. Campbell talks about, and I get into that, too. I get into the stories we all create. I’m a mother. I’m a father. I’m a baldheaded character actor whose time has gone. You get stuck in one of these stories, and the story makes your decisions for you. It tells you who to marry, where to work, how much money you can make… A nd the fork in the road where you tu rn arou nd. Exactly. But I say that as a guy who’s been there. You’re talking to a guy who’s given up acting twice. We’re all human; we all settle. I did. I was a teacher for about five years at the university. I knew full well I should be in New York going to my auditions. But I took the road more-traveled. A nd then you didn’ t. Yes. I started acting again – and started being real. That’ s the paradox of acting, right? Y ou become real by performing. That’s true. That’s the whole point of my talk – why I call it “performing your life.” Performance isn’t contained in stage and screen. It’s life. The whole thing. A good actor has to be present, has to be joyful. Life’s the same. So much of life is performing. It’s the same ingredients. It strik es me there’ s a connection between Transparent and what you ’ re saying. It’ s all abou t the presentation of self and being real. That’s Maura in a nutshell. She’s been pretending all her life. She puts on a dress and high heels and starts the transition. Now she’s being real – and enjoying every minute of it. D o you enj oy what you do? Are you kidding? I love what I do! I’m 70 years old and I’m still acting. I still pinch myself. At my age I thought I was going to be sitting in a library reading Dickens. But I’m working. Transparent has been renewed for a second season. I’m going around the country doing these talks – and in case you haven’t noticed, I love to talk. I’m feeling really good about it. And very fortunate.

A part from acting, what inspires you ? My kids – all five of them. I have an older one by a previous marriage in her 30s, and four at home – ages nine, seven, and two at five. Wow. S ou nds inspirational to me. They are! They’re my new teachers. K ids are you r best au dience. They are! And demanding. I have to be on point. I do the bits, the trips, the falls, the takes. I do the Jerry Lewis “Hey! Hey! Nice lady!” I do everything. Y ou realiz e you ’ re condemning them to a life in show biz . I don’t know. One of the twins did say he wants to be an actor. I asked, “Why?” He said, “Because I want to do characters!” G ood reason. What was you r reason? As a child, I lived across the street from a theater. Kids from San Francisco State were constantly rehearsing scenes. I’d drop in and sit in the auditorium watching them for hours. I thought: Whatever these people are doing, that’s for me. I knew. At the age of eight, I knew. It just felt so connected, so right, so free, so liberating – and very religious. I certainly feel that God and the theater are very close. And I think that’s true of laughter, too. There is God in laughter. A men. Who are some of you r comedy heroes? One of my heroes – you’re going to plotz when you hear this – is Lou Costello. He made me laugh. On the other side of the spectrum, Jack Benny. I think he was the funniest – very dry wit. Jack B enny cou ld get su ch a reaction by not reacting. True. Buster Keaton also fascinated me. “The Great Stone Face” – another great non-reactor! These were my heroes. All deﬁnitely worthy of the comedy pantheon. Definitely. And I’ve been very lucky. I got to work with the Farrelly brothers, with Mel Brooks. You know, Mel Brooks has a direct link to Aristophanes. Well, Mel is the 2,0Y ear-O ld Man. I guess they met. (Laughs) But I’ve been fortunate to work with the greatest. When Sid Caesar was on, my goodness. Imogene Coca? Being in the writer’s room with Larry Gelbart, Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks was very exciting. Talk about Jewish humor; that was Jewish humor. I’ m assu ming that applies to you r talk . There will be laughter involved. It’s a common sense talk about what keeps us from getting on with it. It’s not a lecture. I’m not heavy handed – I’m light. My attitude is: This is what humans do. I’m 70 years old and I’ve got a couple of pieces of advice. I talk about my family, my career, the ups and downs, and what I’ve learned. I’m very lucky. I share a few jokes, a few stories, a few insights, and then we get on with life.

People of the Book, featuring Jeffrey Tambor speaking on “What’s Keeping You from Performing Your Life? – With a Jewish Twist”

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The event takes place on Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Riverview High School. People of the Book serves to recognize and thank donors to Federation’s Annual Campaign – those making a minimum gift of $36 individual/$72 family are invited to attend the event as guests of Federation. For information, contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org. For reservations or to make your donation, visit www.jfedsrq.org.

CONNECT with your Jewish Community facebook.com/jfedsrq

January 2015

FEDERATION NEWS

Women’s Day...continued from page 1A

sthe audience how thrilled she was to be among so many proactive women. nThe daughter of Jewish educators, she was brought up in a family of political ,and social activists and has continued on that path all of her life. The actress, whose rare talents as a comedic and dramatic actress have earned her roles

on some of the biggest shows on TV, including The Practice, How I Met Your Mother, Will & Grace, and the new CBS sci-fi series, Extant, spoke with warmth and humor, masterfully weaving together the threads of her personal story while poking fun at Sarasota’s roundabouts and early-evening restau-

rant closings, and sharing stories about women she met earlier in the day. Ms. Manheim spoke with pride about the great accomplishments of Jewish women, including Golda Meir, and compelled us to “get involved. Fight for what you believe in.” Mitzvah therapy consists of doing good

deeds that make you feel good, and she said she was determined to give all she could to leave the world in a better place. She left the 400 women in attendance inspired with her words, “You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” Photos copyright Cliff Roles Photography

e s -

o Camryn Manheim with event co-chairs Melissa Howard and Lee Sax

Camryn Manheim and Betty Schoenbaum

Camryn Manheim with Ilene Fox, Barbara Ackerman and Nancy Swart

A sneak peek at the Jewish Film Festival: March 8-16

B y R oz G oldberg, Je wish Film Festival C hair

lease mark your calendars for our 6th Jewish Film Festival! The Jewish Federation of f Sarasota-Manatee is again proud to , present a menu of outstanding new dfilms that explore, record and celebrate Jewish life and experience. Starting Sunday evening, March 8, e and running through Monday, March -16, the JFF will excite, delight, enlighten and provoke you with a highly diverse range of films. uIn response to last eyear’s unprecedent.ed demand, we have added an extra day – and extra screenings – to make it easier for you to see all the films. In addidtion, we are planning exciting special revents – and SUPER SPECIAL guests – that will greatly enhance your JFF experience. This year, the JFF will be ynamed the Milman-Kover Jewish Film Festival, in recognition of the “Federation Torch” contribution made by the -Milman-Kover Foundation. While our entire film lineup is l -not yet finalized – we are working on several u niq u e Sarasota eve nts for March 8 and 15 – we can give you a sneak peek at six of the films we will -be showing: God’s Slave: A powerful, “rivety ing” drama about how terrorists are lmade, not born, by those who live to hate. Based on actual events in Buenos sAires in 1994. Hunting Elephants: A laugh-outrloud caper film, I call it Oceans 11 meets George Burns and Phil Silvers a(Israeli-style.) Kidon: A “twists and turns” caper fi lm involving a murder, allegedly by the Mossad, except the Mossad knows . .nothing about it! Operation Sunflower: A compele ling human, political and scientific drama about Israel’s decision to devel.op a nuclear option in the 1950s-60s w– and the commitment of the Jewish people around the world to the survival

of Israel. The Sturgeon Queens: A charming and amusing documentary about the most famous appetizing store in the world, Russ and Daughters, a staple on Houston Street on New York’s Lower East Side for 100 years. Under the Same Sun: A troubling – but inspiring – contemporary parable, set in the near future, about two businessmen – one Israeli and one Palestinian – who struggle to build a solar energy company together, against the odds. As you can see from these tidbits, you have an exciting week of films to look forward to! But that’s not all! We have moved our Opening Night program to the Hyatt Regency Hotel so we can accommodate a larger audience, and more comfortably host a Cocktail Reception for Sponsors and Special Guests before the screening, and a Dessert Reception for everyone after the screening. Why not become a Sponsor of the Milman-K ove r Jewish Film Festival ! You’ll be invited to all JFF events, including the Opening Night Receptions with our Special Guests, and the unique events being planned for March 15 – plus you’ll receive two passes and reserved seating for every film. Sponsorship levels start at $500 per couple. Please visit the Federation website at www.jfedsrq.org/jff or call Len Steinberg at 941.552.6301 for more information about how you can become a sponsor. Watch for our 2015 JFF brochure, which should be ready for distribution in mid-January. Check the February Jewish News and ongoing Federation eblasts for more information. We expect to be making several major guest announcements very soon! You will not want to miss this celebration of Jewish life and experience. See you at the (Jewish) movies!

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941.371.4546 TheJewishFederation.org

January 2015

FEDERATION NEWS

Federation’s Annual Meeting a festive event Staff R eport

he 2014 Federation Celebration, chaired by Helen Glaser, kicked off with a ribbon-cutting for a much-needed ambulance bound for Israel. Funds for the ambulance were raised by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and the American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA). Eleanore Levy, AFMDA’s

Charlene Wolff and Gila Meriwether

Dr. Joshua and Julie Green and family

southeast region development executive, thanked The Jewish Federation and all of those individuals who participated in this vital fundraising effort. The event, which took place in November at Mildred Sainer Music and Arts Pavilion at New College of Florida, ended with a rousing performance of klezmer music. The following honorees were recognized for their service to our community. A nnu al Meeting A ward-Winners: Ayshet Chayil (Woman of Valor) Nancy Roucher Ahava (Love) - Kim Mullins Acharai (Follow Me) Dr. Joshua Green Hatikva (Hope) - Carolyn Kaplan Atid (Future) - Madison Bryan Yad Chazakah (Strong Hand) - Susi Benson Steenbarger & Jack Steenbarger

Avodah (Service) - Rona Simon & Shirley Fenton Kehilla (Community) Mimi (Miriam S.) Edlin Chinuch (Education) Marden Paru

Emma, Valerie and Harold Joels

L’Dor V’Dor (Generation to Generation) - Rivka Glatz Halutzim (Pioneers) Pastor Joey Mimbs Doris Loevner Memorial YL Award - Maya Danilowitz

Nancy Swart and Howard Tevlowitz

Helen and Len Glaser

Looking for something “Jewish” to do in January? See the Jewish Happenings section for more than 80 community events!

January 2015

FEDERATION NEWS

Mensch of the Month: Betty Silberman B y O rna N issan

Established 1971

PUBLISHER The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34232-1959 Phone: 941.371.4546 Fax: 941.378.2947 E-mail: jewishnews@jfedsrq.org Website: www.jfedsrq.org Published Monthly Volume 45, Number 1 January 2015 44 pages USPS Permit No. 167 February 2015 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: December 31, 2014 Advertising: December 29, 2014 PRESIDENT Nancy Swart EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Howard Tevlowitz ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marty Haberer COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR Linda Lipson MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Christopher Alexander ADVERTISING SALES Robin Leonardi PROOFREADERS Adeline Silverman, Stacey Edelman, Harold Samtur, Bryna Tevlowitz, Deb Bryan MIMI AND JOSEPH J. EDLIN JOURNALISM INTERNS Allya Yourish, Jackson Cacioppo MISSION STATEMENT: The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee strives to be the source of news and features of special interest to the Jewish community of Sarasota-Manatee, to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions in the Jewish community, and to communicate the mission, activities and achievements of the Federation and its Jewish community partners. OPINIONS printed in The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, its Board of Directors or staff.

first met Betty Silberman at a Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee social event. She had recently moved from Boston with her young daughter, Ava. I soon learned that Betty was a professional singer, actress and teacher. Her first language was Yiddish, which she speaks fluently. Her parents, Holocaust survivors from Poland, found refuge in Montreal, Canada, which is where Betty grew up. Over the years, Betty shared her passion for the Yiddish language and culture as a visiting lecturer at many colleges and universities, including the Experimental College at Tufts University, Hebrew College, Harvard Hillel and MIT Hillel. Once Betty settled into her new life in Sarasota, it didn’t take long for her to find places to continue her teaching career. She teaches Yiddish language and culture at several area adult education institutions, including Lifelong Learning Academy and the Longboat Key Education Center.

Betty’s love of music has also been a mainstay of her life. In addition to being a concert artist, she has performed in cabaret and klezmer venues, and

Ava and Betty Silberman

Off-Broadway musical theater. Betty has performed throughout Israel and parts of Europe, and is always pleased to share her music at area events, especially ones celebrating Jewish culture. Whenever she has a chance, Betty offers her time and talents. She serves as master of ceremonies for the annual Survivors’ Luncheon and is an active member of the Holocaust Speakers Bureau. Betty’s commitment to speaking

out against hatred, bigotry and the persecution of Jews and non-Jews alike is legendary. Ava, now 17, has shown her own interest in Jewish life and culture. For four consecutive summers, she attended Camp Ramah, and she is dedicated to enhancing her Jewish knowledge and activities, and her interest in Israel. She hopes to become a Young Ambassador to Israel in 2015, and to attend a Jewish program funded by The Federation in Washington, D.C., in March. On behalf of all of my colleagues and friends at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and the Jewish community in general, I want to congratulate Betty for being a true mensch! We thank you for sharing your wisdom, generosity and talents with us! Orna Nissan is the director of Holocaust Education and Israel Programs at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. She can be reached at 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org.

Federation gives grant to All Faiths Food Bank for school pantry programs Staff R eport

“

e would not have had anything to eat at all last night if it weren’t for the school pantry.” This is what a Wilkinson Elementary student told her teacher at one of All Faiths Food Bank’s school pantry programs recently. This is also why The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee recently granted funds to All Faiths to be used for school-based pantries in Sarasota County. All Faiths Food Bank’s school pantry programs keep food stocked at Sarasota County schools so parents of students can select items to take home. Operated by volunteers, the pantry is open on a regular basis and offers a variety of nonperishable food and, when possible, fresh produce and meat. “The number one reason children fail to thrive in an academic environment is hunger,” said All Faiths’ CEO

Sandra Frank. “Through the generosity of The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, we will be able to help keep these kids fed, and allow them to focus on school, not hunger.”

According to Frank, there are currently five school-based pantries in Sarasota County schools. This grant will maintain and expand the program into other locations.

Denise Colter, director of development at All Faiths Food Bank; Howard Tevlowitz, CEO of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee; Sandra Frank CEO of All Faiths; Ilene Fox, operations director at The Jewish Federation; Ruth Thomas, principal, and Mark Harrison, teacher, Wilkinson Elementary

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January 2015

FEDERATION NEWS

“The Masada Story: Martyrs, Murders and Myth” – Klingenstein lecture examines Masada legend

a lot of information from Josephus, but at Masada, Klawans explains, comes the challenge is, what do we do with from Josephus, a wealthy priest who this?” at first participated in the rebellion, but later advocated surrender as the cause The answer, Klawans suggests, is turned hopeless. Josephus wrote the to “recognize that all retellings of the historical accounts of the rebellion, past are shaped by the author’s priorities and presuppositions.” including the fall of Masada, decades In the presentalater. “What proves interesttion, Klawans and the ing for modern audiences audience will re-read the Josephus story toto learn,” Klawans says, “is gether. Both that acthat the story we know – of count and the modern freedom-loving nationalist rebels who fight to the last legend are truly Jewish stories, he said, but the before committing suicide Josephus account may – is not quite the story that contain greater moral Josephus tells.” “Josephus didn’t like truths. Jonathan Klawans these rebels at all. Is that be“The Jewish people shouldn’t be afraid of questioning cause of Josephus’s biases?” Klawans stories – the Jewish story will only get asks. “But if Josephus’s story is not stronger when it’s closer to the truth,” correct, what then can we really know about what happened?” he said. “And often the truth can be found by looking anew at our own hisProf. Susan Marks, Klingenstein torical records.” Chair of Judaic Studies at New ColKlawans is a prolific writer and lege, said Josephus is a “wonderful example of an unreliable narrator. We get speaker. He received his doctorate

he Masada story is a legend of heroism. A band of Jewish fighters, rebelling against the Roman Empire around 70 A.D., took refuge in a mountaintop fort. When the Romans laid siege, the rebels chose to kill themselves rather than surrender and become slaves. In this year’s Klingenstein Lecture at New College of Florida, a renowned scholar will look at what we know – and what we don’t know – about Masada, and the greater truths that emerge from examining the legend. Jonathan Klawans, professor of religion at the Elie Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies at Boston University, will present “The Masada Story: Martyrs, Murders and Myth,” at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, in Sainer Auditorium at New College of Florida. The talk is free and open to the public. The popular account of the Masada legend stems from Prof. Yigael Yadin’s accounts of an archaeological dig he led in the mid-1960s. The only contemporary account of the events

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from Columbia University, his master’s degree from New York University, and bachelor’s degrees from both Columbia and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He is the author of many journal articles and reviews, and three books: Purity, Sacriﬁce, and the Temple: Symbolism and Supersessionism in the Study of Ancient Judaism, Impurity and Sin in Ancient Judaism and Josephus and the Theologies of Ancient Judaism. This will be the 10th annual Judaic Studies Lecture sponsored by the Klingenstein Chair of Judaic Studies and the Jay Rudolph Endowment. The lecture is named for Selma Klingenstein, who, along with her husband Paul, helped establish the Klingenstein Chair in Judaic Studies at New College in 2001. To register, visit donate.ncf.edu/ events. For more information, emailS events@ncf.edu or call 941.487.4888.

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HAPPY HOUR

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA AND THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SARASOTA-MANATEE PRESENT

HANNAH ARENDT An opportunity for singles and couples to meet new and old friends. (Ages 50’s - 70’s Welcome)

A look at the life of philosopher and political theorist Hannah Arendt, who reported for The New Yorker on the war crimes trial of the Nazi Adolf Eichmann.

Tuesday, January 13 6:00 PM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 | 7:00 PM | TICKETS $5 USF – SARASOTA-MANATEE | 8350 N. TAMIAMI TRAIL | SARASOTA, FL PLEASE RSVP AT WWW.JFEDSRQ.ORG

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Dr. Suzanne Vromen has a PhD in sociology from New York University and is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Bard College, where she cofounded the Women’s Studies program. For years and in many venues, she has taught courses on the Holocaust, including presenting papers and publishing essays on Hannah Arendt. She will clarify points and address problems in Hannah Arendt after the film is shown. THIS MOVIE IS CO-SPONSORED BY USF SARASOTA-MANATEE

QUESTIONS? Contact Orna Nissan at 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org

January 2015

FEDERATION NEWS

The bomb, Iran and its goals

B y R abbi Howard A . S imon, c o-C hair of The R obert and E sther Heller Israel A dvoc acy Initiative

he world has not taken posicially since the latest development betive steps toward a nuclear tween the United States and Iran has agreement between the P5+ 1 taken a decided change. We are told group and Iran in the goal of negotiatthat the Ayatollah has been approached, ing an end to Iran’s quest for a nuclear through an exchange of letters, by Presbomb. What somehow is ident Obama. Instead of overlooked in all of these being at odds with one anh negotiations is that the other over Iraq, Syria and l Lebanon, which has been rperson who makes all of the critical decisions for the case for many years, Iran attends none of these the two leaders are now al, legedly dealing with how -meetings, is not paying to stop the growing influtmuch attention to any and all decisions made in these ence of ISIS in the Middle t discussions, and is the one East and the world. As far who has decided, on his as the Ayatollah is conown, that Iran will indeed cerned, the only way the Rabbi Howard A. Simon have the bomb, regardless two countries could find e of who opposes this reality. common ground regarding ISIS is if The man with the power, the man the United States’ objections to Iran’s . wearing the black hat is Ayatollah nuclear program are greatly modified, Khamenei. The Ayatollah will never there is an easing of the current sanctions, and no new sanctions are put nfreeze Iran’s nuclear program, espee

forth. As usual, it is the Ayatollah’s way or no way at all. There are two factors that impede this cooperation between the United States and Iran. The first is a new Republican Congress that takes over the government in January. A Republican Senate could pass new and tougher sanctions against Iran and could have the votes to overturn a certain veto by the President. This would lead to a major change in the relationship between the two countries. The second major stumbling block to this growing dé tente is Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli government. Prime Minister Netanyahu believes it is a waste of time to think any Western country can influence Iran’s nuclear wishes. He also stated that “Israel will not countenance an agreement that leaves Iran as a nuclear threshold state. This endangers us all.”

So the parties face one another with decisions to be made. An alliance with Iran or the continuation of deliberations to curtail Iran’s nuclear program? A joint effort to combat ISIS or greater confrontation with Iran regarding nuclear development? No matter what the leadership of the United States and its Western allies say or do we can count on Ayatollah Khamenei not giving an inch on nuclear development. The world will become more threatened and talk will be just that, talk, with little or no substance. How sad, how very sad. For more information about the Heller IAI, visit www.sarasotalovesisrael.com or contact Shana Tibi at 941.706.0029 or stibi@jfedsrq.org

Federation’s Education Scholarship Program

/ lStaff R eport hanks to the generosity of many local humanitarians and philanthropists with the vision that education is important for everyone, The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee proudly awards dozens of education scholarships each year to individuals attending vocational schools, two-year colleges and four-year universities. We thank people like Robert Michelson, who left his entire legacy of over $1 million, to enable The Federation to provide, in perpetuity, six education scholarships to deserving students each year.

Robert Michelson remembered the benevolence of others who helped him on his journey, and recognized that we all have an obligation to care for others and our future generations. Because of him and so many others like him, last year alone, The Federation awarded close to $60,000 to 31 students to help fund their college educations. This year, we are pleased to provide these scholarship opportunities again. From January 1 through April 13, 2015, applications will be accepted online at www.jfedsrq.org. To be eligible, applicants must

“Israel’s single most visible defender”

Len Mazur Memorial Lecture

Global Anti-Semitism WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 7:00PM

f e a t u r i n g

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prior to the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Additionally, all of our scholarships are offered exclusively to Jewish students with the exception of the Robert Michelson Interfaith Scholarship, which is awarded to three Jewish and three Christian students each year, who meet all of the requirements listed above and have demonstrated interfaith involvement and commitment. For more information about The Jewish Federation’s Education Scholarship Program, visit http://jfedsrq.org/ help/educationscholarship or contact Andrea Eiffert at aeiffert@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6308.

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January 2015

FEDERATION NEWS

Holocaust survivors Emmy and Harry Loeb share their stories with area students B y A nne Stein

mmy and Harry Loeb recently spoke to Nancy Hawkins’ Holocaust classes at North Port High School as part of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Holocaust Speakers Bureau. Their story? The good news is that the Loebs (Harry is almost 93 and Emmy is 91) have been happily married for 65 years. They met in New York City after escaping Germany on the Kindertransport. They each lived in England and then, after the war, worked in Germany for the U.S. occupying forces. Each shared recollections from

their years in Nazi-occupied Germany. Harry told the students that he was born in a small, rural village in Germany. In 1936, when he was in eighth grade, he was expelled from his school simply because he was Jewish. His parents arranged to send him to a school for Jewish children in Frankfurt. On November 9, 1939, the night of Kristnallnacht, his dorm was raided by Nazi storm troopers. Harry found clothing similar to the Hitler Youth uniform. He put it on and, disguised, managed to escape on a bicycle. During the long night, he witnessed the Nazis destroying synagogues and Jewish businesses,

“Israel’s relationship with the United Nations from an Insider” Nathan has been recognized by Israeli newspaper Maariv as one of “ten young Jews who will change the world.”

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and arresting Jewish men. Thanks to his clothing, no one bothered him. Later that year, at age 17, Harry was able to secure a place on the Kindertransport to England. His friends and fellow students were not as lucky. Most perished in the years to come. In England, Harry was educated

her father was arrested by the Nazis before they got to the train station. He was sent to Buchenwald and held there for six weeks. When he returned home, he was very thin and sick with dysentery. Thanks to family connections, soon after, Emmy left Germany on one of the Kindertransports. Emmy remembers how scared she was until the train crossed the border into Holland and Dutch women gave them chocolate and hot cocoa. Shortly after she arrived in England, World War II broke out. But even in England she could not escape her fears. British authorities searched the house where she lived, suspectHarry and Emmy Loeb with teacher Nancy Hawkins ing that Emmy was a German as an engineer and eventually made it spy, and she was sent to live in another to the United States in 1947 where he town. Emmy’s parents did not survive reunited with family members who had the war but her brother made it to Palalso survived. estine. In the years since, Emmy has Emmy told the students that she been invited back to her home town was born in a mid-sized town in Gerin Germany to speak to students there many and had many non-Jewish about her Holocaust experiences. friends before the Nazis began to terEmmy and Harry feel it’s their rorize and alienate the Jewish populaduty to speak to students about the tion. In 1936, when she was 13 years Holocaust – especially since there are old, she was also expelled from her few survivors left. Both made it clear school and forced to switch to a school that they will forever be grateful to the for Jewish students. On November 9, people who helped them through their 1939, Emma was on her way to school terrible ordeals. when she saw the synagogue next to The main message they hope the the school in flames. She ran home to students will take to heart? find that her father’s furrier store had “There are two evils in the world,” been destroyed. Panicked, her family said Harry. “Extremism of any kind packed a few bags and tried to flee but and prejudice against a minority.”

Questions? Contact Len Steinberg 941.552.6301 or lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org

www.jfedsrq.org

For book ing information abou t The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’ s Holocau st Speak ers B u reau , contact A nne Stein at 941.23670 or lu vh u la@ gmail.c om. For general information abou t the B u reau , c ontact O rna N issan at 94 1.52630 or onissan@ j fedsrq .or g.

Jewish National Fund GUARDIAN OF ISRAEL AWARD LUNCHEON Honoring

Nelle Miller

Guardian of Israel Award Recipient

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Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Registration - 11:00 am • Program - 12:00 pm Michael’s On East 1212 East Ave. South • Sarasota, FL

Cost: $36 per person Honorary Co-Chairs: Janet and Bruce Udell Kindly RSVP online at jnf.org/jnfsarasotaluncheon or to the JNF office at 727.536.5263. For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Uri Smajovits at usmajovits@jnf.org or 727.536.5263. Dietary Laws Observed.

jnf.org • 800.JNF.0099

FEDERATION NEWS

January 2015

Anti-Semitism in disguise?

Anti-Semitism, masked as anti-Israel politics, is a rising danger to Jews worldwide. B y Shana Su belsk y Tibi

he recent war in Gaza catapulted the ever-present murmur of anti-Semitism to heights unseen in recent years. Often under the auspices of being concerned with social justice, pro-Palestinian sentiments, or other “freedom” movements, being anti-Israel is becoming synonymous with being anti-Jewish. These lines continue to be blurred with the development of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement created in 2005 by a proPalestinian group. Although Israel’s exports are mainly of a business-tobusiness nature, BDS gained momentum through the use of social media to encourage its supporters to not buy Israeli goods. Anti-Semitism, masked as antiIsrael sentiment, is a rising danger to Jews worldwide. Since the summer of 2014, from Europe to Australia and the United States, rabbis have been harassed and beaten, property vandalized, kosher products dumped from supermarkets, and Jews refused services. To disagree with Israel’s policies is one thing. However, to physically attack Jewish people and institutions is not freedom of speech, it is an anti-Semitic hate crime. Further dangers of the BDS movement are found on college campuses. The future leaders of this country must be able to differentiate between healthy

critiques of foreign policy as it relates to Israel and what is anti-Semitism. Aiming to unmask the BDS movement, the website stopbds.com states, “It is important to be able to distinguish between people who are expressing legitimate concerns and those whose views cross the line to delegitimization or anti-Semitism.” Natan Sharansky, the head of The Jewish Agency for Israel, developed a “3-D” test to differentiate between the criticism of Israel and anti-Semitism. The 3- D Test: (from www.stopbds.com/?s= 3-D+ Test) 1. D emoniz e: Are Israel or its leaders being demonized or actions being blown out of proportion? An example is equating Israel with Nazi Germany. 2. D ou ble Standards: Is Israel being singled out and condemned at the United Nations for perceived human rights violations while other countries such as Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia are not mentioned? 3. D elegitimiz ation: Is Israel’s right to exist in question? According to The 3-D Test, as outlined by Sharansky, BDS is not a constructive method to bring about positive change to the lives of Palestinians or Israelis. What is B D S? Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions developed out of the Non-Govern-

mental Organization (NGO) forum that took place in 2001 parallel to the UN World Conference in Durban, South Africa. Israel was declared as a “racist, apartheid state” and guilty of “racist crimes, including war crimes, acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing.” BDS aims to return Israel to pre1967 borders, promote the Palestinian “right of return,” and advance equality for Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel. The ultimate goal of BDS is to “decolonize” Israel saying it doesn’t have a right to exist. According to stopbds.com, “Advocates of BDS deny Israel the basic human right of self-defense and blame Israel alone for conflict in the region. Furthermore, “supporters demand self-determination for the Palestinians, but do not acknowledge the right of the Jewish people to self-determination in their homeland, Israel.” Convoluting anti-Israel sentiments with anti-Semitic actions is a dangerous path. However, organizations are in place to combat anti-Semitism and people can get help to deal with antiSemitism. Additionally, there are local

and governmental authorities who can take a stand against anti-Semitism. Local ways that The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee supports Israel and combats anti-Semitism: To report a local anti-Semitic incident in Sarasota and Manatee counties, please visit: http:// sarasotamanatee.fedweb.jewishfederations.org/page/s/anti-semitic-event. V isit The B ob and E sther Heller Israel A dvoc acy Initiative page for local resources on how to write to local government in support of Israel: http://jfedsrq.org/resources/ israel-advocacy. Schedu le The B ob and E sther Heller Israel A dvoc acy Initiative ’ s Speak ers B u reau to come to your school, congregation, club or place of business for an interactive discussion on Israel. The Speakers Bureau is comprised of a panel of interfaith and professional people who have traveled to Israel on interfaith missions with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. For more information, or to schedule a Speakers Bureau panel discussion, contact Shana Subelsky Tibi at stibi@jfedsrq.org or 941.706.0029.

Anti-Semitism on American college campuses B y Shana Su belsk y Tibi he recent Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas sparked anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incidents around the world – and especially on American college campuses. According to the Anti-Defamation League’s publication, Anti-Israel Activity on Campus After Operation Protective Edge, more than 90 anti-Israel events were scheduled to take place on U.S. campuses, “double the 45 events scheduled during the same period last year.” Spearheaded by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, a sample of on-campus, anti-Israel actions included a take on the ALS ice bucket challenge where the student senate president of Ohio University dumped “blood” on her head to protest deaths in Gaza; drawing specious parallels between Israeli police tactics and the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri; participating in “die-ins” where students lie on the ground to represent Palestinians killed by Israeli military actions; and shouting slurs towards Israelis such as “baby-killers” and “rapists.” According to the ADL, “These claims are rarely, if ever, balanced with an acknowledgement of Palestinian terrorism against Israeli civilians, or Israel’s continual efforts to make peace with the Palestinians, and make no mention of the Palestinians’ failings on security issues and their intransigence during negotiations throughout the years.” These BDS tactics and more aim at delegitimizing Israel and its right to exist.

Often, anti-Israel actions cross over into the realm of anti-Semitism. One incident at University of California - Santa Barbara depicted images of the Twin Towers with a Jewish Star of David and suggested that Jews and the Mossad were behind the tragedy of September 11, 2001. The Brandeis Center produced the Fact Sheet on the Elements of AntiSemitic Discourse for distribution to American college campus officials. Kenneth L. Marcus, president and general counsel of The Brandeis Center, explains that, “We want university administrators to understand that much of the anti-Israel protest activity that we see on college campuses is not just about politics. In fact, it has roots in ancient and medieval Jew hatred.” Other Jewish campus-life supporters, including Hillel International, are working to create safe places to be Jewish on college campuses and solidify Jewish identify. Locally, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee sponsors events to expose global anti-Semitism and create positive connections to Israel. Two are coming up. The Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative hosts Nathan Miller on “Israel’s Relationship with the UN from an Insider,” on Monday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on the Federation Campus. The Len Mazur Memorial Lecture, featuring Alan Dershowitz speaking about global anti-Semitism, takes place on Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. For more information, please visit www.jfedsrq.org.

140 kosher characters: twitter.com/jfedsrq

AIPAC

POLICY

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March 1-3, 2015

For more information or to register, please visit www.aipac.org/PC. AIPAC Staff: Elana Rickel, North & Central Florida Area Director (954) 382-6110 erickel@aipac.org

10A

January 2015

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jewish spiritual masters: do we have them? B y R abbi D r. G

oldie Milgram, G

u est L ectu rer, S arasota L iberal Y eshiva

rowing up, Jewish spirituality appeared to be an oxymoron. Most Jews had fled out of body straight into the intellect in the wake of the trauma of the Holocaust. Feel our feelings? Too painful. I now know there was a post-WWII undercurrent of depression and PTSD among my own parents and many of my early Jewish teachers. Hebrew school was painful in many ways, as though we children were being treated like hard drives upon which all possible Jewish knowledge had to be stored lest, G-d forbid, one day any one of us might be the last “Torah” standing. The word “soul,” so prevalent in the Torah and Jewish wisdom literature, as I would joyfully discover later in life, wasn’t really considered a valuable term in contemporary culture until the attack

Join us at

on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. When that attack happened, the vulnerability of being human was profoundly re-triggered. The need for soulful approaches to living becomes increasingly obvious with each passing day in our world where almost inconceivable levels of violence are being widely reported. When we turn to the literature of Jewish spiritual masters – past and present – much that is fascinating, healing and helpful emerges, as though planted there waiting for us to come seeking. For example, over two hundred years ago, the spiritual master Reb Nachman of Breslov taught that each time a person, including a tzaddik (traditionally the most honorable of persons), loses status due to egregious or intentional error, that individual’s

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM

Sarasota-Manatee’s Conservative Synagogue

in january All Are Welcome! Come Join Us! ONGOING PROGRAMS Daily Morning Minyan Sunday-Friday, 8:00AM

Morning Minyan Breakfast Wednesdays 9:00AM

Yiddish Group Mondays 1:30PM

Paver Religious School Sundays 9:00AM (no classes January 18th)

Chug Ivri, Advanced Hebrew Thursdays 10:30AM

SHABBAT SERVICES Fridays, 6:30PM Saturdays, 9:00AM

Shabbat Shaboom Saturdays, 10:30AM

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 1 New Year’s Day, Temple Office Closed SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 9:30AM, Men’s Club Breakfast and Speaker, Rabbi Howard Simon WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 1:15–2:45PM, Idelson Library Book Review SUNDAY, JANUARY 10 6:30PM, USY Havdalah and Scavenger Hunt SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 9:00AM, Learning with Rabbi Werbow 10:30–11:45AM, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Club with Rabbi Werbow, 6th & 7th Grade students and their families 12:30PM, Chalutzim, Grades 3rd – 5th Gearing up for Tu B’Shevat WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 9:00AM–2:00PM, Torah Fund Day of Study and Luncheon THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 2:00–4:00PM American Association of Individual Investors FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 5:45PM, Congregational Shabbat Dinner, NO CHARGE. Reservations required. Sponsored by the TBSS students & their families.

Monday-Thursday, 10:00AM-3:00PM WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21 Sundays 10:00AM-12:00PM

1:15PM, Idelson Library Film Matineé Series

Idelson Adult Library Monday-Thursday, 10:00AM-3:00PM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 1:15–3:00PM, The Human Dimension of Text: Lessons of Intimacy and Rebellion from the Talmud, Rabbi Upbin FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 12:00PM, Clergy Luncheon in honor of Rabbi Werbow’s Installation

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“descent is for the sake of ascent.” The opportunity to study the full text of this teaching yields great wisdom and personal spiritual growth. Advances beyond anthropomorphic approaches to G-d can be found surprisingly early in the Jewish wisdom literature. In the 14th century, Rabbi Joseph Gikatilla, in his work Shaarei Orah, Gates of Light, taught the word “Adonai,” usually translated as “Lord,” can be understood as the “Governing Principle” of creation, or in contemporary idiom: the “Source Code.” As it happens, humans can hold diametrically opposing experiences to be equally true. So, while Gikatilla’s approach is intellectually helpful, humans also benefit from a direction for our feelings, needs and hopes. Reb Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev had the chutzpah to express himself in his own Kaddish prayer that calls out G-d as accountable during the time of the pogroms in Eastern Europe. Is his approach therapeutic wisdom or heretical folly? Beruriah, one of the wise women cited in the Talmud, urges her husband, Rabbi Meir, to step back from his wish for thieves he witnesses to be struck down, and suggests that he pray for them to change their ways. Her approach fits well with the more recent phenomenon of Mussar. Rabbi Mendel of Satanov authored the masterful tiny volume Cheshbon haNefesh, Accounting of the Soul, where he guides us in how to cultivate soulful living through eighteen qualities such as deliberation, equanimity, orderliness and trust. Contemporary Jewish spiritual

masters have included Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Z’l – his soul ascended into Mystery this summer. Reb Zalman’s vast corpus of work not only includes Hassidic masters, but also his own powerful guidance on matters such as effective forms of prayer, relationships with other faith traditions and “spiritual eldering,” pathways of awareness, awe and comfort for facing and moving into one’s own death. We surely cannot speak of contemporary spiritual masters without looking into the works of Aviva Zornberg. In her volume The Particulars of Rapture: Reflections on Exodus, she bids us to look into the spiritual territory of fear through a question that occurs across Torah, “Mah - what?” “What is this that you have done?” (Gen 3:13) “What is it that you have done to us?” (Ex 14:2) “What are you crying out to me?” (Ex 14:15) “What are we?” (Ex 16:7,8) and many more. While I could cite an infinitude of profound points for exploration from the spiritual masters of the Jewish tradition, it is nourishing enough to begin with a few. For this reason we’ll be delving into the wisdom teachings of six to eight different Jewish spiritual masters during a course that I am honored to be teaching at the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva on Fridays throughout February and March from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on the Federation Campus. For more information, please email me at rebgoldie@gmail.com. To register ($60 plus books/materials provided at cost), contact Marden Paru, Dean of the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva, at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail. com.

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Manatee-Sarasota Eye Clinic.......25A Michael’s On East........................13A Mishner, Dr. Harvey.....................11A Morton’s Gourmet Market...........10B Nancy’s Bar-B-Q .........................23A Nellie’s Deli & Catering................4B New College...................................9B Observer Group............................24A Optical Services...........................20A Palms-Robarts Funeral Home......31A Party On Photos...........................19A Perfect Solutions for Seniors........12A Players Theatre...............................3B Sarasota Center for Family Health..3A Sarasota Concert Association.........5B Sarasota Personal Medicine...........9A Siegel, Stuart J. - Mercedes Benz...22A Sleep King......................................6A Sunset Chevy - Jerod McLachlan..14A Suponcic, Ron, REALTOR® .........27A Temple Beth El - St. Petersburg.....11B Temple Beth Sholom.................10,6B Temple Beth Sholom Schools.......29A Temple Sinai.................................4A The Collier Group, REALTOR® ...20A The Family Jeweler........................1A The Longboat Key Education Ctr...4B The Nilon Report...........................6A Toale Brothers Funeral Homes.....31A Troutburg Cottages.........................4B Udell Associates..........................13A University Park Dermatology.........7A Urology Treatment Center............21A USF...............................................7B Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall...12B Venice Theatre................................3B Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe....3B Westminster Tower & Shores.......11A WUSF.........................................16A

January 2015

COMMUNITY FOCUS

JLI course: The Art of Parenting

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n b

ith the ubiquity of divorce in American society and the entry of more and more parents to the workforce, the average o child is spending less time with his s -or her parents, and more time in day scare. Studies show that more time in day care is linked to poor behavior in school and later on in life. While parents desperately want their children to succeed and not have -to put up with the financial struggles they had to face to get to where they -are today, parents often end up showsing unconditional love to their chilydren to the extent of relating to them sas peers. While this is advantageous for communication, it severely diminishes )the parent’s ability to play a role of in”fluence in the child’s life. And when it ocomes time to teach their children the xrules of life, parents struggle to stand up to their children – to provide them with the strength, security and guidmance they are craving. Parents worry about the well-being of their kids. How do parents keep their lchildren safe while encouraging their sindependence? When should parents motivate them by incentive, and when mby establishing firm consequences? For parents in the Jewish community, balancing child-rearing with pursuing a career and making a living can o prove to be quite a challenge. How do lwe improve the state of parenting in -the Jewish community? In response to this need, a nad ntionwide campaign was created by tthe Rohr Jewish Learning Institute .(JLI) in partnership with major Jewish schools, Jewish Family Services, and North American organizations across the spectrum of Jewish life, to increase awareness about the importance of methodical parenting, and to educate Jewish parents in the art of parenting. JLI is the largest adult education provider in the Jewish world today. Established in 1998, JLI currently serves

977 chapters on six continents, and has graduated over half a million students since its inception. Following the multiple-intelligence pedagogic model, JLI inspires its students through insight and analogy, combining cutting-edge multimedia with age-old texts to create a learning experience that is both informative and resonant. In January 2015, over 350 Jewish communities across North America will participate in a foundational sixsession course on the art of parenting. The course was developed by JLI in partnership with the Washington School of Psychiatry, and is based on foundational Jewish values and teachings as well as recent findings in child psychology. The course is designed to get parents to think deeply about their role as parents and equip them with the tools they need to raise responsible, independent and emotionally-secure children. In The Art of Parenting, we scale the challenges that face parents and explore timeless insights from Jewish wisdom to instill values, foster independence, and ensure the long-term success and emotional well-being of our children. The Art of Parenting will take place over six sessions beginning Wednesday, January 28 at 7:30 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. It will be taught by Rabbi Mendy Bukiet. The cost of $75 includes textbooks. The Jewish Learning Institute is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. The Art of Parenting is accredited for up to 15 CE credits by the American Psychological Association, the American Council for Continuing Medical Education, the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, and the National Board for Certified Counselors, through a joint sponsorship of the Washington School of Psychiatry and the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute.

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11A

Tidewell Hospice reaccredited by NIJH

idewell Hospice received reaccreditation from The National Institute of Jewish Hospice (NIJH) at its annual conference (November 20, 2014) at the Renaissance Hotel, Newark International Airport in Newark, New Jersey. Tidewell earned its initial accreditation in 2006 and has been reaccredited every year since. NIJH is the national accrediting organization for hospice programs and organizations across the country caring for the Jewish terminally ill. Tidewell has always cared for Jewish patients and provided emotional support for their families. The accreditation links Tidewell with NIJH, allowing Tidewell to access staff train-

ing, updates on new Jewish insights in treating Jewish terminally ill, and aid in answering questions on Jewish customs and practices. Tidewell is one of approximately 60 hospices nationwide accredited by NIJH. Tidewell cares for more than 8,000 patients and their families annually in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. Offices are located in Arcadia, Bradenton, Englewood, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Sarasota and Venice. For information about Tidewell Hospice, please call 855.843.3935 or visit www.tidewell.org. For information about NIJH, call 800.446.4448 or visit www.nijh.org.

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NOTE: To be publicly acknowledged in The Jewish News, Honor Cards require a minimum $10 contribution per listing. You can send Honor Cards directly from www.jfedsrq.org. For more information, please call 941.552.6304.

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12A

January 2015

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jewish Housing Council Foundation’s Keeping the Dream Alive event most successful ever B y C arlene C obb

he Jewish Housing Council Foundation’s fourth annual Keeping the Dream Alive dessert reception on November 12 at Michael’s On East was a great success, attended by 300 guests. The event surpassed fundraising goals to benefit the Benevolent Care Program. This program helps qualified residents of Kobernick House and Anchin Pavilion stay in their homes when they outlive their resources. Kobernick House resident Irving Bashevkin offered a matching funds challenge, as he did last year. This year he also led

a campaign among residents of the Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson campus, and they exceeded that fundraising goal, as well. “I want people to remember that, in our tradition, we take care of our neighbors,” Bashevkin says. Special thanks to Premier Sponsors Debbie and Larry Haspel, KBR Foundation, Susan and Randy Mallitz, and Presenting Sponsors Isabel Anchin Becker and Gulf Coast Community Foundation for their steadfast commitment to the Jewish Housing Council Foundation and the Kobernick-

CEO Heidi Brown, Joe Bornstein, Sharyn Nassau

Anchin-Benderson campus residents. All event sponsors are greatly appreciated for their continued support. The Keeping the Dream Alive re-

ception was chaired by Anne Garlington and Sally Yanowitz. Entertainment was provided by Sarasota Opera.

Anne Garlington and Susi Steenbarger

Larry and Debbie Haspel

Arline Levine, Irving Bashevkin, Scott Anderson

Photos copyright Cliff Roles Photography

Randy Benderson and Sally Yanowitz

Temple Beth El Bradenton’s Annual Dinner Dance honors Dr. Irving Zamikoff

J s

B y Sandy C lark

ne of the most meaningful passages in the Old Testament is in Chapter 29 of Proverbs: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Dr. Irving Zamikoff brings vision and purpose to our temple life and therefore assures that our journey is meaningful and successful. He has never refused a challenge to better the goals of our community and is tire-

less in his efforts to put a meaningful face on Temple Beth El for the wider community to view. He has produced a successful interfaith community Seder, and the Annual Downtown Hanukkah Menorah Lighting ceremony. He is a consummate professional who brings passion and compassion to his work. One of the early members of Temple Beth El, he has never failed to answer the call when his help has been

needed. It is such a pleasure to honor Irving for his devotion to us at our Annual Membership Dinner Dance on Saturday, February 14 at Renaissance on 9th. All are welcome to be part of this wonderful evening. To receive the information packet, call the temple office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Dr. Irving Zamikoff

JFCS celebrates successful outreach for Solutions to Senior Hunger B y Sheri Weiss, D irector of V olu nteer Servi ces and C ommu nity O u treach

n 2014, JFCS announced that we were 1 of 13 Association of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies (AJFCA) nationwide to participate in Solutions to Senior Hunger (SSH). Solutions to Senior Hunger, a partnership with the AJFCA and MAZON, is a national initiative designed to alleviate food insecurity and improve nutrition among low-income seniors by reduc-

ing the barriers that keep seniors from enrolling in a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This new initiative is generously funded by the Walmart Foundation. We are pleased to report that through more than 20 outreach events, we have provided over 1,500 seniors (60 years and older) with SNAP information, and processed applications for

at least 47 individuals. An eligible senior can receive between $16-$194 per month based on income and allowable deductions. In Florida, some 731,000 seniors struggle with hunger and many are unaware of SNAP benefits or do not realize their eligibility. We could not have done this without the help of our dedicated volunteers (and staff)! Numerous volunteers

helped with outreach by attending events, posting information, and educating the community. Volunteers also helped with pre-screening and processing eligible applications. JFCS wishes to thank our volunteers and is proud of our ongoing participation in this program. For more information, please contact me at sweiss@JFCS-Cares.org.

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The Jewish News is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

January 2015

COMMUNITY FOCUS

13A

Freund Scholar-in-Residence and Rabbi Michael Werbow Installation

he Dr. William and Judith Freund Scholar-in-Residence Weekend and Rabbi Michael Werbow Installation will take place at Temple Beth Sholom on January 2325. Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson will speak during the 7:00 p.m. Friday evening Shabbat services on “The Challenges and Future of Conservative Judaism.” During the 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning services, Rabbi Art-

Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson

son will discuss “Almighty? No Way! Learning to Embrace the God We Actually Love.” On Saturday evening, Rabbi Werbow’s Installation and Havdalah will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by a formal dinner and gala with entertainment by Double Vision at 6:30 p.m. Rabbi Artson, the 2015 Freund Scholar-in-Residence, is a renowned author, speaker and Dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University. He holds a B.A. from Harvard University and was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary. A charter member of the Society for the Study of Judaism and Science, Rabbi Artson’s scholarly interests include Jewish philosophy and theology, particularly a “process approach integratRabbi Michael Werbow

ing contemporary scientific insights from cosmology, quantum physics, evolutionary theory and neuroscience to a dynamic view of God, Torah, Mitzvot and ethics.” Rabbi Michael Werbow, the new spiritual leader of Temple Beth Sholom, is a friend and former student of Rabbi Artson. Rabbi Werbow’s interest in Judaism was sparked in his youth as an active member of USY. He holds degrees in Special Education and Jewish Education and was ordained at the American Jewish University. He was previously the rabbi at Congregation Beth Shalom in Pittsburgh. These services and educational programs are free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of the Dr. William and Judith Freund Scholar-inResidence Fund. Advance reservations and couvert are required for the Saturday evening Installation Gala. This event is co-chaired by Donna Newman and Dr. Michael Katz. Please contact the temple at 941.955.8121 for more information.

JFCS Jewish Healing Program seeks volunteers

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B y Su z anne Hu rwitz , M SW, Je wish Healing P rogram C oordinator & Sheri Weiss, D irector of V olu nteer Servi ces and C ommu nity O u treach

t is a time of uncertainty in our communities and throughout the world. How do we stay positive in light of all that we witness? How do we keep our lives stable, content and secure with so much negativity? For one volunteer with the Jewish Healing Program of JFCS of the Suncoast, this uncertainty is one factor that drives his volunteerism. He states: “I volunteer because I don’t have much control over the big issues we face. I can’t do much to solve the hunger crisis, cure Ebola, end wars, or stop sexual

assaults, but I feel, perhaps, to some extent, because of what I do through JFCS, I can have some impact and can make a difference in someone’s life. To me, that’s what life is all about.” The Jewish Healing Program has volunteer opportunities for everyone. Friendly Visitors are matched and visit with an isolated individual once a week. A wonderful friendship usually develops, benefitting both the client and the volunteer. Much is to be learned from one another; two different individuals who always find they have

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more in common than not. Religious Outreach Volunteers lead Shabbat services at senior facilities once a month. Currently, volunteers work in ten facilities, but we have requests for several more. No experience is necessary, and booklets and CDs with Shabbat blessings, songs and readings are used. Similarly, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, Chanukah celebrations and Passover Seders at nearly thirty senior facilities keep our volunteers busy and engaged! Other Jewish Healing Program volunteers conduct weekly rounds at hospitals visiting Jewish patients, provide prison ministry, and serve as Telephone Pals. The Jewish Healing Program at JFCS wants to challenge our community. One hour a week is all that is needed to be the bright spot in someone’s life. One hour per month is all that is needed to bring Jewish traditions and spirituality to those who can no longer attend temple. Let 2015 be your year of volunteerism. To become a volunteer or for more information, please contact Suzanne Hurwitz, Jewish Healing Program Coordinator, at 941.366.2224 x166 or at shurwitz@jfcs-CARES.org.

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January 2015

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Temple Emanu-El families “Give Back” for Thanksgiving at All Faiths Food Bank

emple Emanu-El parents, grandparents and children gathered at All Faiths Food Bank on November 16 for their fifth annual Thanksgiving season mitzvah project. Under the guidance of All Faiths Food Bank Volunteer Coordinator Fran Talley, about 50 Temple Emanu-El volunteers sorted donated nonperishables, broke down boxes, and bagged fresh produce to benefit the hungry of Sarasota and DeSoto counties. By the end of the event, Temple Emanu-El members had provided 3,300 much-needed meals. Families expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back. “Cooper and I really enjoyed the experience,” said Dori Zingmond, who volunteered with her sixth-grade son. “Cooper loved packing up the produce. We also loved the camaraderie. And most of all,

to participate in this special mitzvah of helping people in need made it a wonderfully rewarding experience!” “Jordan was amazed at how much we did with so many of us helping,” commented Jeff Cohen of his daughter, age 11. “She also decided that she’s going to volunteer at the food bank when

Temple Emanu-El Religious School students Jayme Rudd and Riley Silva carry empty boxes to be broken down

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but impart meaning.” he Music Committee of the When the committee meets, memSarasota Jewish Chorale is a vibers make their selections from nutal part of the group. This group merous pieces that have come to their has the main responsibility of choosattention. Some, a member may have ing the music for the Chorale to sing. heard or sung in their home comThe Chorale performs at many venues, munity and bring for consideration. including temple events, interfaith proMany come from Zamir, a summer grams, assisted living residences and music festival, where new composers nursing homes. Therefore, the choice and new compositions are of music is critical presented. The committee for each performance, also reviews its own reperbased on the audience toire to see what might be who will hear it. presented again. Then the There has been selections are given to their much Jewish music conductor, Linda Stewart composed in the last Tucker, for her perusal and few decades that ofapproval. Other members fer a wealth of opof the committee are Arlene tions. Sandra Evans, Stolnitz, chair, Rivka Chata member of the comman and Brenda Lederman. mittee, points out that Sandra Evans When all the music has a song has to meet a been chosen, the last step is to order number of requirements. Foremost, is and distribute the pieces to the memthe composition suitable for the chobers. Often, some choices are no longer rus to perform? Next, does the song in print and are difficult to find, making have the right “Jewish flavor that the committee search them out. will please some audiences where the The Chorale rehearses most Thurschorus may perform? She goes on to day nights from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the explain, “We look at newer versions of Hecht Building (580 McIntosh Road, old familiar songs, yet we also like to Sarasota), courtesy of The Jewish introduce songs not heard before, those Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. that have either Jewish content or are For booking information, please suitable for a wider audience. We secall Phyllis Lipshutz at 941.924.6717. lect songs that are not only entertaining

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All Faiths Food Bank Volunteer Coordinator Fran Talley sorts food with Temple Emanu-El Religious School student Shelby Savitz

B y Stan L evi nson, C ommander

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UP TO

it comes time for her Bat Mitzvah.” “We are lucky enough to know that we will have a big meal for Thanksgiving and several festive meals for Hanukkah,” concluded Dr. Uzi Baram, who volunteered with his sons. “But before we start preparation for the holidays, it is great that Temple EmanuEl organizes a trip to All Faiths Food Bank so that our children live the famous saying of Rabbi Hillel: ‘ If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?’” For more information about family mitzvah projects at Temple Emanu-El, please call 941.379.1997.

ttention A ll U .S . A rmed Forces V eterans: It has come to my attention that there are several misconceptions regarding Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Sarasota Post 172, and I would like to address two of these now. First, if you served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserve, you are a veteran. As long as you were honorably discharged, you are eligible to become a member of Sarasota Post 172. Second, even though JWV Post 172 was chartered by the National Jewish War Veterans organization as “Sarasota Post 172,” you need not reside in Sarasota County to become a member. In fact, I encourage anyone within a 30to 45-minute drive to attend a meeting

of our Post. Our meetings are held on the third Sunday of each month, from October through April, at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. We have moved the start time for beginning the brunch portion (lox, bagels and all the extras) of the meeting to 9:45 a.m., followed by a short business meeting and a guest speaker. We usually finish by noon, and there is always time for chatting afterwards. Wives and significant others are encouraged to attend all meetings. The next meeting for Post 172 will be on Sunday, January 18. Check the Jewish Happenings section of this paper for additional information and specifics. If you have any questions, please contact me at stanlevinson172@gmail. com or 941.907.6720.

Kehillah of Lakewood Ranch’s Community Social Action

ehillah of Lakewood Ranch congregants volunteered at the All Faiths Food Bank on November 16, sorting five large bins of diverse food items into individual food categories. Each category, such as canned vegetables or canned fish, was then packed in cartons for distribution within the community. Fran Talley, Volunteer Coordinator of All Faiths Food Bank, stated that the Kehillah “packaged enough food for over 3,200 meals to serve the community.” This included food pantries, soup kitchens, schools, and programs offering hunger relief. The Kehillah of Lakewood Ranch also participates monthly in providing green bean casseroles to the Salvation Army, as well as collecting food for the

kosher food pantry at Jewish Family & Children’s Service. If you would like to participate in KLWR’s Community Social Action, please call Marilyn Abrams at 941.281.2587 or email kehillahoflake woodranch@gmail.com. All are welcome to join in these very worthwhile mitzvot.

Ellen Honig, Brenda Schimmel and Anne Schimberg pack food in cartons for the community

January 2015

COMMUNITY FOCUS

15A

Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch celebrates ten-year anniversary with Community Torah Dedication

oing justice to a momentous occasion, Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch completed the Chabad Community Torah on Sunday, November 16 with a truly spectacular event that took place at The Chabad House and commemorated the ten-year anniversary of Chabad. Honored at this special occasion were Dr. Steve & Colleen Shapiro and Mr. Jerry & Judy Zivic for their dedication of the Torah. Up on the main stage, on a specially set-up table, Sofer-Scribe Rabbi Yossi Srugo of Miami Beach carefully supervised members of the Chabad community as they inscribed the last letters of the Torah. That ceremony was in accordance with the Jewish custom that members of the community be honored with writing the final letters of a Torah. “This event is not just about the

“The idea that this is the word writing of the Torah. It signifies a much of God becoming real, when the pen deeper connection prevalent within the hits the paper, is like heaven touching Jewish people,” stated Rabbi Mendy earth,” said Rabbi Mendy. “We take a Bukiet, director of Chabad of Bradenphysical piece of parchment and make ton & Lakewood Ranch. “The most it divine.” important element within the Torah is At the culmination of the event, the unity, and by writing a Torah specifiHebrew School students led a parade cally for the Manatee County Jewish with tiki torches, a chuppah and the community, we are celebrating Jewish Torah, followed by everyone dancing unity and solidarity.” and singing as they paraded across the In addition to viewing the actual process of the Torah writing, there were many other Jewishorientated projects present at the event. Amidst lively music performed by the Mike Eisenstadt Band, participants were offered unique souvenirs that comWomen at the Torah Dedication pose for a photo memorated the event.

Chabad lawn to The Chabad House. It was a moving sight to see the two older Chabad Torahs come to greet the new one as it entered The Chabad House. Afterwards, everyone was invited to a buffet dinner where participants enjoyed delicious catered meats, chicken and more, while Rabbi Mendy, Steve Shapiro and Jerry Zivic addressed the crowd. “Being part of an event where so many Jews from different walks of life have come together to celebrate Jewish unity, makes my heart sing,” stated Chanie Bukiet. “The unifying force generated by the Chabad Torah is truly awesome.” This event was put together by a large committee of over thirty volunteers and organizers who brought to fruition this incredible event.

m h

t . e . -

e -

Children prepare to lead the Torah parade with tiki torches

Steve Weinshel, Steve Shapiro and Mendel Alvarez bring the new Torah together with the older ones into The Chabad House

Lipman family members write in the Torah with the help of the Sofer-Scribe, Rabbi Yossi Srugo

Veterans Shabbat at Congregation Ner Tamid featured special program to help homeless vets

e .

B y R abbi B arbara A iello

rom Asher Levy’s service in 1654 to the present day (that’s 360 years!), nearly one million Jews have served in the U.S. military. Their service was honored, along with the work of Lieutenant Colonel (ret) eCarol Barkalow, a 1980 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and featured speaker at eCongregation Ner Tamid’s Veterans Shabbat. e Lt. Col. Barkalow began her military career as a member of the first West Point class to admit women and concluded her service with a tour of duty in the Middle East during Desert Storm. But it was Barkalow’s current efforts that held the Bradenton congregation spellbound. In 2013, Carol co-

one of her clients, a homeless, elderly founded Heaven on Earth for Veterans, Vietnam vet who spent years living Inc., an organization whose mission is to provide safe, affordable, furnished under a bridge in St. Petersburg, found living quarters to military veterans who have no place to live. “We give veterans a soft place to land,” said Barkalow, who recounted how she and her partner mortgaged their own home several times so that they could purchase dilapidated and derelict houses, real handyman specials. “We refurbished them and offered them fully furCongregation Ner Tamid Board President Elaine Mittler (center) nished to homeless vets.” presented a check from the congregation to Heaven on Earth for Barkalow shared how Veterans co-founders Sheila Mutascio and Lt. Col. Carol Barkalow

Heaven on Earth for Veterans. “He lived in his own home for several years,” said Barkalow, who recalled how, when his time had come, he passed away in a warm bed surrounded by other vets. Thanks to Rabbinic Associate Rena Morano, congregants and friends, among them vets and their families, learned more about the Jewish presence in the military with the presentation of “Portraits of Sorrow,” featuring Jewish Americans who died in recent service. The special Shabbat concluded with the “Prayer for the Safety of the American Military Forces,” a special Mishebeirach for wounded and ill soldiers, and the Mourner’s Kaddish in honor of all who lost their lives in service of our country.

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16A

January 2015

COMMUNITY FOCUS

January 2015

JEWISH INTEREST

17A

International Holocaust Remembrance Day B y P au l R . B artrop, P hD

nternational Holocaust Remembrance Day, which will be observed around the world on Tuesday, January 27, is a memorial day for the victims of the Holocaust. It was designated by UN General Assembly Resolution 60/7 on November 1, 2005, after a special session was held earlier that year during which Dr. Paul Bartrop the General Assembly marked the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps and the end of the Holocaust. Resolution 60/7 urges every UN member state to honor the memory of Holocaust victims, and encourages the development of educational initiatives to help prevent future acts of genocide. It condemns all manifestations of religious and racial intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious belief, and rejects all aspects of Holocaust denial. The core of the Resolution’s meaning is to be found in the twin approaches of memory and education: As UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated on January 19, 2008, “The International Day in memory of the victims of the Holocaust is thus a day on which we must reassert our commitment to human rights.” He continued that “We must also go beyond remembrance, and make sure that new generations know this history” in order to be able

to “apply the lessons of the Holocaust to today’s world.” For Jews, it is not inappropriate to ask why, when we have Yom HaShoah in April as a day to commemorate the Holocaust, there is a need for this additional day. My response has always been that Yom HaShoah is a day of Jewish mourning, while International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a day of world commemoration and, hopefully, of a reaffirmation of the commitment expressed in 1945: Never Again. Tragically, of course, that hope has been dashed all too many times, as the cases of Biafra, Cambodia, East Timor, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur and many other places testify. Moreover, a further question can be asked: Why nominate January 27 as the date for such a commemoration? It is fitting that we ask the question this month in particular, as it was 70 years ago, in January 1945, that Auschwitz, the largest Nazi death camp, was liberated by Soviet troops. The symbolic meaning is clear, with nothing less than the defeat of the anti-human ideology of Nazism and, hopefully, the start of a new international regime of respect for humanity. In September 1944, SS leader Heinrich Himmler had already ordered the Auschwitz commandant, Rudolf Hoess, to oversee the camp’s liquidation. When delay threatened and the Soviets drew nearer, Himmler issued another order on November 26 relating to the destruction of Auschwitz. After considerable delays, the complete

The Holocaust: How Could It Have Happened?

International Holocaust Remembrance Day event at FGCU

o commemorate United Nadate of the day by incorporating both tions International Holocaust remembrance and education. Remembrance Day this year, a The foru m will tak e place on panel of students at Florida Gulf Coast Tu esday, Febru ary 3 in the C ohen University will have the C enter, room 247, from 1: 0 opportunity to explore the to 2: 30 p .m . question “The Holocaust: All FGCU students, faculty How Could It Have Hapand staff are welcome to attend. pened?” with Professor Outside guests are also inAlex Alvarez, an intervited to attend, to join with the nationally-renowned and FGCU community in helping award-winning Holocaust to contribute to our understandand Genocide scholar ing of how the Holocaust could from Northern Arizona have happened. Please note Dr. Alex Alvarez University. that those coming from outside The event will be moderated by should obtain a parking permit from Professor Paul Bartrop, Director of the Information Booth at the university FGCU’s Center for Judaic, Holocaust, entrance off Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. and Genocide Studies. FGCU is located at 10501 FGCU Blvd. By scheduling the forum on the S., Fort Myers. FGCU campus during the teaching For more information, email Dr. day, we will be fulfilling the UN manPaul Bartrop at pbartrop@fgcu.edu.

THE CHOSEN: Selected Works From Florida Jewish Art Collectors On view through 3.8.15 This groundbreaking exhibition features works from artists such as George Segal, Louise Nevelson, Alexander Calder, Julian Opie and Hung Liu.

Hung Liu, Yang, 2008, 74 x 74", Jacquard Tapestry From the Collection of the Brody/Brinberg Family ©Hung Liu

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the Russians were so close while the prisoners were marching away that the sounds of battle could be clearly distinguished. They suffered terribly during the forced marches that took them toward the west, and countless numbers perished. Earlier, the gas chambers of Birkenau had been blown up by the SS in an attempt to hide the Nazi crime of mass murder. International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a national event in the United Kingdom, where a day of commemoration had already been in effect since January 27, 2001, well before UN General Assembly Resolution 60/7. In Germany, a “Day of Remembrance for the Victims of National Socialism” had been observed since it was proclaimed on January 3, 1996. It is important to recall that the specific experience of the Jewish people at the hands of Nazism is remembered each January 27 in order to send a universal message: that, despite the horrors of that experience, and despite all that has transpired since then, the ideal of Never Again is still one that is worth pursuing, and that the past and the present are brought together on this day. As seventeenth-century Jewish philosopher Baruch Spinoza wrote, “If you want the present to be different from the past, study the past.” That is the charge being handed to the nations of the world on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It is incumbent on us all to play our part in helping it along. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History and the Director of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. He can be reached at pbartrop@fgcu.edu.

A POWERFUL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY HOLOCAUST, GENOCIDE AND TOLERANCE EDUCATION

MANY INSPIRING SPEAKERS TO CHOOSE FROM INCLUDING:

The Holocaust Speakers Bureau offers teachers a unique opportunity to expand their students’ classroom experience. We have a large number of Holocaust survivors who reside in this community. They are very motivated to visit school children and give their eyewitness accounts of the Holocaust. Also available are speakers who were hidden children, those saved through the “Kindertransport”, resistance fighters, refugees, as well as World War II camp liberators.

HILDE MANDEL PAUL MOLNAR RIFKA GLATZ MARK SOLENT HENRY TENENBAUM

All speakers are authentic to their respective experiences and feel a strong commitment to bring an awareness of the consequences that result when evil is allowed to flourish. They feel privileged and grateful to live in this wonderful country where their voices are being heard. For Booking Contact Anne Stein, Speakers Bureau Coordinator 941.923.6470 • luvhula@gmail.com

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evacuation of the complex was ordered for January 17, 1945. On the 18th, some 22,000 men and women left the camp, and the next day a further 3,500 were evacuated. The earliest date of free contact with Soviet forces was January 22, 1945. When Auschwitz was formally occupied a few days later, there were only 2,819 survivors left. They were about all that remained of a camp complex which at one time could boast a population of possibly two hundred thousand. Sylvia Salvesen, a Norwegian resister who had been incarcerated at Auschwitz, left a graphic testimony of her departure: When the camp was evacuated, “All had to go. Thousands of prisoners were driven along the snow-covered roads by German SS soldiers. There were no doctors, no nurses, no medicine. Those who could not walk were shot. The prisoners walked for three and a half days. Many froze to death, or had their hands and feet frostbitten. Many died from exhaustion.” A Jewish doctor from Hungary, Gisella Perl, expressed her despair at leaving under these circumstances by writing later that “This was not how I imagined it! During the interminable months, waiting for the day of liberation, I had seen myself again and again, leading my fellow-sufferers to freedom. I had seen myself walking ahead of them, laughing, singing songs of freedom, a human being going to meet other human beings with gratitude and dignity, to thank them for our liberation.” That this was not the way she left Auschwitz was a source of disappointment bordering on anguish. The prisoners had been evacuated in the face of Soviet progress;

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For Questions Contact Orna Nissan, Director, Holocaust Education and Israel Programs 941.552.6305 • onissan@jfedsrq.org www.TheJewishFederation.org

18A

January 2015

JEWISH INTEREST

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle 51.

27.

Each one comes from the Prophets Palmach commander Yigal When doubled, sound Mel Blanc made for the Road Runner See 46-Across “Sababa,” e.g. Shekel alternative, once Comedian Kaufman or Samberg Promotes, like an anti-Semitic rumor L.A. Republican congressional candidate Carr who lost Nov. 4 “Gypsy” role 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65.

28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 3. 34. 35. 36. 38. 39.

B y D avi d B enk of, D avi dB enk of@ gmail.c om A cross 1. Acts the schnorrer 5. Author Uris 9. Like wine during the seder’s Ten Plagues 14. First word of a magic phrase adapted from Hebrew 15. Put it in an uzi 16. Place to build a sukkah 17. Koestler’s “Darkness at _ _” 18. Moses Montefiore and Isaiah Berlin Cause of death for Sartre (author 19. of “Anti-Semite and Jew”) Name in the news on August 8, 2000 20. 23. Gives a blessing to 24. “Today” in Ladino 25. Kind of drink a “limonana” is 26. Word after “hamotzi lechem” 48.

47.

46.

45.

43.

42.

41.

40.

37.

36.

35.

32.

29.

27.

Solu tion on page 27A

Something to do while shuckling Bar mitzvah boy, the next day Shallow part of the Kinneret Wise Wiesel Material for Jewish caskets One of them refers to murder Green and Garfunkel “Faith _ D arkness” (Holocaust book) Bancroft and Roiphe It modifies Orthodox or Nazi “Less ero (Jami Gertz film) Shabbat observers sometimes get a special one for their hot water “ -Devil (1989 film starring 59-Across) Judean town with a palindromic name Org. for Arafat

D own 1. Instrument for bluegrass musician Eric Weissberg 2. One version of a JPS title 3. Q uality that might make you say “Blech” 4. Successful Freud patient 5. _ H ara (evil speech) 6. Gilda Radner character Litella 7. Casspi of the NBA 8. Schnozz 9. Warner Brothers mouse Gonzales voiced by Mel Blanc 10. Abba in Acapulco 1 1. Something sold at Sears 12. “Glee” city in Ohio 13. “__ e xtent” (a bissel) 21. Jewish philosopher from Alexandria 2. Echoed David’s flock 26. Many Facebook employees use them

4. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53.

54.

5. 56.

Bagel choice An etrog’s is thick Home st. for Al Franken Join a game of dreidel Suffix for Jewish Getz with a saxophone “Wish You Were _” (Jewish Museum program) Gershwin’s “Hang _ M e” Lazarus of “The New Colossus” Milk portrayer in a biopic He argued with Affleck about Islam Seder substance Footwear for Eilat Something to do to the ark to let people sit down Implement for some Biblical capital punishments “Klinghoffer” is a controversial one Billy Joel plays it Jonathan Sacks and others One way to order pastrami Latke alternative in potato preparation Iran is Hezbollah’s Where you can find Faye Kellerman’s photo on her hardback books “What is crooked will not be _ to be straightened...” (Ecclesiastes 1:15) Third Reich greeting Way up Mt. Hermon

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January 2015

JEWISH INTEREST

19A

A spellbinding investigation of a terrorist act, its causes, costs and consequences B y P hilip K . Jas on, S pecial to The Jewish News The Bus on Jaffa Road: A Story of Middle East Terrorism and the Search for Justice, by Mike Kelly. Lyons Press. 320 pages. Hardcover $26.95.

hen two young American Jews living in Israel, Sara Duker and Matthew Eisenfeld, boarded the Number 18 bus in Jerusalem, their immediate plans to visit Petra in Jordan disappeared. Their likely future as husband and wife vanished, as did the careers they were preparing for. Along with twenty-four other passengers, Phil Jason they were killed by a suicide bomber who got on this bus shortly after they did. The tragic, senseless deaths of Sara and Matthew reshaped the lives of their parents and siblings. Loss and reshaping are central themes in journalist Mike Kelly’s brilliant telling of the short-term and longer-term story: what led to this horror, what were its consequences, what is its meaning, and what hope regarding the possibilities for peace and healing does it destroy or inspire. Using his wide range of resources and interviews superbly, Mike Kelly provides us with a strong sense of what exceptional people Sara and Matthew were. Matt was taking courses at the Schechter Institute as part of his rabbinical studies. Sara was busy working in a microbiology lab and planning to

do graduate studies in environmental ing during the Clinton administrascience. They were both high-level tion. achievers with much to contribute. The concept: make the With fewer, and yet abundant refunders and advocates of such sources, Kelly takes us into the acterrorist acts suffer financially tions and mind of Hassan Salameh, as a way of discouraging further the bomb maker and organizer for this such acts. Provide those awarded and other suicide bombings. Once arthe judgments resources to take rested, Salameh spoke extensively and further political actions. matter-of-factly about his activities, The problem: enforcing and his conversations were recorded. payment, an objective underHe wished to be sentenced to death mined by other political goals of the – a rarity in Israel – but he had to acClinton White House. cept the harsher punishment of a life Sara’s mother Arline (her father sentence (technically, many many life had died when Sara was eleven with sentences). two younger sisters) and the Eisenfelds Salameh always were already bonded. Steclaimed his motive phen Flatow became part was to thwart Israel’s of their emotional famoccupation of Palesily and their mentor and tine, not murder indiexemplary figure through vidual people. It was the years of struggling just their bad luck to to shape public opinion be in the way. He beand government policy to lieved his actions to bring about significant acbe sanctioned by the tion. After Flatow’s case is Koran and Allah. successful, Arline and the A major part of Eisenfelds initiate a simithe book closely exlar one that is also sucMike Kelly amines the path tocessful. ward finding some kind of justice for Kelly’s exploration of the legal the bereaved. This pursuit was initipersonalities, especially the presidated by Stephen Flatow, the father of ing judge and the lawyers making the a young woman who perished in a cases against Iran, is finely crafted and suicide attack almost a year before suspenseful. So is his portrayal of the the Number 18 bus incident that killed emotional roller coaster the plaintiffs Sara and Matthew. This storyline covendure. ers many years, and ends with a victory of sorts in which the absent defendant – Iran – was fined an astronomical sum in a civil trial that tests a very special piece of legislation that came into be-

It is inevitable that readers will encounter famous names in a book that uses its key figures to represent important historical dynamics on the bumpy road toward possible peace. Sketches of Yassar Arafat and other Palestinian leaders, Hassan Salameh’s collaborators, and several high-profile Israeli leaders amplify the Bus 18 story. So do the appearances of U. S. government leaders like Senator Frank Lautenberg and multi-task upper echelon Clinton official Stuart Eizenstat. Mike Kelly’s skill, besides digging into so much material and amplifying our knowledge base through his own interviews, is in mastering it all and weaving such a tight fabric of understanding elegantly expressed. One could say that this is just a great book about a suicide bombing. Or one could say this a great book about everything that is touched by a suicide bombing – by all the suicide bombings. Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, Southern Literary Review, and other publications. Please visit Phil’s website at www.philjason.wordpress.com.

K’zohar Ha-Ivrit Reshit – Beginning B y D r. R achel Z ohar D u lin

he year 2015 of the secular calendar has begun. This calendar received its final form in the year 1582 by Pope Gregory the 13th after multiple changes through many years. January is named to honor the two-faced Roman god Janus who guarded the heavenly gates of Rome. It is possible that the two faces alluded to the past and to the future, to the year that ended and the year about to begin. The HeDr. Rachel Dulin brew word for beginning is reshit. This is an interesting word, used in the Hebraic culture in several meanings. In honor of the new year, let us examine the word reshit and its many uses. In the Bible, reshit is mentioned over fifty times. It means beginning,’ ‘ inception,’ ‘ outset,’ ‘ commencement,’ choice,’ first action,’ first fruit’ and ‘ best.’ It is derived from the word rosh, which also has multiple meanings. Rosh means ‘ head,’ ‘ leader,’ ‘ summit,’ ‘ beginning,’ ‘ section,’ ‘ principle,’ ‘ foundation’ and more. Reshit can be either a noun or an adverb depending on context. Most notably, reshit connected to the preposition be, meaning ‘ in,’ forms the adverb be-reshit, a word which launches the Hebrew Bible (Gen 1:1). Not all scholars agree as to the exact translation of the word, but be-reshit is usually translated ‘ in the beginning,’ pointing to the genesis of the cosmos. The word be-reshit appears four more times in the Text, all in the Book of Jeremiah (26:1; 27:1; 28:1; 49:34). Here it is used in an historical context, referring to the onset of the reigns of kings

Yehoiakim and Zedekiah, and it means ‘ the start of.’ There are a few idiomatic phrases where be-reshit is used to indicate either ‘ genesis’ or ‘ original placement.’ First and foremost, or as we say in Hebrew reshit kol, we should mention the term ma-a-seh be-reshit, ‘ the act of genesis’ or ‘ cosmogony,’ referring to God’s creation of the universe (Chagi-gah 2:1). In that wondrous universe, mi-be-reshit, ‘ from the onset,’ God created Cha-yot be-rashit, ‘ the primordial animals,’ and placed them in Ye-ar-ot be-reshit, ‘ the primeval forests.’ Moreover, the term Chatan Bereshit is used to indicate the first reader of Torah on Simchat Torah, and Shabbat Be-reshit is the Shabbat in which the reading of Torah begins anew, from Be-reshit. We should also mention the term reshit chokh-mah, literally first wisdom’ (Ps 111:10) and colloquially ‘ to begin with’ or first condition.’ Lastly, in modern literature we find the term anshai be-reshit, literally ‘ the people of the beginning,’ used as an honorary title for the first ionist pioneers in Israel. We will end our short survey with the biblical proverb reshit chokh-mah k’neh chokh-mah, literally ‘ The beginning of wisdom is - acquire wisdom’ (Prv 4:7), meaning, the first step towards becoming wise is to imbibe the teaching of wisdom even before understanding and acting upon them. As we welcome the year 2015, let me, mi-be-reshit, ‘ from the onset,’ wish all our readers a happy and healthy year. Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin is a professor of biblical literature at Spertus College in Chicago and an adjunct professor of Hebrew and Bible at New College in Sarasota.

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20A

January 2015

JEWISH INTEREST

Stars of David

B y N ate B loom, C ontribu ting C olu mnist E ditor’ s note: Persons in B O L D C A P S are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. Father Time People magazine had some egg on its face when it posted (November 30) an obituary of actor K IR K D O U G L A S on its website. Douglas, who turned 98 on December 9, quoted Mark Twain when he spoke to a USA Today reporter on December 1: “The announcement of my death is premature.” The false report created some fairly amusing web chatter. New York Daily News readers’ web comments included, “I am not dead, and I am Spartacus!” and “Hey, Kirk, say hello to Abe Vigoda!” You may recall that A B E V IG O D A (The Godfather and Barney Miller) was reported as dead in a 1982 People article and that a TV reporter repeated the mistake in 1987. Vigoda, now 93, has often joked about his “death” with TV hosts. Meanwhile, hitting the century mark in 2014 were Professor IR WIN C O R E Y , the comedian, (last June) and actor N O R MA N L L O Y D (last November). Just before a big 100th birthday party at a New York actors’ club, Corey told the Daily News: “I hope they give me an 18-year-old girl.” Lloyd, who appeared in several Hitchcock films, is probably best known for playing Dr. Auschlander on the TV show St. Elsewhere. He still plays tennis twice a week and has a biggish supporting role in Trainwreck, a JU D D A P A TO W film that will open in July 2015. HO WIE MA N D E L , 59,

a St. Elsewhere co-star, said: “I love Norman Lloyd. He is a legend. I have spent hours like a little kid while he regaled us with stories of Hitchcock. He teaches, he entertains. He is a legend!” R obert K lein on Jewish Fu nerals Last October, Jay Leno was given the prestigious Mark Twain Award for his comedy career and most PBS stations showed the ceremony in late November. No doubt, it will be repeated several times in 2015 and the ceremony is viewable online. R O B E R T K L E IN , 72, worked in some stand-up shtick as he praised Leno. This bit tickled me: “Jay will never retire. You’ll never see him in Florida with an aluminum thing under his chin. Anyway, I have a beef with Florida. I sent two vital 65-year-old parents to South Florida and 30 years later they were dead! What the hell is going on down there? Anyway, I am feeling my mortality. And I am a few years older than you, Jay, about seven or eight. One thing I am hopeful about. Jews bury quickly. We don’t fool around. No wakes or anything – five showings like in vaudeville. A Jew dies, ‘ Zoom! Into the Ground! ‘ What the hell happened to Irving?’ ‘ He was here a second ago!’ I mean there’s no wasted time. A Jew dies at noon – ‘ Call the relatives in Phoenix! The funeral is at 2!’ There could be some Talmudic philosophic reason. I don’t know. Maybe it’s get on with life. Maybe let’s remember you as

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Interested in Your Family’s History?

T o

Ten years of doing a Jewish celebrities column has turned Nate Bloom (see column at left) into something of an expert on finding basic family history records and articles mentioning a “searched-for” person. During these 10 years, he has put together a small team of “mavens” who aid his research. Most professional family history experts charge at least $1,000 for a full family tree. However, many people just want to get “started” by tracing one particular family branch.

So here’s the deal: Send Nate an email at nteibloom@aol.com, tell him you saw this ad in The Jewish News, and include your phone number (area code, too). Nate will then contact you about doing a “limited” family history for you at a modest cost (no more than $100). No upfront payment. you were. To tell you the truth, the older I get, around my relatives I’m afraid to take a nap lest I be buried prematurely. PJB – Premature Jewish Burial – is a real epidemic thing in America. As a matter of fact, 60 Minutes was going to do a story on it. But MIK E WA L L A C E died and disappeared quickly. Couldn’t find him. Family Fare These two new movies should be in theaters when you read this: Annie is a “re-imagining” of the hit stage musical, and most of the original (1976) Broadway show’s songs are in the re-make. They were penned by MA R TIN C HA R N IN , 80, and C HA R L E S STR O U SE , 86. The new version features three new songs which were co-written by G R E G K U R STIN , 47. The screenplay was written by Emma Thompson, A L IN E B R O SH McK E N N A , 47 (The Devil Wears Prada), and Annie director WIL L G L U C K , 42. Long a TV comedy writer, Gluck broke out of this niche as the director of two “rom-com” hits: Easy A (2010) and Friends with Beneﬁts (2011), which Gluck also co-wrote. His father, P E TE R G L U C K , 73, is a famous architect, and his mother, C A R O L N . G L U C K , also 73, is a

Columbia University history professor who has written about the Holocaust. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb was directed by SHA WN L E V Y , 46. Here’s part of the official’ description of the third and final pic in this series: “When the magic powers of The Tablet of Ahkmenrah begin to die out, Larry Daley (BEN STILLER, 49) spans the globe, uniting his son Nicky (SK Y L E R G ISO N D O , 18), Theodore Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Jedadiah (Owen Wilson)...and a new Neanderthal named Laa (Stiller)…w hile embarking on an epic quest to save the magic.” By the way, Gisondo’s last name comes from his paternal Italian grandfather, who wasn’t Jewish. His other grandparents were Jewish. Gisondo replaced JA K E C HE R R Y , 18, as Nicky.

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JEWISH INTEREST

21A

There is a temple in heaven that is opened only through song (Tikkunei Zohar) B y A rlene Stolnitz

n recent years there has been a renewed interest in Jewish choral music. All across North America, and in countries throughout the world, there has been a revival of interest in Jewish vocal ensembles, synagogue and school choirs, as well as Jewish college campus a capella groups. A great part of this Arlene Stolnitz is due to the work of Maestro Matthew Lazar, of Zamir Choral Foundation, who has been the major impetus of this movement for over 25 years. Each summer, the North American Jewish Choral Festival, an arm of Zamir, attracts hundreds of singers to the Catskill Mountains in New York State. Eager to learn and experience the joys of choral singing, choristers attend a four-day music festival in which a myriad of workshops are presented. Singers are exposed to new music, an understanding of music of Jews in the Diaspora, and the camaraderie that can only take place in a venue which feels a lot like “Jewish Music Camp.” Choral music has always been an

important part of the temple service, going back to ancient times. In the early Israelite religion, choral singing was an integral part of temple worship with musicians and singers who came from the tribe of Levi. In the temple itself there was a choir with instrumental accompaniment. Singers were accompanied by lyre, harp and cymbals. The Mishnah (Ar. 2:6) states that in Jerusalem’s Second Temple, “There were never fewer than twelve Levites standing on the platform [ as a choir] but there was no limit on the maximum number of singers.” The singing of the Levitical choir was a constant accessory to the sacrificial ritual. Music was sung as the daily and special occasion sacrifices were brought to the altar. The earliest evidence of sacred choral singing in ancient Israel is mentioned in the Torah. The story of the Exodus tells of the Israelites bursting into song as they passed through the Sea of Reeds. Who were their conductors? In one interpretation, Moses led the basses and tenors. His sister Miriam, with drum in hand, led the sopranos and altos in song and dance. “I sing to the Lord for he has greatly triumphed, casting chariots and horses into the sea.” (Exodus 15:20-21) There is much speculation as to whether Miriam formed a women’s cho-

rus to sing with the men or separately. With the destruction of the Second Temple, a rabbinical ban on instrumental and vocal music was instituted as a sign of national mourning. “How can we sing the song of God on strange soil” was the sentiment expressed during the Babylonian exile in 586 B.C.E. However, it was a decree that people could not live by. Compromises were made to maintain some symbolic reference to sadness over the destruction of the Temple, such as breaking the glass during a wedding ceremony, while still allowing music to celebrate the joyous occasion. The importance of music as a central part of the religious experience is seen in the fact that the Torah itself is chanted rather than read. It indicates that music always has been a form of deeper communication in Judaic expression. The Hasidim consider the nigun the highest form of musical expression: the wordless tune that expresses the most intense form of prayer. Nowadays, the choir is an integral part of most synagogues, providing beautiful accompaniment to the prayers led by the cantor. Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, has been an active

member of choral groups for over 25 years. Her passion for Jewish choral music has led to this series of articles pertaining to Jewish music as it relates to choral singing. A graduate of the University of Rochester, she is a retired educator from Rochester, New York. In addition to the SJC, she also is a member of Venice’s chorale, Exsultate!, and often performs in other choral groups in the Sarasota-Manatee area.

For a continuously updated community THE UROLOGY TREATMENT CENTER Winston E. Barzell, M.D., FACS EWCOMERS calendar, visit www.jfedsrq.org. Alan R. Treiman, M.D., FACS

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A group for Jewish adults in their 20s-40s living in SarasotaManatee offering chances to MEET, SOCIALIZE and GIVE BACK.

MARCH 21.......... Flicks and Wicks

(Havdalah and a Movie)

APRIL 7.............. Happy Hour @ White Horse Pub MAY 12............... Happy Hour @ Darwin’s on 4th JUNE 9................ Happy Hour @ Louies Modern JULY 14............... Happy Hour @ Daiquiri Deck JULY 25............... YAD Pool Party AUGUST 11.......... Happy Hour @ Patrick’s SEPTEMBER 8...... Happy Hour @ Carmel Café SEPTEMBER 23.... Break Fast Meal OCTOBER 13........ Happy Hour @ Sarasota Wine Club

NOVEMBER 10..... Happy Hour @ Shamrock Pub DECEMBER 8....... Happy Hour @ Cheesecake Factory

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Questions? Contact Len Steinberg 941.552.6301 or lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org

22A

January 2015

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

12 hot apps from Israel

Want to be better organized, make music with distant friends, avoid your ex, socialize your shopping experience? Israelis have made an app for that. B y A bigail K lein L eichman, I SR A E L 21c

ade-in-Israel mobile applications have been changing radically how we get from one place to another (Waze, GetTaxi), share videos and photos (Glide, for example), monitor our health, edu-tain our children, and many other areas of our lives. New apps are popping up all the time. Here are some of the newest blue-and-white apps for business and pleasure. 24m e Forbes recently named 24me as one of “7 Great Apps to Simplify Your Life.” This iOS 8-ready app is touted as a next-generation personal assistant because it not only keeps you on top of your to-do list but also has cool features such as task-management and bill-paying components. (https://www. youtube.com/watch?v= 8PE1KUD_ hZg#t= 11) A ny.d o Any.do is a suite of integrated mobile productivity apps. Its original timemanagement app made the App Store’s “Best Apps of 2012 list and also won Android’s Best App status. Now used by an estimated 10 million people, Any.do allows users to manage daily tasks through voice command or touchscreen. Any.do Moment prompts users to do a daily productivity ritual, while Cal assigns tasks to calendar events and merges to-do items with specific meetings. A reward feature lets users win prizes and coupons for completing tasks. (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v= gPpHp4Yfs_M #t= 43) V ocalR eferences This Android and iOS app offers merchants a set of tools to capture, display and share video and text testimonials from customers to display on their website and on social media, among other platforms. VocalReferences is also available via Yahoo Commerce Central, the Yahoo Small Business Center and Yahoo’s Web Hosting product. Customers giving the testimonials can use

, w ww.i srael21c

.or g

the app to share feedback with friends. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= 7Wj25lKpVf4) Slidely SHO W Billed as a “next-generation personal movie creator,” Slidely’s iOS app allows users to create movies from photos and videos taken directly from their social-media networks and mobile devices. The HD video is created instantly and can be shared via email, SMS, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and WhatsApp, or saved to the mobile device. Features include slow motion or fast motion effects, “shake to shuffle and a movie feed enabling other users’ creations to be viewed, liked and shared. Intimate C ity “Having a great time, wish you were here” has just gotten updated with this mobile app for iOS and Android. Intimate City is a social-media platform for travelers to send personalized virtual postcards and stamps – to be shared publicly or only to select recipients – as well as photo albums and videos. Its proprietary Request for Information (RFI) function is an algorithm that allows members to pose travel-related questions to anyone else using the application. Split Call it the antisocial app. The free iOS and Android app Split uses data

it, change it or decide it’s ready and share it. Trave e When you’re traveling abroad, this free mobile VoIP app for Android lets you make local or international calls at low cost and receive calls for free on your regular phone number, using any type of data connection. Travee works even if the other person does not have the app installed. (https://www.youtube. com/watch?v= S3oLAYK4VqI) G O Tit This shopping app seeks to socialize the experience by letting users discover, buy and share products or services with friends and finding the best deals for those things for one buyer or for a group of buyers. Businesses can use this free app to send offers, respond to reviews or organize customer clubs. A sk em Can’t decide which shoes to buy? Need fast advice about a relationship? Looking for a restaurant recommendation or a statistic? Askem lets you upload photos or create real-time short videos asking interactive questions – textual or numeric – to share with friends. You can receive up to five pop-up answers. Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior to moving to Israel in 2007, she was a specialty writer and copy editor at a daily newspaper in New Jersey and has freelanced for a variety of newspapers and periodicals since 1984.

allows users to hide their location from others. N ok N ok This app has been evolving since it was introduced a couple of years ago as a way to make free calls and then to identify callers visually. Its newest function enables Android or iOS users to see how callers identify them in their contact lists, initiate an anonymous chat with that person and “manage their reputation” by requesting to be named in a different way. Last summer, NokNok reached the No. 1 spot in Apple’s App Store in Israel and No. 3 in the Google Play Store. Now it also has an “incognito” button for group chats. C amera51 This camera app for Android devices guides users to take better photos with the help of a complex algorithm that identifies and analyzes objects, faces, shapes, lines and scenes, and provides real-time directions for camera position, focus and exposure. It takes the traditional rules of composition into account, and offers features such as auto framing auto composition, selfie guidance, and manual and multi object selection. (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v= pqaTlxUSRYw) P anStage This social recording app lets users create, record and play music together. Meant for singers and instrumentalists alike, PanStage also allows you to choose who joins your recording. Play

Split - An antisocial app

gathered from social-network updates and check-ins to help users avoid anyone they don’t want to bump into. Users log on to Facebook and select people from their social network they prefer not to meet (exes, bosses, etc.). The app sends an alert when the selected people are nearby and shows a route on a map to avoid them. Split also

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Additional Information: Jeremy Lisitza at the Jewish Federation, 941.343.2113, or missions@jfedsrq.org

• Artistic and cultural explorations of Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Jerusalem, southern Israel, and much more • Thursday, March 19th Opening of Embracing Our Differences Israel Shonim B’Yachad (Different Together) at the Port of Jaffa • Visit Sarasota’s Sister City – Tel Mond • Accommodations at the Royal Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv • Mission Co-chairs: Nancy Roucher and Patti & David Wertheimer

Cost: $3,300 per person land only, double occupancy, single supplement: $1,090 Airfare: On your own or through the Jewish Federation

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Contact Len Steinberg at 941.552.6301 or lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org

In Partnership with Embracing Our Differences, Sister Cities of Sarasota, and Tel Mond

January 2015

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

23A

BRIEFS

ISRAEL SEES SHARP RISE IN TOURISTS FROM ARAB eSTATES

uSince 2009, more than 250,000 Muswlim and Arab tourists have visited Isrrael for religious reasons, business and shopping. 124,000 tourists came from Indon nesia, 81,000 from Jordan, 23,483 from e Malaysia, 6,440 from Morocco, 38 . from Saudi Arabia, 168 from the UAE, 73 from Q atar and 73 from Oman. 13,333 tourists arrived from Egypt, e -including 4,368 since the beginning of 2014. Kuwait announced last month that s it would allow its citizens to visit Israel a eand the PA as part of a tour package owith the government’s approval. (Itamar Eichner, Ynet News)

dAT

ISRAEL’S MIT, ARAB WOMEN (AND MEN) nARE THRIVING

dIsraeli Arabs, women in particular, -have made huge strides over the past -decade at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. Arabs accounted for 21% of unp dergraduates at the Technion in 2014, dwhich is the same as their share of the rpopulation of Israel. Of those students, 48% are female. (Peter Coy, Business Week)

MODI REVIVES INDIAISRAEL TIES AS TERRORISM THREAT GROWS Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is openly boosting ties with Israel, strengthening a relationship that has largely grown outside of the public spotlight over the past two decades. Modi’s public overtures to Israel since his Bharatiya Janata Party won a landslide election in May are bolstering a defense relationship as both countries face threats from Islamic terrorists. The previous Congress-led government kept ties with Israel quiet, partly over concerns it would antagonize Muslim voters. “The relationship is coming out of the closet,” said Sadanand Dhume, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington. “This is unquestionably the most pro-Israel government in India’s history. It’s one of the many signals of a more assertive India and one that takes terrorism very seriously.” India has bought $662 million of Israeli arms since Modi took power six months ago. While the U.S., Russia and European nations are likely to remain In-

dia’s top suppliers of ships or aircraft, Israel’s missile systems, surveillance and ordnance systems are designed for the kind of threats posed by hostile neighbors and terrorists, according to Jon Grevatt, Asia-Pacific defense industry analyst for IHS Jane’s. (Bloomberg)

POLL: 77% OF ISRAELI ARABS PREFER TO LIVE UNDER ISRAELI RULE RATHER THAN PALESTINIAN Seventy-seven percent of Israeli Arabs prefer to live under Israeli rule rather than Palestinian, according to a recent poll by the Statnet research institute headed by Israeli Arab statistician Yousef Makladeh. Of those Arabs who prefer to live under Israeli rule, 70% were Druse, 57% Christian and 49% Muslim. Of those that preferred to live under the PA, 2% were Druse, 5% Christian, and 18% Muslim. (Ariel Ben Solomon, Jerusalem Post)

CHINESE, RUSSIAN LENDERS TO BACK ISRAELI ONLINE TRADING COMPANY

Chinese financial powerhouse Ping An and Russia’s largest lender Sberbank are in advanced discussions to back Israeli online trading company eToro. As part of the move, eToro is expected to expand operations into China and Russia. Ping An Ventures, the venture investment arm of China’s largest financial conglomerates, last November launched a $100 million fund dedicated to investing in U.S.-Israel technology companies. eToro, founded in 2007, enables retail traders to invest and share information about their trades, performance and strategies online, as on Twitter. The company has four million users in 170 countries. (Anna Irrera and Orr Hirschauge, Wall Street Journal)

BLACKLISTING OF PRO-ISRAEL WATCHDOG NGO MONITOR BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Former AP journalist Matti Friedman’s article for Tablet this past summer about how the media frames the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians provides a rare insider perspective from someone who actually worked for a major media company’s Jerusalem bureau. Friedman is back with an

even more revealing article in The Atlantic. He ruminates about how many Israel correspondents act not as objective journalists, but as part of a class of mostly foreign elites who have taken up the Palestinian cause. The Associated Press, according to Friedman, actually banned its journalists from interviewing Gerald Steinberg, an American-Israeli professor who runs the watchdog organization NGO Monitor out of Jerusalem. “In my time as an AP writer moving through the local conflict, with its myriad lunatics, bigots and killers, the only person I ever saw subjected to an interview ban was this professor.” Steinberg and NGO Monitor are huge players in the debate over the role NGOs play in the IsraelPalestinian conflict, and have been particularly effective in revealing how many NGOs in both Israel and the territories that are hostile to Israel’s existence receive the bulk of their funding from European governments. I’ve been following NGO Monitor for years, and have yet to see the organization tell any lies or make any significant errors, which is much more than one can say for, e.g., Human Rights Watch and other anti-Israel organizations routinely relied upon by the media as objective sources. (David Bernstein, professor at George Mason University School of Law, Washington Post)

ISRAELI SATELLITES SEE EVERYTHING AT ANY TIME Israel’s Ofek-10 satellite, launched into orbit in April, is the second generation (TecSAR-2) of radar pay-load satellites manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). SAR satellites can produce images during the day or night under any weather and visibility conditions. (Ami Rojkes Dombe, Israel Defense)

CHINA TO SEND PANDAS TO HAIFA ZOO The Chinese government has agreed to send a pair of pandas to the Haifa Educational Zoo in Israel. Haifa zoo staff will fly to the

Join the feast! The Resort

at Longboat Key Club A sophisticated dining experience organized, prepared and served by USF Sarasota-Manatee students in the College of Hospitality & Technology Leadership alongside renowned Israeli chef Yaron Azuolay. Tickets $150 each • Tables available

“CHEF YARON LETS HIS CREATIVITY TAKE OVER THE COOKING ANEW EACH TIME”

For more information contact Andrea Stephens at 941.359.4319 or ajstephens@sar.usf.edu The Jewish Federation is a proud sponsor of this event.

U.S. CONGRESS PASSES ISRAEL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BILL

U.S. lawmakers voted Wednesday, December 3, to make Israel a “major strategic partner.” The House unanimously approved the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014, which expands cooperation in defense and security, energy, research and development, business, agriculture, water management and academics. The measure declares Washington’s “unwavering support” for Israel as a Jewish state. The bill passed the Senate unanimously in September. The legislation would expand the U.S. weapons stockpile in Israel by some $200 million in value. It also allows Israel to use the weapons in the event of an emergency, as it did this summer in Gaza. (AFP)

SINO-ISRAELI ECONOMIC TIES BLOSSOMING

The People’s Republic of China and the State of Israel are developing an increasingly integrated bilateral economic partnership that is poised to flourish over the next decade. Bilateral trade surged to $10 billion in 2013, with plans to double that figure in the next few years. Bloomberg named Israel the world’s leading country for R&D intensity and placed China first for manufacturing. Avi Hasson, Israel’s Chief Scientist, noted, “What China needs, we have to offer. We are good at innovation and technology transfer, and they can scale up manufacturing and beyond.” Increasingly, China has turned to Israel to acquire the technology necessary to maximize agricultural output and efficiency, as well as to develop a proficient water purification and reclamation apparatus that can sustain China’s urbanization and economic expansion. (Gregory Noddin Poulin, Diplomat-Japan)

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24A

January 2015

COMMENTARY

Reﬂections on the New Year From the Bimah R abbi Michael Werbow Temple B eth Sholom

’m sure you know that the Jewish people already held their New Year celebration, called Rosh Hashanah, back in September, but that was just one of four New Years recognized by the Rabbis of the Talmud. In the Rabbis’ understanding, Rosh Hashanah, on the first day of the Hebrew month Tishrei, marks the years since creation as well as the years in the reign of a secular king and the years of the Sabbatical and Jubilee cycles. However, Tishrei is known in the Torah as the

seventh month, not the first. This can only mean that other New Years are in play as well. The other dates are the fifteenth of Shevat, the New Year of the trees the first of Nisan, the New Year for our holiday cycles; and the first of Elul, the New Year for counting the age of cattle. Each of these New Years brought along with them the opportunity for us to reflect on different aspects of our lives. While having so many New Years may seem a bit odd, we have a similar structure in our secular calendar as well. January 1 is what we would naturally consider the beginning of our year but it does not stand alone. For many connected with schools, their new year begins in the fall, usually near the beginning of September. In the corporate and non-profit realms, organizations may work on a fiscal year that begins and ends on the 1st of July or some other designated month. All of these new beginnings are

opportunities for us to reflect and look forward. The Hebrew word for beginning is B’reshit, and it is the first word of the Torah. It means “in the beginning.” There is a Midrash that asks, “Why does the story retelling the creation of the world begin with the letter “Bet and not “Aleph, the first letter of the Aleph-Bet?” One answer given is that the “Bet” has the perfect physique for the job. A “ is closed on the top, the right and the bottom, open on the left and has a tail sticking out to the right. The Midrash sees the “Bet” as being open to the future, looking forward (if you are reading in Hebrew). And unlike the “Chaf,” which is also open to the front, the “Bet” has a tail pointing back to the past. This tail signifies that while we are heading forward into the future, we also recognize that we come from somewhere and that the past has implications for us as well. As we engage in celebration on New Year’s Eve, we should all take

some time in our excitement for the future and think about the year that has just passed. We can remember the “Bet” when we are doing our New Year reflections this year. What got us to where we are now? What can we learn from that past that will help guide us to a successful future? It is important not to let reflection slide into obsession about the past. Sometimes, as Timon says in the Disney movie, The Lion King, “You have to put the past behind you.” Remember that the “Bet” only has a little tail sticking out behind him, not a whole leg. Just like the “Bet,” we must use the past to drive us forward into our New Year so that we can be happier, healthier, more compassionate human beings. It is a bonus for us to be able to celebrate the secular New Year in addition to all the others our tradition provides for us. And, of course, if you don’t get it quite right, another New Year is just around the corner.

Deﬁning Israel as a Jewish state B y Moshe P hillips and B enyamin K orn, N ove mber 26, 2014

srael’s cabinet has approved legislation to officially define the country as the nation-state of the Jewish people. This timely measure accomplishes several important goals. It will facilitate peace by encouraging the Arab world to accept Israel’s permanence. It will help forge a sense of unity among the famously diverse and contentious Israeli public. And it will not in any way infringe on the rights of Israel’s Arab citizens and other minorities.

The core obstacle to Arab-Israeli peace has always been the refusal of both Arab regimes and the Palestinian Arab leadership to sincerely accept the permanent existence of a Jewish state. The classic study “Arab Attitudes to Israel” by Prof. Yeshoshafat Harkabi (1921-1994) of Hebrew University, has an entire section called “The Artificiality of Israel.” It describes the widespread conviction among Arab leaders, intellectuals and journalists that the existence of Israel is an aberration, a violation of the natural order of the world, and a contravention of the will of Allah. Harkabi (who, incidentally, was from the political left) sums up the Arab view: “Israel cannot endure, for justice will win in the end…I srael is fated to disintegrate and disappear.” That is why formally defining Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people will send an important message to the Arab world that Israel, the Jewish state is here to stay. If and when the Arabs finally accept this reality, peace will be possible. The new legislation will also contribute to Israel’s own sense of national cohe-

sion. Forged of immigrants from every corner of the globe and from every political and religious orientation, this “ingathering of exiles” is also notorious for the vehement political, cultural and religious arguments among its citizens. While maintaining a vibrant democracy and a free and robust press, so fierce are some of these disputes that doomsayers occasionally issue dire warnings of the danger of social violence, or even of an all-out civil war. Especially in difficult times such as now, when Israel is under incessant attack – whether from rockets in Gaza or guns, knives and firebombs in Jerusalem – it is more important than ever that Israelis reaffirm their common ground. A basic issue on which the overwhelming majority of Israelis can agree is that modern Israel was established to be the nation-state of the Jewish people. Israel, after all, was not created in order to be a purely secular Western state. It has uniquely Jewish features, and most of its citizens want it that way. The Jewish Sabbath is the official day of rest. The national language is Hebrew. The national culture is permeated with Jewish symbols, history and memories. An official definition of Israel as a Jewish state is the natural corollary of this national consensus. It will help bind Israel’s people together in a sense of kinship, fraternity and common national purpose. None of this will in any way impinge on the rights of Arabs and other minorities who are Israeli citizens. Beginning in the 1970s, some Jewish peace activists began urging Israel to

take steps to tone down its Jewish identity. They said it was necessary in order to make Israeli Arabs feel truly equal. They said, for example, that the national anthem, “Hatikvah (The Hope),” should be changed because its lyrics speak of “the Jewish soul yearning” for the Land of Israel. They said that the Law of Return should be abolished, because it gives Jews alone the privilege of receiving automatic citizenship upon immigrating to Israel. Well, those who predicted the ever-increasing alienation of Israel’s minorities have been proven wrong. Israeli minorities have made enormous strides in real, practical ways that are far more significant than the anthem or the citizenship law. Today, an Israeli Arab sits on the Supreme Court, Israeli Arabs and Druze serve as Israeli diplomats abroad, a Druze colonel commands an elite division of the Israeli army, and a Bedouin Arab is slated to become one of its tank commanders, another first. An Israeli Arab woman was named Miss Israel – and that was back in 1999. “Hatikvah” and the Law of Return did not hold them back. And neither will defining Israel as a Jewish state. To facilitate the chances for peace and to advance the cause of national unity – while continuing to respect the equal rights of non-Jewish Israelis – it’s time to call Israel what it really is, and was always meant to be: the nation-state of the Jewish people. Moshe Phillips and Benyamin Korn are members of the board of the Religious Zionists of America.

Your

TRADITIONS We’re All About You.

January 2015

COMMENTARY

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Suicide Nation: Competing pathologies in the State of Israel B y B randon Marlon, N ove mber 1 1, 20

ith this Third Intifada (2014-?) overtly underway, the bleeding season is once again in full swing in Israel. Jews are being murdered in increasingly resourceful ways by Palestinian Arabs manifesting their insatiable bloodlust. But it is Israel’s own pathology that enables the Arabs’ pathology. Truth be told, Israel is reaping what it repeatedly sows. Through its pathologically suicidal altruism, Israel became a Lemming Nation, a state that self-immolates. Common sense is seemingly unknown, and the slow bleed ensues. What is normal in Israel is patently abnormal elsewhere. The real tragedy is Israel’s evident resignation and complacency in the face of avoidable horrors – horrors that are not and would not be tolerated in any other civilized country on earth. Superficially, it is mighty tempting to throw up one’s arms and surrender to fatalism. After all, death-obsessed Arabs are taking advantage of lifeobsessed Jews. Same old story for the millionth time. They know and exploit our Achilles heel. They will never change, and we never should. “It is what it is.” All that remains is to join the growing ranks of the resigned. Yet resignation to the situation must be fervently resisted for the contemporary reality to ever improve. Jews are not helpless, and need not be pathetic. For the first time in almost two millennia, the Jewish people have a nation-state, the Middle East’s strongest military, internal and external security services, a border police force, and a national police service. If we are incompetent, impotent, and inept in spite of all this… then undoubtedly we are the masters of our own demise. Looking at the current measures against terrorists reveals a nonsensical strain in Israeli cognition. Actions result from an aberration in critical thinking. Presently, terrorists’ houses are demolished, but houses do not commit acts of terror; terrorists are released by the hundreds to seduce the Palestinian Arabs into “peace” negotiations, an absurd and lethal initiative to any sane mind; and wounded terrorists are

14 treated in Israeli hospitals by the same people the terrorists were in the process of murdering, a farcical proposition stranger than fiction. Startlingly, Israel aids and abets its own piecemeal dismantling, and this is due to a dearth of clearheaded thinking and a surplus of misapplied good intentions. What can be done to cure Israel’s lame-duck pathology and heal the seeping flesh wounds? Are there concrete measures that might stem the tide, or even reverse the trend? With a touch of common sense, much can be achieved. Anything would be better than the status quo. Here are just a few policy changes that might have a tremendous impact: 1) The Death Penalty for Terrorists: If they elude summary justice on site, terrorists who survive their missions ought to be held to account and made to pay the ultimate price. Only in Palestinian Arab culture, where murderers are “martyrs,” would this be no deterrent, but justice would be served, there would be no chance of released terrorists terrorizing anew, and hosting terrorists in jails on the taxpayer’s shekel would be a thing of the past. 2) A Law against Releasing Terrorists: The Knesset should pass a law without delay stipulating that no Israeli government or court can effect the release of convicted terrorists, with or without blood on their hands. Surprising as it may be, terrorists sprung from their cells in “goodwill gestures” do not go into real estate or embark on teaching careers. They terrorize at their soonest possible convenience, undeterred by capture, confident in the likelihood of being released in the near future. Stopping the revolving door for terrorists is basic; allowing it to whirl is imbecilic. 3) Draconian Laws against Arab Incitement to Violence: Any Arab television channel, radio station, school, organization or individual fomenting unrest and inflaming others with calls for terrorism, murder, rock-throwing or violence of any kind ought to be subjected to stiff laws designed to counteract such incitement. The promoters and promulgators of terrorism need to feel the full brunt of the law: media

Palestinian Arabs regularly clear their schedules for a satisfying Day of Rage; Israelis should regularly clear their heads for a salutary Moment of Clarity. It would be a historic tragedy for the Jewish people to squander the miracle of the State of Israel. With the way things are going, though, Israel is fixedly on course toward garnering the inglorious epitaph of “Death by Excessive Restraint.” By holding Palestinian Arabs to no standard, let alone low standards, the world infantilizes them. But the hypocritical world can afford to do so, because its nations do not have to experience Palestinian Arabs as neighbors and suffer from their murderous psychosis. Israel cannot afford the luxury of holding the Palestinian Arabs unaccountable. Meekness in the face of aggressive terrorism kills. It is immoderate and unreasonable to assist your enemies in their work of destroying you, to understate. An active and determined approach to counter-terrorism must resurface amid Israel’s polity and society; the bleeding season will otherwise become a permanent period. Besides, the State of Israel has more than enough admirals of appeasement, captains of capitulation, and sergeants of surrender. What it desperately needs are mature leaders who understand the necessity of a firm hand in times of terror, and who are unafraid to act accordingly. If Israel’s leaders cannot protect Jews, then who can? Brandon Marlon is a Canadian-Israeli author, whose writing has appeared variously in Canada, the U.S., Israel, England and India. His script The Bleeding Season won the 2007 Canadian Jewish Playwriting Competition, and he is the author of Inspirations of Israel: Poetry for a Land and People and Judean Dreams. He holds an M.A. in English and is presently an English doctoral candidate. Visit his website at www.brandonmarlon.com.

outlets should be shuttered, school curricula rigorously monitored, and those advocating violence sentenced to harsh penalties involving long prison terms and stringent prison conditions. 4) Defensive Training for All Citizens and Residents: The frequent helplessness of civilians can be combated by instituting compulsory self-defense training for all Israeli citizens and residents beginning in adolescence with unarmed martial arts and progressing to training in weapons use in early adulthood. Group courses in responding to simulated terror attacks could realistically save lives. All women and men who do National Service instead of enlisting in the IDF or Border Police should still possess the rudimentary skills necessary to defend their lives. 5) A Major Plan to Annihilate Terror Armies: Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah and other murder syndicates are perched on Israel’s borders, armed to the teeth, and ready to unleash at their pleasure. Terrorists need to have the earth quake beneath their feet, to be forever unsure of their footing. As a priority, the IDF must conceive of and execute a strategic plan for eradicating, root and branch, the terrorist thugs sitting pretty on Israel’s borders. Targeted killings of terror leaders only lead to promotions in terrorist ranks. Instead, the entire organizations must be methodically uprooted, not merely decimated but destroyed to a man, topto-bottom, inside out. No more bandaid “operations” to restore “quiet” are needed; they do not do the job of ending terrorism and fall woefully short of any meaningful change. Only wholesale obliteration of terrorist gangs, Sri Lanka-style, will bring long-term results. Such a prolonged campaign should not be televised or broadcast in any way, shape or form, and UN ticking clocks or resolutions must be resolutely ignored. Only when the job is done decisively and with finality should Israel’s defenders stand down.

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January 2015

COMMENTARY

Israel – the world’s mistake B y Ju stin A mler, N ove mber 29, 2014

srael does not have a right to defend itself. It has no right to protect its people. It has no right to freedom and it has no right to peace. It has no right to build houses. It has no right to use its water resources, and it has no right to grow crops. It also has no right to allow Jews to immigrate there. It has no right to take part in international organisations. And it has no right to be a part of the international community. Now, you might not see that statement from the international community, but it’s what many of them feel. And the reason is simple. The world believes Israel is a mistake. Have you ever wondered why Israel gets treated differently from every other country in the world? It’s not double standards by the way – it’s triple standards. There’s Israel: Everything they do

is wrong. There’s the Arab world: Everything they do is ignored. There’s the West: Everything they do is right. But why is that? What is so different about Israel, compared to other countries? For much of the world, the story goes like this: Israel was created in 1948, as a result of the Holocaust, and by pushing out the indigenous people of the country of Palestine. That is what they believe, irrespective of what the truth is. And this is the story the Palestinian merchants of fiction peddle, despite the fact that in 1948 the Arabs of the area were not known as Palestinians. But if this is so – and the world body believed there was a country already existing there, how did it even get to the point where it was even accepted

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o this combination of influences has formulated an opinion that Israel is a mistake. The Arabs were living wonderfully and harmoniously in the state of Palestine before the evil European Jews, with no connection to the land, came along to take it away. And it was only given to them because of the Holocaust, which much of the Arab world denies happened anyway or at least thinks it was grossly exaggerated, including the “moderate” leader, Abbas. The practical effect of this is that Israel can do no right, because it doesn’t deserve to be there anyway. It’s like if a criminal broke into your house and beat up your wife or husband – and you, in turn, defended your family against that criminal by hitting him. No one is going to blame you, right? And that is how Israel is seen – as that criminal. Whatever Israel does, it will always be seen as wrong. If they defend themselves, they’ll say: Well, they shouldn’t have been there in the first place. If an Arab deliberately steers his car into innocent bystanders, they’ll say: Well, you shouldn’t have been there in the first place. If they argue against world bias, they’ll say: Well, you shouldn’t have been there in the first place. If they ask the world, why are you only condemning us and no one else, the response will be: Well, you shouldn’t have been there in the first place. If they get condemned for building houses in areas that are Jewish anyway, the response will be: Well, you shouldn’t have been there in the first place. Now, they may not say this pub-

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and voted on by the UN? The reason is that in the aftermath of the Holocaust, a temporary worldwide sympathy for the Jewish people existed, as well as an understanding they needed a homeland. And despite the best efforts of the British to thwart this attempt, it was declared a state by David Ben-Gurion, in spite of American efforts to get him not to. Many western countries then gradually accepted this newly formed state, called Israel. But it seems this occurred only in a brief moment of international quasi compassion. It didn’t take long for the coldness of international reality to set back in. For example, America had an international arms embargo against selling weapons to Israel from the end of December 1947. Although it wasn’t specifically against Israel, it was against the region, but the only problem with that is that the British had no such embargo against the Arabs and even Jordan’s Arab Legion was armed and trained by the British. So while the Arabs were supplied with weapons, the Jews were forced to smuggle them in, mainly from Czechoslovakia where many of those weapons were old World War II relics as well. The reality is that the world doesn’t like to see a strong Israel, because they don’t like to see Jews with too much power. For some reason, they have a problem with Jews defending themselves too vigorously. Perhaps it’s because they had been the whipping boys for so long that the sudden change in fortunes was a bit too jarring to accept. When this was combined with the Arab fairy tales of how everything was some kind of nirvana before the Jews came along, the attitude of much of the world became sealed.

licly, but it is a thought that occupies their minds and formulates their policy.

hroughout history the world has had a bias against Jews – it’s the reason that Israel, as the national symbol of the Jews, is always treated differently. It’s the reason that somehow countries like Saudi Arabia, which beheads peoples as a matter of routine, and has no human rights to speak of, is treated with respect, while Israel is treated with disdain. It is the reason that 200,000 people have been killed in Syria without much international interest, but if an Arab gets killed attacking Israeli civilians, there’s an international outcry. It’s the reason CNN runs headlines like “Deadly attack on Jerusalem mosque” without waiting for any verification – their mind was already made up. It’s the reason that in the so-called peace process, the only country being pressured to compromise is Israel. Certainly not the Palestinians, who have shown, even more so in recent times, how they celebrate the murdered Jewish rabbis by handing out sweets in the streets, or how they compose songs about running over babies in their cars. Yet somehow, the world continues in their ridiculous attempt at trying to apply what they call “moral equivalency,” although I’m still trying to work out how a democracy with equal rights for all can even be spoken about in the same breath as a racist regime that has kids’ television shows with cartoon characters preaching death to Jews. The laws of gravity must obviously not apply in the policy rooms of the international community when weighing Israel and its enemies. Each time the world succeeds in forcing more concessions out of Israel – concessions that genuinely endanger the country – it is a victory, as it somehow goes one step further into reversing what they perceive as their mistake. And that is why I doubt there will ever be a time when the world community will genuinely take Israel’s side in an unequivalent and fair manner. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what Israel does – it will always be perceived as wrong. These are the challenges that Israel faces. It’s not about land, or refugees, or moral equivalency, or proportional response. It is their very legitimacy to even be there in the first place. The Palestinians don’t accept it, nor does much of the Arab world, or if they do, it is with a forced reluctance, tempered only by American aid. And as far as the greater world goes, the legitimacy of Israel is something that many are still grappling with – 66 years after the state was formed. The Jewish connection to the land for the last four thousand years is simply ignored. In international politics, truth seldom plays a role. What formulates policy is not history, or facts, or morality. Instead, it is myth, fairy tales and whoever has the most enticing catch phrases. And at the moment, because of the massive bias against the Jews, it is the Palestinian viewpoint that is the most engaging. Justin Amler is a South African-born, Melbourne-based writer. Reprinted by permission of the author. Originally published as a blog November 29, 2014, in The Times of Israel. http:// blogs.timesofisrael.com/israel-theworlds-mistake/

Opinions and letters printed in The Jewish News of SarasotaManatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers.

January 2015

COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY BRIEFS JEWS BEAR THE BRUNT FOR NAIVE HATRED OF ISRAEL The attack at a Jerusalem synagogue was the latest in a series of attacks on Jews by Palestinians in recent weeks, the same blood fever that has led hundreds of young men, and some young women, to travel from throughout the Muslim diaspora to join the butchery of the Islamic State. The core basis of hostility to Israel is a lack of acknowledgement that most of the constrictive actions Israel has taken in the Palestinian territories – the walls, roadblocks, security restrictions – have been in reaction to an intransigent Palestinian political culture. When the Western media reports about Israel’s continued building of Jewish settlements on the West Bank, it rarely presents Israel’s position that no new settlements have been allowed since 1999 and that all construction since 2004 has been within pre-existing settlement boundaries. Israel’s arguments are routinely greeted with eye-rolling cynicism, as if the Israelis are the bullies of the Middle East, rather than the only functional democracy in the region, the only place in the Middle East where Jews can live in safety. This moral relativism extends to endless rationalizations for the missteps by the Palestinians, the corruption, the internecine conflict, the state-sponsored racism, and the rocket attacks. (Paul Sheehan, Sydney Morning Herald-Australia)

IF PALESTINE IS A STATE, HOW CAN PALESTINIANS LIVING IN PALESTINE BE REFUGEES? Sweden has recognized the State of Palestine, saying it “fulfills the...criteria of international law: there is a territory, a people and a government.” An estimated two million Palestinian refugees currently live in the West Bank and Gaza – the territory that Sweden recognizes as the State of Palestine. But how can they continue to be registered as “refugees from Palestine” – the country to which they demand to return – if a state already exists? Is Sweden prepared to issue a clear statement that Palestinians living in Palestine (the West Bank and Gaza) would no longer be recognized as refugees? (Einat Wilf and Jonathan Schanzer, Jerusalem Post)

BDS IS OUT OF STEP WITH REALITY The most doctrinaire BDSers repel me because they refuse to support a two-state solution. “Moderates” in the movement invariably put all the blame and responsibility on Israel. The tendency to single out Israel is also suspicious. The list of countries with bitter ethnic conflicts – starting with China, Russia and every Muslim country – is long and getting longer, and you seldom see boycotts aimed at any of them. In the end, BDS is a terrible idea – not just for Israel, but for the Palestinians. Demonstrations against an Israeli dance company tell Palestinian nationalists that they have supporters abroad, but paint an exaggerated picture. The one-sided nature of BDS lulls Palestinians into thinking that time and momentum are on their side. Israelis have made peace – with Egypt, with Jordan – when Arab lead-

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ers are willing to make bold conciliatory gestures that directly address Israeli fears. BDS sends Palestinians exactly the opposite message: Don’t give up your maximalist dreams – Israel will collapse under the weight of negative world opinion. (Andrew Silow-Carroll, New Jersey Jewish News)

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Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle

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Letters Policy

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WHAT THE MEDIA GETS WRONG ABOUT ISRAEL Based on my experiences between 2006 and 2011 as a reporter and editor in the Jerusalem bureau of the Associated Press, I wrote for Tablet of the disproportionate media attention devoted to the conflict between Jews and Arabs relative to other stories, and gave examples of editorial decisions that appeared to be driven by ideological considerations rather than journalistic ones. Last November at Al-Q uds University, a mainstream Palestinian institution in east Jerusalem, a rally in support of the armed fundamentalist group Islamic Jihad featured a row of masked men whose stiff-armed salute was returned by some of the hundreds of students in attendance. The rally is interesting for the connection it makes between radical Islam here and elsewhere in the region. It could help explain why many perfectly rational Israelis fear withdrawing their military from east Jerusalem or the West Bank. The images from the demonstration were, as photo editors like to say, “strong.” The rally had all the necessary elements of a powerful news story. The Jerusalem bureau of the Associated Press was in possession of photos of the event a day later. Jerusalem editors decided that the images, and the rally, were not newsworthy. I mention such instances to show the way in which the pipeline of information is intentionally plugged. Mark Lavie, who has reported from the region since 1972 until his retirement last year, recently told me the AP Jerusalem bureau’s editorial line was still that the conflict was Israel’s fault, and the Palestinians and the Arab world were blameless. The AP staff in Gaza City would witness a rocket launch right beside their office – and AP wouldn’t report it, not even in articles about Israeli claims that Hamas was launching rockets from residential areas. Hamas fighters would burst into the AP’s Gaza bureau and threaten the staff – and AP wouldn’t report it. Cameramen waiting outside Shifa Hospital in Gaza City would film the arrival of civilian casualties and then, at a signal from an official, turn off their cameras when wounded and dead fighters came in, helping Hamas maintain the illusion that only civilians were dying. (Matti Friedman, The Atlantic)

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January 2015

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Why and how do we teach children to pray? Education Corner B y R ena Morano

ome time ago a man came up to speak to me after Shabbat services. He said, “I enjoyed the service very much, but I don’t think I’ll be back.” He told me that he’d never had much of a Jewish education. When he turned thirteen his parents suddenly decided he should have a Bar Mitzvah, and so he learned a few words to mumble by rote and everyone said congratulations and he received a few presents. Now, he said, he was getting older and starting to wonder what being Jewish was all about, so he came to Shabbat services, and it was interesting, he said, but he had a question. “What is it all about? Why do we pray anyway?” It’s a good question. As one of my Hebrew school students said, “Why do I have to pray if God already knows everything?” The Hebrew word for praying, l’hitpallel, is a reflexive verb, with the connotation that when we pray, we are doing something to ourselves. As Rabbi David Aaron says, “L’hitpallel is not about God hearing your prayer. It is about you hearing your prayers. You need to say these things to God

not because He needs to hear them but because you need to hear yourself saying them to God.” It is natural for children to be egocentric. As they mature, it is our job, as parents and teachers, to guide them into the awareness that there is more to the world than their immediate perceptions. Prayer is a way to do this. Jewish prayer teaches a child that there is a spiritual realm to life. It is easily included into a child’s daily routine. Its purpose is not to teach a child rote prayers, but to include discussions about the meaning and relevance of each one. Here are some examples: At bedtime, a child learns to end his day with the Shema. He sings or says: Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad – Hear O Israel, the Eternal One is our God, the Eternal God is One. With this prayer he learns to identify with the Jewish people. He is also gently guided to learn how to prioritize his desires. Yes, he wants to play, to have fun with friends, to watch TV, and so on; but at the end of the day comes a reminder that there is a larger meaning to life, that our goal as human beings is to have a relationship with God. When he says the Shema, he is reminded that tomorrow he will try to remember God as he goes through his day. Morning comes and the day begins with Modeh Ani. She sings or says: Modeh ani l’fanecha, melech chai

v’kayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati b’chemlah; rabah emunatecha – I give thanks to You, God, eternal and living ruler, who in mercy has returned my soul to me; great is your kindness. With this prayer, she is guided to begin her day with gratitude. She is encouraged, even before she gets out of bed, to think about all of the things in her life for which she is grateful – not only family, friends and the usual things that make us happy, but perhaps even for the challenges she is learning to overcome and which make her a stronger, kinder person. Mealtimes bring more opportunities to pray. Either Hamotzi or Shehakol are simple choices for being thankful for the food. The child sings or says: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, hamotzi lechem min ha-aretz – We praise you, Eternal God, who brings us bread from the ground; or Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehakol nihyah bidvaro – We praise you, Eternal God, who created everything with His words. If one prefers, both can be simply translated as: Thank you God for the food you provide for us to eat. With these prayers the child is reminded to pause before eating in order to think about where our food comes from, and to be grateful to God, to the farmers, the truck drivers, the storekeepers, and the one who prepared the meal. Childhood is the greatest time to

T a

learn to say the prayer Shehecheyanu since almost every day brings a new experience. At happy times the child sings or says: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higianu laz’man hazeh – We praise you, Eternal God, for giving us life, sustaining us and allowing us to reach this joyous time. What a wonderful way to teach a child not to take things for granted, but to be grateful to God, to parents, brothers and sisters, friends and others who have provided a good experience! When a child is grounded in the nature of prayer, she can be guided to pray in times of distress. She already has the habit of having a conversation with God. Now she can be shown how to put a prayer into her own words, to make her request of God. While she is putting her needs into words, she is also guided to think about what she might be able to do to make a situation better, or to be able to accept it. B I think I will go back to that man who came to shul and asked about the purpose of prayer. I will tell him about these prayers: the Shema, Modeh Ani, the Motzi and Shehecheyanu. I will let him know that by incorporating these into his daily life, he will discover the meaning of Jewish prayer. Rena Morano is Education Director and Rabbinic Associate at Congregation Ner Tamid in Bradenton.

Temple Emanu-El welcomes Beth Vandroff as new Youth Group Director

emple Emanu-El is delighted to welcome Beth Vandroff as the synagogue’s new Youth Group Director. Vandroff will oversee expanded programming for students in grades four through twelve, including the launching of the synagogue’s new high school youth group. Born and raised in New Jersey, Vandroff attended college in New York City and worked as an international sales executive and national operations manager before moving to Sarasota. She has served as a teacher and educator since her daughter – now age 13, a recent Bat Mitzvah, and a member of Temple Emanu-El’s Confirmation class – was young, and has been active in many Jewish and secular community and social service organizations. She has chaired several Temple Emanu-El events, including the synagogue’s biannual Daddy-Daughter Dance, a paint-

ing project at Easter Seals, and a joint ice-skating outing for Temple EmanuEl teenagers and Manatee County foster children. “My best role I’ve taken on thus

that children can learn from, all while having fun. I’m grateful to the temple members for their trust and for the amazing staff at Temple Emanu-El.” Temple Emanu-El’s three-tiered youth groups will serve children in grades four and five children in grades six and seven; and eighth graders through high school students. The older youth groups will be formally affiliated

with the national Reform movement NFTY (North American Federation for Temple Youth) and will attend regional and national conventions. Temple Emanu-El’s youth groups are open to the entire community regardless of temple affiliation. For more information or to register a child for Temple Emanu-El’s youth group, please call 941.378.5567.

TBSS launches outreach programs Temple Emanu-El Youth Group Director Beth Vandroff and Director of Education Sabrina Silverberg

far is being a parent and an educator,” Vandroff stated. “I found a passion when spending time with our youth. I love to organize and plan activities

MEMORIES LAST FOREVER

JEWISH CAMP INCENTIVE GRANTS Apply by Jan. 30, 2015 by visiting www.jfedsrq.org/camp

The Federation, in partnership with local philanthropists, provides incentive grants for Jewish children planning to attend not-for-profit Jewish overnight camps.

Contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org The Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232

941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org/camp

emple Beth Sholom Schools, 28, school tours will be offered every with children four months Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. through eighth grade, has Individual tours may also be schedscheduled some new opportunities for uled. Please contact Robin Sweeting at the community to visit and learn more 941.552.7220. why parents should consider the school In addition to the open houses, for their child(ren). TBSS is proud to offer Parent UniverKindergarten Round Up will take sity, addressing “hot topics” of interest place on Tuesday, January 20 from to parents with local guest speakers. On 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Bring your children for a fun-filled informative evening. Visit classes, meet teachers, and learn more about the kindergarten program and all the parent involvement opportunities, including the Grandparent and Special Friends Club, F.B.I. (Father’s Being Involved), Parent University and more. On Thursday, January 22 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Temple Beth Sholom Schools students Ada Giraldo and Alex Greenberg work on an archeological project children and parents are Thursday, January 15, Cameron Parkinvited to attend Middle School Meaer, Sarasota County Public Schools IT sures Up. Bring your son or daughter Specialist, will discuss Technology, Into learn more about our middle school ternet Safety, and Social Media. These program that offers strong accelerated sessions are free and open to the public. academic learning opportunities, cusMindful Milestones is being oftomized learning, a social action focus, fered by parent request. The first global awareness, personal relationsession will be held on Wednesday, ships with teachers, small classes, muJanuary 28 from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., sic, dance, theatre, Spanish, financial conducted by Dr. Louise Boothby, loliteracy, Learning Expeditions, teamcal educational and child development building activities, maker lab, and onespecialist. The fee for this program is to-one iPads. $20 per session. Beginning on Wednesday, January

For lots of useful stuff, visit www.jfedsrq.org.

January 2015

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Temple Beth Sholom Schools decorates and donates to the Salvation Army

or over 20 years, Temple Beth Sholom Schools students have helped to improve the Thanksgiving Day experience for people at the Salvation Army. Children, ranging from preschool to eighth grade, donate items and load and unload the delivery truck themselves, compile goodie bags for less fortunate children, collect items for a hygiene packet, shop for much-needed necessities, and decorate the Salvation Army dining hall. On November 25, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, kindergarten through third-grade students made murals to create a tree of hope, with leaves painted with messages of hope.

The students transformed the Salvation Army’s 10th Street dining room into a festive atmosphere with the centerpieces and flowers. The students helped unload trucks at the Salvation Army while residents watched with tears in

their eyes. Students prepared goodie bags with donated Halloween candy, crayons and coloring books handed out to the children housed on the Salvation Army campus on Thanksgiving Day. Hygiene packets are currently being assembled to be distributed to those in need at the Salvation Army. The students have already collected 250 tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes from local dentists. The kids have been per-

sonally calling area hotels to secure samples of shampoo and conditioner, including Hotel Indigo, where they will personally pick up the samples. For more information about this program or the Temple Beth Sholom Schools Preschool and Upper School, call 941.552.2770 or visit tbsschools. org.

A TBSS student paints a banner for the Salvation Army Thanksgiving dinner

A TBSS student makes decorations for Thanksgiving dinner at the Salvation Army

A TBSS student packs toiletries for the needy at the Salvation Army

SRQUSY members attend USY convention in Orlando B y Jordan P hillips

here is no better place to spend Halloween than at a USY convention. From October 31 through November 2, I attended the Mercaz USY Fall Sub-Regional Convention in Orlando. The convention had a backwards theme, which led to a lot of fun experiences. Many different programs and prayers were done with a backwards twist. The best example is when we participated in the morning service with Ohev Shalom’s Hebrew School on the final day. Instead of starting with Modeh Ani, the prayer we say after waking up, we began with Adon Olam, which is traditionally said at the conclusion of the service. Of course, the theme is just one thing that makes a USY convention special. At conventions, I spend time with friends from home, camp and, of

STAY CONNECTED

course, USY! The only sad part of convention was the PCD (Post Convention Depression) that came after it. Good thing is that the cure – another convention – is coming soon! I cannot wait.

pinterest.com/jfedsrq

Chayse Kessous, Sydney Hanan, Erica Lester, Hannah Levinson with Isadora Gruber and Jordan Phillips holding the “schmooze lips” trophy

MASA ISRAEL TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP The Federation offers scholarships to applicants who have been accepted to a MASA program! Scholarships are first come, first serve. (Up to $2,000 to cover travel to and from Israel only.) Visit www.TheJewishFederation.org.

Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Jeremy Dictor, Director of S.T.E.P. and Family Programs 941.343.2106 • jdictor@jfedsrq.org

Each year, The Federation awards college scholarships to qualified applicants.

2015 JFSM EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP prOGram

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F O R M O R E I N F O CO N TAC T: J E R E M Y D I C TO R 941.343.2106 O R J D I C TO R @ J F E D S R Q.O R G

Send-A-Kid-to-Israel Program

TheJewishFederation.org The SKIP program is funded in large part by the Betty and Herb Schiff Send-a-Kid-to-Israel Fund.

Join the Fun !

PJ Fun Day ay ay

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED jfedsrq.org/college

MONDAY, JANUARY 19

APPLICATION DEADLINE APRIL 13TH

F UN!

For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org

YOU ARE THE JEWISH COMMUNITY. THIS IS YOUR FEDERATION. TOGETHER, WE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 941.371.4546 • TheJewishFederation.org

1:30PM - 3:30PM

Join local families for an afternoon of CRAFTS, SNACKS, GAMES, and of course, STORY-TIME! The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee 580 McIntosh Road

FREE!

Questions? Contact Jeremy Dictor Follow us at

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January 2015

FOCUS ON YOUTH

The Gan at Temple Sinai has a sensational new addition teaching garden! It is very fitting for a preschool with “Gan” as its name to have such a special part of its program. In Hebrew, “Gan” (rhymes with Ron) means garden. Now each age group has its own bed in the garden, which is shaped into the six points of the Star of David, to learn about the life cycle of plants. They are growing vibrant colored flowers, juicy tomatoes, snappy green beans and so much more. The children have responsibilities when visiting the garden, such as watering, weeding, and monitoring the growth of their plantings. They’ve learned so much already watching the progress of their seedlings. The Devorim (Bumble Bees) class

of pre-kindergarteners has been busy planting and tending to the class garden. They harvested some delicious green beans that they enjoyed eating on Sukkot. Next, the children will plant parsley seeds to sprout. Our budding

Dig Quest: Israel

ecome an archaeologist! Use your device to explore Israel’s past! The Dead Sea Scrolls, the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th century, are now available on your iPhone and iPad as the Israel Antiquities Authority launches its first App featuring archaeology games and puzzles for kids. Genesis 1:1 (the account of creation), the Ten Commandments, Psalms and 11 other 2,000-year-old manuscripts are featured in this app that introduces kids ages 7-11 to archaeology with a suite of unique games, featuring beautiful artifacts from the National Treasures of the Israel Antiquities Authority. Dig Q uest: Israel for iPhone and iPad is now available to download from the App Store for free. The app transforms a kid’s iPhone or iPad into an archaeological tool and lets them play games to hone their skills, discover secret meanings, solve puzzles, and piece the past together like true archaeologists. Along the way they unlock ancient artifacts and create their own personal collection. The games were developed in

collaboration with the IAA’s team of preeminent archaeologists and researchers. As they play, kids get a feel for what archaeologists do as they experience the excitement of discovery and the creativity and skills involved in solving mysteries from the distant past. Players select between two dig sites – each has a unique game that puts the player in the driver’s seat and

requires using different archaeological skills. At Lod, you clear the dirt to uncover an ancient Roman period mosaic and then play a fast-paced quiz-style game using your smarts and powers of observation to identify and classify the animals and objects on the mosaic. In the Q umran caves, you discover fragments of the 2,000-year-old Dead

gardeners will be checking on this crop and nurturing it carefully, so they can enjoy it for Passover in the spring! The garden is a wonderful addition to our lesson planning, as there are so many opportunities to learn about

plants in our Creative Curriculum. Nothing compares to hands-on experiences. The Gan at Temple Sinai… growing minds, strengthening bodies, nurturing souls!

Sea Scrolls that you piece together in a puzzle game. Then you scan the scrolls to reveal their text more clearly, mirroring the advanced spectral imaging process performed by the IAA team in the laboratories. Each site features Discoveries for you to uncover that tell you more about the story of the excavation and the artifacts you find. You can collect the artifacts and discoveries in your own Collection box. The game featu res: 30+ levels in two unique games based on two world famous archaeological discoveries 50+ images of stunning historical treasures Amazing historical and archaeological facts and artifacts Translated and spoken excerpts from the Dead Sea Scrolls A Collection box where players store artifacts and discoveries An archaeologist character host, Gabe, inspired by real IAA archaeologists The app is launching with two games, and additional games are

planned, as well as an Android release. Dig Q uest: Israel is made possible by a generous gift from Estanne Fawer and the William Davidson Foundation. A bou t the Israel A ntiq u ities A u thority: The Israel Antiquities Authority is the preeminent organization in the field of Israeli archaeology. It is responsible for all matters of archaeology in Israel including land and marine excavations, development and protection of archaeological sites, archaeological research, education, publication, conservation and restoration of objects and sites, and exhibitions of archaeological material in Israel and abroad. It is the keeper of the State Treasures, including nearly 2 million archaeological objects, among them the entire collection of Dead Sea Scrolls, and more than 30,000 archaeological sites. A bou t the D eve lopment Team: Created by Producer Maya Cohan and Game Designer Jessica Rosenblatt with development team Crater House, a San Francisco-based game studio that specializes in inventing new ways to play.

“FOCUS ON YOUTH” PHOTOS OF THE MONTH

Temple Beth Sholom recently held a “Sunday Funday Family Bowling” event at Sarasota Lanes

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Chabad of Sarasota’s Weinstein Religious School winners of the recent “Wheel of Torah” game

The PJ Library program supports families in their Jewish journey by sending Jewishrelated books and music on a monthly basis to children for free. Follow us at facebook.com/pjlibraryofsarasota Visit the Federation website to sign up!

TheJewishFederation.org Questions?

Contact Jeremy Dictor 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org

January 2015

LIFE CYCLE ANNIVERSARIES 60

G erald & Mollie Sernau Temple Emanu-El 50 th James & Ju dith Feldman Temple Sinai 45

B arry & Margo Friedman Temple Sinai 15 th D r. U z i B aram & D r. A my R eid Temple Emanu-El

B’NAI MITZVAH L eo B aeck G lick man ( at left) , son of Rabbis Elaine & Brenner Glickman, January 3, Temple Emanu-El N atalie Mou nt, daughter of Marni & Brian Mount, granddaughter of Carol & Dr. Stephen Altaker, January 10, Temple Emanu-El Tayla R osenthal, daughter of Shana & Marc Rosenthal, January 17, Temple Emanu-El R ebek ah Spiegelman, daughter of Marcus Spiegelman & Lisa Buonarosa, January 31, Temple Emanu-El

IN MEMORIAM B arbara B roner, 89, of Siesta Key, Oct. 12 R u th A ppleton D eu tsch, 95, of Sarasota, Oct. 29 Phyllis Lee Maierson Summerﬁeld Druck, 91, of Sarasota, formerly of Logansport, IN, Sept. 1 B ernice Ferst, 97, of Sarasota, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, Nov. 2 A lfred Siemon G olding, 90, of Sarasota, formerly of New York, NY, Oct. 30 A nn R . G oldman, 84, of Sarasota, Oct. 20 Joele Jaffee, 72, of Pennsylvania, formerly of Sarasota, Oct. 13 John L ampel, 94 of Sarasota, Oct. 17 Marcia L iftman, 87, of Sarasota, Oct. 22 Mark L ee L ipman, M.D ., 57, of Sarasota, Oct. 20 D orothy L omrantz , 88, of Osprey, and Paramus, NJ, Nov. 2 Jerome L . R abinowitz , 85, of Sarasota, Nov. 8 Joseph A rthu r Sau nders, 88, of Sarasota, Sept. 27 Maxi ne Trieloff ( N ee G laz er) , 76, of Sarasota, formerly of Palmetto, Sept. 17 A lan Tu row, 79, of Sarasota, formerly of Peoria, IL, and Chicago, IL, Nov. 13 Herman Israel ‘ Herb’ Weiner, 94, of Sarasota Oct. 9 B ernard L ewis White, 88, of Cortez, FL, Oct. 14

Please submit your life cycle events (births, B’nai Mitzvah, anniversaries) to jewishnews18@gmail.com. Photos are appreciated; email as JPGs at 300dpi.

During times of need for generations Jewish members of the Sarasota community have turned to Toale Brothers.

Trust 100 Pre-Arrangement Center Locally Owned & Operated by the Toale Family www.ToaleBrothers.com

Gerry Ronkin

Jewish Family Coordinator

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The idea behind DIFFERENT TOGETHER (Embracing Our Differences Israel) is simple. Everyone has the right to feel safe, to be empowered and to make a positive difference to their community. Our goal is to encourage respect for diversity and inclusion, and to promote the significance of the active rejection of hatred and prejudice in Israel and throughout the world. The centerpiece of DIFFERENT TOGETHER will be an outdoor art exhibit in Jaffa featuring billboard size images created by Israeli students of all religions and races. n Participating local partners: Embracing Our Differences & Sarasota Sister Cities n Participating overseas partners: The Daniel Center for Progressive Judaism, Tel Mond, Israel & Israel Tennis Centers

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n Participating Israeli Schools: Usishkin (Elementary) – Tel Aviv; Golomb (Elementary) – Tel Aviv; Bavli (Elementary) – Tel Aviv; HaMishtala (Elementary) – Tel Aviv; Bialik-Rogozin (Junior High) – Tel Aviv (foreign immigrants); School for Nature, Environment and Social Studies (Junior-High) – Tel Aviv; Nitzanim (Elementary) – Tel Aviv; HaMaginim (Elementary) – Holon

EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES

n Participating Israeli institutions: The Tel Aviv Community Center Association; The Tel Mond Community Center; The MPJ Mechina at Jaffa; “A New Way” –Jewish-Arab Initiative

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My pledge is: o $2,000 o $1,000 o $500 o $36 oOther My Pledge is: $ ________________ Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________ E-mail: ___________________________________________ Birthdate: _______________ Payment Method (check one): o Bill me (Annually/Quarterly/Monthly) o Check o Visa o MC o Amex Total $ Enclosed: _________________________________ Credit Card #: ______________________________________________ Expiration Date: __________________ Security Code: ____________ Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Please mail to: The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, 580 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. OUR REGISTRATION NUMBER IS SC-00449. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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January 2015 - Tevet/Shevat 5775

Volume 45, Number 1

Jewish Happenings WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve Silent Disco The very first Silent Disco in Sarasota will take place from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Louies Modern rooftop, 1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. The Silent Disco features multi-channel wireless headphones on the dance floor to choose between two live DJs. Done dancing? Take off the headphones to talk with friends while enjoying incredible views of the city and the Sarasota fireworks from the top floor of Palm Parking Garage. General admission tickets are $70 and include a cash bar and cash food vendors, a free party favor and champagne toast at midnight. VIP tickets are $150 and include a VIP lounge with open bar, assorted hors d’oeuvres, free food station ticket and champagne toast at midnight. For more information, please contact Len Steinberg at 941.552.6301 or lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org. Sponsored by

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 CHJ presents attorneys Paul Rosen and Alan Bandler After Shabbat services at 10:30 a.m., the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism presents attorneys Paul Rosen and Alan Bandler, who will speak on “Belief in God Under the Law in the United States.” Everyone is welcome at Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or email chjsarasota@hotmail.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 Sunday Morning Breakfast and Speakers Program Temple Beth Sholom Men’s Club has invited Rabbi Howard Simon to speak on “Current Issues Facing Israel and the Middle East.” Rabbi Simon is the co-chair of the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Women are welcome to attend! Breakfast will be served at 9:30 a.m. and the lecture begins at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, Madeline L. Sainer Social Hall, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Suggested donation of $5 to the Men’s Club to cover the cost of food. For more information, contact Jaci Babin at 941.955.8121 or jbabin@templebethsholomfl.org.

“New Year’s Romance on the Piano” Celebrate the new year with soulful classical music. Internationallyacclaimed Russian-Israeli piano virtuoso Eleonora Lvov, winner of many prestigious competitions, popular recording artist and teacher, plays romantic works by Chopin, Debussy, Ravel, Albeniz and Gershwin. Experience this luminous, boldly emotive musician with staggering technique who emanates ardent passion and spirituality through music. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. at Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 322 15th St. W., Bradenton. Suggested donation: $10. For more information, call 941.358.0235.

SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING 2015 LECTURES IN SARASOTA / VENICE / LAKEWOOD RANCH

MONDAY, JANUARY 5 Torah Tots Join other parents, grandparents and caregivers as we explore the child’s world through story, song, cooking, crafts and circle time. Torah Tots encourages multi-sensory experiences that stimulate emerging language, motor development, socialization and bonding between parents and child. Explore child rearing from a Jewish perspective, participate in group activities and learn Jewish customs that will enhance this unique time in your toddler’s life in these formative years. Torah Tots takes place from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Suggested donation: $6. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

For a continuously updated calendar, visit www.jfedsrq.org.

NEW!

Larger Venues in Sarasota

NOW!

Also in Lakewood Ranch

Expert Speakers Give Insider’s View! January 5 to March 27

2 Music Series with world class musicians 6 Global Issues Series for world news insights 88 lectures in all – see website Program brochures at area libraries www.sillsarasota.org

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2015

MASSAGE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

Sports, Swedish, Deep Tissue & Thai Massage on the Table

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Dr. Steven Derfler will present “Exotic Jewish Communities Around the World – Jews of Cuba” from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. This event is free, but RSVPs are required. To register online, visit www.jfedsrq. org/events. For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org. Sponsored by

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Caffeine for the Soul Join the most popular Jewish women’s book club in town at Caffeine for the Soul. Get your weekly social and spiritual boost during a roundtable discussion led by Chaya Rivka Schmerling. Delve into the book for this year, Si m pl e W ords by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz. This group meets weekly. No cost. Join us at 10:00 a.m. at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. For more information, contact Chaya Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

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Join Chanie Bukiet on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to noon in her home for a weekly dose of delicious tea and refreshments spiced with thoughts on the weekly Torah portion and roundtable discussions. No charge. Sponsor a class in someone’s memory or honor for $25. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton. com.

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There are days when one feels inspired by Judaism and spirituality, and there are days when they are a real bore. There are times when nothing seems more important than studying Torah or praying, and there are times when nothing seems greater than a steak and a good ballgame. There are moments when one is disgusted by the world’s immorality and there are moments when one is tempted by it. So who are we really? It is Tanya that guides us through our dual personality. It gives us the insight to understand and overcome the struggles we deal with on a day-to-day basis. Tanya teaches how to bridge that gap to create a unity between Judaism and the inner psyche. It allows us to truly feel, not merely act, like a Jew. This group meets weekly. No cost. Join us at 11:15 a.m. at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. For more information, contact Chaya Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

ORT Chai Tea with Bertha Palmer GulfsidePalm ORT Chapter presents Chai Tea with Bertha Palmer at 1:30 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First Street, Sarasota. Let actress Kate Holmes, from Historic Spanish Point, tell you all about the history of Sarasota with special attention to Bertha Palmer. Learn about Bertha Palmer’s connection to Palmer Ranch. Refreshments will be served. For more information and to RSVP, contact Kim Sheintal at 941.302.1433.

Ashkenazic vs. Sephardic: Diseases The study of genetic diseases has uncovered fascinating and important patterns relative to genetic differences between Ashkenazim and Sephardim, which are very relevant in today’s mobile world. While some of the genetic diseases are familiar, many which are not also deserve our attention. This course will explore the divides between the Jewish people and the ties that bind us as one. Learn, discuss and debate the essence of both Ashkenazic and Sephardic Judaism. Join us at 2:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 2975 Bee Ridge Road, Suite A, Sarasota. Cost: $36 for the 7-part series; healthy kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Jews, Art and Culture: An Interdependence of Quality Wherever one looks, it is obvious that Jewish philosophy, religion, and a love for culture inspires Western Civilization to reach higher heights. This Michael B. Eisenstat Miniversity of Judaism course, presented by Baila Miller, focuses on Giuseppe Verdi’s N ab u c c o, which rocked the European opera world with the “Chorus of the Hebrews.” Join us at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Cost: $5; free for TBI members. For more information, visit www.tbi-lbk.org or contact the TBI office at info@tbi-lbk.org or 941.383.3428.

Bridge...

Anyone?

For more information

The Bridge Group meets Thursday afternoons from 1:00–4:00 pm on the Federation Campus (582 McIntosh Road). Open to intermediate and advanced bridge players. call Bob Satnick at 941.538.3739

The Jewish News is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2015

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 “The Musical Liturgy of the Worship Service” Through a series of lectures, discussions and musical examples, the prayers that are already a part of our Friday night service will be given a new meaning through the lens of history, musical analysis and personal connection. This free course takes place on Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

Brown Bag with Rabbi Geoff Huntting Bring your lunch and come for this casual gathering at noon on Wednesdays, January 7, 14 and 21 at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. The discussion on current events is determined by attendees. For more information, call Mike Benesch at 941.924.1802.

Temple Emanu-El “Lunch with the Rabbi” Are you looking for a great lunch date? Join Rabbi Brenner Glickman and nice, friendly, interesting companions for lunch, socializing, and discussion of current events and subjects of Jewish interest. All are invited to this popular, stimulating and enjoyable program. Attendees are asked to bring a brown-bag lunch and are also welcome to bring a newspaper article for discussion. Homemade dessert and terrific company are provided! The event begins at noon at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

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Jan. 25 & 25

Idelson Library Book Review Marty Cohn will review and lead a discussion of M y P rom i s ed L and: T he T ri um ph and T rage dy of Is rael by Ari Shavit, a well-known Israeli journalist. The author, who loves Israel, has written a version of modern Israel’s history that is darker than the usual representations of the Israelis as a people who have always been heroic but kind, generous and fair in their dealings with the local Arabs. The book is controversial, so come and join in the discussion at 1:15 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, Band/Desenberg Chapel, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call Arlene Hamburger at 941.921.2554 or the temple office at 941.955.8121.

Rabbi Simeon Maslin - Uncle Sol’s Women Rabbi Simeon Maslin, prominent spiritual leader and the author of several non-fiction books and numerous articles, has just published his first novel, U nc l e S ol ’ s W om en. Set largely in Maine, the story follows protagonist Justin Ross from his Boston birth through his academic career at Harvard and the University of Chicago, where he comes under the influence of his wealthy and profligate Uncle Sol and falls in love with a beautiful but forbidden woman. Rabbi Maslin will talk about his book at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please call the temple office at 941.383.3428.

Jazz Night at Temple Beth Israel Temple Beth Israel Jazz Night offers three hours of live Jazz. Coffee and homemade goodies will be provided at intermission. The event begins at 8:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Cost: $20. For more information, visit www.tbi-lbk.org or contact the TBI office at info@ tbi-lbk.org or 941.383.3428.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8 SaBra Chapter of Hadassah meeting Join us for the Chapter meeting and the Installation of Officers by Susan Lafer, President, Florida Central Region of Hadassah. Members, Associates and guests are welcome at 11:30 a.m. in the Zell Room on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. A light lunch will be served. RSVP to Nancy Mizrahi by January 5 at 941.923.1790 or nmizrahi2@gmail.com.

Schmooze & Pastrami Join us for a weekly pastrami sandwich lunch with a schmooze on a variety of current hot topics. The lunch begins at noon at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. Cost: $10. For more information, contact Rabbi Sholom Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rabbi@chabadofvenice.com.

Sarasota Jewish Chorale rehearsal dates The Sarasota Jewish Chorale rehearsal dates for the month are Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22 and 29. Rehearsals take place from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Hecht School on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, courtesy of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Newcomers are welcome to join to sing the Chorale’s spirited and inspirational music. Call co-manager Susan Skovronek at 941.355.8011 for further information. To book a program for your organization, call Phyllis Lipshutz at 941.924.6717.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 Rhythm & Jews Musical Shabbat Service Join Rabbi Huntting, Chazzan Abramson, your friends and neighbors for the Rhythm & Jews Family Erev Shabbat Service. Come and hear the Bruno Family Musicians as they join the rabbi and chazzan for an uplifting service with a variety of traditional, Israeli, Sephardic and Chasidic melodies. The service takes place at 6:00 p.m. on Fridays, January 9 and 23 at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

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MOSES MAN:

The Creation of a New Musical

January 9, 2015 • 8:00 PM TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL 567 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key

Deborah Haber, writer of MOSES MAN, a new musical debuting in New York City in July, 2015, shares the creation and development of her parents’ 9-year journey during the Holocaust, and how it has evolved into this important new work.

Partake in a behind the scenes look at the creative process and journey of this nationally bound new musical!

k Yor w Ne York F) s t g i ew YM kin The N val (N a e m 5 at Festi b l 1 l wi ly 20 atre N A Ju he S M ut in ical T E S s MO deb Mu

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January 2015

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 “Jewish Artists Explore” features concert pianist The second of the five-part “Jewish Artists Explore” series sponsored by The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee and the Association of Professional Jewish Artists takes place from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. on the Federation Campus (580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota) with a live interview of Eleonora Lvov, concert pianist who immigrated to the United States from Russia. Additional artists will explore Jewish spirituality through the Exodus Process via text study with Rabbi Goldie Milgram, group dance movement with Elizabeth Weil Bergmann, and music by Eleonora Lvov. Each “Jewish Artists Explore” event is $5 for APJA members, and $10 for non-members (payable at the door). Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Kimberly Sheintal at klapshein@aol.com. Sponsored by

Chabad of Sarasota Men’s Club Breakfast The Chabad of Sarasota Men’s Club (Club 770) will host its January breakfast at 9:00 a.m. at 7700 Beneva Road, Sarasota. It will feature Dr. Isaac Barpal, who will present “Electric Cars: Past, Present and Future.” Breakfast includes scrambled eggs and onion, whitefish salad, bagels, lox and cream cheese. Cost: $7 for Club 770 members; $10 for nonmembers. Men and women are welcome. For more information or to RSVP, call the Chabad office at 941.925.0770.

Jewish Food Festival

Robin Leonardi Robin Leonardi

941.552.6307 941.552.6307

rleonardi@jfedsrq.org rleonardi@jfedsrq.org www.TheJewishNews.org www.TheJewishNews.org

Temple Sinai, in partnership with All Faiths Food Bank, presents this 7th annual event from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the temple, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Enjoy all the traditional comfort foods, a health fair, arts and crafts, and so much more. Rain or shine, eat in or take out. All Faiths Food Bank is a community partner and guests are asked to bring a nonperishable item to help the needy. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802 or visit www.JewishFoodSRQ.com.

University on Wheels Joyce Antler, the Samuel B. Lane Professor of American Jewish History & Culture and Women’s & Gender Studies, will present “One Clove Away From a Pomander Ball,” a talk that explores the female tradition in American comedy and explains why it has been so powerful and subversive. This Brandeis National Committee event begins at 9:30 a.m. at TPC Prestancia Country Club, 4409 TPC Drive, Sarasota. A brunch buffet will be served. Cost: $25 for BNC members and $30 for guests. For more information contact Phyllis Ross at 941.383.4212 or Phyllis.P.Ross@gmail.com, or Anne Sherwood at 941.349.8594 or annesherwood7358@gmail.com.

Enjoy our special Jewish programs in January and February 2015

The Jews of Iraq

Special Program: Thursday, January 15 • 11:00 AM-1:15 PM Lunch & Laugh!—Where Harry Met Sally: The Jewish Deli in America – Ted Merwin, Ph.D. Enjoy a humorous presentation on the evolution of the Jewish deli in America, followed by schmoozing and a deli luncheon.

Dr. Yitzhak Bakal will share stories of Jewish life in Baghdad. He will also discuss the culture of Iraqi Jews, one of the world’s oldest Jewish communities, which made significant contributions to scholarship and to the creation of Iraq as a country until Jews were forced to leave Iraq in 1948. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Jewish Congregation of Venice, 600 N. Auburn Rd. Sponsored by the JCV Men’s Club. Everyone is welcome. A $5 donation is requested. A full breakfast will be served. To RSVP or for more information, call 941.484.2022.

One -Time Lectures: Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30 PM

Omelet Brunch

u The Holocaust—Preserving the Memory January 6 – Thomas O. Hecht, Ph.D.

u American Jewry and the Civil War January 27 – Bud Livingston

u The Tragedy of Leo Frank: 100 Hundred Years Later February 10 – Diane Steinbrink

Falafel with Yoav

C O U R S E S

Come and enjoy a terrific kosher falafel lunch at noon at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. All you can eat falafel for $5. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

Jongg – Grace McGee. . W Mah February 2–February 23 .............. 11:00 AM–12:30 PM Tuesdays W Re-Imagining Genesis – Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman January 6–January 27 .................. 9:00–10:30 AM Wednesdays W The Yiddish World From Past to Present— Put the Shtetl to the Metal! – Baila Miller Mondays

February 11–February 25 ........... 1:00–2:30 PM

The Three Great Faiths and The New Islamic Anti –Semitism – Ken Hanson, Ph.D. February 4 and February 11 ....... 3:00–4:30 PM Thursdays

By popular demand, the Omelet Brunch returns to Temple Beth El - North Port. Bring a friend to a delicious brunch made to order just for you at Temple Beth El, 3840 S. Biscayne Dr., North Port. The brunch takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, call the temple office at 941.423.0300.

Bad Things Happen to Good People— W When The Book of Job – Jerome Rosenthal, Ph.D. February 5–February 26 .............. 9:00–10:30 AM

Jewish/Israeli Film Festival – Marty Haberer February 5–March 12 .................... 2:15–5:00 PM February 19–Special presentation by Marcia Jo Zerivitz

“To Life!” at Temple Emanu-El Richard Feldman, the instructor of American musical theater at the Institute for Lifelong Learning, will make a special trip from New York for this wonderful afternoon. All are welcome for his engaging, fascinating and enjoyable video-illustrated talk about the Jewish legacy of Broadway musicals. Explore Irving Berlin, Stephen Sondheim, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and many more. This program is proudly presented by Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood at 12:30 pm. at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. A light lunch will be served. Paid reservations received by January 5 are $15. Admission is $18 at the door. For $25, guests may also attend a post-show wine and hors d’oeuvres reception with the speaker. Payment may be mailed to Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232. For more information, call Wendy Barnet at 941.894.3112.

and film on the Jewish legacy of Broadway musicals

Fun With Yiddish – Betty Silberman January 8–29.................................... 11:00 AM–12:30 PM

For prices and a brochure listing over 150 adult enrichment courses, lectures and special events call 941-383-8811 or visit www.lbkeducationcenter.org. THE LONGBOAT KEY EDUCATION CENTER IS LOCATED AT 5370 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE.

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JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2015

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 YAD Happy Hour Join other young Jewish adults for a drink and schmooze from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at JDub’s Brewing Company, 1215 Mango Ave., Sarasota. FREE! Just show up. For more information about this event or the Young Adult Division, please contact Len Steinberg at 941.552.6301 or lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org.

Fifty Shades of “J” Happy Hour Sponsored by

This is an opportunity for singles and couples to meet new and old friends. Join us at 6:00 p.m. at The Starlite Room, 1001 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota. There will be a cash bar and light snacks. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org. You can also register at www. jfedsrq.org/events.

CHAI NA’AMAT planning meeting CHAI NA’AMAT will hold an open meeting and planning session for those interested in making sure that 18,000 Israeli children continue to receive outstanding day care. Come join us and socialize with other women who also wish to explore ways to provide Israeli women with a proper education and a life free from domestic violence. This is a newly-formed group that is eager to have your participation and hear your voice, so please join us at 10:00 a.m. in the Desenberg Room on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota.. You will be doing something worthwhile for Israel and benefiting yourself as you feel the reward of making a difference in people’s lives. For more information, contact Davida Weinberg at 941.757.8512 or bandit44124@yahoo.com.

New or prospective BNC member reception The Brandeis National Committee invites you to the home of Helen Spindler at 10:30 a.m. To RSVP and get directions, call Rookie Shifrin at 941.907.0985.

Rabbi Harold’s Book/Movie Discussion Club This month’s selection is B ur nt B read and C hut ney by Carmit Delman. It is a memoir of an Indian Jewish Girl growing up between cultures. The club and discussion are open to all and free, though we ask that you bring a non-perishable item of food as we support Meals on Wheels all year long. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El Bradenton, 4200 32nd Street West. For more information, call the temple office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

“Re-Imagining Genesis” What happened between Cain and Abel in the moments before Abel’s death? What was the real sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? Did Abraham actually sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah? In this adult education class taught by Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman, we will use ancient, medieval and modern commentaries, as well as our own unique perspectives, to explore and re-imagine these most famous – and most mysterious and challenging – stories from the Book of Genesis. This two-part class (continues on January 20) begins at 1:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. The class is free for temple members, with an $18 donation for guests. For more information, email Temple Emanu-El Chair of Adult Education Beth Ann Salzman at bethannys@comcast.net.

Jews, Art and Culture: An Interdependence of Quality Wherever one looks, it is obvious that Jewish philosophy, religion, and a love for culture inspires Western Civilization to reach higher heights. This Michael B. Eisenstat Miniversity of Judaism course, presented by Baila Miller, examines Alfred Stieglitz and American Modern Art. Join us at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Cost: $5; free for TBI members. For more information, visit www.tbi-lbk.org or contact the TBI office at info@tbi-lbk.org or 941.383.3428.

Sarasota Jewish Singles Sponsored by Temple Beth Israel, Jewish singles of all ages are invited to attend this dinner meeting at 6:00 p.m. at Waterfront Restaurant, 7660 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Meet new people and enjoy a good meal in a relaxed, social setting. Cost: Whatever you order off the menu (individual checks). For more information or to make a reservation, please call or text Rosalyn Fleischer at 941.915.6631.

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SARASOTA CONCERT ASSOCIATION

2015 Great Performers Series at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Royal Philharmonic

January 14 • 8 p.m.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

January 26 • 8 p.m.

Dresden Philharmonic March 1 • 4 p.m.

WE HAVE A LOT TO SAY WANT TO DISPLAY THE JEWISH NEWS IN YOUR OFFICE OR BUSINESS?

Takács String Quartet March 17 • 8 p.m.

Murray Perahia, piano March 25 • 8 p.m.

70th Anniversary Celebration!

Dick Hyman in concert • Feb. 11 • 5 p.m. The Historic Asolo Theater • $45 • 941-360-7399

Discover our outrageously affordable subscription and single ticket prices.

941-225-6500 • www.scasarasota.org Robin Leonardi, Account Executive: 941.552.6307 • rleonardi@jfedsrq.org

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2015

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 Newcomers Reception Sponsored by

New to Sarasota-Manatee or to Federation? Join The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee to meet and connect with other Jews in the community and learn about upcoming programs and events. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at The Francis. 1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. This event is free, but RSVPs are required to Shana Tibi at 941.706.0029 or stibi@jfedsrq.org, or at www.jfedsrq.org.

Torah Fund Annual Day of Study Rabbi Danielle Upbin, Jewish Theological Seminary Florida Rabbinic Fellow, will be the keynote speaker at Temple Beth Sholom’s Sisterhood celebration of Joan Braude as this year’s Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Torah Fund Light of Torah. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. The $36 couvert includes study and luncheon at TBS. Donations in honor of Joan Braude to Torah Fund are welcome. Pre-registration is required. Contact Torah Fund co-Vice Presidents Julie Friedman (941.484.2790/juliefriedman9@gmail. com) or Evelyn Mitchell (941.554.8529/evmit@comcast.net).

“Why We Say What We Pray” In this Michael B. Eisenstat Miniversity of Judaism course in Jewish liturgy, Rabbi Peter E. Kasdan will explore the roots of the words, the themes of the individual prayers, the way they are placed into specific groupings, and the reasoning behind it all. In our modern world, is there a “disconnect” between Jewish prayer and Jewish theology? The course begins at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, January 14, 21 and 28 at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Cost: $5; free for TBI members. For more information, visit www.tbi-lbk.org or contact the TBI office at info@tbi-lbk.org or 941.383.3428.

Phil Lilly – Deputy Director for Homeland Security The Temple Beth El Bradenton Men’s Club has invited Phil Lilly for a special evening program open to the entire community. Mr. Lilly was Deputy Director for Homeland Security for the Tampa Bay area. He will speak on anti-terrorism and other contemporary topics. This program is free, though we ask that you bring a non-perishable item of food as we support Meals on Wheels all year long. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El Bradenton, 4200 32nd Street West. For more information, call the temple office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS – THEY HELP MAKE THE JEWISH NEWS POSSIBLE at Temple Beth Israel 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

Thomas L. Friedman in Conversation with Dov Seidman: HOW to Repair Our World? Wednesday, January 14, 8 pm The first in a series of conversations on how individuals, nations and businesses must urgently change how they behave, lead and operate in a world that is more interconnected and interdependent. This first evening will examine the challenges in the global arena at this pivotal time and the fundamental shifts needed to solve our most pressing problems. Thomas L. Friedman won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for commentary, his third Pulitzer for The New York Times. He is renowned for his direct reporting and sophisticated analysis of complex issues facing the world. According to Foreign Policy magazine, "Friedman doesn't just report on events; he helps shape them." Vanity Fair called him “the country’s best newspaper columnist." Dov Seidman, is the founder and CEO of LRN and author of How: Why How We Do Anything Means Everything. Named one of the “Top 60 Global Thinkers of the Last Decade” by The Economic Times, and a “Game Changer” by Time Magazine, Dov Seidman has built a career and pioneered an industry around the idea that the most principled businesses are the most profitable and sustainable.

Ambassador Martin S. Indyk: What’s Next for Israel? Wedneday, January 21, 8 pm Ambassador Martin S. Indyk, former U.S. special envoy for the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations shares his inside diplomatic and scholarly perspective on the latest news in the Israeli-Arab conflict. He will discuss historic efforts and the future of diplomacy in achieving a sustainable peace between Israel, the Palestinians and her Arab neighbors.

Doors open 30 minutes before broadcast. Seating is first come, first seated. Free for TBI members, $5 for non-members. This program is made possible through the generosity of:

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 Lunch & Laugh! Where Harry Met Sally: The Jewish Deli in America You will laugh, relate, applaud and get hungry! This multimedia, interactive presentation by Ted Merwin, Ph.D., explores the evolution of the deli, which came from Germany and Eastern Europe, and how it developed in America into a neighborhood institution on par with (or perhaps beyond) the synagogue. Ted also discusses how music, film and television have formalized the deli as an icon of Jewish experience, redefining the boundaries between Jews and non-Jews in American society. Dr. Ted Merwin, writer, journalist and noted public speaker, is an associate professor of religion and Judaic studies at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He writes a weekly theater column for N ew Y ork J ew i s h W eek , and is the author of P as tram i on R y e: A n O v ers tuf fed H i s tory of the N ew Y ork J ew i s h D el i . The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at The Longboat Key Education Center, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Cost: $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Q&A and deli buffet lunch (included in the price) follows the lecture with a chance to schmooze! To register, visit www.lbkeducationcenter.org. For more information, call 941.383.8811.

JFCS Holocaust Survivors’ Havurah Sponsored by

All survivors are invited to attend these monthly gatherings of friendship, camaraderie and support. This month’s topic (including video) is W aterm ark s , the J ew i s h c ham pi ons w ho deﬁed Hitler. Enjoy a light nosh and a lively discussion. The group meets from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. This is a multi-agency event sponsored by JFCS of the Suncoast, Inc., Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and the Claims Conference of Germany. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jan Alston at 941.366.2224 x172 or jalston@jfcs-cares.org.

Eminent Jewish Authors: King David For thousands of years, Jewish writers have blessed mankind with some of the greatest written works in history. Beginning with King David’s timeless P s al m s , the breadth and depth of Jewish writings are incomparable in their informational and inspirational value. King David, the Sweet Singer of Israel, is remembered for his many varied talents and accomplishments, but it is his writings that continue to resonate in the Jewish heart to this day. Join us at 2:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 2975 Bee Ridge Road, Suite A, Sarasota. Cost: $36 for the 7-part series; healthy kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Loaves of Love – Mega Challah Bake Join us for a magical evening of 80 women baking challah! This is an enhanced program with lots of new “twists” and everything you “knead” to know about making challah. Bring home two loaves – one to enjoy and the other to give as a gift. There will also be raffle prizes and delicious refreshments. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. Cost: $12 for Jewish Women Circle members and $15 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Chaya Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

N’shei Chabad Women’s Rosh Chodesh Society N’shei Chabad Women invites all women to attend the Rosh Chodesh Society class, which includes a talk entitled “Beloved Friends: Synergizing and Sanctifying Love and Desire.” This class will focus on keeping up the spark of novelty and mystique that fuels desire in a marriage. The mitzvah of “family purity,” which has long been shrouded in mystery and misconception, will be discussed as a means to add a synchronizing and sanctifying aspect of marriage. Following the class, women will enjoy an introduction to women’s self-defense with Elizabeth Weber. For underwriting the course we thank Chabad’s First Lady, Anne Stein. All are welcome at 7:15 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Cost: Free for Rebbetzin Circle members; $10 for N’shei Women members; $12 for nonmembers. Advance reservations are required to 941.925.0770.

L’Chayim HERE’S “TO LIFE” ON THE GULF COAST Committed to the Jewish Community for almost 20 years, Stacy is passionate about real estate and strives to build everlasting relationships based on exceptional service, uncompromising values and a strong work ethic.

The Rabbi Sanford E. Saperstein Memorial Fund of Temple Beth Israel

The Rabbi Sanford E. Saperstein Memorial Fund of Temple Beth Israel initiated the 92nd St Y broadcasts to honor our beloved Rabbi and his belief in community enrichment.

Please visit the TBI website, www.tbi-lbk.org to verify programs and schedules.

Stacy Hanan, Realtor 941.266.0529

StacyHanan@michaelsaunders.com

1801 Main Street | Sarasota, Florida 34236 | 941.951.6660

JEWISH HAPPENINGS FRI-SAT, JANUARY 16-17

January 2015

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16

Shabbat Experience: A Pastor’s Journey to Judaism

Singles’ Circle discussion and planning meeting

Join Chabad of Bradenton for a fabulously entertaining Shabbat with Rabbi Yaacov Parisi, including dinner, Shabbat Kiddush and Saturday night buffet. The talks will include the Jewish Soul, Divine Providence, and Yaacov Parisi’s entertaining journey to Judaism. The cost for the whole Shabbat is $25; Friday night dinner (7:00 p.m.) is $18; the Kumzitz (Saturday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m.) is $10; and Shabbat Kiddush (noon) is free and open to the public. The weekend takes place at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. For more information, please contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

The Singles’ Circle is a new social group that hopes to provide opportunities for its members to meet other like-minded women. We hope to have monthly discussions in a member’s home, go out to lunch/dinner, attend cultural events, and participate in activities that the group selects. This group’s focus is on the individual, so please come and add your input. Newcomers to Sarasota as well as those seeking a new venue for meeting new people and making friends will find the Singles’ Circle a welcome place. Join us at 10:00 a.m. in the Desenberg Room on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, please contact Davida Weinberg at 941.757.8512 or bandit44124@yahoo.com.

FRI-SUN, JANUARY 16-18 Congregation Kol HaNeshama Scholar-in-Residence Congregation Kol HaNeshama, Sarasota’s Reconstructionist Synagogue, will be hosting Rabbi Jonathan Kligler for its annual Scholar-in-Residence Program. Rabbi Kligler has been the spiritual leader of the Woodstock Jewish Congregation for 25 years. He is now the senior scholar of the Lev Shalom Institute, a center for learning, creativity, healing and spiritual growth. His theme for Friday night’s 6:00 p.m. service is Joyful Jewish Prayer, and he will be joined by the congregation’s Spiritual Leader, Jennifer Singer, in an evening of song, dance and celebration. On Saturday at 10:00 a.m. during the regular Shabbat service, Rabbi Kligler will lead a D’Var Torah on the week’s parsha, followed by a potluck lunch and an in-depth study of the morning’s passage and how it relates to modern life. In the evening, following a brief Havdalah service, he will give a talk titled, “The Reconstructionist Approach: a case study.” Most of the events will be held at Southgate Community Center, 3145 South Gate Circle, Sarasota. On Sunday at 1:00 p.m, Rabbi Kligler will lead a study session on Pirkei Avot, The Ethics of the Fathers. This event will be held in a gated community, and reservations are required to shell2n1@aol.com.

Stay informed throughout the month. Sign up for the Jewish Federation’s Enewsletter at www.TheJewishFederation.org.

Weinstein Religious School family Shabbat dinner The Weinstein Religious School is hosting a family Shabbat dinner for families currently registered at Chabad of Sarasota’s Weinstein Religious School, as well as for families looking to mingle with other Jewish families, and find out more about the excitement at the WRS. The dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. The cost is $36 per family. Advance reservations are required to 941.925.0770.

Kosher Shabbat dinner Temple Beth Sholom is hosting a kosher buffet-style gourmet boneless chicken breast dinner, catered by Michael’s On East, at 5:45 p.m., prior to the 7:00 pm evening services. A vegetarian option is available upon request and wine will be served. The cost for dinner is $25 for members, $12 for children (of members) 6-12, $30 for nonmembers, $17 for children (of nonmembers) 6-12. The dinner takes place in the Madeline L. Sainer Social Hall, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Prepaid reservations are required for dinner by noon on Monday, January 12. RSVP at www. templebethsholomfl.org or by calling 941.955.8121.

CHJ presents Professor Mark Rosenblum Professor Mark Rosenblum is an award-winning historian at Queens College of the City University of New York, where he is director of the Center for Jewish Studies and the Center for Ethnic and Racial Tolerance, as well as the Michael Harrington Center for Democratic Values and Social Change. An expert on the Middle East, he has combined academic research and policy analysis with direct involvement in Middle East conflict resolution since the 1980s. Professor Rosenblum has been selected by the F orw ard as one of the fifty most influential American Jews. Everyone is welcome at 7:30 p.m. at Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or email chjsarasota@hotmail.com.

F A Q

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2015 How do I get items in The Jewish News? Email your articles and photos to jewishnews18@gmail.com. What are The Jewish News deadlines? Items are due the 25th of each month, or the next business day if the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday. Where can I get a copy of The Jewish News? Papers are available at several local libraries, synagogues and offices throughout Sarasota-Manatee. Can’t find it? Email jhanley@jfedsrq. org and let her know where you’d like to see the paper. How do I place an ad in The Jewish News? Contact Robin Leonardi, account executive, at rleonardi@jfedsrq.org or call 941.552.6307.

CLUBFED Lecture Series

EXOTIC JEWISH COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD Presented by Dr. Steven Derfler TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

10–11:30AM – Jews of Cuba According to popular lore, three Jews came with Columbus on his first journey as he explored the northeast coast of Cuba (landed on 28 October, 1492). The contemporary Jewish community, however, does not represent a line of continuity with the Jews of the 13th century.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

Façade – Bet Shalom Synagogue Havana, Cuba

10–11:30AM – Jews of Morocco The beginnings of the Jewish community in Morocco are the subject of many legends. Some say that Jews arrived after the destruction of the First Temple of Solomon. It is generally agreed, however, that Jews arrived with Phoenician traders hundreds of years before the Christian era.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

10–11:30AM – Jews of China Archaeological evidence suggests that Jews were in China as early as the 8th century, having arrived from Persia along the Silk Road. In 1163, the Emperor ordered the Jews to live in Kai Feng, where they built the first Chinese synagogue. However, Westerners lost touch with Kai Feng Jews in the mid-1700s. It was not until the 1850s that they would be re-discovered and an effort was made to re-establish contact.

Ben Saadon Synagogue Fez, Morocco

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

10–11:30AM – Jews of Egypt The long, rich heritage of the Israelite community in Egypt, according to tradition, begins with the Genesis narrative of Jacob’s sons and sibling rivalry. Our story shifts to the era of the New Kingdom of Egypt—when Egypt ruled the East, and the Mosaic tradition of the Exodus. It continues throughout history in a relatively unbroken chain, even through the midst of the 20th century.

Main Synagogue Harbin, China

Ben Ezra Synagogue from Women’s Gallery – Cairo, Egypt

To be held at: The Jewish Federation Campus 580 McIntosh Rd. Sarasota, Fl 34232

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 Jewish War Veterans breakfast/meeting Jewish War Veterans, Sarasota Post 172, will hold its monthly breakfast/ meeting at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Please note that the start time for breakfast has been changed to 9:45 a.m. and will be followed at 10:30 a.m. by a short business meeting. Our guest speakers will be Rosann Argenti and Allen Poindexter, who will present a Veterans’ Benefits Program. We will still plan to finish by noon. A veteran does need to have served in wartime or in combat to join Post 172. All who were honorably discharged from any branch of the Armed Forces and who live in the Sarasota-Manatee area (full or part-time) are encouraged to join. For more information, please contact Stan Levinson, Post Commander, at stanlevinson172@gmail.com or 941.907.6720.

“How Wannsee Changed the World” The momentous Wannsee Conference of a few top Nazi officials, 75 percent of whom held doctorates, changed the world forevermore. Among them was Dr. Rudolf Lange, who was responsible for the mass murders of a quarter of a million Jews in Latvia in six months’ time, including four young boys whom he personally shot in the necks in front of Holocaust survivor Al Katz, for whom the Al Katz Center is named. Join us at 11:00 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 2975 Bee Ridge Road, Suite A, Sarasota. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher foods included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute Temple Emanu-El’s Brotherhood, Sisterhood and Social Action Committee are delighted to host this wonderful tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe. The Troupe will perform musical entertainment ala the music of the protest days of the 1960s, and readings from the speeches and writings of Dr. King will be presented. Local dignitaries and Newtown leaders have also been invited to attend this very special occasion. The community is welcome at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $10. For more information, please contact Don Malawsky at 941.359.2890 or dmalawsky@msn.com.

“Navigating the JewishGen Website” – a Webcast Join the Jewish Genealogical Society of Southwest Florida at 1:00 p.m. at Kobernick House (1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota) to hear Nolan Altman, President of the JGS of Long Island. JewishGen, a non-profit organization, is committed to ensuring Jewish continuity for present and future generations. The free, easy-to-use website features thousands of databases, research tools and other resources to help with Jewish ancestry research and finding family members. JewishGen’s mission is to encourage the preservation of Jewish heritage, allowing anyone with Jewish ancestry to connect with relatives and learn about their family history. Attendance is free and everyone is welcome. For more information, please contact Kim Sheintal at 941.921.1433 or klapshein@aol.com, or visit http://jgsswf.org/.

“Einstein and the Jewish Experience” What can we learn from a study of Albert Einstein’s life? Professor Robert Toplin – author of eleven books on history and a commentator on national television and radio – suggests that we can learn a lot about the contemporary Jewish experience. Not only does Einstein’s life illuminate significant aspects of modern Jewish philosophy, social values, and religious viewpoints, it is also relevant to the history of science in America and the history of American Jews’ relationship to Israel. All are welcome to this intriguing, engaging afternoon of lecture and discussion, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Admission is $5. For more information, email Temple Emanu-El Chair of Adult Education Beth Ann Salzman at bethannys@comcast.net.

“Intimate Piano Impressions” with Eleonora Lvov Eleonora Lvov is an internationally-acclaimed Russian-Israeli piano virtuoso and popular recording artist. She performs widely as a soloist with major orchestras and in recitals throughout the U.S., Europe and Russia. She is a dynamic teacher of master classes and music history and also conducts private lessons in her Sarasota studio. Romantic and Impressionistic eras include magnificent works from Chopin and Liszt to the inimitable enchantment of Debussy, Ravel and Gershwin among others, performed with incomparable elegance, passion and tenderness. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Rd. Suggested donation: $15. For more information, call 941.358.0235.

MONDAY, JANUARY 19 PJ Fun Day Sponsored by

FREE SERIES • MUST RSVP www.jfedsrq.org Educational Resources Inc.

Bringing peoples, cultures and faiths together through education

Questions? Contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org

Lecture series sponsored by Senior Home Companions, Inc. For Seniors by Active Seniors® Senior Home Companions, Inc. For Seniors by Active Seniors®

Join local families for an afternoon of fun, including crafts, snacks, games and, of course, story-time! This free event takes place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota. For more information, contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org.

CTeen - “Big Fat Jewish Wedding” Sponsored by

Cteen is a Jewish teen club that compacts exhilarating fun and meaningful projects into a program that’s thrilling and uniting. Cteen events happen at least monthly, but the moments last a lifetime. The impact is magnificent, the experience priceless. The CTeen program is underwritten by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Join us at 7:30 p.m. at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. No cost. For more information, contact Chaya Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2015

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 Hadassah Lunch & Game Day Join us from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. Plan your table of bridge, mah jongg or whatever you enjoy. Or come alone. There are plenty of us who will play other card games. Cost: $15. Make checks payable to Hadassah and RSVP by January 14 to Joy Siegel, 13511 Montclair Place, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. For more information, contact Cathy Reinitz at creinitz@gmail.com or 941.306.5735.

Jews, Art and Culture: An Interdependence of Quality Wherever one looks, it is obvious that Jewish philosophy, religion, and a love for culture inspires Western Civilization to reach higher heights. This Michael B. Eisenstat Miniversity of Judaism course, presented by Baila Miller, examines Frank Gehry and the Bilboa Guggenheim. Join us at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Cost: $5; free for TBI members. For more information, visit www.tbi-lbk.org or contact the TBI office at info@tbi-lbk.org or 941.383.3428.

Rosh Chodesh Society – Soulmates Sponsored by

Join Chanie Bukiet for RCS’s new and intriguing seven-week course, “Soulmates: Behind Closed Doors.” This third class is entitled “Beloved Friends – Synergizing and Sanctifying Love and Desire.” This course is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. The course begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Cost: $75 per course, textbooks included; $15 per class. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

Soulquest - an exploration of the soul’s journey Does Judaism believe in the soul? The afterlife? Heaven and Hell? Reincarnation? If they exist, what are they like? In this course, you will get answers from classic Jewish sources about some of life’s – and death’s – most important questions. Learn where you come from, where your lost loved ones are to be found, and how the before and after is all about the here and now. This is a six-week course that takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. The cost of $74 includes the textbook. The first class is free. Scholarships available. For more information, contact Rabbi Sholom Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rabbi@chabadofvenice.com. Visit www.chabadofvenice.com to sign up.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21 Idelson Library Film Matinee Series

THE 2014 KLINGENSTEIN LECTURE

The Masada Story: Martyrs, Murders and Myths Tuesday, January 20, 2015 | 7 p.m. Sainer Auditorium, New College of Florida

Jonathan Klawans Boston University

Jonathan Klawans is the author of “Purity, Sacrifice, and the Temple: Symbolism and Supersessionism in the Study of Ancient Judaism House of Israel;” “Josephus and the Theologies of Ancient Judaism;” and “Impurity and Sin in Ancient Judaism.” Sponsored by New College of Florida, The Klingenstein Chair of Judaic Studies and The Jay Rudolph Endowment.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For information, call (941) 487-4888 or visit ncf.edu/klingenstein-lecture. Reserve your seat at donate.ncf.edu/events.

Convicted gun runner, Las Vegas visionary, crusading newspaper publisher, target of the Watergate burglars, hero of Israel’s War of Independence... these are only some of the highlights of Hank Greenspun’s remarkable life – a previously untold story of a genuine American hero. The film, W h ere I St and: the H ank G reens pun St ory (2008; 90 minutes), is narrated by Anthony Hopkins. Refreshments, including popcorn, will be served, sponsored by the Men’s Club. Marty Cohn will lead a question-and-answer session after the film. The screening begins at 1:15 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, Madeline L. Sainer Social Hall, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Suggested donation is $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers. For more information, call 941.955.8121 or email info@templebethsholomfl.org.

New Year New Friends

Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva

at Kobernick House and Anchin Pavilion

PRESENTS FOR THE WINTER SEMESTER

RECLAIMING JUDAISM AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

An eight-week course by Rabbi Dr. Goldie Milgram Fridays 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM Starting February 6, 2015 Come explore soulful texts and exquisite practices from a wide variety of Jewish spiritual masters. Sources will also be provided in translation. Participants from all levels, backgrounds and traditions are welcome. Fee: $60* (plus books at cost). Bio: Rabbi Dr. Goldie Milgram is an internationally acclaimed author and teacher of Torah and Jewish spiritual practices. Her newest release, co-edited with Rabbi Dr. Shohama Wiener is Seeking and Soaring: Jewish Approaches to Spiritual Guidance and Development (Reclaiming Judaism Press). www.ReclaimingJudaism.org

JEWISH HEROES AND HEROINES OF OUR DAY

An eight-week course by Marden Paru Fridays 11:00 AM – Noon Starting February 6, 2015

We’ve always looked up to our many Jewish heroes and heroines we’ve come to know through the Holy Scriptures (Tanach), Talmud, Midrash and Aggadah. But the outstanding Jews in modern times who have left an imprint on our People and culture are not as well known. This course will introduce you to a panoply of unforgettable characters who deserve even more accolade and notoriety than they have received to date. They give us great pride as we marvel at their achievements. Fee: $50*

*SPECIAL DISCOUNT FEE: For those wishing to take both Friday courses - $90

One M

F R E Eth

“We love it here. Come join us.”

Call to 941-2 day: 25-83 69

Kobernick House residents Lilly and Jules Silberg

Sarasota's only leased apartment home providing all levels of living on the same campus: • Independent Living • Assisted Living • Secure Memory Care • Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation The perfect blend of enriching lifestyles and compassionate care founded on Jewish family values.

To learn more or take a tour, please call Esther: 941-225-8369.

Classes are held on the Campus of the Jewish Federation, 580 McIntosh Rd. in Sarasota. To register or seek more information, please contact Marden Paru, Dean and Rosh Yeshiva; at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail.com. Please make checks payable to the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva and mail to Marden Paru, 2729 Goodwood Court, Sarasota, FL 34235. NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs. The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency. It is funded, in part, by a grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

kobernickanchin.org 1951 North Honore Avenue | Sarasota, FL 34235 Sponsored by Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Housing Council, Inc., Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson operates on a non-discriminatory basis for admissions, services and employment. Assisted Living Facility # 8951 • Skilled Nursing Facility # 130471046

10B

January 2015

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22

FRI-SAT, JANUARY 23-24

Film screening and discussion – Hannah Arendt

Scholar-in-Residence Eric Yoffie at Temple Emanu-El

The film (2012, 113 minutes) takes a look at the life of philosopher and political theorist Hannah Arendt, who reported for T he N ew Y ork er on the war crimes trial of Nazi Adolf Eichmann. Dr. Suzanne Vromen will clarify points and address problems in the film after the screening. Dr. Vromen has a PhD in sociology from New York University and is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Bard College, where she co-founded the Women’s Studies program. For years and in many venues, she has taught courses on the Holocaust, including presenting papers and publishing essays on Hannah Arendt. The screening begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Selby Auditorium at USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail. Cost: $5. To RSVP, call Jennifer New at 941.552.6304 or visit www.jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, contact Orna Nissan at 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org.

Temple Emanu-El is thrilled to welcome Rabbi Eric Yoffie as this year’s Peck Scholar-in-Residence. President Emeritus of the Union of Reform Judaism, which represents 1.5 million Jews in more than 900 synagogues, Rabbi Yoffie has been named by the F orw ard as the number one Jewish leader in America and writes regularly for the J eru s al em P os t and H aaretz . He will speak Friday at 7:30 p.m. on “The Evolution of the American Reform Synagogue” and Saturday at 10:00 a.m. on “Revolution in the Making: The Changing Face of Religion and Religious Freedom in the Jewish State.” Temple Emanu-El is located at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. With the generous support of the Peck Scholar Fund, the Opher Scholar Fund, and the Meltzer Family, both programs are offered to the entire community free of charge. For more information, call the temple office at 941.371.3788.

Sponsored by

JFCS Bereavement Support Group Sponsored by

This group meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays from January 22 through February 26 at JFCS, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Cost: $36 per person for the six-week session. For more information, contact Suzanne Hurwitz at 941.366.2224 x166 or shurwitz@jfcs-cares.org.

Great Humorous Jews – Their Lives & Times Jewish humor is the best in the world, for it has served for centuries as our vehicle of survival in the worst of circumstances. From vaudeville to Broadway, radio, the silver screen, television and beyond, Jewish humorists have dominated the comedy scene throughout the 20th century and into the 21st, as highlighted by Molly Picon, a beloved, adorable Yiddish icon, who starred in M i l k and H oney . Join us at 2:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 2975 Bee Ridge Road, Suite A, Sarasota. Cost: $36 for the 6-part series; healthy kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

140 kosher characters

twitter.com/jfedsrq

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 S.T.E.P. Lock-In Join local area teens for a night of fun and overnight activities on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. There will be movies, crafts, games and food, and it’s all free. The Lock-In begins at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and ends at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. For more information, please contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org.

MONDAY, JANUARY 26 Close-up: The Ten Commandments - #7 Come to the Al Katz Center for a kosher brunch and discussion of Commandment #7. This is the seventh in a 10-part series on the Ten Commandments, which are the shortest and singlemost influential words ever written or spoken in the history of mankind, to which the world owes its moral compass. Join us in delving deeply into the meanings and consequences to our daily lives of each Commandment. Join us at 11:00 a.m. at 2975 Bee Ridge Road, Suite A, Sarasota. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher brunch included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27

WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE

Art in the Afternoon Series

Monday, January 26, 2015

The Brandeis National Committee invites you to “The Art of Comedy” with Pam McCurdy, MFA. The event takes place at 12:30 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theater and Humor Institute, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. The cost of $35 for BNC members and $40 for guests includes a buffet lunch. For more information, contact Jill Simons at 941.538.9921 or simons3516@aol.com.

11:00 am

Private Residence — Longboat Key • Coffee and refreshments • Learn about the Women’s Giving Circle and meet other members • Bring a friend

Experience Morton’s

We will be joined by Jayne Klein, founder of the Women’s Giving Circle of Harford County, MD

Where Every Day Tastes Like a Holiday...

For information or to rsvp—Ilene Fox 941.343.2111 or ifox@jfedsrq.org

Full-Service Premier Catering Prepared by Morton’s Own Chefs

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232

941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

Holiday Celebrations Weddings

celebration

Cocktail Parties Full Bar Service Barbecues & Picnics

Through the vivid prism of her family’s history, she will introduce a vibrant mosaic of Jewish Indian culture with her distinctive lyrical and literary voice.

Corporate & Private Events Business Meetings Private in-house Chef Service A Sarasota Favorite Since 1969

March 19, 2015 MICHAEL’S ON EAST

6:00PM • Tickets Start at $75

Event sponsor:

www.SarasotaBrides.com

Questions?

Contact Andrea Eiffert 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org

Visit Our Market in Historic Southside Village

1924 S. Osprey Ave. | Sarasota | (941) 955-9856 | MortonsMarket.com

January 2015

JEWISH HAPPENINGS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

People of the Book featuring Jeffrey Tambor Sponsored by

Join us at 8:00 p.m. for an evening of entertainment with performer Jeffrey Tambor at Riverview Performing Arts Center, Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. This event is free with a minimum gift of $36 (individual) or $72 (family) to the development efforts of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. To register, visit www.jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, please contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org

ORT Game Day Bring your group and games such as mah jongg, bridge, canasta or Scrabble to Laurel Oak Country Club (2700 Gary Boulevard, Sarasota) at 9:30 a.m. Mark your calendar for a delightful day while supporting ORT schools and programs. The cost of $36 includes a continental breakfast, lunch with a bountiful array of salads, and game tables. If you do not have a full table, we will try to complete a table for you. Send your check (payable to ORT America) by January 22 to Rhona Hecht, 421 Bearded Oak Circle, Sarasota, FL 34232. For more information, call Myra Dasher at 941.954.3484.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 Jewish Victories in History: Ethiopian Rescue Referred to as the “People of the Book,” the Jewish people from biblical times to the present day have proven themselves time and again as tenacious fighters and great strategists when military action was called for or when Jewish lives were at stake. Miraculously, Operation Solomon, a covert Israeli military operation to airlift Ethiopian Jews to Israel in 1991, transported 14,325 Ethiopian Jews to Israel in 36 hours through non-stop flights of 35 Israeli aircraft! Join us at 2:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 2975 Bee Ridge Road, Suite A, Sarasota. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 Family Shabbat dinner and service Celebrate Shabbat and share a meal with the students of Temple Beth Sholom Schools. Enjoy a meal prepared by TBSS volunteers at 5:45 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. The service with student participation begins at 7:00 pm. No charge but reservations are required at www.templebethsholomfl.org. For more information, contact Elaine Tedesco at 941.955.8121 or etedesco@templebethsholomfl.org.

11B

Club Fed Hits the Road Sponsored by

Join us for a bus trip to see the Louis Comfort Tiffany exhibit at the Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park. We will leave from the Federation Campus (580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota) at 8:00 a.m. and return at 4:00 p.m. Cost: $35 all inclusive. RSVP online at www.jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.

t u o d l o s

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Club Fed Lecture Series Dr. Steven Derfler will present “Exotic Jewish Communities Around the World – Jews of Morocco” from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. This event is free, but RSVPs are required. To register online, visit www.jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, please contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org. Sponsored by

plore u APJA THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL JEWISH ARTISTS

Jewish Artists Explore

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Mark your calendars:

Location: The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota

JANUARY 11 FEBRUARY 8 MARCH 8 APRIL 12

Concert pianist ELEONORA LVOV Actress ANDREA DOVNER Author JOY WESTON Fine arts painter JOAN DAVIDSON

Interviews begin promptly at 4:00 pm.

Admission: Each event is $5 for APJA members, $10 for non-members (payable at the door). Refreshments will be served.

To join, add your talents to the program, or learn more about APJA please contact APJA President, Rabbi Goldie Milgram, rebgoldie@gmail.com The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is proud to sponsor The Association of Professional Jewish Artists

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 Temple Sinai Men’s Club Dinner Dance

Jan. 31, Feb. 1-2, 2015

Join us for an evening of Jewish music, Jewish food, and contemporary dancing with a five-piece band. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Cost: $28 for temple members and $32 for nonmembers. For more information, please call Jerry Danoff at 410.340.9017.

www.jfedsrq.org

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Temple Beth-El 400 Pasadena Avenue S., St. Petersburg, FL 33707 (727) 347-6136

Original artwork by over 150 award-winning artists including paintings, ceramics, glass, wood, jewelry, photography, and sculpture

plus Syd Entel Galleries of signed, limited edition prints

Jeremy Griffith

Joseph Bradley

Steve Czerniel

Ray Olivero

Saturday, January 31 / 7 – 10 pm:

Elegant preview reception; admission $25 per person at door

Sunday, February 1 / 11 am – 5 pm: FREE ADMISSION; Avenue of Shops, Light lunches available to purchase

Monday, February 2 / 10 am – 5 pm: FREE ADMISSION; Avenue of Shops 11:00 am: Entertainment in the Sanctuary 12:30 pm: Gourmet Luncheon – $20; Reservation needed 2:00 pm: Docent Tour www.artfestivalbethel.com

Just click the button and enter your email address! www.jfedsrq.org 941.371.4546

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