The Jewish News - March 2016 by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

26 SCREENINGS OF NINE GREAT NEW FILMS!

- over TheMilman K

MARCH 6-13, 2016

FOR TICKETS CALL 866.465.3995 OR VISIT JFEDSRQ.ORG

See the ad on page 12B

Celebrating Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Israel and the World FEDERATION NEWS 1971-2016 SERVING MARCH OUR COMMUNITY 16-21 FOR 2015

45 Years . ANNUAL jfedsrq org

March 2016 - Adar 5776

Volume 46, Number 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Russ & Daughters brunch MARCH kicks off Jewish Film Festival 16-21

9A Community Focus 17A Jewish Interest 26 screenings of nine new films, March 6-13 23A Israel & the Jewish World By Roz Goldberg, Jewish Film Festival co-Chair n Sunday, January 17, almost 400 excited ing Night Celebration will be dedicated to the 25A Commentary courageous men and women of the Israel Defense diners kicked off the 2016 Jewish Film Fes27A Focus on Youth Forces with a screening of Beneath the Helmet – an tival with a delicious brunch at Michael’s inspiring documentary about five young IDF draftOn East, catered by the one-and-only Russ & Daugh31A Life Cycle ees. Featured guests will be leading Israeli musician ters in New York City. Co-Chairs Roz Goldberg and Idan Haviv, and film guests Director Oren RosenRosann Argenti Black welcomed the large crowd, 1B Jewish Happenings

5A Endurance and hope in a small Jewish community in Cuba

2015

ANNUAL

thanked the Festival Sponsors, and gave everyone a thrilling peek at the Opening and Closing Night films of the eight-day 2016 Milman-Kover Jewish Film Festival, which runs from Sunday, March 6 through Sunday, March 13. OPENING NIGHT: On Sunday, March 6 at 5:45 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, the Open-

7A Student experiences at the Florida Holocaust Museum

16A

TEE hosts Interfaith tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

JFF Co-Chairs Rosann Argenti Black and Roz Goldberg

feld, 1st LT. Mekonen Abebe and Res. Sgt. Coral Amarani. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with our guests, and an elegant dessert reception. The Opening Night screening will be the first of 26 screenings of our nine new, award-winning films. The films will take moviegoers from Greece to France to Germany to Albania and, of course, to Israel, over a span of more than 70 years. Please join us on this whirlwind journey! CLOSING NIGHT: On Sunday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m., at the Bea Friedman Theatre on the Federation Campus, the Closing Night Celebration will feature the “Work in Progress” screening of On the Map, a thrilling documentary about the astounding 1977 victory by the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team over the heavily-favored European Champion, the Russian Army Team. Joining us will be the film’s Director, Dani Menkin, and two players from that amazing team, Captain Tal Brody and Sarasota’s

continued on page 2A

How The Federation is helping to stop anti-Semitism

By Sandra B. Rifkin

the Family Jeweler 14276 n October 2015, I was asked The Jewish Fedacross the country. I had Invoice heard the term “BDS” in the Name:by ________________________________________________ Ref #: ________________ eration of Sarasota-Manatee to host a breakfast past, but did not pay much attention to the true meanto launch a much-needed task force on anti-Seming. In simple terms, “BDS” is an acronym for “Boyitism. Back in Buffalo I was extremely involved in cott, Divestment and Sanction.” We supported these the local Jewish Federation tactics in the 1980s when dealing with Apartheid-era both as a board member and South Africa. But now, unfortunately, the same conthe chair of the Community cept is being co-opted by the “BDS” movement as an Relations Committee. As a extreme, inflammatory and biased political agenda now part-time resident of designed to undermine the legitimacy of the State of Sarasota, it occurred to me Israel. This Proof must be signed and returned before that I’d been remiss in not Across college campuses the “BDS” movement Temple we can proceed with your order. This is your Proof prior to printing. Please examine all spellserving my community here is rounding up support to get students to vote to boySinai’s ing and information carefully. RFJD will not be in Sarasota as well. And this cott Israeli-made goods, and aims to isolate Israel SAFETYheld responsible forSandra any unnoticed Rifkin errors. Any task force felt like the right fit. politically, economically and culturally. The moveerrors found after printing will be customer’s sole youth group We called it F.A.S.T.: Fighting Anti-Semitism Today. ment states that it is for peace, but its proponents are update responsibility. It has been an amazing experience. working tirelessly to undermine the “two states for Approval One area of focus has been to increase our untwo peoples” solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Approvedderstanding of anti-Semitism on college campuses continued on page 3A

27A

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March 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Jewish Film Festival...continued from page 1A own Eric Minkin. Our guests will participate in a Q&A after the screening, and will greet the audience at a dessert reception. For your convenience, we have added many more screenings this year, and have scheduled most of our matinees at the Hollywood 20. Hopefully, you already have your tickets and are

Night celebrations or the nine exceptional films. It is the goal of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee – each and every year – to reach more and more members of our Jewish community by creating stimulating, entertaining events in which everyone will want to participate. We believe that this year’s Jewish Film Festival – our seventh – will be even more exciting and compelling than last year’s extremely successful Festival. Complete details about the nine films and the multiple special events can be found on our website at jfedsrq.org/events/2016jff, or in our Jewish Film Festival Brochure. We are using an outside ticket vendor this year. PLEASE PLACE ALL ORDERS USING Sponsor Bunny Skirboll with Betty Schoenbaum THE WEBSITE OR BY CALLat the 2016 JFF kickoff brunch ING 866.465.3995. If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor, please contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113. Here’s a brief recap of the films: Beneath the Helmet is an inspiring documentary which follows the journey of five Israeli highschool graduates who are drafted into the IDF. These young men and women are defending not only their homes and their families, but also the values of peace, Joan Feder, Supporting Sponsor Barbara Ackerman with her granddaughter, and Ruth Orne equality, opportunity, democracy, religious tolerance and women’s rights. Magic Men is a touching feature about a jaded Holocaust survivor who returns to his native Greece to find the man who protected him and taught him magic during WWII. Traveling with his Hassidic rapper son as his guardian, his journey becomes a search for absolution and reconciliation, Eileen Curd, Susan F. Milman, Christine Sandrib punctuated by enchanting moments of humor and affection. eager to experience the Festival’s films Apples from the Desert is a timeand events. If you haven’t purchased less and moving story of tradition veryour tickets yet, please buy them sus modernity. The rebellious teenage NOW while you still have time to do daughter of ultra-Orthodox Jewish so! We know you will not want to miss parents journeys into the secular world the very special Opening and Closing

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in an adaptation of the award-winning Israeli play that poignantly explores themes of love and reconciliation. Ultimately, this conflict culminates in a moment of truth, forcing all parties to confront their beliefs and their feelings for one another. 24 Days is a troubling view into the 2006 kidnapping of a young French Jew. Based on a shocking true story, this film is described as “one of the most wrenching and politically astute” films to come out of France. Although this film is difficult to watch at moments, it is an acclaimed, award-winning film that tells a timely and cautionary story – a story that forcefully reminds us of the critical challenge we face as a Jewish community – both at home and around the world. To Life is a touching human drama about the relationship between an aging Jewish cabaret singer and Holocaust survivor, and a young non-Jewish man on the run. Adapted from the original story If Stones Could Cry, this film focuses on the unexpected connection that develops between Ruth and Jonas when he fortuitously saves her life. From that rather unusual beginning, a deep bond is formed between these very unlikely companions. Besa – The Promise is a powerful documentary about Albanian Muslims who rescued Jews during the Holocaust, and one man’s search for the descendants of the Jews he saved, in order to fulfill a promise. This human drama bridges generations and religions, uniting fathers and sons, Muslims and Jews. Through the accounts of Jewish survivors, we hear stories of gratitude to Muslim rescuers – stories that have not been heard for almost 70 years. Once in a Lifetime is an uplifting, fact-based story of a dedicated history teacher at a Paris high school who decides to challenge her apathetic, ethnically-diverse students with a unique assignment: a national competition on the theme of the child victims of the Nazi concentration camps. As they move forward with their project, these once-rebellious teenagers begin to see one another – and themselves – in a new light. A potent antidote to the devaluation of education in an age of ignorance, bigotry and rising antiSemitism, this moving feature film demonstrates the enduring impact of the Holocaust in transforming future generations.

A Borrowed Identity is a compelling, moving feature about a young man going through a set of personal transitions against a background of ongoing cultural flux in Israel. Set in the 1980s and 1990s, this film explores the complex interrelated identities of Jewish Israelis and Arab Israelis. A gifted Arab Israeli boy is given the chance to go to a prestigious Jewish boarding school in Jerusalem, where he desperately tries to fit in with his Jewish schoolmates and with Israeli society. Ultimately, he must decide who and what he is – a decision that will change his life forever. The film was directed by Jewish-Israeli filmmaker Eran Riklis and was scripted by acclaimed Arab-Israeli writer Seyad Kashua. On the Map is a fast-moving and awe-inspiring documentary about the astounding Maccabi Tel Aviv pro-basketball team that toppled the four-time defending European Champion, the Russian Army Team – and put Israel firmly on the map! In 1977, Maccabi Tel Aviv assembled a talented roster of American and Israeli athletes, but no one thought they would get very far, not even in Israel. This film combines the pulse-pounding action of a highstakes game with an incendiary political situation at the height of the Cold War. The film honors Israeli heroes, fascinates basketball fans, and captures the spirit of a nation triumphant against all odds. This will be a “work in progress” screening. We hope you are as excited about the films that await you as we are! Based on the reaction of our Jewish Film Festival Committee members, who screened and evaluated a large number of highly-regarded films to choose our final nine, the 2016 films will provide a remarkable experience for every audience member. To purchase tickets, please visit www.jfedsrq.org or call 866.465.3995. For more information about the JFF, please consult the same website or call 941.371.4546. The Jewish Film Festival Committee: Roz Goldberg and Rosann Argenti Black, co-Chairs; Karen Bernstein, Roberta Berson, Fran Braverman, Jack Braverman, Marsha Eisenberg, Barbara Horowitz, Barbara Jacob, Helene Morgenstern, Susan Newmark, Nadia Ritter, Ronnie Riceberg, Lois Stulberg, Evans Tilles, Janet Tolbert, Frank Tucciarone. Hospitality co-Chairs: Gloria Feibus, Marsha Frank.

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March 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Milk & Honey radio show a winner out of the gate By Federation Staff

very Sunday at 10:00 a.m. you can tune into local radio station WSRQ for The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s weekly radio show, Milk & Honey, hosted by Jessi Sheslow. Each week, Jessi, the Director of Community Relations for The Federation, interviews guests with a discerning voice for the Jewish people on one of three main topics – Israel, anti-Semitism and Jewish culture. It comes as no surprise to those

who know Jessi, that in just a short time (October - December 2015) Milk & Honey is rated the #3 most listened to local show on WSRQ radio. As a former television producer and the lead professional within The Federation dealing with the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative and the newly formed FAST (Fighting Anti-Semitism Today) Initiative, Jessi’s skills have been put to good use. Since the show was introduced, Jessi has interviewed

Holocaust surable on demand at www. vivors, comsarasotatalkradio.com. For munity leaders the show’s future guests, and rabbis, and see the Milk & Honey ad local dignitaron page 6B. ies. On SunFor more information day, February on Milk & Honey, contact 7, Jessi had an Jessi Shelow at jsheslow@ exclusive injfedsrq.org. To become a Jessi Sheslow in the studio (photo by Cliff Roles) terview with sponsor of the radio show, Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud contact Robin Leonardi at rleonardi@ Barak. A replay of this show is availjfedsrq.org or 941.552.6307.

Anti-Semitism...continued from page 1A

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Program/event ads featured in this issue AIPAC Conference.....................27A Arts Day......................................30A Club Fed Hits the Road..............16A College Admission Lecture Series.28A Fifty Shades of “J”......................10A Holocaust Awareness Lectures...18A Jennifer Teege Presentation..........9A Jewish Film Festival...........16A,12B

Milk & Honey Radio Hour............6B Newcomers..................................1B Send-a-Kid-to-Israel Program.....28A Shalom Baby...............................29A Speakers Bureau - Holocaust........3B Sukkah City.................................26A Women’s Giving Circle..............11B Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration....30A

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to conduct a culture assessment Examine policies to increase awareness, understanding and adherence in individual behavior and social media Provide workshops in cultural competency to include religious and international issues Recognizable outcomes from these recommendations will take time, but when implemented, they will have the potential to provide a model that could be replicated on college campuses across the country. F.A.S.T. also recognizes that Jewish students in all of our local colleges needed more support and advocacy. To do so, money will need to be raised to hire a qualified person to not only advocate for our Jewish students, but to listen, support and act as an ombudsman on their behalf. When I finally made the commitment to get involved in the SarasotaManatee Jewish community, I never thought I would be at the center of such a committed group that has such an important job ahead of them. I am equally impressed with The Federation’s ability to get things done as I am with its ability to reach out to “the movers and shakers” of Sarasota. Federation’s F.A.S.T. still has a lot of work to be accomplished, but we are on our way. For more information, or to join the F.A.S.T. Task Force, contact Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow@jfedsrq.org.

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In an effort to preempt any local BDS effort, The Federation has been at the forefront of strengthening relationships with area colleges and universities. In one example, Howard Tevlowitz, Executive Director of The Jewish Federation Sarasota-Manatee, approached the administration of New College offering help regarding cultural tolerance and support for Jewish students. Through his efforts, open communication and dialogue began – but it didn’t stop there. To ensure transformational change, a collaborative partnership was formed. Led by community leaders Veronica Brady and Dennis McGillicuddy, we began a marathon of meetings amongst members of The Federation, including Howard Tevlowitz and Jessi Sheslow, Director of Community Relations; Edie Chaifetz; Iris Nahemow and myself as F.A.S.T. co-chairs; and the president, provost and board president of New College. I have been on too many committees to list, but I have never seen a more devoted, dedicated and committed group of people working together to support and enhance a campus culture that respects students of all backgrounds and interests. Meeting throughout the months of December and January, this team has offered to assist New College campus leadership in their upcoming efforts to: Engage an independent consultant

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March 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Women’s Giving Circle helps hundreds

New lifelong friends meet at Fifty Shades of J event

By Debbie Haspel

By Federation staff

he Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee has provided a wonderful opportunity for two couples, one from Toronto and one from Massachusetts, to become “family.” Two years ago, Michael and Penny Letichevsky from Massachusetts bought a vacation home in Bradenton. During their second winter here they decided it was time to get out, meet new people and get involved in the local Jewish community. Doing some research online they came across The Federation website and found out about the Fifty Shades of J program. In December 2014 they attended their first 50 Shades of J event. Around the same time, Alan Tarant and Eva Ticktin decided to escape the snow in Toronto, and came to Sarasota to enjoy the sunshine and explore the area. They also identified the December 2014 Fifty Shades of J event as an

n Thursday, January 21, 58 ticipants, with over $25,000 in grants women gathered at the home being awarded to ten agencies. of Helene Davis to learn more In just two years, the Women’s about The Jewish Federation of Giving Circle has helped hundreds of needy Jewish women and children Sarasota-Manatee’s Women’s Giving Circle, which provides grants to orgathroughout Israel. From providing nizations helping women and children food for single mothers, to counseling in need throughout Israel. for victims of rape and sexual abuse, The idea for the Women’s Giving to emergency and disaster relief in Ashkelon, generous, caring women in Circle (Ma’agal Nashim in Hebrew) came from Ros Mazur, an active philanthropist with The Federation. In 2012, Ros had participated in a mission to Israel and Odessa, Ukraine, and was deeply moved by the needs of women and children she met there, including Vera ParshRos Mazur, guest speaker Lauren Yoked, chukova, an 83-year-old Co-Chairs Karen Bernstein and Helene Davis our community are truly making a difHolocaust survivor who was bedridden ference. This year’s grant requests are and living alone. Upon her return, Ros currently being reviewed and will be told her friend Karen Bernstein about voted upon on Tuesday, March 22. what she had seen, and her desire to The guest speaker at this year’s help. Karen, who had participated in open house was Lauren Yoked from a Women’s Giving Circle in her naAmerican Friends of Leket Israel, Isrative Pittsburgh, explained the concept el’s largest food bank and food rescue of a giving circle to Ros, and together, network, and a 2014 Women’s Giving with the help of The Federation, they Circle grant recipient. Lauren shared brought the organization to life in our with the group how their grant helped community. educate young, single and new immiThe concept is simple and effecgrant mothers about the importance tive, with each participant in the giving of a balanced diet. The grant helped circle having an active voice in distribdevelop interactive educational workuting the funds. Membership requires shops on nutrition for at-risk mothers an annual donation of $500. Throughthroughout Israel. out the year, overseas organizations The next Women’s Giving Circle benefitting Jewish women and/or chilmeeting will take place on Wednesday, dren submit grant proposals, which March 2. If you are interested in joinare then reviewed and voted upon by ing and making a difference in the lives the membership. In 2014, Ma’agal of Jewish women and children in Israel Nashim’s inaugural year, 36 women and around the world, or would like participated, and $18,000 in grants more information, email Ros Mazur at were awarded to five Israeli agencies. womensgivingcirclesrq@gmail.com. In 2015, membership grew to 54 par-

opportunity to meet new people in the community. At the event, the two couples met and immediately realized that they shared a love of travel, outdoor activities, jazz, learning, and meeting new people. They became fast friends and spent much of the next few weeks together. The following spring, Michael and Penny visited Alan and Eva in Toronto. In the fall, Alan and Eva visited the Letichevskys in Massachusetts. Now, with all wintering again in the Sarasota area (and still attending 50 Shades of J events), they are planning a European bike trip for next summer. Eva and Penny often say they must be long-lost sisters from different parents. All four of them are grateful to Jeremy and The Federation for bringing them together. For information on upcoming Fifty Shades of J events and to RSVP to attend, go to www.jfedsrq.org.

Interest-free educational loans available By Federation staff

pplications for interest-free loans for higher education (college, graduate school and vocational programs) are now available (March 1 - April 30) to Jewish students in the Sarasota-Manatee area for the 2016-2017 school year from JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund), in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Please visit JELF’s website at www.jelf.org to learn more. JELF loans are need-based and offer “last-dollar” financing, meaning that JELF provides the final dollars that bridge the gap between a student’s total

financial resources and the cost of attending school. Applicants must be enrolled fulltime in a program leading to a degree or certificate at an accredited institution that is located in the United States, be a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status in the U.S., and be able to demonstrate financial need (FAFSA application required). In 2015, JELF granted $800,000 in interest-free last-dollar loans to 219 students across its five-state region. For more information, please call 770.396.3080 or email application@ jelf.org.

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March 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Endurance and hope in a small Jewish community in Cuba By Karen Selwyn 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 46, Number 3 March 2016 44 pages USPS Permit No. 167 April 2016 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: February 26, 2016 Advertising: March 1, 2016 PRESIDENT Patti Wertheimer EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Howard Tevlowitz COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR Linda Lipson MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Kim Mullins MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein ADVERTISING SALES Robin Leonardi PROOFREADERS Adeline Silverman, Harold Samtur, Bryna Tevlowitz, Deb Bryan, Sandra Hayden, Stacey Edelman MIMI AND JOSEPH J. EDLIN JOURNALISM INTERN Marinna Okawa 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. SUBMISSIONS to The Jewish News are subject to editing for space and content, and may be withheld from publication without prior notice. Approval of submissions for publication in either verbal or written form shall always be considered tentative, and does not imply a guarantee of any kind. Submissions must be sent electronically to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org. LETTERS to the editor should not exceed 300 words, must be typed, and include the writer’s name, mailing address and phone number. Letters can be submitted via snail mail or email (jewishnews@jfedsrq.org). Not all letters will be published. Letters may be edited for length and content.

aruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, shehechehyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higianu laz’man hazeh. Our group recited this ancient blessing as we stood in front of the Holocaust Memorial in Santa Clara, Cuba. We had just concluded an emotional meeting with David Tacher, president of an 18-member Jewish community, Comunidad Tikkun Olam, in Santa Clara. The prayer was appropriate on so many levels, including to honor the faith and determination of the Jews of Santa Clara, and to marvel at our presence in Cuba after so many decades of isolation and adversarial relations with the United States. On December 5, 2015, a group of 23 travelers traveled to Cuba for a one-week visit organized by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and led by Dr. Steven Derfler. This trip had been a year in the making – the outgrowth of Derfler’s lecture series, “Exotic Jewish Communities.” Eleven months earlier, Derfler had spoken to a packed auditorium on The Federation Campus about the Jewish community in Cuba. At the end of his lecture, Derfler threw a question to the audience: “How many of you would be interested in visiting Cuba?” Now we were in Cuba on a trip that must be viewed in both miles traveled and a journey back in time. The emotional high point of the trip came during our visit to the Santa Clara Jewish community during Hanukkah. The candle-filled menorah and

Kiddush cup next to a case holding the Cuban flag was a sight we’ll long remember. The most impressive part of our visit was hearing from the community’s president. David Tacher spoke about the strategies the Santa Clara community has adopted to improve its chance of survival. He explained how the Santa Clara community works to minimize historical friction Holocaust memorial in Santa Clara, Cuba between Jews with different levels of spend my time thinking about the fuobservance or cultural traditions. This ture. But I can’t. I can only think about includes welcoming everyone who atthe present and the ways to meet the tends services, and accepting people needs of our community now.” who express an interest in Judaism After visiting the synagogue itwithout actually being Jewish. self, we went to the Jewish cemetery However, the community underwhere Tacher talked about the Holostands the long-term implications of caust Memorial installed in 2000. He its small size. Although the commupointed out the 11 pavers on the ground nity celebrated three bar mitzvahs last in front of the memorial. These pavers year, community numbers are down came from the Warsaw Ghetto, a gift by three. Cuba recognizes the Right of from the Holocaust Memorial Museum Return, and several members, includin Washington, D.C. Like the Santa ing Tacher’s son, made aliyah. When Clara community itself, the memorial one person in our group asked a quesrepresents endurance and hope. tion about the future, Tacher answered with the words of someone who has thought about that question and knows the answer is likely depressing. He said, “I hear the question behind your question. If I were head of the large congregation in Havana with 500 The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Cuba trip participants on the steps of Temple Beth-Shalom in Havana members, I would

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March 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Holocaust Speakers Series: Helga Melmed’s journey from horror to freedom By Anne Stein

Lodz Ghetto in Poland, filled with Polish Jews who were already starving. Her family had to search for a place to live. The Washington Holocaust Museum’s website states that life in the Lodz Ghetto was horrendous. “Most of the quarter had neither running water nor a sewer system. Hard labor, overcrowding and starvation were the dominant features of life. The overwhelming majority of ghetto residents worked in German factories, receiving only meager food rations. More than 20 percent of the ghetto’s population died as a direct result of the harsh living conditions.” Helga’s father was assigned work as a slave laborer for the Germans. His work took him outside the ghetto and he would try to sneak home coffee grinds and potato peels that Helga’s mother made into patties using a little flour. Helga says that they did not taste good but they filled her stomach. One day her father was taken to a marketplace instead of to his usual job. He was told to run around while the German soldiers used him and other men as target practice. After her father was murdered, Helga’s emotionally devastated mother became sick and could not work. Helga was forced to work, sewing buttons on the German soldiers’ uniforms in one of the major factories in the ghetto. And there was even less food. When people are starving they often daydream about their favorite foods. Knowing that food was scarce, Helga wished that she could have an onion to add to the patties her mother made. Miraculously, on her 14th birthday, Helga’s mother gave her an onion. She does not know where or how her mother managed to acquire it. The taste of this onion was bittersweet because later, on that same day, Helga’s mother died of starvation. What Helga did not know at the time was that her mother had been giving Helga her share of the food. Helga was adopted by the eldest of

elga Melmed is an accomplished woman who, as a young child, had to overcome obstacles that are difficult to imagine. Her first challenge was surviving the Nazis. Helga was born in Berlin to a loving family. An only child, she was doted upon by her parents. Her nightmare began when she turned five years old and started kindergarten at a public school. Her teacher called her a dirty Jew and beat her hands with a ruler until they bled. Helga was perplexed by the teacher’s behavior as she knew that she bathed every day and was clean. Why did her teacher treat her so badly? Even her parents could not explain the reasons for the teacher’s shocking behavior. Her mother eventually put her into a private Jewish school. When the Nazis took over Germany and initiated laws against the Jews, Helga’s world got smaller and smaller. Jews could not go to parks, movie theaters, zoos or sport facilities, and eventually her parents had to give up their possessions. The German Jews hoped that these terrible times would not last for long, but it got even worse. In 1938 at the age of 10, Helga witnessed the horrors of Kristallnacht. She saw her synagogue and school burned down. She and her friends cried and hugged each other as the Nazis burned their books. This marked the end of school. Soon she had private tutors. In 1941 the Nazis came to Helga’s house in the middle of the night and took her and her family to a slaughterhouse where they had to wait until it was their turn to be loaded onto a cattle car. Even though her parents tried to shield her from seeing horrible things, she saw people hanging on hooks. She was 12 years old. In the cattle car there was no food or water. Helga does not remember how long she was in the cattle car, but she does remember that people were dying and fainting during the journey. The train took them to the infamous

the Jews who ran the ghetto. He had taken in four orphaned girls and four orphaned boys. Now Helga had a little more food and the company of other children her age. In 1944 the war was coming closer to the ghetto so the Nazis emptied the ghetto and Helga was put on the last transport to Auschwitz. There, the girls were housed in a stable, separated from the boys and men. She saw the smokestacks and knew that people were being gassed and burned. When she arrived at Auschwitz, Helga lied about her age and said that she was 15. Everyone under the age of 15 was sent to the gas chamber. Not long after she got to Auschwitz, Helga and her four friends from the Lodz Ghetto were put on another cattle car and taken to a labor camp near Hamburg. This camp was called Poppenbüttel – part of the Neuengamme concentration camp. Their hours were spent filling carts with stones and dirt that were left after the bombings. Once their cart was full they had to push it up a hill to a dump. This was grueling, back-breaking work that went on all day long under the constant watch of guards. The guards would not hesitate to shoot if the workers were unable to manage the tasks. The only food they got was a kettle of brown water and one slice of bread for each girl for the entire day. In 1945, when the war was almost over, Helga had to walk 100 kilometers to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. By then she was near death with typhoid fever and tuberculosis, and only weighed 47 pounds. At BergenBelsen, she lay down on the ground waiting to die. But in her last minutes, Helga was rescued by British and American troops – the war was over. She was first taken to a field hospital and then to Sweden where she spent a year and a half in a Swedish hospital recovering. After that, a Swedish family took her in until an aunt in the United States found her and brought her to America.

ANTI-SEMITISM

Mar 6–13 The Milman-Kover Jewish Film Festival Mar 23 Club Fed Hits the Road: Tiffany at the Morse Museum Mar 24 Hololocaust Lecture Series: Psycho-Dynamics of Nazi Anti-Semitism Apr 4 Presentation by Jennifer Teege: My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me Apr 13 Club Fed Hits the Road: The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg Apr 28 Holocaust Lecture Series: Jewish Resistance in Europe During

the Holocaust May 12 Holocaust Lecture Series: The Vital Importance of Holocaust Education May 15 One Community Outreach Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration

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Helga went back to school and learned English. She accomplished this by herself. She would translate all of her school lessons into German and then into English. Helga graduated from high school in New York City and went on to attend nursing school in Philadelphia. In 1951 she graduated with her nursing degree. Helga eventually married and now has four children and four grandchildren. This year, she is celebrating her 65th wedding anniversary. Helga Melmed visits area schools to share her story of terror and eventual freedom with local educators and students. After hearing what she endured, students often write her to thank her for telling them her story. One student wrote: “Thank you for coming to our school and for sharing your story with us even though it might have been hard to do. I can’t imagine what you went through and without parents to go to when you needed love and someone to care for you. You inspired us to never give up no matter what. It takes a lot of heart to fight through the hard times. You prove that when things get hard you fight because there may be something good at the end.” When Helga speaks to our local students and educators they often ask her if she is religious. She replies that her mother told her to be proud of them Jewish star that the Nazis made theo Jews wear because, as she said, “This is your identity.” p We thank Helga for educating ourh students about what happened duringm the Holocaust. l The Holocaust Speakers Bureau offerst a powerful educational opportunity ton hear from Holocaust survivors and their offspring. For booking information, contact Anne Stein at 941.923.6470 or luvhula@gmail.com. For more information about The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Holocaust programs, contact Orna Nissan at 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org.

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March 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

My experience at the Florida Holocaust Museum By Rachel Miller

lie Wiesel said, “What hurts the victim the most is not the cruelty of the oppressor but the silence of the bystander.” His statement holds true from the Holocaust to today. I’ve learned about the Holocaust many times in temple, school, and through my own research, but the book Maus and online statistics do not send cold chills down my spine in the same way that observing Holocaust artifacts in person does. My journey to the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg in January was eye-opening. Although I have been aware of the catastrophic effects and lost lives for quite some time, this particular trip to the museum made me realize how vital it is to remember the Holocaust – not once or twice a year, but every day. I realized that simply learning about history is not enough; it needs to be understood and remembered. In 2014, I ventured out of my comfort zone when I joined the Bob Malkin Young Ambassadors of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and

visited Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. That visit really put the suffering in perspective for me. The Florida Holocaust Museum’s displays and pictures of items belonging to Holocaust victims reminded me of standing over hundreds of pairs of tattered children’s shoes in Yad Vashem. And the images of helpless individuals with their skin clinging to their bones made me remember standing in the Hall of Names. The artwork displayed at the Florida Holocaust Museum depicted the outrageous conditions prisoners were made to endure. It brought back all of the overwhelming feelings I felt when I visited Yad Vashem. I know now that I must remember it every day to ensure that I will never overlook or dismiss any aspect of the Holocaust and, hopefully, no one else will either. Without recognizing the Holocaust, one would likely be less motivated to make a difference in the community. How can the world grow without anyone initiating change? At the very least, a person who keeps the Holocaust in mind might step up when

he or she sees a child being pushed against the stone cold wall of prejudice. A person who does not understand what happened during the Holocaust might not even attempt to knock that wall down. Names of children, mothers and fathers who suffered during the Holocaust should be remembered, and the events that occurred should be scrutinized so they are never repeated. Unless the Holocaust is kept vital and

Tools of torture exhibited at the Florida Holocaust Museum

relevant, it will be forgotten as years pass – especially when doctored images and false information can be found throughout the Internet. The Holocaust reminds us all to resist prejudice and discrimination wherever they occur. Simon Wiesenthal’s wise words ring truer than ever: “For evil to flourish, it requires good men to do nothing.” Rachel Miller is a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School.

Rachel Miller and Hunter Hampton

By Hunter Hampton

here is always a time in Jewish people’s lives where they will experience anti-Semitism. For me this experience has been felt all too often throughout my life. For example, I’ve come across people who deny the Holocaust ever happened and insist it’s a conspiracy meant to portray the Germans in a bad light. And while this is an example taken to the extreme, it emphasizes the need for education.

I was able to experience this education firsthand during my recent trip to the Florida Holocaust Museum. My experience was filled with deep introspection and silent prayer as I took in the travesty that occurred during the Holocaust. The artifacts that affected me the most were the surgical instruments used to experiment on Jewish prisoners in concentration camps. Seeing these hideous tools of torture made me grimace.

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I plan to become a surgeon, and a step back and truly comprehend the know that all doctors take the Hippohardships my people had to face in this cratic oath – that a doctor should do no dark time. I highly recommend taking harm. The fact that these instruments a trip to this museum. did the exact opposite of their manufacHunter Hampton is a senior at Pine turers’ intentions and created unimagiView School. nable pain and suffering, made me take The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s mission statement for its Holocaust programs is: To ensure that our community never forgets and that our youth live their lives and fulfill their hopes and dreams without fear and of persecution and hatred of any kind. For more information about The Federation’s Holocaust programs, contact Orna Nissan at 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org.

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March 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

The Federation Education Scholarship Program: Applications accepted now! By Andrea Eiffert ers who helped him on his journey and recognized that we all have an obligation to care for our future generations. Because of him and so many others like him, last year alone The Federation awarded $71,400 to help deserving students fund their college educations. This year we are pleased to provide these scholarship opportunities again. Applications are being accepted online at www.jfedsrq.org until Friday, April 15. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following general requirements: Be an undergraduate student in the next academic year at a university,

hanks to the generosity of many local humanitarians and philanthropists who recognize that higher education is important for everyone, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee proudly awards dozens of education scholarships each year to individuals attending vocational schools, two-year colleges and fouryear universities. We thank people like Robert Michelson, who left his entire legacy – more than $1 million – to enable The Federation to provide, in perpetuity, six education scholarships to deserving students each year. Robert Michelson remembered the benevolence of oth-

college, vocational school or community college. The applicant and his/her parent(s) must have resided full-time in Sarasota County or Manatee County for the past two years as of the application deadline. Primary consideration for these scholarships is financial need, however, a good academic record and involvement in Jewish activities and community service will be evaluated. Applications must be received prior to the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

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, as well as demonstrated interfaith involvement and commitment. For more information about The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Education Scholarship Program, visit www.jfedsrq.org and click on education scholarship in the “get help” menu, or contact me at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org.

The Federation awards scholarships for AIPAC Policy Conference By Andrea Eiffert he American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference is just around the corner and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee has awarded scholarships for 10 area high school and college students to attend. With the rise in anti-Israel movements such as BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions), and SJP (Students for Justice in Palestine) flaunting its propaganda on college campuses, it’s

paramount that our teens are armed with the words, knowledge and understanding to stand up as Zionists. And by exposing our teens and young adults to organizations such as AIPAC, ADL and The Federation’s own FAST (Fighting Anti-Semitism Today) Initiative, we can empower them to promote the U.S.-Israel relationship and prepare them to fight anti-Semitism. During the AIPAC Policy Conference on March 20-22, these scholarship

recipients will be among some 16,000 pro-Israel Americans, approximately 2,300 of whom will be students. They will hear keynote speeches from Israeli and American leaders, participate in educational sessions and workshops, see demonstrations of cutting-edge Israeli technology and innovations, attend plenary sessions, be entertained, and have the opportunity to lobby on Capitol Hill. Sending these 10 deserving stu-

dents to the AIPAC Policy Conference is another example of The Federation’s impact on our community and its pledge to make opportunities available to teens for meaningful connections to Jewish life. Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Caroline Colburn, Roxanne Felig, Mackenzie Grace, Gabriella Hazan, Max Lerman, Sarah Levison, Daniel Nissan, Tomer Nissan, Sam Sklar and Jessica Zelitt.

The Jewish News is looking for student journalists to participate in internship Staff Report

he staff and leadership of The Jewish News are looking for young writers to become a Mimi and Joseph J. Edlin Journalism Intern. This paid internship program, generously funded by Sarasota resident Miriam “Mimi” Edlin and her family through the Joseph J. Edlin Endowment Summer Journalism Internship Fund, provides an opportunity for area

students, ages 16-22, to get real world experience with a professional publication, as well as learn about the Jewish nonprofit world. Because of Mrs. Edlin’s generosity, we are able to offer this outstanding opportunity to the community this year. The endowment fund is administered by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis; the St. Louis Jewish Light

publication is also a beneficiary of the fund. The internship requires a 60-hour commitment over the summer. If you are interested, please send a resume, cover letter and samples of your work by Friday, April 1 to Kim Mullins at kmullins@jfedsrq.org, or mail the items to The Jewish News, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232.

pal interest for teens in our community. Two more free sessions this month and in April provide the best information to address frequently asked questions. Landesberg is an independent educational consultant specializing in guiding the journey from high school to college admission. Her focus is on customization of the college application process to match the student’s wish list and strengths. Through ongoing professional development, membership in selective professional associations, and global collegiate networks, Landesberg is connected to current trends in college admissions. She currently serves on the Board of Directors and oversees standards and ethics for the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA). As a regular speaker of college-related topics at national conferences, she most recently presented on a panel with directors of

college admissions to discuss the college essay. As a caring and experienced educational consultant, her college guidance extends throughout Florida and the nation. Upcoming lectures include: Wednesday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m.: Specialty Topic Admissions: Visual/performing arts/athletics. Wednesday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m.: Beat the Curve in College Admissions: An overview of college admissions from A-Z. To reserve a seat, online registration is required at www.jfedsrq.org. For more information on the College Preparation and Information series, contact Debra Landesberg at 941.704.5553 or DL@MyCollegeResource.net. For more information on The Federation’s Shapiro Teen Engagement Program, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org.

Insider tips for college admissions By Federation Staff

urry to catch the College Preparation and Information series at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee! The Federation, in partnership with Debra Landesberg, M.S., founder and president of My College Resource, offers a series featuring college tips and guidance to students in grades 8-12 and their families. Just one of a variety of offerings through The Federation’s Shapiro Teen Engagement Program (STEP), this exciting partnership serves to address a princi-

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March 2016

Maimonides: Philosopher, Physician, Judaic Scholar Sponsored by

By Marden Paru, Dean, Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva

ot a day goes by without my coming across the Latinized name Maimonides, better eknown as the RAMBAM – an acronym nfor Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon. His -Arabic name was Mūsā ibn Maymūn. Born in Cordoba, Spain, in 1135, he etraveled and lived in Fez, Morocco, and sfinally alit in Fustat, Egypt, and died tthere in 1204. A “renaissance man” – he left his imprint on Judaism in a way enot too many others have in the shap-ing of Jewish philosophy and halakha ,(Jewish Law) during the last 1,000 nyears. His writings and contributions ”to Jewish learning are intact today. Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon’s name 8 comes up constantly because of his influence and interpretations of Jewish practice in both the Sephardic and Ashkenazi milieus of the middle ages.

They are respected in both cultures. As I do daily research in Jewish studies – on many different topics upon which I organize material for many classes – I keep running into this ilui (Jewish genius). Let me share some insights. In studying the Torah, one immediately can identify the major mitzvot (commandments) or sancta of Jewish life: Shabbat, tithing, honoring elders, kindness to animals, ethical and moral behavioral norms, holiday observance, family purity, and teaching one’s children. The Rambam identified 613 specific “do’s and don’ts” in the Pentateuch – a list so long that one would be hard pressed to memorize. He even organized them into categories for easy review (i.e., God; Torah; Signs and Symbols; Love and Brotherhood; the Poor and Unfortunate; War; Treat-

ment of Gentiles; Sexuality; Holidays; Prayers and Blessings; etc.). When I open my siddur (prayer book), I find a popular Shabbat eve closing hymn – the Yigdal – which expresses Maimonides’ 13 Articles of Faith. As a long-time professional fundraiser, I would often quote the Rambam’s Eight Rungs of Tzedaka/Charity; the highest form is to find an impoverished person a job rather than giving a handout. When approaching the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) and prior codes such as the Arba Turim, one has to salute the great Maimonides for organizing the first such code, the precursor to the works of Rabbis Karo and Isserles. Maimonides was a rationalist. He served as the court physician to the Caliph of Egypt. His medical and sci-

ence background influenced his Jewish philosophy and outlook on Yiddishkeit, changing longstanding views on the coming of the Messiah. He negated popularly-held superstitions about sorcery and dybbuks in favor of rational thought. His most complicated work is the Moreh Nevukhim – The Guide for the Perplexed. His life and contribution to Judaism and scholarship will unfold in a new course that the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva will offer on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., starting April 8. For further information, you may reach me at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@ gmail.com.

Florida Studio Theatre presents Dialogues on Diversity

lorida Studio Theatre presents Dialogues on Diversity, a call to conscience that includes discussions as well as events and exhibits from various community partners. Participating organizations include ABC News, Embracing Our Differences, the Sarasota County Public Libraries, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, the Sarasota Ministerial Association, the Ringling Museum, and many more. These events coincide with FST’s hit production of Butler and up-

coming productions of Alabama Story and My Name is Asher Lev. This community-wide discussion will cycle through topics starting with historical truths from the past and all the way to the moral citizenship that we all have a right to exercise and a responsibility to recognize. Leading FST’s efforts is Kate Alexander, Associate Director of FST, and the Forums Director. Alexander states, “It’s important that our theatre has become a hub, so to speak, where

other institutions can all join together and have voice on the issues of our day. Together, our libraries, religious organizations, museums, media and more can speak to the cultural issues of our city. Where else could one do that?” Coming up in March is a panel discussion entitled The Roots of Hatred. This discussion will focus on the themes presented in FST’s Stage III

Sponsored by

production, My Name is Asher Lev. All panels are free to attend but reservations are required and can be made by calling the box office at 941.366.9000 or online at www.floridastudiotheatre. org.

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March 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jewish practices brought to local residential facilities Sponsored by

By Wendy L. Sunshine, MA, JFCS Director of Marketing eniors who are living in residential facilities enjoy many activities and feel at home – but often they miss a connection to their Jewish faith. Fortunately, volunteers from Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast (JFCS) can bring Judaism to them. Once a month, JFCS volunteers go to various retirement, assisted living and nursing homes to lead interested residents in Jewish practices. The volunteers bring battery-powered candles (real candles are generally forbidden in these facilities), a CD with music, and an abbreviated Siddur service. The fa-

cilities provide the basics: wine and/or grape juice, challah and a CD player. JFCS volunteer Marvin Waldman, a member of Sarasota’s Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, leads a monthly service at the DeSoto Beach Club independent living facility. What motivates him to share this way? “My maternal grandmother lived with us growing up, so I developed an empathy for older persons. I’m also a doctor and worked in a VA hospital, and am trained in helping and put those together,” he said. “I’m not as religious as many Jews, but we have a good time and a very eclectic service.” “I look forward to it every month,”

said Waldman. “My wife goes with me and we enjoy it.” Volunteers bring different focuses and strengths to their monthly religious outreach services. For example, JFCS volunteer Gayle Byerly does a brief Torah study when she goes to the Bay Village retirement community every month. She has also given tips to other volunteer service leaders on how to create a Torah study and handout. On a monthly basis, religious outreach volunteers visit about 12 facilities, but that number increases to about 20 on the High Holy Days. When holidays roll around, volunteers provide special services using a special High

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Holy Day machzor (prayer book), Passover Haggadah and Hanukkah songbook. For some local senior residents, it is their only opportunity to experience Jewish religious practice. This program is generously supported by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Jennifer Singer, JFCS Jewish Healing Program Coordinator, said, “We’re really lucky in this community to have a Federation that cares to help us provide this service.” For more information, call Singer at 941.366.2224 x166.

By Michelle Williams

or four years, Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson’s Rabbi Barbara Aiello has worked with the Italian consulate, under the direction of Vincenzo Genovese, to organize the International Holocaust Remembrance Day each January in Tampa to honor the memory of the victims and survivors of the Auschwitz death camp. This year, local cantors provided meditative musical selections while survivors, like Kobernick House resident Carolyn Kaplan, were honored for their perseverance. Residents from the Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson senior living community offered their support. Kaplan was one of several keynote speakers and the first speaker in four years to receive a standing ovation! Rabbi Barbara led the lighting of the six candles, representing the six million victims. Together, they joined in solemn remembrance with leaders from

Holocaust survivor and keynote speaker Carolyn Kaplan with Rabbi Barbara Aiello at the event in Tampa

the Consular Corps of Tampa Bay, the United Nations Association of Tampa, Tampa Sister Cities International, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and other community members in honoring the victims of the Holocaust. Since 2005, the countries of the European Union have commemorated January 27, 1945, the date when the Russian army liberated the Auschwitz camp, in solidarity with countries around the world.

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This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in The Jewish News. Abrams Dermatology...................19A Ackerman, Barbara, REALTOR®...2A AJC..............................................5A All Heart Senior Care.....................3A Allegiant Private Advisors...........12A Brooklyn Bagels & Deli.................3A Camp Shalom..............................29A Cat Depot.......................................2B Center for Sight............................26A Chabad of Venice.........................22A Chevra Kadisha............................31A Classified ads.......................10A,20A Coastal Eye Institute......................7B Congregation Kol HaNeshama....10B Cortez Foot & Ankle....................20A Dannheisser, Dan............................5A Environeers..................................24A Fandango Cafe.............................17A Florida Cancer Specialists Fdtn.....4A Florida Studio Theatre...................7B Fresh Start Cafe.............................8A Goldie Feldman Academy...........29A Grad, Stacey, Morgan Stanley.......21A Hanan, Stacy, REALTOR®...........17A Hearing Loss Assn. of America......2B HearUSA.....................................21A Hebrew Memorial........................31A Holcomb & Kreithen....................13A Horowitz, Neil, Fifth Third Bank..11A Israel Tennis Centers......................4B Jason’s Deli....................................5B Jewish Museum of Florida - FIU....5B JFCS.............................................4A JNF.........................................7A,23A Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson........1B Lakehouse West...........................12A Levy, Jane......................................3A Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.....3B

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

March 2016

11A

Israel Tennis Centers celebrates 40th anniversary with Winter Exhibition Season in Florida Series of events marks four decades of unparalleled service to the children of Israel.

, h

t was 1976… the U.S. Bicentennial… a hugely momentous occasion here in the United States! In Israel, 1976 was also the year of another exetraordinary event… the launch of what has become the largest social service organization for children in Israel… The Israel Tennis Centers! On April ,25, 1976, the first ITC center opened -its doors to the children of Israel in Ramat Hasharon. Forty years later, the tITC has positively impacted over a half million Israeli children with programs designed to help them reach their full potential in life! “When we opened our first center 40 years ago no one could have dreamed how much our work would have transformed the lives of so many Israeli children,” said ITC Founder Bill Lippy. “And to see how the organization has grown from a single center to 14 locations strategically built in underprivileged communities throughout Israel is gratifying beyond belief.” In recognition of this enormous accomplishment, the Israel Tennis Centers Foundation is planning a yearlong celebration in both Israel and the Diaspora, calling attention to what the ITC continues to accomplish for the 20,000+ children and their families who utilize the centers each year. The activities will be fully covered on the ITC website

A diverse team of Israeli players and coaches representing various Israel Tennis Centers will be flying to the U.S. to share their personal stories about what the ITC has meant to them, their families and the communities in which they live. This is especially timely right now as part of Israel continues to be terrorized by attacks on its citizens. The ITC represents a safe and nurturing environment in which these children can learn vital life values while sharpening their tennis skills. The focus of the ITC is on changing children’s lives every day so they can become better human beings. Through its social impact programs, a wide range of children are served, including youth at risk, immigrants from Ethiopian and Israeli players and coaches representing various Israel Tennis Centers in exhibitions in Florida Russia, and children with spewith the ITC’s 40th Anniversary Jourcial needs, from autism and ADHD to ney to Berlin and Israel from November Down syndrome as well as those with 1-13, 2016 (www.israeltenniscenters. developmental and physical disabiliorg/40th-anniversary-journey/). ties. The ITC also recognizes the abilAn ambitious series of exhibitions in February and March include the following West Coast cities: Longboat Key, Tuesday, March 8 at 4:00 p.m. Tampa Bay, Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. (www.israeltenniscenters.org), including a unique look at a group of ITC alums whose experiences and teachings at the centers as children helped them become accomplished and successful adults. The first of these stories can be viewed in a special sub-section entitled “Great Achievers” under the “What We Do” tab on the home page. The celebration will culminate

ity of tennis to bring together children from different religions as seen in its highly successful Coexistence Program. The Israeli players include Daniella, a 12-year-old Ukrainian immigrant who came to Israel last year with her father to escape persecution. The ITC has become a ‘second home,’ helping her become acclimated to Israeli society. Joining Daniella will be a 10-yearold Arab Israeli boy from Jerusalem whose life is an inspiration to everyone he meets. Also marking this very special exhibition series will be an appearance in several cities by legendary Israel Davis Cup team member and former Grand Slam winner Andy Ram. He and the rest of the ITC team will make these events truly unforgettable! For more information or to attend any of the exhibitions, contact ITC Vice President of Development Yoni Yair at 954.480.6333 or yyair@ israeltenniscenters.org. You can also learn more by visiting the ITC website at www.israeltenniscenters.org.

Sock it to JFCS today! By Sheila Birnbaum, JFCS volunteer project manager

id you know that homeless people in our community walk 10 miles a day with sore, blistered feet because their socks are thin and full of holes? Veterans go to job interviews without any dress socks to wear? Little ones are embarrassed to take off their shoes because they don’t have socks? Socks mean so much to disadvantaged school-aged children, struggling veterans, and homeless families. Fortunately, we can make a difference and help those who don’t have their own sock drawer! We’re asking the entire community to donate new socks to Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast (JFCS) and support its wonderful campaign. You can help. Just ask your friends, relatives and party guests to donate new socks. We need reinforced crew socks for adults, athletic socks for kids, and black, brown or blue dress socks for veterans. Just SOCK IT TO US and we will take care of the rest! SOCK IT TO US is the second in a series of Donation for Giving programs that I developed in partnership with JFCS. If you remember, last year we did “The Pajama Game” and it was an overwhelming success. Thanks to generous donations from the entire community, JFCS distributed over 200 pairs of pajamas plus a matching story

book to children in need. With your help, this year we hope to collect and distribute even more socks! Our program runs from February 29 to March 31. Remember, these people cannot go to a store and buy something new – and socks are one of the greatest gifts we can give them! It’s an inexpensive way to help. Socks come in multi-packs for reasonable prices at the big box stores.

TEMPLE SINAI R O HON

Sheila Birnbaum kicks off the JFCS 2016 SOCK IT TO US campaign

Just think about the size and whether they’re going to be for a child, adult, man or woman. Drop off your socks at JFCS at 2688 Fruitville Road in Sarasota. You can be assured that JFCS will distribute each pair of donated socks to the right person. If you have any questions, contact Cindy Underwood at 941.366.2224 x143. My friends, remember that giving is a mitzvah, so SOCK IT TO US!

RABBI GEOFF HUNTTING A

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12A

March 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

AJC to honor David & Edie Chaifetz with national award

n Wednesday, March 30, AJC So many, including the Sarasota com(American Jewish Committee) munity, the Jewish people and the State will present its 2016 National of Israel, and the worlds of culture and Human Relations Award to David and education, are all the better for their non-stop efforts to make a profound Edie Chaifetz at a gala dinner at Michael’s On East. The Chaifetzes are difference. May the laudable example being honored with this prestigious of this dynamic duo prove contagious!” award for their outstanding involveResidents of Fairfield, Connectiment in civic, communal and organizacut, David and Edie moved to Sarasota in 2004 after retiring from successful tional activities that benefit the greater good. The gala is chaired by Karen and careers – David as a corporate lawyer, Tom Bernstein, MariVice President, General Counsel and Seclyn Shuman, Toby and Noel Siegel, and will retary of Praxair, Inc., begin with a cocktail and Edie as founder reception at 6:00 p.m, of Brooklawn Travel, followed by dinner. Inc. Soon after arriving Internationally-renowned speaker, David in Sarasota, both DaHarris, AJC Executive vid and Edie jumped Director and CEO, will into the organizational be the keynote speaker. life of the Jewish and He will be traveling to secular communities. Sarasota for the occaDavid is a member of sion, as he states, “The the Board of Trustees late President John F. of the Sarasota Opera and is in his second Kennedy once said, ‘A David and Edie Chaifetz nation reveals itself by the men (and, year as Board Chair. He also is on I’d add, of course, women) it honors.’ the Board of Directors of The Jewish So, too, an organization. In paying tribFederation of Sarasota-Manatee and ute to AJC’s dear friends, leaders and Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and sits on the National Board partners, Edith and David Chaifetz, we of Governors of AJC and the National applaud their humanistic values, civic Council of the American Israel Public leadership and philanthropic example.

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Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Edie proudly serves on AJC’s Regional Board of Directors, and the boards of the Perlman Music Program, All Faiths Food Bank, and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, and she co-chairs with David the Sarasota chapter of AIPAC. The Chaifetzes believe that if someone has had the good fortune to be successful in life, they must share that good fortune with the community by contributing back their time, life experience and treasure. They hope that through their volunteer work and their philanthropy, they have “moved the needle” and helped make Sarasota a little bit better than it otherwise t is said, “The brightest stars are those that shine for others.” That is certainly true of David and Edie Chaifetz, this year’s AJC Human Relations Award honorees. They are the quiet heroes in our community, and AJC is thrilled to thank them at this very special dinner in March. To add special meaning to the evening, David Harris the voice, heart and soul of AJC, will be there to pay tribute to this extraordinary couple and share his

would have been. In addition to honoring the Chaifetzes, this fundraising gala will introduce guests to AJC and its vital work. For more than 100 years, AJC has sought to advance the peace and security of the Jewish people. Through high-level diplomacy, strong legislative advocacy, and effective interreligious and interethnic coalitions, AJC continues to make a significant impact on issues critical to the Jewish people. To learn more about AJC, please visit www.ajc.org. For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact AJC Regional Director, Brian Lipton, at 941.365.4955 or liptonb@ajc. org. insights on global issues of great concern, including anti-Semitism, bigotry and hate wherever they appear, and the continued advocacy for the State of Israel. As a past AJC honoree, I am excited to be a sponsor of this event and proud to say, “Bravo Edie and David for your passion and compassion for the world!” – Flori Roberts, AJC West Coast Florida Regional Vice President and Past AJC Human Relations Award honoree

“These we honor” Your Tributes ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IN MEMORY OF Claire Sischy Cheryl and Scott Gordon Judy Weinstein Judy and Alan Wertheimer

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ISRAEL PROGRAMS IN HONOR OF Gail Sylvia-Cox Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz Hannah Weinberg Shirley and Marvin Dubin

SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel) IN HONOR OF David Chaifetz Bunny and Mort Skirboll IN MEMORY OF David Welkovics Shirley Goodman

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March 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Temple Sinai celebrates silver anniversary

emple Sinai of Sarasota will Bank. The temple donates to Mothers mark four notable milestones Helping Mothers, an all-volunteer notat a Gala Event on Saturday, for-profit organization that provides March 12. This occasion will comclothing and baby items for families memorate four significant Temple Siin need. The temple also works with nai anniversaries. St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Booker The Gala will highlight the Silver High School, Save Our Seabirds, South Anniversary of Temple Sinai, honorEast Guide Dogs, Cat Depot and many ing 25 years of contemporary liturgy more service groups. This Mitzvah and deep tradition of warmth and welProject is part of Temple Sinai’s sercome. The event will also celebrate vice commitment to area communities. 23 years of spiritual leadership and Featured among the auction items service by Rabbi Geoff Huntting, 10 are a 100-inch pearl necklace, a wine years of inspiring music by Chazzan tasting for 20 guests, $2,000 and much Cliff Abramson, and the 10-year annimore. versary of The Gan, an NAC-accredSeveral sponsorship and underited school that nurtures and educates writing opportunities are available. For young children. further information, contact Geri Serot The Temple Sinai Gala will take at 941.556.9363. yplace at Michael’s On East. The festivities will include cocktails, dining, -dancing and an exciting dlive auction. A ceremony dhonoring the four Temple rSinai milestones will take place after the dinner. In addition to its tmilestones, Temple Sinai will celebrate its support for numerous charities, schools and community organizations through its Mitzvah Projects initiative. In 2015, the temple donated over 4,000 pounds of non-perishable Chazzan Cliff Abramson, The Gan Director Laura Freedman and food to All Faiths Food Rabbi Geoff Huntting pictured in front of The Gan at Temple Sinai

13A

“From Bima to Broadway” concert comes to Sarasota

emple Beth Sholom invites the Cantor Abrams will be accompanied on piano by Toby Simon, who entire Sarasota community to recently relocated to Lakewood Ranch “From Bima to Broadway,” a from Princeton, New Jersey. As conspecial musical evening featuring Cantor Audrey Abrams on Sunday, March ductor and instructor, she was named 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the temple sanctuary. Music Teacher of the Year in the State She will perform show tunes and shul of Massachusetts. She performed for many years with the Tantunes. Her voice will absoglewood Festival Chorus lutely touch your soul! Cantor Abrams was and served as conduccertified by the Ameritor for the Princeton Girl Choir. She and her huscan Conference of Cantors and Hebrew Union band, Cantor Murray Simon, are active members College in 2001. She has served as the Cantor of of Temple Beth Sholom. Beth El Synagogue in Tickets are available for purchase from $36 per Minneapolis since Cantor person. For sponsorship Neil Newman’s retirement Cantor Audrey Abrams information, please conin 2007. She will be joined in concert by Cantors Rick Berlin, Neil tact Edie Chaifetz at 941.308.2255 or Newman and Murray Simon. CanConcert Co-Chairs, Cantor Neil and tor Abrams has a theater background, Saranee Newman, at 612.220.2382. For ticket information and reservaa bachelor’s degree in music therapy, tions, contact Kelly Nester at Temple and a master’s in vocal performance. Beth Sholom at 941.955.8121. She is currently the conductor of the Be part of Temple Beth Sholom’s Minneapolis chapter of Ha’Zamir, memorable and exciting community the International Jewish High School concert. An elegant dessert buffet will Choir, which performed at Carnegie follow the concert. Hall last spring!

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14A

March 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM Changes coming to Sarasota-Manatee’s Conservative Synagogue Temple Beth Sholom By Mark Gordon in march

Join us at

All Are Welcome! Come Join Us!

ONGOING PROGRAMS Daily Morning Minyan

Sunday-Friday, 8:00am – 9:00am

Morning Minyan Breakfast Wednesdays 9:00am

SHABBAT SERVICES Fridays, 6:30pm Saturdays, 9:00am

Shabbat Shaboom

Saturdays, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Youth Havurah

Saturdays, 10:30am – 12:00pm (2nd – 6th grade)

Shabbat Shmooze

TEMPLE TALK

Chat with our co-presidents about the exciting changes happening at TBS! WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 HAPPY HOUR 5:30–7:00pm (1st Wednesday each month) SUNDAY, MARCH 20 COFFEE HOUR 9:30–11:00am (3rd Sunday each month)

UPCOMING EVENTS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 1:15pm, Idelson Library Book Review Estelle Fryburg will review The Family: Three Journeys into the Heart of the Twentieth Century by David Laskin. FRIDAY, MARCH 4 6:30pm, Shabbat Services with Special Guest Wendy Goldberg. Bring a dish to share at the pot luck after services. Please see our website for pot luck guidelines.

Saturday, 1:00pm

OFFICE HOURS Monday–Closed Tuesday–Friday 9am – 3:30pm Paver Religious School

Sundays, 9:00am – 12:30pm *No classes March 13TH – Spring Break

Introduction to Reading Hebrew Sundays, March 6 & 20 11am – 12:30pm A Cup of Joe and the Five Books of Mo Tuesdays 9:15am – 10:15am Chug Ivri (Advanced Hebrew) Thursdays 10:30am – 12:00pm

JUDAICA SHOP HOURS

Monday–Closed Tuesday-Thursday, 10am – 3pm Friday, 10am – 12pm Sundays, 11am – 1pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 6 10:00am, Men’s Club Breakfast & Learn Dr. O’Shea, President of New College will discuss The Future of Higher Education. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 7:00pm, Shmooze & Brews with Rabbi Werbow – Ask questions, come listen, meet people, explore concepts and ideas. This month we will meet at the White Horse Pub. (6240 Lockwood Ridge Rd.) SUNDAY, MARCH 13 12:30–2:00pm, Kadima Event – Don’t miss out! WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 1:15pm, Idelson Library Film Matinee We will be showing Above & Beyond, with a question and answer session to follow. Refreshments will be served courtesy of the Men’s Club. Suggested donation – $3/Members, $5/Non-Members. SUNDAY, MARCH 20 11:00am–2:00pm, Hotcakes & Hamantaschen Join us for a fun-filled family Purim Bingo Pancake Brunch. Call the office to make reservations. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 6:30-8:00pm, Purim Celebration – Join the Fun! Games, Hamantaschen and Megillah reading. Call the office if you would like to participate!

TEMPLE BETH

SHOLOM 941-955-8121 IDELSON LIBRARY You can check out books, using our self-checkout, any time the office is open, provided there is not a meeting in the Library.

FRIDAY, MARCH 25 6:30pm, Cantor-in-Residence, with Cantor Audrey Abrams. Catered dinner at 5:30pm. SATURDAY, MARCH 26 9:00am, Cantor-in-Residence, with Cantor Audrey Abrams SUNDAY, MARCH 27 12:30–2:00pm, Chalutzim Event – Join the Fun! SUNDAY, MARCH 27 7:00pm From Bimah to Broadway featuring Cantor Audrey Abrams, accompanied by Toby Simon with the Temple Cantors Richard Berlin, Neil Newman and Murray Simon. Tickets: $36/person. Sponsorships are available, contact the office for more information or to make a reservation.

COMING IN APRIL Join us for a

Community Passover Seder Saturday, April 23 • 6:00pm

templebethsholomfl.org 1050 South Tuttle Avenue • Sarasota, Florida 34237

email: info@templebethsholomfl.org

C f

avigating challenges, setting big and audacious goals, and overcoming obstacles is a cinch for Rob Katz. After all, Katz, a podiatrist, has competed in Olympic distance triathlons. He’s also the father of teenagers. Now Katz and area attorney and entrepreneur Emma Joels – who has also raised a family and overcome work and life hurdles – have taken on an entirely new kind of challenge: to save Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota and lead the creation of a new and improved TBS that will survive and thrive for years to come. “The biggest challenge is changing the culture,” says Katz. “The culture for so long has fed upon itself.” Some of the problems, say Katz and Joels, TBS co-presidents, come from the financial side of running a large organization like TBS. Religious organizations nationwide have struggled in that area for at least the past decade, and the situation at TBS is acute. It includes a drop in revenues due to a decrease in membership combined with a rise in costs due to an increase in expenses for the aging facility. Specifically, as of late November 2015, TBS had exhausted $700,000 in reserves, took out a $1.3 million loan from the bank, and borrowed at least $500,000 from other sources. Membership rolls, meanwhile, have dipped from 800 units to 400. But while TBS leads various efforts to raise money and find other sources of income, Joels and Katz point out the effort to save TBS isn’t only about money. “Fundraising and membership alone will not resolve our problems,” says Joels. The resolution, instead, comes from three core phases. The first part, well underway, is to stabilize TBS. That includes cash flow to take the synagogue through the current fiscal year. Outside finances, this phase includes Joels and Katz meeting with current members of TBS to update them – in addition to past members who left for various reasons. The TBS co-presidents also speak regularly with Rabbi Michael Werbow. “We try to listen and respond,” Katz says. “You need to be able to do both of those. We aren’t perfect, but Emma and I try to

Emma Joels and Rob Katz

follow through with everything.” The second phase, which could take up to a year, is to create a sustainable campus. As Katz, Joels and several other TBS leaders have said in the last year, the meaning of a campus going forward is a wide-open look at what will make TBS sustainable. Gone are the old ways of thinking the campus is a members-only enclave. In Katz’s view, this approach provides a potential winning solution to a thorny problem. “As a result of the deficit, our backs are against the wall,” he says. “But we think that’s good. TBS needs to embrace all Jewish people and reach out to the entire community.” The sustainable campus, say Katz and Joels, could be any number of things. The process to get there includes a land survey, and building and property appraisal. This phase also means accepting TBS isn’t big enough i to sustain its current campus, and a 6 need to seek out potential partnerships p with organizations such as The Jewish E Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and o the YMCA. Altogether, Katz realizes n these changes are big and meaningful. “For a synagogue to become part of a campus,” says Katz, “it’s a paradigm shift.” The last phase, after determining the best options for the campus, is to execute those goals. That could be finalizing partnership opportunities and implementing other plans. For Katz and Joels, who each have long histories with TBS, the work has occupied many of their days and nights, and early mornings and weekends. They are steadfast that a new TBS, under a new slogan, “Reflecting on our Past, Recreating our Future,” is on the horizon. “The thing about where we were is that it’s in the past,” says Katz. “Now we can find a way to move forward.”

GulfsidePalm & SaraMana ORT Fashion Show Luncheon

ulfsidePalm ORT and Sarathey enjoyed the afternoon, monies Mana ORT Chapters of ORT were raised to help ORT students attain successful careers, become community America held an “Out of the ORT-inary” Fashion Show Luncheon leaders, and live independently. at Lakewood Ranch Country Club on Sunday, January 10 with an “extra-ORT-inary” extravaganza that guests will never forget. Highlights included a delightful Talbots fashion show set to music with ORT models, a boutique of vendors, wonderful prizes, and a very entertaining disc jockey. Shmuel Sisso, Director General and Chief Ian Howard, Betty Schoenbaum, Howard Tevlowitz Executive Officer of World ORT, spoke about ORT globally, and Suzanne Crandall, SaraMana ORT CoPresident, spoke about ORT locally. Melissa Howard, ORT Fashion Show Chair, made sure everything was “extraORT-inary.” Everyone left happy, knowing that while Shmuel Sisso, Melissa Howard, Suzanne Crandall

March 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

15A

Chabad of Venice to hold groundbreaking ceremony for new 11,000-square-foot Jewish Center complex habad of Venice & North Port is set to break ground on a new 11,000-square-foot center to service the area’s growing Jewish community. The ceremony on Sunday, March 6 at 2:00 p.m. at 1681 Jacaranda Blvd., Venice, will mark the start of the largest phase of the expansion project. Designed by renowned architect Sol Fleischman, the building will be geared to meet the needs of a diverse community. When complete, the center will include a social hall, library, 144-seat sanctuary and more. It will be accompanied by an additional 3,600-square-foot Youth Center, which is already nearing completion and will serve as the primary Chabad center during construction. “In recent years, we have had to rent larger locations for holidays and major events because our current spot just can’t hold us anymore,” says Rabbi Sholom Schmerling, who serves as director at Chabad. “For quite some time now, people have been asking when

and where will we expand to. That time is finally here, and we have the perfect location – right in the heart of Venice.” Since 2005 Chabad has worked to service an expanding community in south county, with programs offered to all ages. Starting with its first Hanukkah (where about 50 people were expected, but more than 200 showed up), it has seen a consistent rise in participation each year. With the community bursting at the seams in its present location, the timing for the new building could not be better. Robert Goldman, a local real estate

agent with Michael Saunders & Company, was instrumental in finding the land, negotiating its sale, and developing the building plan. He has attended Chabad since 2010, when he came to a class and was amazed by the Torah’s continued relevance. “I sat there thinking, this is a blueprint for life. Every business and ethics book I ever read is right here. And it was written over 3,300 years ago.” Having been involved ever since, Goldman feels spiritually touched in a way he never experienced. “Chabad has helped me align myself with who I

The new Chabad of Venice Center

am and who I want to be,” he says. After receiving a contribution to purchase a significant portion of the property, the community came together to form a plan of action. With the input of a Finance Committee, a multi-phased building plan was adopted. The first phase is centered on the 3,600-sq.-ft. building that will eventually serve as the Youth Center. With the first phase nearing completion, the second larger phase is ready to begin. For more information, please call 941.493.2770 or visit www.chabadof venice.com.

The new Chabad of Venice Youth Center

The West Coast’s only Jewish art gallery set to open in March

he Al Katz Center will open the West Coast’s only Jewish art gallery at its Third Annual Jewish Public Art Show on Sunday, March 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., internationally-renowned pianist Eleonora Lvov will perform a concert of classical music from memory. Donations are greatly appreciated. The Al & Sophia Katz Jewish Art

Gallery, located in the Cortez Commons shopping center at 5710 Cortez Road, Bradenton, will be open by appointment and during Center events and programs year-round. On display in the gallery are a number of handmade Torah covers, an aged Moroccan Torah, Jewish holiday artifacts, and a traveling poster exhibit on the Holocaust for loan to schools and churches.

The gallery’s services to the community include Holocaust education trunks for use by public, private, parochial and home schools throughout the year. Tours, lectures and programs for students of all ages and adults may be scheduled without charge. Eleonora Lvov has achieved an international reputation as a piano virtuoso. The daughter of musical parents, Getting to know you and what you care most about — planning for college, taking care of an elder family member, passing a legacy to future generations, buying a second home — is so important. Once we understand your priorities, together, we can help you pursue the goals you’ve set for yourself and your family. Call to learn more today. Meyers, Rubin & Associates

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Eleonora’s principal studies were with her father, Boris Lvov, a renowned pianist and teacher at the Moscow and Stuttgart Conservatories. A winner of several international competitions, Ms. Lvov has appeared as a soloist with many major orchestras, including Berlin, Helsinki, Jerusalem, Moscow, Barcelona, Boston, Cleveland, New York and Washington, D.C. Eleonora has given command performances for many international dignitaries, such as the President of Israel, the Prime Minister of England, and the Queen of Belgium. The new headquarters of The Al Katz Center, located four miles from the Gulf of Mexico and which seats 100 people, offers greatly-expanded space to the Center for its weekly programs and daily community services. In addition to its 75 events per year, the Center, a Florida non-profit 501(c) (3), provides free advocacy services to elders in guardianship nationwide, and assists Holocaust survivors in meeting their daily and critical needs. For more information on the Center, or for reservations to visit the gallery, contact Beverly Newman, Ed.D., Director, at 941.313.9239.

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of BofA Corp. Investment products:

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tee Mir n ta-Mana Eva and of childre of Saraso vivor, fora group era guinea part of eration By Fed r, aust sur human ish Fed t Holoc d public speake he Jew used as genetic experion to presen ere n is proud te and rev Commemorati h pigs in er the directio advoca cht Bet und us Dr. giveness at a Kristallna Temple ments, infamo p.m. at r will give r, 0 now Ko 7:0 at zes Approxiof the Eva Mo y, November 9 ., Sarasota. Ko ber 10 at ngele. Josef Me 00 sets of twins on Monda 0 S. Tuttle Ave sday, Novem hedral, es Kor st 1,5 Tue Eva Moz , 105 mately ny Cat and mo , pha ill, but Sholom presentation on sed are Epi se at gravely e and h events were abu result of the Cen re ter became a second at Par aliv a ned befo ice. Bot returrish herself stayed rth, Ven died as ed. and p.m children 6:3 ve isNoyour t be0 sign into ents. Eva ermination, she r. This f mus borordeDri ately 200 your experim on e loaded and This Proo ine all spell 224withHar eed sheer det vive. Approxim at the liberati ily wer lic. exam can proc oners y not be thesepub her fam through willand toPlea printing. ish pris iam sur p. iet Arm page 2 Youth weProof prior to free Jew Eva Mir Sov on cam fully.4,RFJD Any er s. care the errorwith oth helped mationIn 194 ticedked centration continued alive by rs unnopac and infor programing se e found witz con e just 10 yea omer’s sole car le for any cust wer sch le be onsib Au will to the a catt held resp after iam wer printing rt from Open Hou s found transported sister Mir were ripped apa er to n error s! twi a succesresponsibility. Eva and her witz, the girls older sisters, nev sch two . At Au er and Approval old ir mother, fath the

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16A

March 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Temple Emanu-El hosts interfaith tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

emple Emanu-El’s sanctuary was full of inspiration, community and fellowship on Sunday afternoon, January 17, as over 350 members of the synagogue and guests from all over greater Sarasota-Manatee came to remember and to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at an interfaith tribute featuring the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Following greetings from event chair Donald Malawsky and Temple Emanu-El Associate Rabbi Richard Klein, attendees had the opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King, enjoy a musical program led by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs,

and be inspired by snippets of famous speeches by Dr. King, beautifully and dramatically delivered by Reverend Charles McKenzie. The interfaith tribute served “to

remind us of what an important and consequential man Martin Luther King was,” Malawsky stated after the successful program. “It was an amazing occasion that allowed us all to continue to celebrate the life and times of a man we can continue to relate to.”

Temple Emanu-El leaders Diane Browne-Sterdt and Linda Weiss at the interfaith tribute

Ellen Klein and Temple Emanu-El Associate Rabbi Richard Klein at the interfaith tribute

Sponsored by

E In his remarks, Rabbi Klein re-f called his own experience of hearingi Dr. King speak, and shared how sig-w nificant and meaningful the encountera had been to him. The speech left a profound impression on Rabbi Klein, and attendees were deeply touched by his recollections. This very special event was coordinated by Temple Emanu-El’s Brotherhood, Sisterhood and Social Action Committee. Sponsors included The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and Embracing Our Differences. For more information about upcoming Brotherhood, Sisterhood and Social Action Committee events at Temple Emanu-El, please call 941.371.2788.

Sarasota Jewish Chorale to perform at three events By Marcia Polevoi

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he Sarasota Jewish Chorale will perform familiar Yiddish songs along once again entertain at two difwith some newer popular melodies. ferent lunchtimes for the JFCS’ The SJC entertains here often as it is Senior Outreach Services. It is one of well-received by the audience and very the Chorale’s favorite places to perform welcomed here. This program is open as audience members greatly apprecito the public. Kobernick is located at ate the songs, and frequently join in to 1951 Honore Avenue in Sarasota. sing along. Sometimes they even get For more information about the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, please conup to dance to the music. The Chorale’s program consists of well-known older tact Ronnie Riceberg at 941.251.7437 Yiddish melodies as well as more conor visit www.sarasotajewishchorale. temporary songs. These programs will org. To get information on booking the take place around noon, after the SeSJC, please contact Phyllis Lipschutz at 941.924.6717. nior Luncheons on Wednesday, March 2 and Friday, March 11 at the JFCS Main Campus, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. The Sarasota Jewish Chorale will also be at Kobernick-AnchinBenderson on Tuesday, March 22 at 7:15 p.m., with an evening of entertainment and enjoyable The Sarasota Jewish Chorale performed for the Senior Outreach Service of JFCS of the Suncoast in March 2015 music. The singers will

FGCU to host international conference

o recognize 80 years since the notorious 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University will be hosting an international conference on Tuesday-Wednesday, March 29-30. In August 1936, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi dictatorship used the Olympics to showcase the Third Reich and conceal its anti-Semitic and militaristic intentions. The regime attempted to portray a peaceful, tolerant Germany to the international community. With the rejection of a boycott for the Summer Games, Western democracies lost an early chance to oppose the tyranny of Hitler’s regime. This conference at FGCU will bring together an international panel of scholars who will explore key issues and present recent research relating to this event. The keynote address will be presented by Dr. Dan Puckett from Troy University, Alabama, who

will discuss the reception by American whites and blacks of Jesse Owens’s victories. Other presenters include scholars from Germany and various locations across the United States. All FGCU students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend. Outside guests are also invited to attend, to join with the FGCU community in learning about this pivotal event in the history of Nazi Germany on the road to World War II and the Holocaust. The conference is free, and no registration is necessary. Those coming from outside should obtain a parking permit from the Welcome Booth at the university entrance off Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. FGCU is located at 10501 FGCU Blvd., Fort Myers. For further details, please contact the Center’s Executive Assistant, Ms. Courtney Sidbury at cesidbury2338@ eagle.fgcu.edu, or the Center Director, Dr. Paul Bartrop, at pbartrop@fgcu. edu.

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March 2016

JEWISH INTEREST

Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS 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. Florida Ties By coincidence, there were two nice newspaper pieces about Jews in Florida that came to my attention recently. While working on an article on Jewish players in the Super Bowl over the last fifty years, I came across an October 2015 profile of ED NEWMAN, now 64, in the Miami Herald. Newman was a Miami Dolphins offensive guard who played in three Super Bowls: S.B. 8 (1974, his rookie year), S.B. 17 (1983), and S.B. 19 (1985). He was a Pro Bowl player four times. After he retired, he finished law school and was a practicing attorney for seven years before being elected (1994) a Miami-Dade County judge, a position he currently holds. He hears about 35 misdemeanor cases a day and tries to temper justice with mercy and respect. He got to pick his own bailiff and he selected Tony Nathan, now 58, a star Dolphins running back whom Newman used to punch holes in the line for. Nathan, an African American, is the subject of the critically-acclaimed movie Woodlawn. It is a dramatization of his high school days in Birmingham, Alabama, where his success on the field helped somewhat heal the racial divide in that city. (It came out on DVD in October.) By the way, Newman’s move from football to a “classy profession” is not that unusual among the ten Jews who have played in “the big game.” BOB STEIN, now 67, was a Kansas City Chiefs linebacker who played for seven years and was in the 1970 Super Bowl. He also became an attorney

after retiring and he also served a stint as the CEO of the Minneapolis NBA team. And then there’s Dr. JOHN FRANK, now 53, who had a great career as a tight end with the San Francisco 49ers and was a key player in the team’s 1989 Super Bowl win. He retired after that Super Bowl, at age 27, and finished medical school. He now practices in Ohio and New York. The Sun Sentinel newspaper (February 1) had a very nice profile of BARRY MANILOW, 72, and smooth jazz sax player DAVE KOZ, 52. They were set to play (February 5) at an arena in Sunrise, Florida. That arena replaced the Sunrise Musical Theater, which closed in 2002. Manilow, who played the old theater’s last concert quipped to the closing night audience, “It was an honor to be the last performer ever in the Sunrise Musical Theater. I am going to be forever known as the last Jew to leave the building.” Their joint concert was called, “One Last Time,” and the title may reference the fact that Manilow may be ending his 40-year touring career. Odd, But True Corner DANIEL “Harry Potter” RADCLIFFE, 26, has been dating actress Erin Darke, 29, since 2013. They met while filming a movie. A recent reference to their dating led me to learn that Darke is a Flint, Michigan, native and her parents still live in that “in the headlines” city. Michigan papers reported that Radcliffe visited Flint in December 2014. He toured the town, ate at local places, and – oy vey –

17A

Interested in Your Family’s History? 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. presumably drank the lead-filled water (no comment about the Flint crisis from him, yet). Radcliffe, whose mother is Jewish, is secular, but has said that he identifies as Jewish and is “proud” to be Jewish. Who didn’t love ABE VIGODA, who died on January 26 at age 94? I certainly did. In the last two decades, I wondered if Vigoda was “genetically lucky” to live so long. After all, while he looked healthy in The Godfather, he certainly was haggard looking playing Detective Fish in Barney Miller. Turns out his unhealthy “Fish persona” was an act. His co-star, HAL LINDEN (Barney), now 84, spoke to the New York Daily News shortly after Vigoda’s death. Linden said that Vigoda exercised regularly and short-

ly after the Miller series began, they played a game of handball and “Abe handed me my ass.” An AP obit said that Vigoda’s exercise regimen and quick acerbic wit helped him get the Detective Fish role. Here’s what the AP wrote: “An exercise enthusiast, Vigoda had just returned from a five-mile jog when his agent called and told him to report immediately to the office of DANNY ARNOLD, who was producing a pilot for a police station comedy. Arnold remarked that Vigoda looked tired, and the actor explained about his jog. ‘You know, you look like you might have hemorrhoids,’ Arnold said. ‘What are you, a doctor or a producer?’ Vigoda asked. He was cast on the spot.’”

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18A

March 2016

JEWISH INTEREST

Hans Calmeyer, the “Dutch Schindler”

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SVP

Presented by Dr. Andre Krauss

A research fellow at the Institute of Sociology at the Romanian Academy, Dr. Krauss is a published art historian and media psychologist. He holds doctorates in History of Art from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and Social Psychology from the University of Bucharest, Romania.

Thursday Mar. 24 10:30 amNoon

Thursday Apr. 28 10:30 amNoon

Thursday May 12 10:30 amNoon

PSYCHO-DYNAMICS OF NAZI ANTI-SEMITISM As a young man in Vienna, Adolph Hitler was exposed to the anti-Semitic and opportunistic policies of politicians like Karl Lueger, the mayor of Vienna. This lecture will explore the ideological beginnings and the model for what was later to become the obsessive genocidal program implemented by Hitler and the Nazis in occupied Europe.

JEWISH RESISTANCE IN EUROPE DURING THE HOLOCAUST Compliance or resistance? The Jewish resistance in Nazi-occupied Europe is one of the most contested questions in Holocaust history. It emerged as one of the principle subtexts at the Eichmann trial in Jerusalem in 1962. Witness testimonies and subsequent interpretations in Hannah Arendt’s reports spoke of the lack of significant Jewish resistance. Could they have done more? This lecture will revisit the arguments about this topic in view of Holocaust historiography.

THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF HOLOCAUST EDUCATION This concluding lecture will focus on the Holocaust narrative and the critical importance for educating the public about the Jewish tragedy during WWII. Today there is a more subtle, less overt effort to rewrite history in modern popular culture, films, literature, and even video games. We will examine these “counternarratives” and evaluate their impact on the memory of the Holocaust.

RSVP to: (941) 552-6304 | jnew@jfedsrq.org For more information, please contact Orna Nissan Director of Holocaust Education & Israel Programs 941.552.6305 • onissan@jfedsrq.org

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rom the moment Hans Calmeyer started work for the Nazi administration in occupied Holland on March 3, 1941 – 75 years ago this month – he realized that doing so would afford him the opportunity to help persecuted Jews. Utilizing his position, he later became known in some circles as the “Dutch Schindler.” Dr. Paul Bartrop So far as can be ascertained, he had no ulterior motive for saving Jews, only his own moral code of what was the right thing to do. From this, and through working within the Nazi system, he was able to save thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. Calmeyer was born on June 23, 1903, in the German city of Osnabrück, Saxony. His father was a judge. Relatively little is known of his childhood, though it is recorded that because of his father’s profession, the concepts of law and justice, as well as notions of morality, were instilled in him at an early age. Inevitably, Calmeyer studied law, and after qualifying as an attorney he opened his own practice in Osnabrück. After the Nazis came to power in 1933, Calmeyer’s straightforward and contented life began to change. His legal practice took on many cases concerning communists, resulting in the regime questioning and closely monitoring his work. Soon after the passage of the Nuremberg Laws in 1935, one of the many restrictions against Jews in public life saw a rule banning Aryans from employing Jewish assistants. Calmeyer’s small practice had only two employees, one of whom was Jewish. When he refused to dismiss her, he attracted the attention of the Nazi regime and his license was revoked for a year. Called up for the army in May 1940, Calmeyer took part in the invasion of the Netherlands, after which a friend offered him a job with the occupation authorities in the General Commissariat for Administration and Justice in The Hague. This would involve examining and adjudicating “doubtful” racial cases, ruling on the appropriate classification of each person in question, and declaring them either fully Jewish, partly Jewish, or Aryan. It was here that he saw his opportunity to aid Jews, though he knew he would have to avoid arousing any suspicion that he was acting outside of the rules. The team he built around him was comprised of several dependable local lawyers who helped draw up false credentials. Contrary to the Nuremberg Laws, Calmeyer argued that the legitimacy of Jewish heritage should not be based on a person’s membership in the Jewish community, but rather determined from other forms of evidence such as birth and baptismal certificates. The distinction made all the difference in the world for the Jews on whose cases he was to adjudicate. It created a legal loophole, leading to a deception allowing Calmeyer to save thousands from deportation. Of the 4,787 cases brought before him, he decided that 42% were to be considered half-Jews (mischlinge first degree), and another

A s

18% one-quarter Jews (mischlinge second degree), creating a total of 60% who were thereby exempt from immediate deportation. He referred to his work as “building a lifeboat” not only to help Jewish families remain together, but also to provide them with a sense of hope. With the help of only his closest and most trusted friends, he turned a blind eye to fabricated baptismal certificates and falsified documents so he could save Jews, or at the very least stall their deportation to Auschwitz. Given that he had to be seen as incorruptible, Calmeyer was not personally involved in any of the forgeries. In fact, he sidestepped any personal contact with lawyers who approached his department on behalf of Jewish clients so that he would not be suspected of being overly sympathetic. Further, he did not attempt to intervene personally on behalf of Jews in any official capacity. The SS leadership was highly suspicious of Calmeyer’s work, and constantly urged the higher authorities to close down his operation. He knew this, and, playing for time whenever possible, continually added more names to his special list while trying always to find ways to extend his field of operations. In June 1943, Calmeyer’s team was put under close inspection after SS Police Chief Hanns Albin Rauter asked for a complete reexamination of the “Calmeyer Jews.” While Rauter had been suspicious of Calmeyer’s work for some time, there had been a series of internal power struggles in the Nazi establishment that had delayed Calmeyer’s evaluation. The committee appointed to investigate included a Dutch SS member, Ludo Ten Cate, who had been appointed, in early 1942, to the position of Official Representative for Genealogical Certificates. Eventually, however, Ten Cate became involved in a vehement quarrel with other Nazi experts, leading to his dismissal in August 1944 and his transfer to the Eastern Front. After Ten Cate’s removal, the SS continued to investigate Calmeyer’s practice and kept a close eye on every document that passed through his hands. The following year, Calmeyer was openly confronted about trying to save Jewish lives through swindling and deception. He persevered to the end, however, and through his efforts at least 3,000 Jewish lives were saved, the majority as a clear result of his judicious manipulation of the rules. Calmeyer died in 1972 at the age of 69. On March 4, 1992, Yad Vashem recognized him as one of the Righteous Among the Nations. Hans Georg Calmeyer had both the moral determination and a position in the Nazi apparatus that enabled him to bring about real change. His is an example of a humanitarian leader during a dangerous period. His leadership saved the lives of thousands of Jews, in an act of resistance all too rarely replicated during the period of the Third Reich. 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.

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JEWISH INTEREST

March 2016

19A

A young man with an uncertain future seeks answers about his past Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to The Jewish News The Sea Beach Line by Ben Nadler. Fig Tree Books. 344 pages. Trade paperback. $15.95.

en Nadler’s new novel, The Sea Beach Line, is astonishingly powerful, thoughtful and more than a bit troubling, but it is not to be missed. In it, Isaac (“Izzy”) Edel, cast out of Oberlin College for drug use, determines to clean up his act and discover whether his father is dead or alive. Izzy has some pleasant childhood memories of his father, but since his parents’ Phil Jason divorce and his mother’s remarriage, he has had little contact with his father. Polish-born Alojzy (“Al”), who had fought in the Israel Defense Forces, made little effort to have Izzy in his life, perhaps for his son’s own good. Izzy cannot move forward without finding out about Al and, if possible, getting in touch with him. His actions are triggered by a mysterious card from his father and a note to his mother that arrive at the home of his mother and stepfather in New Mexico, where Izzy has been living following his university disgrace. Returning to neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Manhattan, Izzy begins an arduous journey, both physical and spiritual, to find his father, or traces of his father, in order to find himself. Following the few leads he has, mostly from suspicious characters who knew Al, he finds the storage locker out

of which his father ran his Manhattan references to such reading, and this bookselling business. Soon enough, technique sets his adventures and Izzy steps into his father’s footprint, decisions into a rich context of retaking over the business, making the ligious lore and values. Similarly, storage space his home, and continuing stories Rayna shares, especially a his investigation. version of the Purim story, work Izzy works hard, networks, develto the same end. We are all hidden ops friendships on the street, and soon within and revealed by the tales we tell becomes a familiar presence among – and retell. the Fourth Street tribe of book vendors. Izzy’s constantly changing book He takes every opportunity to find ininventory is a register of overlapping formation about Al, and he becomes slices of American culture mingled absorbed in the nature of his father’s with Jewish scholarship. As he masters life as remembered by others, and both the business, he learns what kinds of fantasized about and echoed by himbooks are desired by buyers at differself. ent stages of their lives and during difHe discovers a collection of sketchferent seasons. Writers go in and out of es drawn by his father. He meets an favor. artist named Goldov, who had written Ben Nadler has done a marvelous the note to Izzy’s mother. Goldov runs job with his portrait of the street vena gallery/museum spedor’s life. He’s been there, cializing in the works of and it shows. He doesn’t another artist, R. Galuth. just provide vivid, auOne of the paintings thentic details, he shapes by Galuth is of a woman their presentation so as to who bears a strong likelet readers interpret the ness to a shy, young meaning of these details. Jewish woman named Like most good writers, he Rayna whom Izzy meets shows a lot, tells a little, on the street. She seems and lets us do the rest. disoriented, and it turns Izzy’s world also inout she is a runaway. teracts with criminal enRayna cautiously allows terprises, and Izzy himself Ben Nadler Izzy to befriend her – at first innocently asking and shelter her. A strong relationship for and giving favors – is drawn into it. grows. They live and work together As he becomes aware of the traps that in the storage locker. It is clear Rayna have been set for him, he alternates behas been abused in some way, but she tween a kind of proud recklessness and won’t talk about it – or about her fama sickening fear. It all has something ily. to do with being like Al, measuring up The glory of this book is in its alto Al, making Al proud of him, being lusive texture. Izzy, our narrator, is widely read in Jewish scriptures and midrash. His language is filled with

loyal to Al, sacrificing himself for, or being sacrificed by Al. And so the last of the book’s three multi-chaptered sections is titled “The Binding of Isaac,” in which Nadler provides a captivating reading of the classic and controversial Old Testament episode about Abraham and his second son. Of course, it is Isaac Edel’s life that is illuminated in this meditation. Eventually, Rayna is stolen away (rescued?) from the storage locker home and returned to her powerful father. Members of a criminal family, several of whom were Al’s associates, have betrayed the young couple. Is a counter-rescue of Rayna possible? Desirable? Is Al alive? Why did Al draw several sketches of a dead soldier? Who is the woman in Galuth’s painting? Can Izzy make some kind of peace with whatever he has inherited from his father? The answers to these questions are wrapped in the intricate packaging of Nadler’s fascinating, kaleidoscopic thriller. The review first appeared in WashingtonIndependentReviewofBooks.com and is reprinted with permission. 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.

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20A

March 2016

K’zohar Ha-Ivrit Ha-sha-on: The clock By Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin

inter is coming to an end. It’s time to change the clocks as we enter Daylight Savings Time (Sunday, March 13) and prepare to celebrate Purim on the 13th of Adar in the Hebrew calendar (Thursday, March 24). Both events are based on the method of time measurement. Let us look Dr. Rachel Dulin at a few Hebrew words connected with this method. We should mention that the measuring of time in the western world can be traced to the astrological counts of the ancient civilizations of Sumer, Babylon and Egypt. The Greeks and Romans added their insights to the count and, eventually, from the 14th century C.E. onward, time is measured by the clock in increments such as seconds, minutes and hours gauged on base 60 (sexigismal) in a 24-hour cycle of a day. The Hebrew language mirrors the significance of time’s measure by words based in biblical Hebrew as well as words coined along the years reflecting the scientific progress of the measure. For example, sha-on, the Hebrew word for “clock,” was coined in the modern era by Ben Yehudah (18581922). It is based, however, on the noun sha-ah, an Aramaic word meaning “a short segment of time,” found five times in the Book of Daniel. In modern Hebrew, sha-ah means “hour,” indicating more precisely a 60-minute unit of time. In biblical Hebrew, a short unit of time was called re-ga. Originally, rega meant “twinkle of the eye,” but it was used to mean “short time” (Ex 33:5) or “instant” (Ps 6:11). In modern Hebrew,

re-ga means “moment,” implying a 60-second unit of time. Similar to rega, yet more precise, is da-ka, meaning “minute,” corresponding to the Latin minuta, literally “the first small part,” a word used by the Alexandrian mathematician and astronomer Ptolemy (100-170) to denote the 60th part of a degree. Lastly, we should mention the word sh’ni-ya, meaning “second,” which is found in the writings of Maimonides, the Jewish philosopher of the Middle Ages (Kiddush HaChodesh 11:7). Sh’ni-ya is derived from the Hebrew shey-ni, meaning “second,” corresponding to the Latin secunda, namely “second small part of an hour.” The units of time are at the center of many Hebrew phrases of which we will mention but a few. Be-sha-ah tovah, literally “in good hour,” is a congratulatory way to wish one good luck. Bin re-ga means “instantly,” and used similarly to the English “in a jiffy.” Re-ga re-ga is a colloquial expression corresponding to the English “just a minute.” Lastly, the phrase be-di-yuk ha-sha-on, literally “with the precision of the clock,” is used to imply “like clockwork.” So, as the time changes be-di-yuk ha-sha-on, and each re-ga of daylight is longer, the holiday of Purim is getting closer, be-sha-ah tova. May every da-ka and every sh’ni-ya be celebrated with joy, fulfilling the saying: mi-shenich-nas Adar marbin be-sim-cha, literally “when the month of Adar enters, joy is multiplied.” Chag Purim sa-me-ach to all. 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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Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle “Heroes & Villains” By Yoni Glatt

Difficulty Level: Manageable

Editor: YoniGlatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com

Across 1. Amt. of cinnamon in charoset, perhaps 4. Heavenly plane? 10. Moroccan appetizers 16. Evil 17. Having to pay an eye for an eye 18. Like a waxless Havdalah candle 19. Batgirl (1997) 22. Seder matzo on Pesach Sheni, probably 23. Tref sushi choice 24. Goldman who wrote “Being Jewish” and “The Search for God at Harvard” 25. Supergirl (1984) 30. Emergency button on a kfir plane 31. 1776 and 1948: Abbr. 32. 1976 Kiss hit 33. Call from a korban 34. Lex Luthor (2016) 41. Technically his presidency ended in 2009, but... 44. “I concur!” 45. IDF woe 46. Wonder Woman (2016) 50. Ant-Man (2015) 53. “Yalla!” 54. Cookie the OU says is dairy...but it really isn’t 56. Kfar Hanokdim and Ein Gedi ENJOY DELICIOUS HOMEMADE: 57.• Lahmeh Spider-Man (2012) • Fresh Pita Bread • Zaatar • Desserts 63. Read V’Zot Habracha, say • Imported Cheeses • Spices • Olives & More! 64. Paul Newman’s “Nobody’s ___” 65. Conservative youth org. 68. Patriots owner 71. The Green Goblin (2002) 75. Joshua or Elisha, e.g. 76. David Bryan (Rashbaum) of ___ Jovi 77. Go through Golani training 78. Black Widow (2010) 84. “But ___ our little village of 4246 S. Tamiami Trail Anatevka...” South of Bee Ridge Rd 85. Security checkpoint request (941) 923-6666 86. Samuel priest www.oasiscafesarasota.com 87. Israel bonds, e.g. Now serving Beer & Wine! 88. Gable in a Selznick classic, and Monday – Saturday others 10am – 8:30pm Next-day Catering! 89. Lists avoided by Braun and Davis: FREE WiFi Abbr. Down 1. Schmutzy 2. One involved in making meat kosher 3. Small bottles (Rambam might have had) 4. Sci-fi classic with Yaphet Kotto 5. She sang “Titanium” for David Guetta 6. Pas, in Yiddish 7. Greenberg would often produce one 8. “___ My Sons” – Arthur Miller play 9. The Jordan River in Tasmania has one, but Israel’s doesn’t 10. Lock from Rogen 11. Output of this paper: Abbr. 12. Objective for olim 13. Be meshuga for 14. Similar to ancient Hebrew

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Solution on page 25A

15. Matzo alternative ingredient 20. Dan Gilbert’s OH team, on the board 21. Always, to Lazarus 26. Stat. Ian Kinsler leads all Jews in 27. Moonves of CBS 28. Ended a fast 29. ___ List (Zuckerberg and Bloomberg might be on) 30. It’s more than 5776 years 33. Burger Ranch listing 34. Car featured on Weiner’s “Mad Men,” for short 35. Zeh, in Mexico 36. Child who provides tsuris 37. Black or Red 38. Tref birds in Oceania 39. Lift (for an on leave IDF soldier) 40. Roams, like the Jews for 40 years 41. Ottoman who ruled the Holy Land in the 19th century 42. Barbara of “Mission: Impossible” 43. What the Nile once did 47. (Jimmy) Stewart’s role in Henry Koster’s “Harvey” 48. The OU is one 49. Common offering at the end of a Shabbat meal 51. Response to a Billy Eichner tweet 52. “Sababa” 55. Was Howard Stern on AM ___? 58. Figure at a Hapoel Holon game 59. Creature on the side of Bloom’s Legolas 60. Syria, in 1948 61. Letters needed to use the Siddur app on an iPhone 62. PG James Caan movie 65. Like a new pair of tefillin 66. Torah, e.g. 67. Cespedis who powered Wilpon’s team into the playoffs 68. ___ varnishkes 69. Options for Sephardim on Passover 70. Some months 71. Make a note in a Talmud 72. Shtick 73. Etrog covers 74. 1 of 100 in this puzz. 76. Stiller and Savage 79. Started Shabbat 80. Their logo has a fist in it: Abbr. 81. Andean cholent ingredient, perhaps 82. Hamor or Nevo 83. It split the Jordan long ago

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March 2016

JEWISH INTEREST

21A

Hasidic Punk…Oy!

By Arlene Stolnitz ooking back at an article I wrote last year about music of the Hasidim, I had promised to write about the music of a group known as “Hasidic rock punkers.” This neo-Hasidic style has captured the imagination of a generation of young Jews. Punk Jews, as they are called, are activists and musicians from diverse backgrounds who choose to express their Jewish identity in unconArlene Stolnitz ventional ways, often defying the so called “norms” of society. Yiddish street performers, African-American Jewish activists and others, each in their own way, are challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers. Many are Jews who don’t conform to the mainstream and aren’t interested in the typical conventions of Judaism which they find restricting. Often, they have reinterpreted what it means to be Jewish and choose to express themselves through their music. And yet they consider themselves as Jews, but by their own definition. Yishai Romanoff is founder and lead singer of Moshiach Oi! Established eight years ago, his four-member band merges hardcore punk tunes with lyrics that promote Jewish ideals and values. Raised as a Long Beach, New York, Orthodox Jew, Romanoff went through several spiritual searches, eventually coming back to where he started. However, his dislike for traditional Jewish music led him to alternative Hasidic music which ultimately led to a merging of punk-rock and Hasidic music. His songs are built on the traditional nigun, the meditative, wordless repetition of simple syllables such as dai, dai, dai and na, na, na. His philosophy is epitomized in the band’s track “Avraham was a Punk Rocker.” “Avraham was the prototypical ‘punk’ who saw Judaism as a rebellion against complacency and staleness of day-to-day life,” according to Romanoff, lead singer in Moshiach Oi! “Love of God is a form of protest for a Jew. Dedicating your life to moral and ethical living and a Jewish lifestyle is already within the realm of protest in a world that worships money and materialism.” He states punk rock is what touches him inside. He connects with its intensity and ability to stand for his principles. Audiences who listen are not necessarily into punk but they can connect with the energy and spirituality in the words. It creates an opening with which they can identify. The New York-based band Zusha, whose music appeals to me, has a softer, folksier sound that combines the ancient with the modern. No less radical, its sound is a melting pot of jazz, classical and funk elements combined with the meditative repetition of the nigun. “Yoel’s Nigun” is a favorite. The trio, whose extended-play album made it to number nine on Billboard’s world album chart several years back, is based on a new generation of Hasidic philosophy –g freedom of mind, redemption and joie de vivre. “True Hasidism,” as the band describes it, looks back at the founding of the movement in the 1700s by Rabbi Ba’al Shem Tov, who many say reinvigorated Judaism by teaching simplicity, authenticity and the pursuit of joy. Zusha may shy away from being labeled as a Jewish band, but its message is deeply rooted in these ideals.

Need to reach the editor of The Jewish News? Send an email to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org.

Half of the songs on “Zusha” are wordless, though that does not mean voiceless. Based on the nigunim of Rav Shlomo Carlebach, vocalist Shlomo Ari Gaisin can be heard singing repetitive melodies aimed at reaching something deeper than words can convey. “It’s all emotion,” Gaisin said. “When you take away the layers of words and go to the level of emotion, it can mean something different for everyone. We want to make music that can be received by anyone.” Gaisin tells his story with pride. All three members of the group express a desire to find a place both inside and outside of the Jewish community. “You don’t have to throw down your yarmulke to relate to everyone. You can still be yourself. Our music is trying to bring that message back.” Other groups in the “Hasidic Punk” category are as varied as their names suggest. They include Sukkos Mob (Yiddish street performers), Hipsters and Hasids (Bohemian types), Cholent (Jews from the fringes), Ma Nish Ta Na (Jews of Color) and Breslov Bar Band (musical expressions of Chassidism from traditional to contemporary). Google any of them to hear their distinctive sounds. Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, is a member of the Jewish Congregation of Venice. A retired educator from Rochester, New York, she has sung in choral groups for over 25 years and also sings in Venice’s Chorale (formerly Exsultate!). Her interest in choral music has led to this series of articles on Jewish folk music in the Diaspora.

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22A

March 2016

JEWISH INTEREST

The JBI Library: Helping the visually impaired recapture the joys of reading JBI, currently celebrating its 85th birthday, was established as the Jewish Braille Institute in 1931 in a small Bronx apartment. No one then involved could have imagined that it would grow to become JBI International, the world’s largest library of Jewish interest for the blind and visually impaired, serving 35,000 individuals in thirty countries on six continents, and in nine languages – English, Russian, Spanish, Yiddish, French, Hebrew, Romanian, Hungarian and Polish. JBI empowers visually impaired, blind and readingdisabled people of all ages and backgrounds by giving them access to the written word through the special formats of Audio, Large Print and Braille. All of JBI’s services are free of charge. JBI’s original mission was to provide Braille versions of religious and Jewish educational materials not then available. In the course of time, its work has necessarily expanded to assist the rapidly increasing population of older men and women who, as an unfortunate consequence of increased longevity, unexpectedly find themselves forced to adjust to severe vision loss, often as a result of macular Nathan utilizes JBI’s Large Print Jewish Reference Calendar degeneration, diabetic

iana was a painter… she was a teacher… she was a seeker of knowledge. She was a woman with a zest for life. But when glaucoma took her eyesight, much of what defined Diana and gave her life meaning was lost –until she found JBI. Thanks to the JBI Library, 86-year-old Diana is still a seeker of knowledge. Over the last 11 years she has “read” over 300 books from our collection, along with our magazines! Like Diana, thousands of visually impaired people around the world – and right here in Florida – have recaptured the joys of reading and reconnecting to Jewish communal life with the help of the JBI Library.

retinopathy, inoperable cataracts and glaucoma. There are also many older adults who can no longer physically hold a book. In the last decade, JBI’s client base has grown exponentially. By expanding its holdings, reaching out to the community so that more people are aware of JBI’s unique services, and by harnessing advances in technology, today’s JBI is meeting the needs of an amazingly diverse population. The JBI Talking Books library contains more than 13,000 titles: fiction, history, short stories, humor, Jewish studies, biographies and memoirs, cookbooks, mysteries and more. We Annette listens to a JBI Talking Book on a free playback machine also offer many titles in Large Print. JBI also has its own magazine, The JBI and again. Voice, which is recorded every month Passover is quickly approaching. and contains a broad selection of artiJBI offers Haggadot (in Large Print, cles on topics of current interest. JBI’s Braille and Audio) free of charge. Periodicals Series includes selections Whether it is a grandfather hoping to from The Jerusalem “I never thought that I would lead a Seder as he Report, Commentary, read at a Seder again. I cannot has for decades… Moment, Tikkun, Haor a child who thank you enough.” – Romy dassah and other mahopes to read the jor journals. The popular monthly JBI four questions for the first time… JBI’s Cultural Series offers lectures, concerts mission is to make sure that every Jewand dramatic readings. All of JBI’s liish person can participate. brary materials are delivered to clients’ If you or someone you know could homes. benefit from a Large Print HaggaJBI’s Special Publications include dah or any of JBI’s free services, JBI Haggadot, the Bible, Psalms, the Yizurges you to contact their librarians at kor service and prayerbooks for all 800.433.1531 or library@jbilibrary.org. denominations in Audio, Large Print For more information, visit the JBI and Braille. These materials are meant website at www.jbilibrary.org. to be kept by the client for use again

Game-changing gift from Mort Zuckerman to advance U.S.-Israel science

Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program intends to provide over $100 million in scholarships and related educational activities to benefit participating scholars and universities.

merican business leader and philanthropist Mortimer Zuckerman announced on January 25 the launch of the Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program, a transformative initiative designed to support future generations of leaders in science, technology, engineering and math in the United States and Israel and, over time, foster greater collaboration between two of the world’s most advanced scientific research centers. The Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program will give the highest-achieving American post-doctoral researchers and graduate students the ability to collaborate with leading researchers at Israel’s top research institutions – Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, and the Weizmann Institute of Science – which are among the world’s most advanced.

By providing American graduate students and post-doctoral researchers with exposure to Israel’s renowned cutting-edge research and startup culture, the Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program will raise a generation of academic, scientific and industry leaders in the United States infused with a unique spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. The program will simultaneously bolster Israeli research institutions as world-leading centers for cutting-edge research by providing Israeli institutions access to large-scale funding needed to develop top-tier research labs, projects and programs. The Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program will, over time, help strengthen the U.S.-Israel partnership as Zuckerman Scholars return to the United States after building long-lasting relationships based in mutual collabora-

tion. Israeli academic leaders returning to research institutions in Israel will similarly advance the overarching collaborative effort in science between the two nations as they continue to build bridges with their American colleagues. “At a time when collaboration is essential to advanced scientific research, this program gives the next generations of leading American and Israeli academics the ability to work together on cutting-edge research in ways that stand to benefit their fields for years to come,” said Mr. Zuckerman. “The result will help transform not just the work of the scholars involved, but the way the United States and Israel approach collaboration and cooperation across the sciences.” “Mort’s friendship is demonstrated yet again through this important initiative,” said Prime Minister of Israel ‫ב''ה‬

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Benjamin Netanyahu in a special video message. “Together with the Technion, the Weizmann Institute, Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University, this project will help bring back home some of Israel’s most brilliant sons and daughters, allow them to advance their own careers here, and in so doing contribute to Israel’s growing scientific excellence. It will also enable some of America’s brightest young scientists to conduct their research in Israel. “New York and Israel share a deep and unparalleled connection – and the Zuckerman Scholars Program is a prime example of how we can keep that relationship strong today and in the future,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo. “By helping some of America’s best and brightest students work and learn alongside leading researchers in Israel, this program gives us a new model for cooperation and partnership that will ultimately better society as a whole. This is a great way to strengthen the bond between Israel and the Empire State, and I applaud Mort Zuckerman for launching this program today.” The Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program will be supported by funding from Mr. Zuckerman’s foundation to inaugurate the program and ensure that the first class of Zuckerman Scholars will begin with the 2016-2017 academic year. The foundation’s long-term intent is to ensure that the Zuckerman Scholars and the program’s related educational activities continue in perpetuity. In the next twenty years alone, the program intends to provide over $100 million in scholarships and related educational activities that will benefit not only the participating scholars and universities, but the general public as well. Additional information on the program, including how to apply, is available through the program’s website at http://zuckerman-scholars.org. Source: American Technion Society (www.ats.org)

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

March 2016

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SENATE MOVES TO CUT TIES WITH BUSINESSES BOYCOTTING ISRAEL

The Florida Senate on Thursday, January 21, unanimously passed a bill taking aim at businesses that boycott Israel. The bill (SB 86), sponsored by incoming Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, would require the State Board of Administration to compile a list of companies that boycott Israel. The State Board of Administration, which runs Florida’s pension fund, would not be able to invest in those companies. Also, the bill would prevent state and local governments from entering into contracts worth $1 million or more with the companies. “This bill says that if you discriminate against Israel, the State of Florida does not want to .invest in your company or enter into ,contracts with your company,” said .Negron, who is slated to become Senoate president after the November elections. A similar House bill (HB 527), sponsored by Rep. Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, Rep. Jared Moskoweitz, D-Coral Springs, and Rep. Kevin sRader, D-Delray Beach, was approved unanimously Wednesday, January 20 by the House Government Operations dSubcommittee. (State Capital Briefs, -The News Service of Florida) I tISRAEL: A SUPERPOWER .FOR THE STATUS OF WOMEN IToday Israel is a superpower for the

status of women, creating and exporting some of the most advanced ideas which define the basic parameters of a healthy society. Israeli society has adopted the norm that sexual harassment is a disgrace that prevents a person from holding public office, and makes him liable to face criminal charges. The number of female Knesset members is at an all-time high. Women o head the Bank of Israel and the Supreme Court. They hold positions of power in banks, are directors of huge , firms, and their centrality is growing e in the business world as well as in the public arena. In the IDF, a woman has e reached the rank of general. Women are presenting and directing the main c news broadcasts and determining the public agenda no less than men. (Rivka o Lazovsky, Jerusalem Post)

TWO ISRAELI INVENTIONS VOTED CONSUMER a tELECTRONICS SHOW FAVORITES

.At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, both the Last Gadget Standing Live Audience winner and the Last ,Gadget Standing Online winner were rIsraeli. The VUZE camera from HulmanEyes Technologies is the world’s .first sub-$1,000, 360-degree 3D cameera for virtual reality applications. The ecamera turns ordinary footage into a ncanvas where users can add elements and effects inside the camera, obviating pthe need for expensive and technically gsophisticated hardware and software. The Ripple Maker from Steam CC o tcan reproduce any image or message from a smartphone onto the foam of lattes, cappuccinos or other foamy beverages. The system combines patented n3D printer mechanics with ink-jet dprinting technologies using a natural coffee extract to create the “printed” ,foam content. (David Shamah, Times rof Israel)

U.S. TO INVEST s$120 MILLION cIN ISRAELI TUNNEL DETECTION SYSTEM

The U.S. government is set to invest $120 million in developing and mantufacturing an “Israeli invention” for detecting and identifying tunnels, in collaboration with the Israel Ministry

continued on next page

Jewish National Fund invites you to the

Sarasota Guardian of Israel Award Dinner

Honoring

Marilyn Shuman with the Guardian of Israel and Lifetime Achievement Awards

& Dr. Joshua Green with the Doctors for Israel Award Thursday, March 17, 2016 6:30 pm Cocktails followed by Dinner and Program Michael’s On East 1212 East Ave. South • Sarasota, FL Dinner Co-Chairs: Ben & Stacy Hanan • Simone Knego • Anne Virag Honorary Co-Chairs: Betty Schoenbaum • Nelle Miller JNF Sarasota President: Mark Schlanger The Sarasota Guardian of Israel Award Dinner will benefit JNF’s important work with disabilities and special needs. For more information or to RSVP, contact Uri Smajovits at usmajovits@jnf.org or 727.536.5263

jnf.org · 800.JNF.0099

24A

March 2016

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Six Florida-Israel aerospace projects funded Status of Florida-Israel Aerospace Innovation R&D Partnershp with Israel 2016

he two winning joint respondents to the 2014 first Call for Projects were: Micro Aerospace Solution (MAS) (Florida) and NSL Satellites (Israel) – This team developed a prototype antenna for high-speed data transmission from small satellites. Satellites can now be built in a much smaller box (in some cases, as small as a 10-centimeter cube) without losing capability. The prototype antenna developed by MAS and NSL will allow data transmission rates to be increased from kilobits per second to megabits per second – in other words, from dial-up modem to modern WiFi transmission speeds. S3 USA (Florida) and Space Pharma (Israel) – This team developed flight hardware for liquid bio-

Micro-gRx (Florida) and Space Pharma (Israel) – These partners built a “lab on a chip” to investigate specific changes in protein levels in human muscle and immune cell types to model disease in reduced gravity environments. Again, Space Pharma is expanding its expertise in flight hardware design to include the ability for researchers to make almost-real-time adjustments remotely. This effort has been combined with Micro-gRx’s expertise in drug discovery and identification of new and quicker ways to translate promising chemical compounds into actual human therapeutics. The flight hardware and ground testing were completed in late 2015, with a flight to the International Space Station expected in spring 2016. This project

logical and chemical experiments to be flown on parabolic flights. A parabolic flight provides several intervals of roughly 30 seconds of microgravity; fluids and biological organisms that live within them (e.g., cells, proteins, bacteria, viruses) assume different characteristics due to the lack of gravity, enabling researchers to see effects that they cannot see on Earth. Space Pharma’s hardware, which is mated with a power and communications interface unit developed by S3, provides researchers with nearly instantaneous data. This process allows almost-realtime remote adjustments to the fluid flow and other variables. The four winning joint respondents to the 2015 second Call for Projects were:

Historic decision by Israeli government to create permanent egalitarian prayer space at Western Wall e applaud Israel’s historic decision to create a permanent egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall. The Cabinet’s approval Sunday of the new space is a dramatic, unprecedented and critical acknowledgement by the State of Israel that Judaism’s holiest site – the Kotel – should incorporate the traditions of the Masorti (Conservative) and Reform streams, in which men and women pray together. The new prayer space will be jointly governed by a new body that will include Women of the Wall and the Masorti and Reform movements, and

will be led by the Chair of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel. The decision sends a powerful message to Israelis and Jews across the Diaspora about the permanent value of Jewish pluralism and about what we can do when we work together. Though much work regarding the implementation of this decision still remains, it is because of our perseverance and commitment to Jewish peoplehood that we are measurably closer today to the ultimate symbol of that reality – one Wall for one people. We are grateful to Women of the Wall and Anat Hoffman, who spent 27

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is also noteworthy because Micro-gRx is the first for-profit company to spin out from the Sanford Burnham Prebys Research Institute at Lake Nona. Cella Energy (Florida) and Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel) – These partners worked on a new propulsion system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Cella has developed proprietary technology that stores hydrogen in plastic pellets at ambient temperatures; the hydrogen is released to small fuel cells, which generate electricity to power the IAI UAV. If successful, this project will be a breakthrough for the UAV industry. Even with the best current battery technology, UAVs can typically fly for no more than 24 hours continuously; this new power system should allow continuous flight for up to 7 to 10 days. Lockheed Martin Space Systems (Florida) and STEMRAD (Israel) – This team is developing a new radiation shielding device for earth and human space flight application. The device, which will be worn as a flexible vest, will shield vital body organs and bones (50 percent of the human body’s red and white blood cells are produced in the pelvic bone!). The vest will utilize technology developed in STEMRAD’s award-winning 360 Gamma vest, which was worn by responders to the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. General Capacitor (Florida) and Elbit Systems Land and C4I (Israel) – These partners are developing a new system to power electric thrusters for satellite propulsion. Since the very first deployment of satellites in the late 1950s, thrusters (basically very small rocket engines used to maneuver the satellites and keep them in proper orbit around the earth) have been fueled by extremely toxic chemicals known as hypergols. Elbit has developed expertise in electrically-powered thrusters; General Capacitor, a company spunout from Florida State University, brings expertise in developing supercapacitors, which can store electrical energy like a battery but discharge it very rapidly for a quick surge of power to fire the thruster. If successful, a large market awaits; according to the Satellite Industry Association, 208 satellites were launched in 2014, almost doubling the 107 launched in 2013. The third round Call for Projects was issued on September 8, 2015, with responses due on February 1, 2016. Space Florida attended the 2015 annual International Astronautical Congress, which was held in Jerusalem in October 2015. With the assistance of Enterprise Florida’s Israel Office and Israeli partner agency, MATIMOP, Space Florida met with 18 Israeli companies who were interested in finding a Florida partner for the third round. As a result of this effort, Space Florida expects to receive 10-12 qualified proposals.

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of Defense, which will invest a similar amount. A U.S. deputy defense secretary visited Israel a few weeks ago and saw the anti-tunnel project in its early stages around Gaza. Impressed, he approved $40 million for the first year. The system is supposed to detect digging, or any other activity, up to a depth of dozens of meters underground. The U.S. is in need of such a system on its Mexico border. The injection of American money and technology will shorten the deployment time of the system in Israel. Hamas can see the digging work on Israel’s side, planting something in the earth. They understand that when the project is completed, it will neutralize their ultimate attack weapon: tunnels. (Alex Fishman, Ynet News)

COMMENTARY

March 2016

25A

The Iran-Saudi conflict and its meaning By Rabbi Howard A. Simon, co-Chair of The Robert and Esther Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative

s if the Middle East didn’t day and at what cost to all concerned. have enough problems to deal Iran and the Saudis stand at arm’s with, the New Year execution length from one another. The two are of 47 men charged as terrorists, includfighting a proxy war in Yemen. The Saudis continue their struggle with ing well-known Shiite cleric, Nemer al-Nemer, by Saudi Arabia, has set Syria, wanting to topple Syria’s leader, this part of the world into a while Iran and Russtate of turmoil that resonates sia remain firmly in throughout the Middle East Assad’s camp fightand the rest of the world. ing to see to it that he Iran’s leader, Ayatollah stays in power. The Ali Khamenei, stated after the execution of Nemer execution of the Shiite cleric, al-Nemer has triggered unrest in Iraq with prothat “the divine hand of retests against the actions venge will come back on the tyrants who took his life.” of the Saudis taking The conflict between place on a daily basis. Rabbi Howard A. Simon Sunni and Shiite Muslims has Kuwait and Turkey have joined the Saudis and are connow moved from a once-in-awhile condemning Iran. It has become so volacern to center stage where statements tile that it is difficult to keep up with and threats are made on a daily basis the changing opinions of a variety of calling for attacks on Saudi Arabia, atcountries. tacks on Iran, and attacks on any counWhile these struggles continue, the try that supports either side. Bedlam terrorist group known as ISIS stands to reigns supreme as the world attempts benefit from all of the confusion. ISIS to figure out which side will win the

remains in conflict with Syria and, seeing both friends and foes at odds with one another, hopes to solidify its position and exact a greater toll from those it wishes to defeat and put to death. While all of this mayhem occurs, the other major concern in the area is oil – the production and the cost. The Saudis, the largest oil exporter in OPEC, have refused to cut the production of oil, which means the price of a barrel of oil remains at its lowest figure in years. Iran deplores this reality, especially since it hoped to benefit from the ability to export oil thanks to the nuclear accord agreed to with the United States. Russia, a supporter of Syria and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, would benefit greatly from problems escalating in Saudi Arabia that could lead to oil prices rising, which Russia needs to give a boost to its sagging economy. Questions abound regarding what will happen between Iran and the Saudis. What will those countries that fa-

Scroll Czech

Nazis, however, seem to have permitted this assemblage due to its monetary value and the potential to put it to nefarious use following the war. In the early 1960s, Eric Estorick, an American art dealer living in London, who made frequent visits to Prague, was approached by Czech authorities about purchasing some of the scrolls. Taken to the Michle Synagogue, Estorick viewed wooden racks holding about 1,800 scrolls in damp Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz, surroundings. Temple Beth Israel On his return to London, he met n January, I met with Tony Yablon, with Ralph Yablon, a well-known a Londoner who also owns a home philanthropist with a deep interest in on Longboat Key. He wanted to Jewish art, history and culture. Yablon discuss the Holocaust Torah scroll became the benefactor who contributprominently displayed in our temple’s ed the funds to buy the scrolls. In Febark. It turns out that Tony’s father ruary 1964, two trucks laden with them played an instrumental role in not only arrived at London’s Westminster Synaacquiring this scroll, but also fifteen gogue. After months of examining, hundred other ones from Czechoslovasorting and cataloguing, the Memorial kia that are now on permanent loan to Scrolls Trust (MST) was established to congregations around the world. carry out the sacred task of distributing After the Nazis invaded Czechothem. slovakia, Jewish communities were In 1998, a generous gift by forinstructed to send the mer Temple Beth Israel contents of their synamembers Paul and Selma gogues to the Jewish Klingenstein enabled the Museum in Prague. acquisition of scroll #635 Torah scrolls, gold and from the Trust’s 1,564 colsilver items, ritual texlection. It originates from tiles and thousands of a synagogue in Kromeriz, books were shipped. Czechoslovakia, located As a result, the in184 miles southeast of ventory of the Prague Prague. Dating back to Jewish Museum ex1322, the town’s Jewish panded by fourteencommunity was among fold. A large number of the oldest in Europe. Jews were put to work Though blood libels by the Germans to sort had led to unrest in 1889 and catalogue mateand 1896, a beautiful new Tony Yablon in front of the temple ark with the unrolled rials from more than synagogue designed by Czech Holocaust scroll at the top one hundred congregarenowned Viennese artions. Forty warehouses, including sevchitect Jakob Gartner was dedicated in eral deserted Prague synagogues, were 1910 when the Jewish population had used to store this precious legacy. With swelled to more than 600. By 1930 this the project’s completion, these Jews number had significantly diminished. were then sent to the Terezin concenThe Nazis blew up the synagogue r tration camp. in 1942. Two hundred and seventy Though the accumulation of such a Kromeriz Jews perished in the Holod caust. A memorial commemorating the yvast hoard of Judaica was long thought to be at the instigation of the Germans uprooting of the Jewish community in order to establish a museum for an and synagogue destruction was unextinct Jewish race, the collection apveiled at its former site in 1994. pears to have been initiated by Jewish During my visit with Tony he p leaders in an attempt to preserve their shared that when the scrolls first arrived in London, written notes could areligious heritage. Since the Prague Jewish Museum be found in some of them expressing had been in existence since 1906, it the haunting fear and anxiety Czech was not specifically created in order to Jews were facing. He also shared that t finding capable scribes to repair many shouse confiscated Judaica in 1942. The

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Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle

From the Bimah

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vor each side do regarding those they support and those they oppose? A final question is what will the United States do? Our country has long been a supporter of Saudi Arabia, but now there is a determined desire to enhance our relationship with Iran. Which way will the United States go or will we continue our present practice of noninvolvement in the critical concerns of the Middle East? Questions arise everywhere. Fear is rampant. Struggles continue. There is no end in sight. We watch, we wonder and we pray for positive results. Rabbi Simon serves as co-chair of the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative and is the author of the recently published book, Atlantic City: Winners and Losers. For more information about the Heller IAI, visit www.sarasotaloves israel.com or contact Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109.

Solution to puzzle on page 20A

Photos of the impressive Kromeriz synagogue that had been on the city’s main square

of the scrolls had been difficult because those in the London area refused to be associated with the liberal Westminster Synagogue. Then, as fate would have it, on a cold winter night a man knocked on the synagogue’s door. When the caretaker appeared and asked what the man wanted, he explained that he was a scribe in search of work and wanted to know if the synagogue might need his services. The caretaker laughed and asked if some sort of joke was being played. The scribe, who hadn’t heard about all the scrolls housed at the synagogue, said he was quite sincere in making this inquiry. That scribe, who had little concern for the kind of synagogue they were held in, went on to work on the scrolls for the next 26 years. Temple Beth Israel takes great pride that one of these Czech scrolls found a home in our midst as each is a messenger from a community that, though lost, has not been forgotten. Thanks to Tony Yablon, we now know more regarding their remarkable story. In February, I attended the first ever reunion of many of the scrolls. Sponsored by the MST and held in Hollywood, Florida, scrolls from around the country were on display for all to see and learn more about.

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March 2016

COMMENTARY

Crossing the line: When criticism of Israel becomes anti-Semitic

By Jonathan Greenblatt, National Director and CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, January 28, 2016 n the wake of a protest against a reception featuring an Israeli community group at a recent LGBTQ conference, there has been widespread controversy. We have read blog posts and articles, watched videos of the protest, and heard from friends and allies who were present at the demonstration. Yet, what was perhaps most painful for many of us is that we value and embrace much of the good work of these activists and organizers. They are some of our nation’s leading advocates, working to secure justice and fair treatment to all. Often they stand as allies in our work for justice and equality. Unfortunately, though, this fissure is not a new experience. Since starting as the CEO of ADL last summer, I personally have heard from many college students that their Jewish faith renders them pariahs on their campuses – unless and until they affirmatively denounce Israel. Campus Hillels and other Jewish organizations that have long worked with LGBTQ campus groups, student of color organizations, and other progressive clubs on campus to host film festivals, panels and other events increasingly are being shut out, rejected from participating, even when Israel is not on the agenda. Where other students are not being subjected to a litmus test on their views on Israel, Jewish students have been singled out and questioned about their objectivity and position on the issue. As racial tensions flared across the country the past few years, we heard anecdotes from Jewish racial justice advocates that they were called “kikes” or targeted with other anti-Jewish slurs. When they tried to address the epithets, they were told they need to understand that “it’s because of Israel.” Here’s the thing, though. It’s not. It’s anti-Semitism. Let’s be clear. No government is immune from criticism. Surely neither

the U.S. government nor the government of Israel nor any other. Indeed, we have criticized policies and practices of Israeli leadership when we felt appropriate to do so. We recognize that anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian activists will condemn Israel. That is a reality. That is their right. We disagree – vigorously – with their accusations of pinkwashing, with claims that Israel is an apartheid state, and with other efforts to demonize Israel. And we will speak out, challenge their mischaracterizations, and dismantle their indictments with facts and truths, as is our right. But when that criticism of Israel crosses the line into anti-Semitism, we will condemn it. It is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated anywhere, especially not in social justice circles. To be specific, when a person conflates Jews, Israelis and the Israeli government, it is anti-Semitic. When all Jews and all Israelis are held responsible for the actions of the Israeli government, it is anti-Semitic. When Jews would be denied the right to self-determination accorded to all other peoples, it is anti-Semitic. And when protesters chant “Palestine will be free from the river to the sea,” it is appropriately interpreted by most people as a call for the erasure of Israel – and it is anti-Semitic. Giving protestors the benefit of the doubt, it is unlikely that most intend their message to be anti-Semitic. However, regardless of the intent of the protest, the impact matters. Yet, too often, when students, individuals or organizations raise the specter of anti-Semitism it is quickly rejected, disregarded or written off. Israel’s critics literally have written bestselling books decrying their so-called inability to criticize Israel. But President Obama himself noted that anti-Semitism is on the rise. And, as he eloquently reminded, “When

What do you think? The Jewish News wants to know! Send an email to jewishnews18@gmail.com. Letters Policy Letters must include the author’s name, full address and daytime phone. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee or its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received.

any Jews anywhere is targeted just for being Jewish, we all have to respond. ‘We are all Jews.’” Indeed, we know that women are best positioned to define sexism, people of color to define racism, and LGBTQ people to define homophobia, transphobia and heterosexism. But, does this mean that all women must reach consensus on what offends them? All people of color? Everyone in LGBTQ communities? Hardly. So too, we Jews are best situated to define anti-Semitism, even if all of us may not likely reach consensus on the definition. Our millennial experi-

Letter to the Editor

t was with great interest that I read Rabbi Barbara Aiello’s commentary on interfaith marriage in the February issue of The Jewish News. And while I respect her sense of compassion for the individuals who are seeking to intermarry, her claim that “intermarriage actually strengthens a couple’s basic spiritually and allows Judaism to flourish,” is ludicrous. We are the people of the Torah. Rabbi Aiello knows that her position as a rabbi is based on her ability and willingness to teach Torah, which is a rabbi’s primary responsibility. The Torah in clear and unambiguous terms and in black and white forbids intermarriage. It doesn’t say that it is not advised. It doesn’t say that under certain circumstances it is acceptable. It says that it is forbidden. How quaint, the couple referenced in Rabbi Aiello’s commentary had an “interfaith ketubah,” which is a document with absolutely no religious standing. And they were married un-

F A Q

ence with intolerance demands the same acknowledgement as other forms of bigotry. Indeed, it is the collective responsibility of activists and organizers across the ideological spectrum to stop and listen when someone says, “You’ve crossed the line.” Standing up for rights of disempowered people is a job for us all. ADL has been doing it for more than 100 years. But marginalizing and wounding others in the process helps no one. Rather, it divides us and impedes our ability to find common ground in places where our collective strength could do so much good.

der a chuppah, which represents the yearnings of the uninitiated to capture some of the meaning that traditional Judaism has brought to the marriage ceremony. Rabbi Aiello further goes on to say that over the years she has stayed in contact with many of those whom she has married in interfaith ceremonies, and that they describe how they incorporate Jewish values and observanceM into their family life. y I am curious to learn just whatH those observances are since they areg observed in a dynamic rejected by theo Torah. The rejection of interfaith weddings by traditional Jews is not one of choice. It is rather an expression of a faith that is rooted in tradition, scholarship and the word of G-D which is B supposed to be promulgated by rabbis, not undermined by them. Judaism was never a religion of expediency. – Arthur Aaron

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 earlier 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. See the ad on page 32A. Have another location where you’d like to see the newspaper? Email jnew@jfedsrq.org and let us know. How do I place an ad in The Jewish News? Contact Robin Leonardi, account executive, at 941.552.6307 or rleonardi@jfedsrq.org.

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WHAT IF contemporary architects and designers were challenged to design and construct twelve radical sukkahs? What would they come up with? This film tracks the competition from jury day, during which an all-star cast of architects, academics and critics (Thom Mayne, Paul Goldberger, and Ron Arad) debate the merits of 600 submissions. This film explores the artistic process and provides an entertaining and inspiring portrait of the project’s visionary architects and planners, from construction, installation and exhibition of the twelve winning structures erected in Union Square, in the heart of New York City.

ANN MARIE & LOU MARINACCIO

CLIFFORD M. SCHOLZ ARCHITECTS

For more information contact Jeremy Lisitza 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org

FOCUS ON YOUTH

March 2016

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Stay focused on your true identity and mission Education Corner By Rivka Schmerling

t used to be simple. Dressing up for Purim like Queen Esther was the dream of my little girls. As they get older, so does their creativity. I have lately been hearing about French artists, butterflies and turning into a race car. Regardless of one’s age, on Purim we are encouraged to dress up. But is that what it’s all about? Is Purim pretending to be something or someone you are not? Perhaps it’s the exact opposite? Truly, on Purim we dress up to show who we really are. Let me explain. When my four-year-old wakes up on Purim morning, he’s very excited. I help him into his king costume and straighten his crown. He carries a long scepter in one hand and a bag of goodies in the other. Drumroll, please! Behold, a king! Well, not really. It’s still my son, Mordechai, an extremely cute fouryear-old dressed up in a golden crown. He also happens to me named after my grandfather, Mordechai, who was born on Purim itself! But no matter what the

costume is, no matter how the child (or adult) wishes to appear, the person we end up with is always the same person we started with – the same soul, the same essence – disguised behind a costume or a mask. When we read Megillat Esther, the story of Purim, and all the events that transpired, we might get the impression that everything happened within a very short period of time. It didn’t. The story of Purim didn’t unfold over months, but over years. For more than half a decade, Esther lived in the palace as the Persian queen, “Queen Esther,” and no one knew that she was Jewish. And when you are trapped in an identity that’s not really you, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are and why you are here. But living as the queen didn’t change Esther. While she wore the royal robes and donned the royal crown, she continued to adhere to Jewish law, such as keeping kosher and observing Shabbat. But that’s hard! Day after day, month after month, year after year – how could she maintain her true identity? Esther was blessed with an uncle (who raised her as a daughter) who, even as she lived in the palace, watched over her, worried about her, kept in contact with her and guided her. Mordechai never left Esther or gave up on her. He would sit by the entrance to the palace gate, making sure to know ex-

actly what was happening to her. She, in return, never gave up on her true identity and purpose in the world. She remained loyal to Mordechai and the values that he had instilled in her. After many years of her living in disguise, Mordechai sent a message to Esther that her people were in danger and that now was the time to take off the “costume” and reveal who she was. Now was the time to live her mission in life. At this pivotal moment in the Megillah, Mordechai reminds Esther that Haman descended from Amalek. Who was Amalek? When the Jews left Egypt, they had a mission and knew their purpose. They were secure in their identity as G‑d’s chosen people and were on their way to enter the Land of Israel. Then, all of a sudden, the nation of Amalek came and scared the Jewish people. This “cooled” off their enthusiasm for entering Israel. They put doubt into their hearts, doubt that shook their faith and distracted them from their mission. This is the cold doubt that makes us lose sight of our goals in life, of our true purpose and mission. Mordechai reminds Esther of the power of the Amalek’s doubt in order to encourage her to overcome it and not lose sight of her mission. In addition, on the Shabbat before Purim, a special portion of the Torah is read, the portion that speaks of this episode of Israel and Amalek. We read

this portion right before Purim because Haman was a descendent of Amalek. We also read this portion right before Purim, a festival when we don costumes, to remind us that no matter what distractions, disguises and doubts we face, we must always stay focused on our true identity and mission. We need to know who we truly are, to know that our soul is our essence. At this time we are reminded that we are not here in this world randomly. As we joyfully help our children put on their Purim costumes this year, let’s think of Mordechai and Esther. Let’s remind ourselves how, as parents, we must never give up on our precious children, we need to watch over them, care about them and be available to them. Let’s remind ourselves how essential it is for us to teach them (and to remember ourselves, too) that no matter where they are or who they are with, no matter what “costume” they find themselves in, they are beautiful, with beautiful souls, and a mission, a purpose. No one and nothing can or should create any doubts in their hearts to make them lose sight of that. Rivka Schmerling is a program director at Chabad of Venice & North Port. She runs the Hebrew School, Camp Gan Israel and Teen Club. She can be reached at rivka@chabadofvenice. com.

Temple Sinai’s SAFETY youth group members attend Winter Regional and show off their new mascot! By Deb Bryan, Temple Sinai Youth Director

our SAFETY members attended NFTY-STR’s Winter Regional on December 26-30, which was held at the Orlando Airport Marriott. This week-long adventure of learning, fun and ruach – five fun days and four crazy nights – gave teens an opportunity to make new friends and celebrate old ones over innovative mixers, creative programming, and spiritual experiences that engendered a multitude of new ideas for one and all. Participants

also elected the 2016-2017 NFTY-STR Regional Board. In January, SAFETY and JOOSY youth groups got involved with the 8th Annual Jewish Food Festival and their help was so appreciated. Teens operated food booths, ran food from the kitchen, and three SAFETY members directed the overflow parking at Suncoast Technical College. All who volunteered proudly represented Temple Sinai’s youth group.

“Purim Pandemonium” to hit Temple Emanu-El

urim fun and celebration for all ages will come early this year as Temple Emanu-El Religious School hosts its much-anticipated annual “Purim Pandemonium” event on Sunday, March 6, beginning at 10:00 a.m. “Purim Pandemonium” kicks off in the sanctuary with a Megillah reading, a Purim song session, and a costume parade with a prize for every participant. The highlight of the morning will be the annual performance of Director of Education Sabrina Silverberg’s original Purimshpiel, entitled Purim Pandemonium and performed by Temple

Emanu-El’s talented and enthusiastic religious school students. “Purim Pandemonium” festivities continue in the school building and outdoors with an elaborate and enjoyable Purim carnival, full of games and prizes, rides and attractions, face painting, a dunk tank, a climbing wall, a bounce house, crafts, and a delicious lunch prepared by Temple Emanu-El’s dedicated men of Brotherhood. “Purim Pandemonium” is guaranteed to put attendees in the joyful Purim spirit. The event will also feature a great prize closet and a terrific bake sale of yummy goodies including – of course – lots of homemade hamentashen baked by Temple Emanu-El Religious School parents! Attendees are also invited to try their luck at the 50-50 raffle and silent auction. In addition to helping the community prepare for Purim while enjoying a day of family fun, “Purim Pandemonium” will raises funds for the wonderful educational and generous scholarship programs at Temple EmanuEl Religious School. All are warmly invited to join in this special day. For more information or to purchase discounted pre-event tickets, please call Temple Emanu-El Religious School students 941.378.5567. Happy Adar, Samantha and Lanie Fineman got into the Purim spirit at last year’s “Purim Pandemonium” and happy Purim!

Finally, each month we will highlight our youth group members with our new mascot: Sami, STR-Fish. The STR stands for Southern Tropical Region, our North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) region. The name Sami was chosen by secret ballot at our kickoff event this past September. This month we are featuring Sami STR-Fish with SAFETY Social Action Vice President (SAVP) Rachel Towe and SAFETY member Kim Sasson. Both attended Winter Regional in December and were happy to show off Sami STR-Fish at the event! For more information about our SAFETY (grades 9-12) and JOOSY (grades 6-8) youth groups, please contact me at dbryan@sinaisrq.org.

SAFETY Social Action Vice President Rachel Towe and SAFETY member Kim Sasson

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March 2016

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Suncoast Hillels announces 2016 Rutstein Judaic Essay Contest

G A

Sponsored by

Hillels of the Florida Suncoast donors offer exciting scholarship opportunity for college students and free roundtrip ticket to Israel for the 1st Place Winner.

illels of the Florida Suncoast is pleased to announce that the Rutstein Judaic Essay Contest, a scholarship opportunity for Jewish college students introduced last year, will again be offered, but this time with an added special bonus. Through this program, Stan and Jo Rutstein, long-time members of the Sarasota Jewish community and avid supporters of the Suncoast Hillels’ efforts, are continuing to offer Jewish college students on the Suncoast another way to creatively connect with their Jewish identity. The purpose of the contest, offering $1,540 in scholarships, plus a free roundtrip airline ticket to Israel for the 1st place winner, is to invite Jewish undergraduate students to consider the concept of how Israel has positively impacted the world. “We are thrilled to be able to continue to offer Suncoast Hillels’ students the opportunity to more deeply explore Israel’s positive contributions to the world through creative writing,”

pating Suncoast Hillels’ college or university (*). Students enrolled in other undergraduate programs in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota or Polk counties not listed below are asked to contact Suncoast Hillels directly at shalom@suncoasthillels.org to determine eligibility for participation in the contest. 2. Students are asked to write an original, thoughtful and creative essay of no less than 1,000, and no more than 2,000 words that demonstrates one example of how Israel has positively impacted the world. 3. Students should not write about confidential matters that they do not wish to be known publicly since the winning essays may be published on the Suncoast Hillels’ website or reprinted in local media. 4. If research is included in the essay, citations must be included parenthetically, not with footnotes. Essays may be run through anti-plagiarism software. 5. Each entry must be accompanied by a Registration Form which is available for download from the Suncoast Hillels’ website (www.suncoasthillels.org) or by emailing shalom@ suncoasthillels.org to request a copy. No entry will be accepted for consideration unless accompanied by the Registration Form. 6. Students must submit their essay entries to Suncoast Hillels via email at shalom@suncoasthillels.org or by mail to Rutstein Judaic Essay Contest, Hillels of the Florida Suncoast, P.O. Box 290756, Tampa, FL 33687. 7. All entries must be received no later than midnight on Friday, March 11.

said Stan Rutstein. Rutstein’s wife, Jo, concurs, “Hillel is doing great work to engage young Jewish adults across the Suncoast, and this is another way that we can not only help several of these students, but also help Hillel achieve its mission of reaching and engaging as many Jewish college students as possible on a variety of different levels.” Suncoast Hillels’ Executive Director, Rabbi Ed Rosenthal, couldn’t agree more. “The Rutsteins’ generosity will allow Suncoast Hillels to further expand our reach to Jewish college students across the now four counties (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota and Polk) we serve. We are so grateful to Stan and Jo for their continued support of our work on all of our campuses,” said Rosenthal. Rules for the Rutstein Judaic Essay Contest, which is open to Jewish and non-Jewish college students, are as follows: 1. Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a partici-

S.K.I.P

F O R M O R E I N F O CO N TAC T: ANDREA EIFFERT 941.552.6308 O R A E I F F E RT @ J F E D S R Q.O R G

Send-A-Kid-to-Israel Program

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The Rutstein Judaic Essay Contest will be juried by a panel of professors from campuses that are a part of Hillels of the Florida Suncoast (*). A total of four prizes will be awarded. The first place winner will receive $500 plus a free roundtrip airline ticket to Israel, the second place winner will receive $500, the third place winner will receive $360, and the fourth place winner will receive $180. Suncoast Hillels plans to announce the Rutstein Judaic Essay Contest Award Winners on Thursday, March 24 at USF Hillel’s “Second Annual Great Latke Hamantash Debate” program at USF’s C.W. Bill Young Hall (the ROTC Building located at 12303 USF Maple Drive, Room CWY206) starting at 7:00 p.m. (*) Hillels of the Florida Suncoast supports Jewish life on eight college campuses along the Suncoast of Florida, including University of South Florida (Tampa and St. Petersburg), University of Tampa, Eckerd College, Stetson University College of Law, New College of Florida, Ringling College of Art and Design, and Florida Southern College. Hillels of the Florida Suncoast is a beneficiary agency of the Tampa Jewish Federation, the Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties, and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. For more information about the Rutstein Judaic Essay Contest or about the Hillels of the Florida Suncoast organization, please visit www.suncoasthillels.org or contact Linda Wolf, Assistant Director for Hillels of the Florida Suncoast, at 813.899.2788 or6 shalom@suncoasthillels.org. h

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March 2016

FOCUS ON YOUTH

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GFA students participate in Sarasota County’s Arbor Day celebration nity School, we are committed to being good global citizens. In addition to being provided with a strong academic setting, our students are taught to value and protect the environment,” said head of school Dan Ceaser. “We are thankful for any opportunities we may have – such as the Arbor Day celebration – to reinforce and celebrate our commitment to being good environmental stewards.” DMAN AC FEL AD IE Y EM

David Godson, assisted most enthusiastically by the school children. The event dovetails nicely with GFA’s philosophy of environmental stewardship. At GFA, a Hershorin Schiff Community School, the students benefit from numerous activities centered on the 20-plus bed Papa Ed and Mimi Rosenthal Organic Kibbutz Sustainability Garden. Thanks to the ongoing support of Ed and Betty Rosenthal, GFA’s organic garden – which is pesticide-free and has maximized opportunities for water conservation – produces everything from kale and collards to cotton, tomatoes and herbs. “As a Hershorin Schiff Commu-

GO LD

n mid-January, 20 of GFA’s firstand second-graders participated in Sarasota County’s Florida Arbor Day celebration, which coincided nicely with the school’s celebration of Tu B’Shevat later in the month. Highlights included a guest appearance by Smokey the Bear; the reading of a poem titled “When I See a Tree” by GFA students Natalie Ceaser and Sophie Pressman; an explanation of the importance of trees in the urban landscape by Sarasota County Commissioner Paul Caragiulo; the distribution of longleaf pine seedlings; and – by far the highlight of the program – the planting of a live young oak tree, led by County Arborist

GFA student Sophie Pressman with her longleaf pine seedling

Sarasota’s Community Jewish Day School

GOLDIE FELDMAN ACADEMY

A Hershorin Schiff Community School

1974 SAR A S OTA A Hershorin Schiff Community School

We’re a small school with big opportunities!

Preschool - 8th grade • Project-based, individualized curriculum COME VISIT US: School-wide Open House: Thursday, March 3, 1:30-4:30pm Middle School Open House: Monday, March 7, 10am-12pm Tour & Information Session: Wednesday, March 9, 5:30-6:30pm The GFA students threw themselves enthusiastically into the planting of the live young oak tree in the Sarasota County administration center parking lot (photos courtesy of Sarasota County)

Holocaust Arts Contest he Al Katz Center, Inc. has announced its Holocaust Arts Contest for students in grades 6-9 in private, public, parochial and home schools. Entry submission dates are February 1 - April 1. Cash prizes will be awarded for eight winning entries: $50 first prizes for grades 6, 7, 8 and 9, and $10 second prizes for winning entries at each of these grade levels. Certificates will be given to all participants. The maximum entries per grade are two, with a maximum of eight entries per school. Entries may include essays, research, poetry, artwork, photographs, narratives and biographies, all displayed on three-sided project boards. Exhibition dates in the new Al &Sophia Katz Jewish Art Gallery will

Goldie Feldman Academy – A Hershorin Schiff Community School 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Sarasota | (941) 552-2770 www.gfasarasota.org

be May 5 - June 5, with an awards ceremony on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Thursday, May 5, at noon. Judging criteria are: theme related to the Holocaust, 1933-1945; research; creativity; neatness; organization; original artwork and/or writing. For more information and entry forms, contact Dr. Beverly Newman at 941-313-9239. The Holocaust Arts Contest is intended to promote serious factual insights into the countless themes and facets of the Holocaust by American youth in order to build a lasting understanding of the permanent effects of pervasive traumas to the survivors of the Holocaust, their families, successive generations, the Jewish people and mankind.

TEENS JEWISH TEENS OF SRQ-MAN GET THE FREE APP FOR: Youth Group Information Teen Social Event Calendar Travel and Education Scholarships Shapiro Teen Engagement Program (STEP)

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SHA LOM BA BY MOMMY & ME Join us for a gathering of mommies and babies to sing Jewish and/or Israeli children’s songs and bond with other moms every fourth Friday of the month!

THE KLINGENSTEIN JEWISH CENTER

580 McIntosh Rd Sarasota FL 34232

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941.371.4546 • jfedsrq.org

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Conferences are one of the many rewards of youth groups By Gabriella Hazan n the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday weekend, as SRQUSY President, I was fortunate to represent the Sarasota-Manatee United Synagogue Youth at the Regional General Board Weekend for the Hanegev region. USY’s Hanegev includes the southeast coast of the United States: North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. It was an opportunity to gather with like-minded Jewish teens and discuss the future of Conservative Judaism and how we might mold that future. It was also a time to connect and have fun. Beth Torah Benny Rok in North Miami Beach hosted me and over 80 other youth leaders. One of my favorite parts of the weekend was walking together to and from the temple on Shabbat. While walking together with all my Jewish friends, I really felt like I was part of a great community. During the days, I participated in many lead-

ership training and development sessions. However, it wasn’t all work – we also explored a ropes course for team building. I’m bringing back what I learned to our Sarasota USY group, SRQUSY. I plan to use my connections to other Jewish youth leaders and contact them throughout the year. Conventions are one of the best parts of USY, and I encourage everyone to attend. There are still two more conferences to be held this school year. The Mercaz Sub-Regional Conference will occur March 19-20 and the USY Regional Convention will take place April 1617. Also, our local chapter is planning an event Saturday, March 26, which high school students are welcome to attend. Please contact our USY

advisor, Jessica Zimmerman, at Jessica.zimmerman12@ncf.edu for more information.

Above: Erica Lester and Amanda Green at the USY International Convention in Baltimore in December 2015 At left: Erica Lester (1st from left) and Amanda Green (2nd from right) in Baltimore with participants from another USY chapter

“FOCUS ON YOUTH” PHOTO OF THE MONTH

The Federation

Blog

www.FederationBlog.org

Join the Jewish Conversation! T

Temple Emanu-El Confirmands – tenth-graders Mo Glickman, Max Kunkel, Josh Yunis and Jeremy Caldwell – give classmate Abigail Zion a lift during a break from class!

016

celeb

2015 –2 C

ONE COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• K •O

•L•

U•

TEENS!

Have fun and do a mitzvah! Create a work of art at Painting with a Twist: a fun art studio where experienced local artists will help you create a painting to donate to participants in the JFCS Senior Outreach Service program. Space is limited to the first 20 teens.

DAY THURSDAY APRIL 7 4-6PM

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YOM HA’ATZMAUT

Israel Independence Day SAVE THE

DATE MAY 15, 2016 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF

ISRAEL’S BIRTHDAY

at jfedsrq.org/events

QUESTIONS? Please contact Andrea Eiffert 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org QUESTIONS? Contact: Orna Nissan 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org Andrea Eiffert 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota

FREE

jfedsrq.org

March 2016

LIFE CYCLE

Please submit your life cycle events (births, B’nai Mitzvah, anniversaries, weddings) to

ANNIVERSARIES th

70 Milton B. & Shirley D. Gordon Temple Emanu-El 55th Janet & Richard Stollman Temple Sinai 50th Sara & Michael Benesch Temple Sinai 45th Patricia & Allan Schreiber Temple Sinai 30th Nancy and David Freund Temple Sinai

25 Audrey & Thomas Quale Temple Sinai 20th Arlene & Roy Schwen Temple Emanu-El 15th Maggie & William Hilton Temple Sinai 10th Stefanie & Chris Guido Temple Emanu-El

Sarasota-Manatee Chevra Kadisha TAHARA

jewishnews@jfedsrq.org Photos are appreciated; email as JPGs at 300ppi.

B’NAI MITZVAH Katelin Hannah and Abigail Reese Alcock (pictured), daughters of Sharon and Dr. Frank Alcock, March 12, Temple Emanu-El Russell Kramer, son of Laura and AJ Kramer, March 19, Temple Emanu-El Harrison Koffman, son of Donna and David Koffman, March 19, Temple Emanu-El Caterina Cappelli, daughter of Rachel and Andrea Cappelli, March 26, Temple Emanu-El

admin 941.224.0778 men 941.377.4647 941.484.2790 women 941.921.4740 941.349.3611 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237

During times of neeD for generations Jewish members of sarasota & manatee County Communities have turneD to toale brothers.

IN MEMORIAM

Florence Dore, 89, of Venice, FL, formerly of Boston, MA, January 21 Jack Fuchs, 90, of Sarasota, January 12 August Hoch, 83, of Sarasota, formerly of Chicago, January 8 Herbert Kane, 87, of Sarasota, formerly of New York City, January 18 Ada R. Kessler, 100, of Sarasota, January 2 Riva Kramer, 92, of Sarasota, December 24 Esther Lampel, 91, of Sarasota, formerly of New York City, January 12 Beverly Layne, 86, of Sarasota, formerly of Miami, January 17 Audrey S. Liftman, 80, of Sarasota, formerly of Brookline, MA, December 24 Emmy Loeb, 92, of Sarasota, December 27 John J. Lyons, 88, of Sarasota, January 11 Herbert Kanter, 92, of Sarasota, January 7 Elaine Schneiderman, 85, of Sarasota, November 22 Claire Sischy, 94, of Sarasota, January 6 Florence Weisblat Katz, 100, of Sarasota, December 26 Sidney Wenokor, 89, of Sarasota, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, January 6 Sonya Woolf, 87, of Sarasota, January 10

31A

Gerry Ronkin

Jewish Family Coordinator OFFICE

loCally owneD & operateD for over 100 years

3 generations of toale family management

941-955-4171 CELL

941-809-5195 www.ToaleBrothers.com

The Jewish Federation offers assistance for all ages, like: Camp Grants, Overseas Grants, Education Scholarships, Religious Scholarships, and Women’s Giving Circle Grants. Plus, complimentary programs like PJ Library, Shalom Baby and Senior services provide unique support throughout Sarasota and Manatee.

Learn more at jfedsrq.org/help

Read the current and previous editions of The Jewish News online at www.jfedsrq.org. STAY CONNECTED

FUNERAL SERVICES youtube.com/jfedsrq

STAY CONNECTED

The Area’s ONLY Jewish Owned & Operated Facility Specializing in local interment, out-of-town transfers, and burial in Israel

• Chevra Kadisha • Shomrim • Reform Cremations

2426 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34239

(941) 955-1075

24 Hour Information at twitter.com/jfedsrq

www.HebrewMemorialSarasota.com

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

32A

March 2016

the 18th annual

April 1-10, 2016 For nearly two decades, the Sarasota Film Festival has maintained

its

tastemakers

position

and

trailblazers

one

the

leading

global

film

community, while advancing Sarasota’s own legacy of excellence in the arts and education. Each year, we welcome an unprecedented volume and diversity of cinema (over 250 films last year), as well as some of the most acclaimed and burgeoning actors, directors, screenwriters, and musicians of our time. Become a member today and experience the Festival to its fullest! By becoming a member of the Sarasota Film Festival, you are supporting our year-round operations and community enrichment efforts. As a thank you, this year we are expanding our benefits to include unparalleled service, access, and value. Have a look - we trust you will not be disappointed.

For membership

OPENING NIGHT April 1, 2016

FILM & PARTY

Van Wezel Performing Arts Center

information please contact: 941.364.9514 member@sarasotafilmfestival.com

NOW AVAILABLE AT MORE THAN 50 LOCATIONS! SARASOTA • SRQ Chamber of Commerce • SRQ Visitors’ Center • Selby Public Library • Newsrack across from Hollywood 20 • Ringling Post Office • St. Armands Circle – John Ringling Blvd. • St. Armands Circle – Blvd. of the Presidents • Bayfront Park • Nellie’s Deli • Villa Grande • JFCS • Gulf Gate Library • Einstein Brothers Bagels • Landings Racquet Club • Publix at Landings Plaza • Silverstein Institute

SARASOTA • The Jewish Federation Campus • Lakehouse West • SRQ Memorial Hospital – Outpatient • Morton’s Gourmet Bakery • Art Building • Bahia Oaks Lodge • Health Complex East Ave • Kobernick Anchin/Benderson • Fruitville Library • Temple Emanu-El • Temple Beth Sholom • Temple Sinai • Chabad of Sarasota • Founder’s Club • Bird Key Park Newsrack • Temple Beth Israel • Longboat Key Newsrack – Gulf of Mexico Dr. & Cedar St.

LAKEWOOD RANCH/ BRADENTON • Northern Trust Bank • Legacy Golf Club • SMR Corporate Bank • Country Pancake House • Intercoastal Medical Group • FCCI Insurance Group • University Park Country Club • The Meadows • Palm Aire Clubhouse • Lake Ridge Falls • LWR Chamber of Commerce • University Cleaners LWR • Dreams Jeweler LWR • Bradenton Library • Bradenton Post Office • Publix at University Pkwy • Bank of America LWR • Women/Children’s Center

LAKEWOOD RANCH/ BRADENTON • Lake Club • Chabad of Bradenton VENICE • The Jewish Congregation of Venice • Venice Public Library • Venice Community Center • Jacaranda Public Library • Chabad of Venice & North Port

Make sure to tell your friends and neighbors! Contact 941.371.4546 x 107 to become a subscriber & receive your copy in the mail

www.TheJewishNews.org

Celebrating Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Israel and the World FEDERATION NEWS 1971-2016 SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR

45 Years . jfedsrq org

March 2016 - Adar 5776

Volume 46, Number 3

Jewish Happenings TUESDAY, MARCH 1

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

Caffeine for the Soul

An Evening at The Francis

Join us at 10:00 a.m. for the most popular Jewish women’s book club in town. Get your weekly social and spiritual boost over a roundtable discussion led by Chaya Rivka Schmerling. Delve into the book for this year, Toward a Meaningful Life by Rabbi Simon Jacobson. This group meets weekly at Chabad of Venice and North Port, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. No cost. For more information, contact Chaya Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

Join us from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at 1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Then watch the documentary Sukkah City, which will be followed by a Q&A, dessert and coffee with Babak Bryan, AIA, LEED AP & Henry Grossman. Cost: $95. To purchase tickets, visit www.jfedsrq.org or contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.

Tanya for Women There are days when one indeed 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 ball game. 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. This group meets weekly at 11:30 a.m. at Chabad of Venice and North Port, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. No cost. For more information, please contact Chaya Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

ORT welcomes Harold Joels At 1:30 p.m. on The Federation Campus (580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota), ORT welcomes speaker Harold Joels, a London resident who has been coming to Sarasota for 25 years. His generosity helped build a cafeteria and two libraries in one of the neediest schools in Israel (Bialik-Rogozin School in Tel Aviv). A film about this school, Strangers No More, won an Academy Award for Documentary (Short Subject). Harold has many stories to tell about this school and more. For more information, contact Marsha Feldstein at mushyf@verizon.net.

Sponsored by

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 desserts and terrific company are provided! This free event begins at noon at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

The Original Brown Bag with Rabbi Huntting Join Rabbi Geoffrey Huntting at noon on Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16 and 30 at Temple Sinai, Social Hall A, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Bring your lunch and come for this casual gathering. The discussion on current events is determined by those in attendance. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

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do inue cont

t pag

Jewish Art and Culture series Join us on Tuesdays, March 1, 8 and 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel (567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key) for “An Interdependence of Quality” by Baila Miller of Miller Music and Fine Arts Programs. Baila will share her love of art, music and Yiddishkeit. Session 1: The First American Art Form: Henry Geldzahler and the Making of “Pop Art.” Session 2: Scholars and Intellectuals from the Pale of Settlement: Featuring Esperanto, The Language of Hope, Invented by Ludwig Lazarus Zamenhof (1859-1917). Session 3: Prominent Jewish 20th Century War Photographers. Robert Capa, Margaret-Bourke White, Alfred Eisenstadt, et al. Free to Temple Beth Israel members; $5 for nonmembers. For more information, please call 941.383.3428.

Your New Year’s Resolution:

Live More. Pay Less. Save up to

24,000

at Kobernick House, Independent Living at The Meadows.

An exciting lifestyle is just the beginning at Kobernick House. While we enhance our community, you can enjoy special savings on our Independent Living apartments.

Looking to connect with other members of the Jewish community?

We Welcome You!

The Jewish Federation would like to welcome you to the area! We hope you feel at home and become active members of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community.

Questions? Contact Ilene Fox at ifox@jfedsrq.org or 941-343-2111

• Move in by March 31st and save up to $24,000 off rental rates and fees • Two-bedroom apartments (starting at just $3,995) • $600 off one month’s rent studio and one-bedrooms • Second-person fee waived for the first 12 months Savings are only available while renovations are underway. Hurry in and learn about our legacy of excellence and how our full continuum of care can enhance your New Year.

Call today to schedule your personal visit and enjoy lunch on us!

941-877-5069

www.KobernickAnchin.org/offer

Sarasota’s Only Rental Senior Community Offering a Full Continuum of Care

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

1951 N. Honore Avenue | Sarasota, FL 34235

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

March 2016

CRITTER CAMP

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 Kobernick University – “The 33 Jewish Languages”

Your kids will love Critter Camp!

Fun Activities They Will Remember Forever!

Cats, dogs, horses and other furry, feathered and 4-footed friends Includes Camp Shirt & Daily Snack !

Critter Camp Sessions

Monday through Friday • 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. June 20 - June 24: June 27 - July 1: July 11 - July 15:

Proudly Serving the Jewish Community with Kosher Catering

Call to Register—941.366.2404 or Visit www.catdepot.org

Co-Proprietors: Phil Mancini & Michael Klauber

5 T H A N N U A L INFORMATION ABOUT INNOVATION

HEARING

LOSS E X P O

Sponsored by

Reserve the date for the Annual Purim Luncheon for Holocaust Survivors. The location and time have not been set as of press time. Sponsored by JFCS of the Suncoast, The Jewish-Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, JFCS of the Gulf Coast, and The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. For more information, contact Jan Alston at 941.366.1700 x172 for more information.

www.jfedsrq.org 941.371.4546

TEE Adult Learning Series: The Book of Ecclesiastes “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” These are not just song lyrics – they are part of the Book of Ecclesiastes. Did you know that the phrases “There is nothing new under the sun” and “Better a living dog than a dead lion” also come from this wise, compelling, controversial and absolutely fascinating biblical book? Explore, question, learn and discuss the Book of Ecclesiastes in this engaging adult education series with Temple Emanu-El’s Associate Rabbi Richard Klein. All are welcome! The series takes place on Tuesdays, March 22 and 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. To register or for more information, please contact Temple Emanu-El Adult Education Chair Dan Barwick at 941.232.1832 or dan@barwick.us

JFCS Celebrity Chefs Food & Wine Tasting & Golf Challenge This fabulous, fun event benefits needy families and kids, and features chefs from over 25 premier local restaurants, select wines, martini bar, silent auction, live music, and optional golf and tennis challenges. Schedule: 11:30 a.m. Golf, 3:00 p.m. Tennis, 6:00 p.m. Dining. The event takes place at Longboat Key Club, 220 Sands Point Road. For more information, contact Monica Caldwell at 941.366.2224 x142, or visit www.jfcs-cares. org or www.facebook.com/CelebrityChefsSarasota/.

The Immigrant Family, A Bintel Brief The letters that young newly arrived Jewish immigrants wrote to the Forward Yiddish newspaper are an intimate record of their struggles and dilemmas adjusting to life in America. Trivial, serious, comic and tragic problems were shared, and the editors responded with advice and counsel through the Bintel Brief, a sort of Dear Abby newspaper column. Rabbi Harold Caminker will read a letter from the Bintel Brief archives and ask the audience how they would answer. He will then read the editor’s answer that appeared in the newspaper. Everyone is invited to join this enjoyable Adult Learning Mini-Series at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Congregation of Venice, 600 N. Auburn Road. No charge and no RSVP needed. For more information, call the JCV office at 941.484.2022.

THERE’S SOMETHING

FOR EVERYONE

U.S. Foreign Policy & the 2016 Campaign

Find your groove and more in the Observer’s weekly Arts & Entertainment section, or online at YourObserver.com.

SP11716

Unprecedented turmoil in the Middle East. Belligerence and muscle-flexing from Moscow. Economic and political uncertainties in Europe. A China determined to supplant U.S. influence in Asia. How should America’s next president deal with all this? A free-wheeling discussion with four of America’s most distinguished experts: Hudson Institute’s Walter Russell Mead, Foreign Affairs editor Gideon Rose, Foreign Policy editor David J. Rothkopf and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Bret Stephens of the Wall Street Journal. The event begins at 8:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Cost: $10; free for TBI members. For more information, contact the TBI office at 941.383.3428 or info@tbi-lbk.org.

10B

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

March 2016

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 Club Fed Hits the Road Sponsored by

Join us for a bus trip to the Tiffany Museum at the Morse Museum in Winter Park. We leave from The Federation Campus (580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota) at 8:00 a.m. The cost of $30 includes transportation and entry to the museum (lunch not included). Spend the afternoon exploring Winter Park. To register, visit www.jfedsrq.org or call Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113.

SaBra Hadassah Associates author presentation Join us at 4:30 p.m. at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County (2635 Fruitville Road) for a presentation by Rabbi Howard Simon, who will discuss his novel, Atlantic City – Winners and Losers. The story deals with fascinating facts and of characters living there. A donation of $9 payable to Hadassah will serve as your reservation. Mail your check to Andrew Nutlay, 7720 U.S. Open Loop, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. Please indicate if you’ll be joining us for dinner at the Meadows Country Club afterwards. Dinner reservations limited to the first thirty people. For more information, contact Marty Paris at 941.355.4842 or sandmart23@ aol.com.

Rhythm & Jews Family Purim Service / Megillah Shpiel Join Rabbi Huntting, Chazzan Abramson, your friends and neighbors, and hear the Bruno Family Musicians in an uplifting service with a variety of traditional, Israeli, Sephardic and Chasidic melodies. This free event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

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

Purimshpiel at Temple Beth Sholom All ages are invited to Temple Beth Sholom (1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota) to celebrate Purim with a Megillah reading, Purimshpiel and hamentashen at 6:30 p.m. Costumes encouraged! For more information, please contact the TBS office at 941.955.8121.

“Talent, Treats and Toast” Join us at Chabad of Sarasota (7700 Beneva Road) at 7:00 p.m. to hear the Megillah, spin groggers and get into the Purim spirit with a short masquerade. Then enjoy “Talent, Treats and Toast,” an exciting talent show by members of our community that is sure to enthrall participants. Enjoy hamentashen and other delightful treats, and toast friends with L’chayim. An exciting evening for both young and old alike! To enter the talent show, please sign up by sending an email to info@chabadofsarasota.com. All those in costume will receive a prize and all talent show participants will be entered into a raffle for a $100 Amazon gift card. All are welcome! For more information, call Chabad of Sarasota at 941.925.0770.

Megillah reading & Purim in the Sixties Experience the spirit of the sixties! Dress in your groovy sixties outfits! Enjoy Jewish sixties music. Refreshments with L’Chayim! This free event begins at 8:00 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

Megallah reading

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RABBI SIMON will be on hand to sign copies of his new book entitled, “Atlantic City: Winners & Losers,” a fictional tale of Atlantic City resident Tony Gordon, and of the fascinating, and sometimes tragic lives of those around him. You can purchase the book at the event, on Amazon.com, or at Barnes & Noble®.

For book signing and reception, please RSVP by Thursday, March 24 at jfedsrq.org/events

Klingenstein Jewish Center | 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota

Join us at 8:00 p.m. at Chabad of Venice and North Port (2169 S. Tamiami Trail) for a Megillah reading, L’Chayims and dancing. For more information, contact Rabbi Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or info@chabadofvenice. com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 24 Tons of Purim fun You will be delighted to learn new Purim songs, jokes, and the Book of Esther in rhyme! Enjoy homemade organic kosher hamentashen, and role play a Purim “shpiel” or play, which has been a trademark of this festive holiday for centuries. Public reenactments of the epic Purim story started in the early centuries C.E., and in medieval Europe the shpiel fully developed as parody. The term “Purim-shpiel” was found throughout Ashkenazic Jewry as early as the mid-1500s. Join us at 1:30 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. The cost of $7 includes healthy kosher foods and take-home materials. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Grand Purim Party Have you thought about how you will celebrate Purim in a meaningful and fun way? We have the answer. Celebrate Purim in the Shtetel! Once again, Chabad is hosting the annual Purim Around the World, and this year we’ll be stopping off in the Shtetel. Join in a joyous party, celebrating the miracle of Purim against the backdrop of the Shtetel, Hodel’s Hamentashen, Golde’s Diner and lots more! The party begins at 5:00 p.m. at Chabad of Venice and North Port, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. Cost: $18 for adults, free for children (3-12). For more information, contact Rabbi Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or info@chabadofvenice.com.

Purim Italiano Enjoy Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch’s Purim Italiano at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall (8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.) with an Italian menu (vegetarian available), Italian entertainment, an interactive Megillah reading, hamentashen, an Italian-themed auction, comedy with the rabbi and cantor, an Italian masquerade, a tribute to the Italian Jewish mother, and much more. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child (3-12) prepaid. At the door: $20 per adult and $15 per child. Seating is limited so reserve early. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS FRIDAY, MARCH 25 “Shabbat Purim Live”

March 2016

11B

Take our publications on the go with the new ISSUU app!

issuu.com/thejewishnews

Join Temple Beth El for its Erev Shabbat Purim service and the wonderful sounds of the Shabbat Musical Trio as we celebrate Purim in song, the story of Queen Esther, and victory over persecution. All are invited to come in costume at 7:30 p.m. to Temple Beth El Bradenton, 4200 32nd St. W. Enjoy a special oneg including hamentashen. This special service is free and open to the community. For more information, please call the TBE office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 Purim – Pour’em Some Whiskey The FBI (Fathers Being Involved, that is) of Goldie Feldman Academy presents a fun event in the spirit of the season: Purim – Pour’em Some Whiskey, a whiskey-tasting event at Louies Modern (1289 N Palm Ave., Sarasota) at 7:30 p.m. Community members (ages 21 and up, of course) are invited to enjoy socializing, food and a selection of whiskeys to taste. The chairs are Dr. Eric Pressman and Darren Saltzberg. Cost is $60 per person. Call Rachel Saltzberg at 941.552.2770 with questions or to RSVP.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27 Annual Purim Celebration and Barbeque Once again, Temple Beth El Bradenton’s Men’s Club will hold its annual Purim Celebration and Barbeque. Join us as we emphasize the importance of Jewish unity and friendship. On Purim we show the importance of Jewish unity and friendship by giving gifts of food to friends and strangers, so we ask that you bring non-perishable foods to fill our barrel for Meals on Wheels. Come in costume as we read the Purim Megilat Esther and drown out the name of Haman with our noisemakers. Come and help vote for the best child or adult costume. Enjoy hamentashen and special desserts. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El Bradenton, 4200 32nd St. W. Cost for members: $5 per person, $10 for families (two adults and children under 8); nonmembers: $7 per person, $12 for families (two adults and children under 8). For more information, please call the TBE office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Dinner and a Movie with Rabbi

MAKE SURE YOUR VOICE IS HEARD. How far can a dollar go toward making a difference in the lives of women and children? THE WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE, or Ma’agal Nashim, is a group of passionate and caring women in Sarasota-Manatee who are committed to making a difference in the lives of women and children in need or at risk in Israel.

Join us for the second to last movie in season 5 of Dinner and a Movie with Rabbi. Girona, The Mother of Israel covers Jewish life from the Golden Age to the expulsion of Spanish Jewry in 1492 to the present day, with cuisine from Spain. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Cost for film and dinner: $25 for members and $35 for guests. For more information, call Janet Tolbert at 941.388.9624.

Ma’agal Nashim is a place for women to explore how we can make a difference, become role models for our families and discover how leadership and philanthropic passions can build a stronger world for women and children.

“From Bima to Broadway” concert at TBS

To become a member or for more information:

Temple Beth Sholom invites the entire Sarasota community to hear show tunes and shul tunes at “From Bima to Broadway,” a special musical evening featuring Cantor Audrey Abrams from Beth El Synagogue in Minneapolis. Pianist Toby Simon and Cantors Rick Berlin, Neil Newman and Murray Simon will accompany. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, Madeline L. Sainer Social Hall, 1050 South Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. A dessert buffet follows the concert. Tickets start at $36. For ticket information and reservations, contact Kelly Nester at the TBS office at 941.955.8121.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29

Contact Ros Mazur at bsbhigh18@gmail.com The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee KLINGENSTEIN JEWISH CENTER

580 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232

941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

140 kosher characters

twitter.com/jfedsrq

CHJ Winter Film Series The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism – which meets at Unity, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota – invites you to a screening its Winter Film Series from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Bring your own favorite brown-bag meal. The movies will be shown first, then we will enjoy our meal with friends. Bottled water will be provided by CHJ. Feel free to bring something stronger if desired. When Jews Were Funny (Documentary, 2013, 90 mins.) explores the role of Jewish comedians in the history of North American comedy and humor from the Borscht belt to the present day. It features interviews with and/or performance clips of Howie Mandel, Gilbert Gottfried, Rodney Dangerfield, Eugene Mirman, Marc Maron, Bob Einstein, Andy Kindler, Shelley Berman, Alan King and many more. It premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival and won the festival award for the year’s best Canadian feature film. See March 8 for the first film in this series. Registration is required. Cost: $5 for nonmembers. Send your check, the film/films you plan to attend, attendee names, phone number and email address to CHJ, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL 34231. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or visit chj-Sarasota.org.

Assimilation, A Bintel Brief The letters that young newly arrived Jewish immigrants wrote to the Forward Yiddish newspaper are an intimate record of their struggles and dilemmas adjusting to life in America. Trivial, serious, comic and tragic problems were shared, and the editors responded with advice and counsel through the Bintel Brief, a sort of Dear Abby newspaper column. Rabbi Harold Caminker will read a letter from the Bintel Brief archives and ask the audience how they would answer. He will then read the editor’s answer that appeared in the newspaper. Everyone is invited to join this enjoyable Adult Learning Mini-Series at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Congregation of Venice, 600 N. Auburn Road. No charge and no RSVP needed. For more information, call the JCV office at 941.484.2022.

YOU ARE THE JEWISH COMMUNITY. THIS IS YOUR FEDERATION. TOGETHER, WE DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS.

The Jewish Federation offers programming for all ages! From PJ Library and ShaLom baby through teen leadership missions to women’s events, CLub Fed, and FiFty ShadeS oF J, to senior services — your Federation provides support throughout Sarasota and Manatee.

Learn more at jfedsrq.org/whatwedo

12B

March 2016

- over TheMilman K

MARCH 6-13, 2016 SPECIAL GUESTS: MUSICIAN IDAN HAVIV DIRECTOR OREN ROSENFELD IDF 1ST LT. MEKONEN ABEBE IDF RES. SGT. CORAL AMARANI DIRECTOR DANI MENKIN TAL BRODY ERIC MINKIN 26 SCREENINGS OF

NINE

GREAT NEW FILMS!

Tickets available at

jfedsrq.org or

866.465.3995

FEATURED

FILMS

BENEATH THE HELMET MAGIC MEN APPLES FROM THE DESERT 24 DAYS TO LIFE!

MARCH

BESA – THE PROMISE

16-21

ONCE IN A LIFETIME

2015

A BORROWED IDENTITY ON THE MAP

ANNUAL the mazur family fund

THE MILMAN-KOVER FAMILY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, SUSAN F. MILMAN, TRUSTEE

Questions? Contact 941.371.4546