The Jewish News - October 2014 by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

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October 2014 - Tishrei/Cheshvan 5775 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 6A Community Focus 13A Jewish Interest 18A Israel & the Jewish World 23A Commentary 27A Focus on Youth 31A Life Cycle 1B Jewish Happenings

4A Singles and couples mingle at Fifty Shades of J event

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Volume 44, Number 10

Acclaimed Israeli author and journalist Gil Hoffman to present insider’s look at Gaza conflict Staff Report

he Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative, through During his presentation here, Hoffman will explore The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manathis and other topics related to Operation Protective tee, is bringing Gil Hoffman, chief political Edge. Hoffman, who was raised in Chicago, graducorrespondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post, to Sarasota on Monday, November 3. Hoffman will ated magna cum laude from Northwestern Univergive his unique insight on Operation Protective Edge sity’s School of Journalism, and wrote for the Miami – and how the world reacted to it – in Herald and the Arizona Republic before his presentation, “Peace, Politics and moving to Israel. A reserve soldier in the Projectiles: An Insider’s Look at the IDF’s Spokesperson Unit, he has lectured War in Gaza and Its Aftermath.” in seven countries and in 46 states in the Called “the most optimistic man United States. He lives in Jerusalem with in Israel,” Hoffman has interviewed his wife and two children. every major figure across the Israeli “Peace, Politics and Projectiles: An Insider’s Look at the War in Gaza and political spectrum. He has also been interviewed by top media on six contiIts Aftermath” will take place Monday, November 3, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at nents and is a regular analyst on CNN, Al-Jazeera and other news outlets. Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Gil Hoffman Sarasota. The event is free and open to Hoffman’s prolific writings and TV appearances provide a behind-the-scenes look at the the public, but reservations are required. Please visit Israeli political arena. www.jfedsrq.org. Over the summer, the rise in anti-Semitic vioFor more information about the Heller Israel lence in major cities around the globe gave world Advocacy Initiative, visit www.sarasotalovesisrael. Jewry reason to be concerned. The vitriolic attack com, or contact Jessi Sheslow at 941.343.2109 or on Israel’s right to defend itself is all too familiar. jsheslow@jfedsrq.org.

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olunteers are a vital part of The Jewish dedicated volunteers and participate in The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. You see Federation’s exciting projects and events. them at all of our events and programs – Bunny Skirboll and Sue Shimelman, Volunteer greeting you as you walk in. Committee chairs, say Invoice that giving back brings so the Family Jeweler 14276 Name: ________________________________________________ Ref #: ________________ But for every volunteer you see, there are many much joy and fulfillment – along with new friendmore working behind the ships and experiences. You’ll scenes. Volunteer roles are didevelop an insider’s knowlverse and include everything edge of the Federation’s valfrom directing and coordinating ues and mission – and become initiatives, to choosing films an important part of its plans for our Jewish Film Festival, and innovations. to providing technological and Intrigued? Contact Andrea educational assistance. Eiffert at 941.552.6308 x123 This Proof must be signed and returned before We already know that you or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org. Andrea Temple Sinai we can proceed with your order. This is your skills, knowledge, will be happy to speak to you about all of the opporProof prior to have printing.the Please examine all spell- abilities and commitment celebrates ing and information carefully. RFJD will not to help us provide a be vibrant and engaged Jewish tunities available and find where you will fit in best. summerheld responsible for any unnoticed errors. Any community. No matter what stage of life you’re in, We look forward to your joining us on our jourerrors found after printing will be customer’s sole camp and there are plenty of opportunities to work with other ney!

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October 2014

FEDERATION NEWS

Radical Islam: A quick primer Staff Report

he advent of radical Islam has rocked the Middle East, and shaken the rest of the world for some time now. Unlike other moderate and peaceful interpretations of Islam practiced by Muslims around the world, radical Islam, or extremism, is a totalitarian interpretation of the Koran, which justifies violent acts of terror and the enforcement of oppressive laws. As Jews, and supporters of Israel, we are acutely aware of the terrorist activities from organizations like Hamas, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, but the threat of radical Islam reaches far beyond the borders of the Jewish state. With the constant deluge of information from different media outlets, it can be difficult to discern which groups are responsible for what actions, and more importantly, how these extremist groups are interconnected. As Americans, we are all too familiar with the militant radical Islamic group, al-Qaeda, which was responsible for the September 11 attacks against the United States. Founded by Osama Bin Laden in the late 1980s, alQaeda has become a recognized terrorist organization on a worldwide scale. The group is primarily comprised of Sunni Muslims, and promotes the idea of a worldwide caliphate through global jihad. With forces in Syria, Yemen, Maghreb, Iraq, India and Afghanistan, al-Qaeda has become a major security threat for countries across the globe. In 1998, Osama Bin Laden issued a fatwa, or religious edict, instructing his followers to kill American civilians: “The ruling to kill the Americans and their allies – civilians and military – is an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which it is possible to do it.” The funding for al-Qaeda comes primarily from Saudi Arabia, and has used much of the mas-

sive wealth of the Bin Laden family to finance other terrorist organizations globally. ISIS, or The Islamic State as it is now called, is a radical Islamic group claiming religious authority over all Muslims worldwide. The Islamic State is classified as a terrorist organization, and has gained power in the Sunni majority areas of Iraq and Syria. The leader of the Islamic State is a caliph, or spiritual leader, named Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Baghdadi, The Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, an all too familiar

extremist group for Americans, were closely linked until the spring of 2014, when al-Qaeda cut all ties with The Islamic State, citing issues with the severe brutality of the group and a lack of communication. Under Baghdadi’s direction, ISIS enforces Sharia law, and directs its hostilities towards Shia Muslims, Christians, Druze, Yazidis, along with other ethnic and religious groups. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, and Human Rights Watch have all warned of human rights violations against citizens, including women and children, in Syria and Iraq under ISIS control. Through ruthless beheadings and crucifixions, Baghdadi and The Islamic State have wiped out entire Christian towns in Iraq, with death tolls in the thousands. The Islamic State holds true

to its motto of “remaining and expanding” through its vow to take control of the entire region within the next five years, spanning from North Africa, through the Middle East, and far into Eastern Europe, including Spain and Rome. It is interesting to note that the United States has offered $10 million for information leading to the death or capture of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, but this prize is second only to al-Qaeda, which has offered $25 million. On April 14, 2014, the militant Islamist group Boko Haram captured more than 200 young schoolgirls in northeastern Nigeria. This was, for many in the Western world, the first time hearing of the Nigerian terrorist group, though it was established in 2002. The world was outraged and social media played a large part in spreading awareness of the kidnapped girls through Twitter, using #bringbackourgirls. While the kidnapped girls have yet to be rescued, Boko Haram has continued committing acts of terrorism across Nigeria and Cameroon. Boko Haram, in a fashion similar to ISIS, hopes to create an Islamic state in Nigeria, through the enforcement of strict Sharia law and jihad. The group originally received funding and training from al-Qaeda, and has since kidnapped and slaughtered thousands of innocent civilians. Originally founded to combat Israel in the early 1980s, Hezbollah has been both an active political and terrorist organization in Lebanon. Unlike the Sunni-led ISIS and Boko Haram, Hezbollah is comprised of Shia Muslims, and advocates Shia empowerment globally. In fact, Hezbollah has been actively fighting against ISIS. Though housed in Lebanon, the group is primarily funded by Iran and Syria, and the elimination of Israel is one of its highest objectives. Hezbollah propaganda and speeches are often fraught with anti-Semitism and antiWestern sentiments. Hezbollah’s Secretary General, Hassan Nasrallah, also known as “The Hawk,” has been quoted, saying: “Throughout history the Jews have been Allah’s most cowardly and avaricious creatures. If you look all over the world, you will find no one more miserly or greedy than they are.”

Not only has Hezbollah’s aggression been directed at Israel – through suicide bombings, kidnappings and other attacks – it was also directed at the United States, through the bombing of a U.S. Embassy in 1983. Hamas, like Hezbollah, has a long history of attacks against Israeli civilians. Also known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas was created in order to destroy the State of Israel, and create an Islamic state in its place. Based in Gaza, and comprised of Sunni Muslims, Hamas has been known to carry out terrorist activities against Israeli citizens, including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and the capture of Israeli citizens through underground tunnels. The Hamas charter clearly calls for both the destruction of Israel and the killing of Jews: “The time will not come until Muslims will fight the Jews [and kill them]; until the Jews hide behind rocks and trees, which will cry: O Muslim! There is a Jew hiding behind me, come on and kill him!” Hamas is funded primarily by Saudi Arabia and Iran, though a great deal of funding comes from private donations. There is currently much controversy over the use of foreign aid in Gaza, with accusations that Hamas has used its financial assistance to grow its terror infrastructure. Accusations of human rights violations perpetrated by Hamas run rampant in Gaza. Homosexuality is punishable by death under Hamas’s rule, and rapists are often relieved of any criminal prosecution if they agree to marry their victims. These instances have prompted the deputy director of the Middle East Human Rights Watch to say that the “criminal justice system [in Gaza] reeks of injustice, routinely violates detainees’ rights, and grants impunity to abusive security services.” These are but a few of the many radical Islamic groups in existence today. It is not difficult to see that the rise of radical Islam, in any region, is inversely proportional to the decline of the human and civil rights of the people governed there. Though these conflicts are happening across the globe, we have an obligation, not just as Jews, but also as human beings, to rise up against tyranny and oppression, wherever it may be.

Lions of Judah attend 2014 conference By Ilene Fox

tion in many facets of Federation life ions of Judah from SarasotaManatee attended the Internaand has made a significant impact on the local and worldwide Jewish comtional Lion of Judah Conference in New York City from September munity. A member of the Board of Directors of The Jewish Federation of 7-9. They spent two and a half days among the most devoted, philanthropic Sarasota-Manatee, Bunny is a past women worldwide. They are part of a co-chair of the Women’s Division. She very special group of more than 17,500 has chaired many Federation programs Lions worldwide who dedicate themand events including the Lion of Judah Luncheon, Women’s Passover Celselves to philanthropy, Jewish community and Israel. ebration and Purim Masquerade Ball. More than 100 speakers educated, She was the 2010 recipient of Federation’s Women of Valor Award. inspired and entertained the Lions during plenaries and breakout sessions. Marilyn Shuman, a part-time Longboat Key resident, was the award winThe final speaker was Ofir Shaer, father of Gilad Shaer, one of the boys ner from Buffalo, New York. murdered in Israel this summer. He Lions sang and danced with renowned Israeli entertainer Einat Sarouf spoke about how the mothers of the at the celebratory closing dinner honthree slain teens unified the country. oring Bunny and her fellow KipnisSarasota-Manatee Lion Bunny Skirboll received the prestigious Wilson/Friedland Award winners. Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award at For more information about the Lion of Judah, please contact me at the conference. The award is given to one woman from each community 941.343.2111 or ifox@jfedsrq.org. who embodies the spirit and vision of the Lion of Judah through a commitment to tzedakah and tikkun olam. The honoree is a woman who has exhibited leader- Simone Knego, Hannah Weinberg, Irene Ross, Bunny Skirboll, Ilene Fox ship and inspiraand Lynn Carvel at the International Lion of Judah Conference

3A October 2014 FEDERATION NEWS

October 2014

Speakers Bureau for Israel

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By Jessi Sheslow

nti-Semitism and basic Jewhatred have been flagrant since the death of Christ. There are points in our collective history spanning the globe in which Jews have been persecuted, ridiculed, shamed and murdered in masses, thanks to a lack of education about the religion of Judaism and the people who practice it. This is all too often translated into antiIsrael/anti-Zionist behavior. The most recent point in history in which anti-Semitism and anti-Israel violence has resurfaced is this past summer. Even before the recent operation in Gaza, we were watching as French Jews were murdered in the streets for wearing a kippah; innocent bystanders in the Jewish Museum in Brussels were shot in cold blood; and even in the U.S., the JCC in Kansas City was the perfect venue for a proud white

supremacist to open fire. We will not see an end to antiSemitic and anti-Israel violence until we educate our communities. For this reason The Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative (IAI) is proud to announce the formation of the Speakers Bureau for Israel (SBI). We have put together a group of incredibly intelligent and successful people who have been trained to speak out in the community about Israel and anti-Semitism to area groups and churches. If you would like to request a speaker from our Speakers Bureau for Israel, please visit www.sarasotalovesisrael.com and click on “Speakers Bureau for Israel.” For any other information about the Heller IAI, please contact me at jsheslow@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109.

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Federation to host Project Light of Manatee classes By Rachel Quirk and Jeremy Lisitza

or the second year, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is partnering with Project Light of Manatee to hold ESL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) classes on the Federation Campus. Until this partnership began, students who resided in Sarasota would need to travel to the main office in Bradenton, which could be over an hour in travel time. More than 25 students participated in the program last year. Project Light is a volunteer nonprofit dedicated to providing free adult English language and literacy instruction. In 1995, Sister Nora Brick founded Project Light to assist English language learners in their quest to gain cultural competency and language skills. Founded on the principles of access, equality, dignity and opportunity for all residents of the county, Project Light continues to carry out its mission within the context of Sister Nora’s vision of empowering students to more fully and meaningfully engage in our community’s life and culture. Today, Project Light serves close to 300 students a year, offering four levels of daily morning English classes and several night classes. Its greatest accomplishment is seen regularly as students improve their language skills,

communicate more proficiently, advance to higher level classes, and report new employment positions and successes participating in the community. Project Light takes pride in the diversity of its students, which represent Latin America, Haiti and other Caribbean countries, as well as Europe and Asia. Through the work that is done to improve students’ English skills, the organization aims to equip them with the tools to provide support and a stable environment for their families; expand their contact with society through informed engagement; and positively impact and contribute to the overall community. Volunteer teachers are needed at both locations. Contact Rachel Quirk at 941.745.1659 for volunteer opportunities in Manatee County. Classes to be held on the Federation Campus will begin Monday, October 6 and finish in May 2015 with a month break over the holidays. Both basic and advanced classes in English are offered: 6:00 to 7:45p.m. on Monday and Wednesday evenings and one conversational English class on Thursday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Textbooks will be provided. For information on classes at the Federation, please contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@ jfedsrq.org.

Mensch of the Month: Dan Levison By Orna Nissan

he Jewish Federation of Sarasota- Manatee is fortunate to have had the privilege of working with Dan Levison on the March of the Living Mission. For the last five years, he had a significant role in educating the March of the Living participants, inspiring them with words of wisdom and advice. Dan has encouraged many young teenagers to carry on the message of hope for future generations – and to never forget. The March of the Living is an annual educational program that brings students from all over the world to Poland to study the history of the Holocaust and examine the roots of prejudice, intolerance and hate. Since the first March of the Living was held in 1988, more than 200,000 participants from 35 countries have marched down the same path leading from Auschwitz to Birkenau on Holocaust Remembrance Day. As a teenager, Dan had the opportunity to participate in the very first

March of the Living. When he returned from his trip, he wanted to share his story Dan Levison with the world. To facilitate this wish, Dan’s rabbi, from Temple Beth El in Boca Raton, wrote a letter to synagogues, temples, churches, schools and Jewish organizations throughout Florida, letting them know that Dan was available to share his experience. Since then, Dan has spoken about his experience 600 times! Dan has been instrumental in helping the selection committee choose the most qualified students in the SarasotaManatee area to send on these missions, always emphasizing that the March of the Living Mission was a life-changing experience for him and that it will be for them, too. His dedication and commitment have been outstanding. From all of us, we say to Dan: Todah rabah! Thank you!

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Program/event ads featured in this issue AIPAC Policy Conference..........28A Annual Meeting............................7B Bob Malkin Young Ambassadors.30A Club Fed.................................6A,2B Fifty Shades of J..........................12A Gil Hoffman................................10A Interfaith Sukkot/PJ....................29A Kristallnacht Commemoration.....6B LOJ & Pomegranate Luncheon.....2A March of the Living......................5A March of the Living - Adult Trip.23A Masa Israel Travel Scholarship...30A

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October 2014

FEDERATION NEWS

“Kill the Jews” – Europe returns to its hatred of Jews By Rabbi Howard A. Simon, co-Chair of The Robert and Esther Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative

hat do these European towns throughout Europe. Each group hates have in common: Berlin, the Jews, hates Israel, and will find Amsterdam, Belleview, Malwhatever excuse it can to attack our mö, Sarceller and Antwerp? In every people, destroy our houses of worship and link every Jew in the world with one of these cities, over the past two every Jew in Israel, believing we are all months, anti-Semitic attacks have been intent upon destroying leveled against Jews, Jewish the “poor” and “helpbusinesses and synagogues. less” terrorist group Protest demonstrators walked known as Hamas, rethe streets of Europe chanting: siding in Gaza. “Jews for the gas,” “Death to To make matters the Jews,” “Jews are pigs” worse, a United Naand “Kill the Jews.” No, I am not writing tions Human Rights Council vote recently about what happened in the 1930s and Hitler’s Europe. called for supporting a This is 2014 and the hatred completely one-sided our people have lived with resolution, condemnRabbi Howard A. Simon for centuries has arisen again. ing “in the strongest The perpetrators of this latest hate terms, the widespread, systematic and campaign come from the far right in gross violation of international huHungary and Greece, the far left in man rights and fundamental freedoms Germany, Britain and France, and the arising from the Israeli military occupation.” Not one word was written Arab and Muslim growing majorities

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about Hamas using civilians as human shields, about rockets constantly fired into Israel, or about Hamas followers breaking every cease fire established between Israel and Hamas. Every European Union member country on the council refused to protest this blatantly anti-Semitic resolution and, when it came to vote up or down on the proposal, each European country abstained. The only member state that voted against the resolution was the United States. Europe hates the Jews. Anti-Semitism is rife throughout Europe. What should be our response to this reality? Do not travel to France, Germany, Belgium or anywhere in Europe. Why visit a community where, if you choose to wear a yarmulke in public, you will be shouted at, sworn at or possibly beaten? You want to get away for several weeks? Fly to Israel and say hello to the more than 3,000 Jews from France

who made aliyah to Israel in the first seven months of 2014. Go to Israel and be welcomed by fellow Jews who are thrilled to see you. Travel where Jews are respected. Travel where Jews are encouraged to come and enjoy themselves. Travel to Israel! You will have the time of your life and will be welcomed by your Jewish brothers and sisters who will be thrilled that you have come to see the most wonderful land in the world. Yes, indeed, visit Israel. I guarantee you will have the time of your life. For more information about the Heller IAI, visit www.sarasotalovesisrael.com or contact Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow@ jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109.

Singles and couples mingle at Fifty Shades of J event

nother Fifty Shades of J success! More than 60 singles and couples came together at Carmel Café on Wednesday, August 20, to meet and share refreshments. As the word of the success of this group (ages 50s to 70s) spreads, it be-

comes abundantly clear that people want to meet each other in our community. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is proud to sponsor lively community events! Be a part of it by visiting www.jfedsrq.org.

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October 2014

5A October 2014 FEDERATION NEWS

Israel: A new perspective By Michelle Silva

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 44, Number 10 October 2014 40 pages USPS Permit No. 167 November 2014 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: September 30, 2014 Advertising: October 1, 2014 PRESIDENT Nancy Swart EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Howard Tevlowitz ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marty Haberer COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR Linda Lipson MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein CREATIVE MANAGER Christopher Alexander ADVERTISING SALES Robin Leonardi PROOFREADERS Adeline Silverman, Stacey Edelman, Harold Samtur, Bryna Tevlowitz, Deb Bryan MIMI AND JOSEPH J. EDLIN JOURNALISM INTERNS Allya Yourish, Jackson Cacioppo MISSION STATEMENT: The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee strives to be the source of news and features of special interest to the Jewish community of Sarasota-Manatee, to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions in the Jewish community, and to communicate the mission, activities and achievements of the Federation and its Jewish community partners. OPINIONS printed in The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, its Board of Directors or staff. 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. ADVERTISING: Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement and may require the words “Paid Advertisement” in any ad. Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement of products, services or ideas promoted therein.

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year ago, if someone had told me that I would spend a semester living in Israel, I would have thought, “That’s crazy!” However, making the move to a new country for four and a half months – although a huge step – was definitely the best decision I ever made. This past spring, I attended the Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI) program, thanks to the generosity of the Friedman Family Fund and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. I was fortunate to be there during a time of relative peace and learn about my religion, my culture and traditions, and my place in the world. I took the AMHSI Core History Curriculum and studied 4,000 years of Jewish history, both in and out of the classroom. I also studied the Hebrew language in addition to the general education courses that Pine View School required. Throughout the semester, we had many opportunities to travel and explore the beautiful land of Israel. By far, my favorite tiyul (trip) was to Tzfat. This mystical city is found in Israel’s northern region and is home to the teachings of Kabbalah. Tzfat was especially inspiring to me because of the deep connection I felt to the culture and atmosphere of this spiritual city. The first time I felt this was while we were walking through the art district and I found inspiration for my own artwork. Then, later that night, I again sensed this strong connection while celebrating Kabbalat Shabbat at an all-female service with the other girls on my trip. The upbeat tunes and all-around cheerful environment brought me back to my time at Camp Ramah Darom. I loved bonding with my friends and my religion at the same time. The next day, we were given time to wander the streets, and all I could think was, “Wow, I really want to live here.” I had never felt such a spiritual connection to a place in my entire life. On a different tiyul, to the modern city of Tel Aviv, we learned about social issues that are important in Israel today. In one activity, we went around the city in small groups and asked people from different backgrounds about their views on such topics as politics, religion and social interaction, and about their connection to Judaism and Israel. I was surprised to find out that views ranged from the far left to the far right. For example, most of the religious people I spoke to said they felt more connected to Judaism as a religion than Israel as a country. However, many of the younger, less observant people felt differently, saying they felt more connected to the country. This opened my eyes to realize that people express their Jewish identity differently, whether it’s rallying at a Zionist campaign or praying in a yeshiva. It impressed me that it is up to me on how I express my connection to the State of Israel and how I observe my religion. On a more solemn note, one of the longer tiyulim (trips) was a one-week excursion to Poland to study about the Holocaust. During my entire life I have learned about the terrible things that happened in the death camps and in the ghettos, but until this trip I never fully understood these realities. At first it was difficult for me to wrap my mind around the concept of the Holocaust. Even when I was in the camps, it was

difficult to grasp the idea that something so horrendous had happened. But after spending a week in Poland, my whole perspective on the Shoah changed. One of the places we traveled to was a shtetl (small town) called Tykocin. This town was similar to the town of Anatevka portrayed in Fiddler on the Roof. When we visited an old synagogue there, we were told that nobody prays there anymore. We found out that, after the war, there were no Jews left in the town at all. In order to bring back some energy to this sad, worn-out town, our group danced and sang joyous songs and hymns in Hebrew, bringing life back into the synagogue after so many years of emptiness. This experience meant a lot to me because I believe that, despite the atrocious acts that occurred during World War II, it is still possible for Judaism to flourish around the globe. I’m glad I was able to contribute some joyous Jewish celebration to Tykocin, even if just for a day. Throughout the semester, I saw and did miraculous things that are only possible in the Jewish state of Eretz Yisrael. With all the experiences I had there, I feel I was able to grow as a Jew in ways I never thought possible. Since then, I’ve surprised myself when

talking about my connection to Judaism and Zionism. One of my teachers posed this question: “If you could choose to ‘be by the book’ 100 percent Jewish or give up all traditions and customs and become absolutely zero percent Jewish, which would you pick?” At first I thought it would be too hard to choose to be 100 percent and follow all the laws of the Torah, but then I realized that I value Jewish ethics, morals and teachings so much that I would never want to give it up. Therefore, choosing 100 percent was my choice! I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to live in Israel for four and a half months. Through my experiences with AMHSI, I was able to see the beauty of Israel and experience learning in “a classroom without walls” with other American teens and our teachers. I was able to develop new perspectives, which I believe will have a meaningful impact on me for the rest of my life. Michelle’s experience was made possible through a grant from the Friedman Family Fund and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. For more information about grants for Israel experiences, please contact Jeremy Dictor at jdictor@jfedsrq.org.

March

APRIL 12 – 26, 2015

OF THE LIVING An unforgettable and life-changing experience!

For 11th & 12th Grade Students Selected teens will spend a week in Poland and march from Auschwitz to Birkenau with thousands of fellow Jews from around the world on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day). The particpants will then spend a week in Israel on Yom Hazikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) seeing the incredible sites and sounds of our homeland. Student cost is $1,000, (trip value $5,700). Application deadline is November 30, 2014.

Get complete information under the Teen Section at www.jfedsrq.org Questions? Contact Len Steinberg at 941.552.6301 or lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org

THE 5TH ANNUAL ULTIMATE RESOURCE GUIDE TO EVERYTHING JEWISH IN SARASOTA & MANATEE COUNTIES!

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October 2014

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

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Ben Saadon Synagogue Fez, Morocco

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

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

Main Synagogue Harbin, China

BenEzraSynagoguefromWomen’s Gallery – Cairo, Egypt

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

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

Bringing peoples, cultures and faiths together through education

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

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

F A Q

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. Can’t find it? Email jhanley@jfedsrq. org and let her know where you’d like to see the paper. How do I place an ad in The Jewish News? Contact Robin Leonardi, account executive, at rleonardi@jfedsrq.org or call 941.552.6307.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Israel vs. the World Marden Paru, Dean, Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva

verywhere we turn these days in the media (newspaper headlines, network and cable news, blogs, emails from concerned friends, etc.), we are noticing a ubiquitous and relatively new condition: Israel vs. the World. Have you felt it? It seems that not only has anti-Semitism reared its ugly head “big time” but the World has branded our Israel – the Jewish state – as its worst enemy. From that vantage point, it seems that Israel can only do harm: (i.e., kill innocent civilians; bomb Gaza schools, hospitals and mosques). The press continues to promote moral equivalency in the longstanding “Hamas vs. Jew” conflict in the Middle East. Presumably the World allows ISIS to rape, torture and kill anyone it wants with impunity. Putin’s Russia can grab and overrun sovereign lands also with impunity. Assad can gas and kill Syrians by the tens of thousands – and the World doesn’t seem to “give a hoot” and doesn’t say “boo!” But when one salvo by Israel’s IDF wipes out a nest of Hamas rocket launchers located within a school or a hospital – then the world cries out “gevalt” (holy moly); that’s immoral.

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How are we to make sense of all this? How do we analyze and understand the age we live in where Jews can no longer reside safely in a newly-Islamized Europe? I’m referring to France in particular. Are we so complacent here that we do not expect our own people to ever be confronted by radicalized Islamic youth mobs in the “good ole USA” as has already actually happened in Miami and elsewhere? Can we always expect calm when future pro-Israel rallies are held? To better understand this changing “climate,” the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is offering an eight-week discussion course entitled Israel vs. the World. It will begin Friday, October 24 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Classes will be held on the campus of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, which also provides a grant to the Yeshiva. The tuition is $50 and includes all course materials. To register or for further information, contact me at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail.com.

ConneCt with your Jewish Community facebook.com/jfedsrq

“These we honor” Your Tributes ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IN MEMORY OF Leonard Mazur Barbara and Gary Ackerman Joanne Adams Dorothy Barrow Rebecca and Richard Bergman Myrna and Ben Cardin Ida and Emmett Collins Virginia and William Detweiler Andrea Eiffert Errol Eisinger Ilene and Michael Fox Helen and Len Glaser Barbara and Benjy Green Georgia and David Gruber Lori and Marty Haberer Joan and Brad Hanley Barbara and Sam Himmelrich Ann Kahan Deborah and Jeffrey Kraut Karen and Joseph Levine Jeremy Lisitza and Michael Shelton Marlene Meyer and Gary Zemil Kim and Richie Mullins Jennifer New Linda and David Richman Jean and F. Parvin Sharpless Inna and Gerry Sideman Lois and Ben Sigman Allison Silver Bunny and Mort Skirboll Fran and Steven Spiegel Len Steinberg Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz Robin and Harold Tucker and Family Judy Weinstein Patti and David Wertheimer MAZEL TOV Lori and David Liner – New Grandchild Ilene and Michael Fox Nadia and Michael Ritter – New Grandson Ilene and Michael Fox

BOB MALKIN YOUNG AMBASSADORS IN MEMORY OF Rita G. Cohen Lila and Mike Cooper Leonard “Lenny” Schwartz Gerri Aaron and Marvin Albert Helen and Len Glaser Lori and Marty Haberer Leslie, Mark and Ed Kalin Judy Weinstein Patti and David Wertheimer Sheila and Merrill Wynne Judith Zuckerberg Michael Zuckerberg MAZEL TOV Lori and David Liner – New Grandchild Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz Nadia and Michael Ritter – New Grandson Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz

ISRAEL PROGRAMS IN MEMORY OF Leonard Mazur Anne and Barry Stein

SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel) MAZEL TOV Bunny Skirboll – Lion of Judah Award Sandra Rifkin and Michael Mesirov

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

October 2014

7A October 2014 COMMUNITY FOCUS

“Spiritual Healing and American Jews” topic of JFCS Annual Magill Lecture

7A Sponsored by

By Andria Bilan, VP of Development, JFCS

r. Ellen M. Umansky, Professor of Judaic Studies at Fairfield University and author of Four Centuries of Jewish Women’s Spirituality, will be the featured speaker at the 10th Annual Grace Rosen Magill Lecture sponsored by Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast on Monday, November 10. Her topic will be “Spiritual Healing and American Jews.” Judy and Bob Vigder are co-chairs of the luncheon, which will be held at The Francis, 1289 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. The attorneys from Williams Parker are underwriting the

event. The Jewish Federation of cipients Shirley Fein, who will receive Sarasota-Manatee is the media sponthe Rabbi Sanford E. & Leah Saperstein Hope & Healing Award, and The sor. Tickets for the luncheon and lecFriedman Family, who will receive the ture are $45 and Patron Tickets are $136, and include book and preferred seating. Table sponsorships are available at $1,000 for eight guests including books. Pre-registration is required and reservations must be received by October 31. The event includes preShirley Fein, Dr. Ellen Umansky, sentations to JFCS Award re- Saperstein Award recipient keynote speaker

Sidney J. Berkowitz Building Community Award. For more information and registration, please contact Monica Caldwell at 941.366.2224 x142 or mcaldwell@ jfcs-cares.org.

The Friedman Family, Berkowitz Award recipient

Creating community through harmony By Arlene Stolnitz

he Zamir Choral Foundation, the leading voice in Jewish choral music in North America, was founded by its visionary leader, Matthew Lazar, who has been the inspiration for its growth since the 1990s. Lazar was awarded the LaM’natzeach Award this summer at the annual North American Jewish Choral Festival in recognition of the contribution he has made to the world of Jewish choral music. Also honored at the 25th Annual NAJCF Hudson Valley Resort in upstate New York were Dan Freelander and Marsha Bryan Edelman, who received the Hallel V’Zimrah Award in recognition of their unfailing help in growing the Festival these past 25 years. Several members of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale were in attendance at the Festival including Sandy and Fred Erman, Debbie Marshall and past SJC member Judy Bloch. Also attending from the Sarasota area were Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe and John Halstead. Zamir Choral Foundation programs involve an ever-growing Jewish choral network and sponsor concerts, workshops, festivals and activities in support of expanding the knowledge and appreciation of Jewish choral music not only in the United States but in Israel and Europe as well. According to Lazar, who was brought up in a home that valued music and Jewish identity, he always knew he wanted to bring Jewish choral music to a higher level. Early on, Lazar knew that he would find a way to combine his two loves of music and Klal Yisrael. “The experience of singing in a choir really resolves the tension of the individual in the group…to create something greater than yourself… to get the diverse perspectives of the American Jewish community to agree on one thing, we are in this together… it doesn’t make a difference what you believe, how you think…everyone sings with the better angels of their nature when they sing in a choir,” says Lazar. With the mantra, “If you will it, it will happen,” Lazar has created a host of programs which include Hazamir, the International Jewish High School Choir, Hazamir Israel, as well as choral missions to Israel. But foremost to Lazar is the North American Jewish Choral Festival held each summer in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. Hundreds of singers, conductors and choral enthusiasts join together for five days of celebrating the joy of singing Jewish music together. Workshops galore delight singers as they choose from topics as diverse as Jewish Music of Arab Lands; Kreplach and Dim Sum – Yes, There Are Jews In China!; and A Taste of Shabbat, Calcutta Style. More traditional workshop topics include Holocaust Hymns

as Resistance and Memory: Towards a History of Zog Nit Keinmol and Ani Ma’amin; My Soul Longs For You: Melodies of the Russian Jews; Sacred Rights, Sacred Song: Choral Music as a Soundtrack for Social Change. New trends in Jewish and Israeli music are explored in 25 Years of Song: A look into exciting new trends in Jewish and Israeli music. For those who want to enhance their choral singing skills, opportunities to learn about singing in small group ensembles as well as Matthew Lazar proper Hebrew and Yiddish pronunciation workshops add to the “professional approach” to singing for amateur choristers. Also included in daily activities are the Community Sings held under a huge tent on the grounds of the Hudson Valley Resort. Instructors of the daily workshops include a large faculty of conductors and musicians, each lending expertise in their respective fields. These include David Berger, newly appointed cantor

well as conductor of LaShir of Princeof KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation in Chicago; Madeline List Hershenton, New Jersey, a chapter of HaZamir: son, founder and music director of the the International Jewish High School Choir. Jewish Choral Society at the College Next year’s North American Jewof Charleston; Elliot Z. Levine and Bill Zukof, members of Western Wind ish Choral Festival is planned for July vocal ensemble; Natasha Hirshorn, 12-16, 2015. It’s not too early to mark Music Director of Congregation Anyour calendar! sche Chesed and Shirei Chesed Jewish Community Chorus; Benjie Ellen Schiller, Professor of Cantorial Arts at Hebrew Union College - Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music; and Marsha Bryan Edelman, noted author and lecturer on topics related to the hisAt the annual North American Jewish Choral Festival tory of Jewish Music as www.grimefightersinc.com Established 1979

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October 2014

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Remembering Sally Shapiro: a philanthropist and woman of valor By Marty Haberer and Rich Bergman

he Jewish New Year and the “Days of Awe” are a time for self-reflection and taking stock of our lives. In this reflective mindset, we fondly remember a very dear friend and philanthropist, Sally Shapiro. At The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, we do not use the word philanthropist lightly! The Latin roots of the word philanthropy are “philo” and “anthropy.” Philo means love, and anthropy means humanity. Sally truly loved people and personified the definition of true philanthropy. A perfect example of Sally’s love of people is the new Sally & Sam Shapiro Babies and Children’s Medical Center at the Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center. Sally’s and Sam’s leadership and generosity made

this critical addition to our community possible, and when Sally spoke about the project she always lit up with enthusiasm and passion. Her blue eyes sparkled and her broad smile illuminated the room. Sally also loved Israel, and she and Sam often visited her large family living there. To them, the nearly 12-hour flight was not a hardship – as it might be for people even half their age. Their love of Israel, their concern about antiSemitism and the future of our Jewish people, and their advocacy for Holocaust education were paramount to them. To honor this, they established the Shapiro Teen Engagement Program at The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, a significant investment that enables hundreds of area teenagers to

experience leadership training on missions to Israel, travel to the concentration camps with March of the Living, learn advocacy on trips to Washington, D.C., with Panim el Panim (Face to Face), and benefit from attending Jewish overnight summer camp. We have wonderful memories of our times with Sally and Sam, including our visits to Wooster, Ohio, where Sally would cook for us and Sam would take great pride in their pickled “beet eggs.” It was clear to us that Wooster benefited from Sam’s and Sally’s generosity. One of the great memories for Marty was a Shapiro-led mission to New York, highlighted by a meal at Sammy’s Roumanian Steakhouse. Sam and Sally also led a Fed-

eration mission to South America and participated on several of our missions in Israel. Sally loved her family and, above all, she loved Sam. Their story was Sally Shapiro a real-life Brady Bunch. Their two families blended perfectly, and she and Sam shared 29 loving years together. Sally was a true woman of valor. Her memory will be imprinted in our hearts and minds forever. Her kindness will live on with the generosity she gave to our community and to everyone she knew. May her memory be a blessing for all of us.

A mezuzah in Palmetto – Congregation Ner Tamid consecrates a new Jewish home By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

“

purchased this beautiful porcelain mezuzah about 10 years ago at my temple in Pensacola,” says Carlos Goebels, Congregation Ner Tamid member, who brought it to his new home in Terra Ceia (Palmetto) – a comfortable condominium he shares with his partner, Robert Philen. It was the lovely mezuzah that brought Rab-

binic Associate Rena Morano and several more Ner Tamid members to share in the ceremony for placing the mezuzah and the consecration of Carlos and Robert’s new home. As she began the ceremony, Rena remarked that, traditionally, most of the essential functions in Jewish life take place not in the synagogue,

but rather in the home where we find families gathered around the Passover Seder table, under the Sukkah, and

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It was smiles all around as CNT Board Chair Elaine Mittler congratulates a beaming Carlos Goebels on the Chanukat Bayit ceremony to consecrate his new home

at the window for the lighting of the Chanukah menorah. Rena said, “More than anything else, the continuity of Judaism rests on the home.” For CNT members Elaine Mittler and Bobbi Berkan, Rena’s words rang true as they “kvelled” at the Jewish influence present throughout. Carlos’ original Jewish-themed artwork and collection of Jewish memorabilia

graced the walls and shelves. Carlos eagerly pointed out the sentimental significance of each item, most of which were given to him by friends and family. The highlight of the day, however, was the hanging of the mezuzah during the Chanukat Bayit ceremony characterized by prayers, blessings and readings, and followed by wine and challah. Each CNT member shared in Carlos and Robert’s joy with specially selected readings. Elaine read about the meaning of the moment: “May the door of this home be wide enough to receive those who hunger for love or are lonely for friendship. May it welcome those who have cares to unburden, thanks to express, hopes to nurture.” Carlos, Robert and everyone present beamed with heartfelt Jewish joy. “This mezuzah has special meaning for us,” says Carlos. “It followed me to glorious South Florida with its magnificent flowers and palm trees.”

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9A October 2014 COMMUNITY FOCUS

October 2014

JFCS recognizes volunteers for service to community By Sheri Weiss, Director of Volunteer Services and Community Outreach

n Monday, October 20 at its 28th Annual Meeting, Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast will recognize the following volunteers and donors for their outstanding service and commitment to community. Each of these 13 awards is named in honor of a Past Board Chair of JFCS to recognize his or her respective legacy of service to the agency. Peggy & Ken Abt, Philanthropy Award Sue Bralow, Community Outreach Award

Bob Ferber, Jewish Life Education Award Libby Garnitz, Children’s Services Award Judy Gelman, Jewish Spirituality Award Nina Gitomer, L’Dor V’Dor Award Carol Kopelman, Management Services Award Arlene Salzberg, Humanitarian Award Troy Scott, Visionary Award Adrea Seligsohn, Organizational Impact Award

Costco expands availability of kosher products By Arthur Aaron

he Costco store located in the Sarasota Square Mall on Beneva and Tamiami in Sarasota is broadening the number of kosher products that it sells. General Manager Scott Christensen says, “Our experience during the Passover holiday season has convinced us that we have a broad Jewish population in the general Sarasota area and, therefore, we have chosen to expand our kosher selections for our loyal members.” “We are planning a measured rollout of new kosher products,” says Jon Land, assistant warehouse manager. “We are working closely with our product buyers to get new kosher items brought into the Sarasota Costco so that we can better serve the needs of our kosher community. We want to see what works and what doesn’t. We really appreciate the feedback from the community. In the past two months we have moved and expanded our kosher

section to a more visible location on the floor, and added items. Additionally, in this learning process for us, we have been pleased to note the great number of products in the store that have kosher certifications. Customers who wander the aisles will be greatly surprised by the large number of items in the store that are kosher and have respected kosher supervision stamps on their labels and packaging.” Joe D’Autorio, front end manager of the store, says that he has been approached by a number of customers in the past few months inquiring about kosher products. Scott Christensen is hopeful that as the sale of kosher products increases, kosher beef can be added. “It is my understanding that folks who require certified kosher beef must get it from very far away. We would like to change that equation if possible,” said Mr. Christensen.

Myriam Stephens, Gmilut Hassadim ~ Acts of Loving Kindness Award SunTrust Bank and The Otto Group, Corporate Citizen Award Charlotte Zimmerman, Senior Outreach Award Last year, 718 volunteers provided 16,712 hours of service to JFCS, including: mentors and tutors to at-risk youth, friendly visitors to homebound seniors, Bikkur Cholim and Doula volunteers providing a spiritual connection to care recipients, respite care volunteers to relieve stressed caregivers, Senior Outreach Services program volunteers, retired social workers of-

fering information & referral services, Festival & Shabbat Services leaders who provide a Jewish connection to residents of nursing homes and ALFs, and special event volunteers who organize the signature fundraising events. To learn how you can make a difference in the lives of others, please contact Caroline Zucker, Coordinator of Volunteer Resources, at 941.366.2224 or czucker@jfcs-cares.org. If you would like to join us in honoring these individuals and businesses, please contact Lynne Georgette at 941.366.2224 or lgeorgette@jfcscares.org. Reservations and donations of $18 per person are required by Monday, October 6.

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10A

October 2014

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Temple Beth Sholom Idelson Library reaccredited by Association of Jewish Libraries

emple Beth Sholom is proud to report that the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) has awarded Advanced Accreditation to the Temple Beth Sholom Idelson Adult Library for another five years. The AJL accreditation process entails a comprehensive evaluation of a library measured against the highest standards of excellence. Eligibility for accreditation is determined after a thorough review of documentation describing all facets of the library, including administration, circulation, cataloging and automation systems, collection, programs and

budget. Debby Marshall and Arlene Hamburger have been instrumental in running the library with a group of

dedicated volunteers. The Idelson Library is the only Jewish library in our area with Advanced Accreditation, with one other library having Basic Accreditation. The Idelson Library has a large collection of books and DVDs on a variety of Jewish subjects and runs Book Reviews and a Film Matinee Series which are Debby Marshall and Arlene Hamburger were responsible for the open to the public. On Advanced Accreditation of TBS’s Idelson Adult Library

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is committed to meeting the spiritual and physical needs of our patients and families. As a certified Jewish Hospice, Tidewell offers: • Mezuzah and Shabbat candles • Spiritual consultation with Rabbi on request • Doula services through Jewish Family & Children’s Services • Bible and prayer book

www.tidewell.org • 941-552-7500 • 855-Tidewell

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee invites you to a

Wednesday, November 19, the British “funny, charming documentary” How to Re-Establish a Vodka Empire will be shown. The annual Book Review series begins on Wednesday, December 3, with a review of Allegra Goodman’s The Family Markowitz led by Jane Greenfield. The library is located inside the Gloria Goldman Media Center and Library in the Temple Beth Sholom Upper School Building at 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. For more information, please call the temple office at 941.955.8121.

Temple Beth Israel welcomes new librarian

ollowing the retirement of Margy Sandy, Amy Roth has been tapped to head the Temple Beth Israel Library, which houses one of the greatest collections of Judaica in the country. Amy is a retired school librarian from Rochester, New York. She first came to Longboat Key with her husband, Peter, by boat in 2003. They spent winters here on the boat before buying a condo in Fairway Bay in 2007. Amy began volunteering at the Longboat Library as soon as she arrived here, and served as the president of the library from

2010 to 2012. She remains active there, and is currently responsible for selecting and ordering its new books. An avid reader, Amy participates in three book clubs: Fairway Bay, Longboat Library and Temple Beth Israel.

Amy Roth, TBI Librarian

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October 2014

11A October 2014 COMMUNITY FOCUS

Assumption of command Colonel Stan Levinson, USA (Ret), assumes command of the Sarasota Jewish War Veterans Post 172 he Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America was founded in 1896 and is the oldest active veterans organization in America. Post 172 is chartered to represent the JWV in the Sarasota-Manatee area and actively meets for a “Lox & Bagel” breakfast ($5 for members/spouses and $7 for nonmembers/guests). The meetings are scheduled the third Sunday of the month from October thru April, beginning at 9:15 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. A short meeting follows at 10:00 a.m. After the meeting a guest speaker presents a topic of interest to all. The Post is open to any serviceman/woman who has been honorably discharged from any branch of the Armed Forces. Guests and/or prospective members are always welcome. For further information, please contact the new Commander, Stan Levinson, at 941.907.6720. Colonel Levinson served in the United States Army for 27 years, having been commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant Infantry thru the ROTC program at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, in 1954. During his active duty he served overseas in Korea, two tours in Vietnam and three tours in Germany, and several posts in the United States. While stationed at Ft. Dix, New Jersey,

in 1958, he received his appointment to the Regular Army Quartermaster Corps and became a “Logistician.” During his career, Colonel Levinson held many staff and command positions. He attended the Basic Infantry Officers Course at Ft. Benning, Georgia, the Quartermaster Career Officers School at Ft. Lee, Virginia, the Army Command & Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Ft. McNair, Washington, D.C. Colonel Levinson retired from the Army Material Command in Arlington, Virginia, in July 1981, where he had been in charge of the Army’s “Major End Items” with an annual budget of around $126 billion. His awards include: Legion of Merit w/1st oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal w/4 oak leaf clusters, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/4 oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Medal 1st class, Vietnam Advisory Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal w/bar. Colonel Levinson has two daughters and three grandchildren. He currently resides in Lakewood Ranch with his wife of nearly 60 years.

Sarasota Jewish Chorale to premier Hear Our Voice By Marcia Polevoi

pen Now oston in Bo

in october All Are Welcome! Come Join Us! ONGOING PROGRAMS Daily Morning Minyan Sunday-Friday, 8:00am Minyan Breakfast Wednesdays, 9:00am

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

Shabbat Shaboom Saturdays, 10:30am Chug Ivri Thursdays, October 2, 23, 30, 10:30am - 12:30pm Yiddish Group Mondays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, 1:30 - 3:30pm Judaica Shop, Hannah Puckhaber Monday-Thursday, 10am - 3pm Sundays, 10am - 12pm Idelson Adult Library Monday-Thursday, 10am - 3pm

Temple Beth Sholom

Sunday, October 5, 9:00am, Men’s Club Sukkah Construction

Thursday-Friday, October 9,10, TBS Office Closed, Sukkot Services 9:00am both days Friday, October 10, 5:45pm, Sukkot Dinner followed at 7:00pm Shabbat Services Sunday, October 12, 12:30pm, Sukkot Barbeque Tuesday, October 14, 10:00am, A Cup of Joe and the Five Books of Moe with Rabbi Werbow in the Sukkah Wednesday October 15, 7:00pm, Torah on Tap in the Sukkah with Rabbi Werbow Thursday-Friday, October 16, 17, TBS Office Closed, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah 9:00am Thursday, October 16, 7:00pm, Simchat Torah Service and Consecration Sunday, October 26, 10:15 - 11:30am, Live Event, Breakfast with Golda Thursday, October 30, 10:00am, Knitting Circle Thursday, October 30, 6:00pm, TBSS Petite Marche’ at Michaels On East

941.955.8121

1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Sarasota, FL 34237 Email: info@templebethsholomfl.org Website: www.templebethsholomfl.org

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Brenda Lederman and Rivka Chatman

ty years. She plays clarinet in the Sarasota Concert Band and in the Eastman New Horizons Band in Rochester. Her love of the Yiddish language and Judaic music provided great background for her collaboration with Brenda. The two looked for music that would integrate with the text to further the story line. They found a wealth of music to draw upon from Ladino, Yiddish, Israeli, African, American and even Italian opera. The beautiful blend of the music and the written word for the second cantata provide an excellent continuation of the first. Hear Our Voice is an exciting addition the Chorale’s repertoire. The SJC rehearses most Thursday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Hecht School, 580 McIntosh Rd., courtesy of The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee. Please visit www.sarasota jewishchorale.org for rehearsal dates. For information about bookings, call Phyllis Lipshutz at 941.924.6717.

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he Sarasota Jewish Chorale will premier an original cantata in the coming year. Hear Our Voice is the sequel to an earlier cantata entitled Esther’s Story. That cantata told the saga of a young couple’s immigration to the U.S. just prior to WWII. Hear Our Voice now follows their lives and that of their children in America. The first cantata, written three years ago in honor of the SJC’s Bar Mitzvah year, was performed numerous times in the area to rave revues. Because of its popularity, the authors, Brenda Lederman and Rivka Chatman, were again pressed into action to create a sequel. Both women are longtime members of the SJC’s musical committee. Both live in Rochester, New York, making it easy for the many meetings needed to do the writing and selecting the appropriate music. They also reside in Long Boat Key during season, and are thus able to continue their joint efforts. Both are talented musicians who have years of experience in music circles. Brenda, an alto, found the Chorale through a friend, not long after she and her husband came to Sarasota as “snowbirds” about twelve years ago. With her strong background of music and singing with various groups in Rochester, she was warmly welcomed into the Chorale. Brenda used these talents to help create the texts for the two cantatas. Rivka, a soprano, joined the Chorale about eight years after she, too, heard about it from a friend. She has been coming to Sarasota for over twen-

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11A

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Come and see what’s happening! Yom Kippur Afternoon Service, Yizkor, N’ila and Break Fast on Saturday, Oct. 4 4:30 PM Everyone is welcome Friday, Oct. 10 Tot Shabbat and Supper

Dinner and a Movie with the Rabbi 4th season begins on Sunday, Oct. 12

Oktoberfest— Beer Tasting and Havdalah at the Polo Grill, Lakewood Ranch on Saturday, Oct. 18 New offering– Artists and Audience, with lunch Monday, Oct. 20 at 11:00 AM featuring Jean Renoux. First of a three event series  Shabbat Services Friday at 6:00 PM with Welcome Reception prior and Saturdays at 10:00 AM

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October 2014

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Temple Emanu-El Social Action Committee aids local children

s the school year got underway, the Social Action Committee of Temple Emanu-El continued to focus its efforts on aiding local children in need. In July, Temple Emanu-El Social Action Committee member Ethel

Gross partnered with Jewish Family & Children’s Service to reach out to needy families who might otherwise be overlooked during the summer months. “Through [these] efforts, it was possible for three families to receive clothing, toys, food and gift cards to celebrate ‘Chanukah in July,’” stated Social Action Committee chair Emily Tennenbaum. “Social Action looks forward to repeating this process when Chanukah rolls around in December!” Under the leadership of May Fisher-Cohen, the Social Action Committee also provided school supplies for needy kindergarten Under the leadership of the Social Action Committee, Temple Emanuand first grade students El Religious School students have begun their fourth year packing backpacks for needy Lakeview Elementary School students at Tuttle Elementary

A Taste of Chanukah 2014: Call for volunteers

Planning for the 2014 edition of A Taste of Chanukah, Sarasota-Manatee’s preeminent community Chanukah celebration, is once again well underway. The event will take place on Sunday, December 21 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds, located at 3000 Ringling Boulevard (just southeast of Fruitville and Tuttle in Sarasota). It will again feature delectable gourmet kosher food prepared and served by some of the region’s top restaurants, spectacular entertainment, and attractions for the whole family. A large number of volunteers are urgently needed to assist with event operations, including set-up, decorating, traffic/parking assistance and more. If you wish to volunteer, please contact Chabad of Sarasota at 941.925.0770 or info@ chabadofsarasota.com.

Yom Kippur Services & Retreat at The Ramada Venice Resort

October 3 & 4, 2014

To join Chabad of Venice for the High Holidays is to enjoy an inspiring synthesis of delights for body and soul. Services are not only about prayers and rituals, but moreover about celebrating one’s Judaism as a dynamic and enriching community experience; an experience harmoniously shared by Jews of any and all backgrounds.

In addition to attending the services, meditation and learning, you can opt to take up lodging at the hotel for the night of Yom Kippur at specially discounted rates.

All Prayer services are free of charge. Donations are appreciated. For full Schedule, Info and RSVP call 941-493-2770 or www.chabadofvenice.com

School, and continues to provide volunteers to tutor these children as needed. As the Temple Emanu-El Religious School (TEERS) year began, the Social Action Committee also inaugurated its fourth year of providing food to hungry children at Lakeview Elementary School. Children whose families qualify for the free or reduced-fee breakfast and lunch program are given backpacks every Friday. Filled with nutritious food, these backpacks ensure that the children and their families

have good meals to eat throughout the weekend. “The backpacks are packed by our TEERS students after Hebrew classes are over,” Emily Tennenbaum explained. “Considered a double mitzvah, the food is packed for children who are hungry by children who do not know hunger. Our children learn the value of giving to those in need.” For more information about joining in Temple Emanu-El Social Action Committee’s efforts to help local children, please call 941.371.2788.

“Dinner and a Movie” at Temple Sinai

n occasional Tuesday afterfor film, amassed a collection of diaspora documentaries and taught film noon film followed by a discussion has now morphed into classes in his retirement years. After his death, his wife Ina agreed to allow an annual series of four films, each preceded by a dinner with the cuisine Temple Sinai to show the collection when she learned that the discussions matching the theme of the documentawould be competently fary. Each event attracts well over one hundred people. cilitated by Rabbi Huntting. Michael Lauberblat The films are shown in the Temple Sinai sanctuary for of Randabi’s Deli has been devising creative maximum viewing pleasure with sound and visibility. and unique menus to match the films’ themes. Then, the Sunday evening ends with a lively discusNationality menus have sion with Rabbi Geoff included the foods of Spain, Iran, India, Libya, Huntting. Janet Tolbert, film afiIsrael, China, Germany, cionado, is credited with the Russia and Mexico. success of the “Dinner and On Sunday, October Janet Tolbert a Movie” series. She has 12 at 5:00 p.m., Temple Sinai will begin the fourth year of The been involved in film festivals here at the JCC Jewish Film Festival, Brandeis Dr. Sam and Ina Gross Memorial ColFilm Series, The Jewish Federation lection “Dinner and a Movie” series. of Sarasota-Manatee’s Jewish Film Proceeds of the series benefit the Adult Festival as well as the Sarasota Film Education Programming of Temple Festival. Sinai. The community is invited to atDr. Sam Gross, a well-known and tend. For more information, visit www. respected physician with a passion SinaiSRQ.org or call 941.924.1802.

YOU ANSWER. WE ALL WIN.

Sunday, November 2nd

is SUPER SUNDAY. You’ll be called to support the Federation’s mission of saving lives and enhancing Jewish life.

Make a difference. MAKE YOUR DONATION NOW: - Visit www.TheJewishFederation.org - Or contact Martin W. Haberer at 941.552.6303 or mhaberer@jfedsrq.org YOUR DONATION TO FEDERATION WILL HELP: • Provide students with college scholarships. • Provide kids with grants to attend Jewish overnight camps and scholarships for religious school. • Send teens to Israel, Poland, and Washington, DC, for leadership, education, and advocacy programs. • Strengthen partnerships with: Embracing our Differences, Florida Studio Theater, Mote Marine Laboratory, The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast, All Faith’s Food Bank & Jewish Family and Children’s Service. • Community programs: PJ Library, Jewish Film Festival, Women’s Passover Celebration, and community holiday celebrations. • Support of Jews, young and old, in Israel and other geographical areas of need.

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October 2014

13A October 2014 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. TV Premieres: September and October The following shows, which began in September, or will begin in October, have a Jewish cast member. Premiering September 17 (Fox, 9:00 p.m.): Red Band Society. It’s set in the children’s ward of a Los Angeles hospital. There is a “Breakfast Club” type group of patients who have serious or even terminal illnesses. Playing one of the youngish patients is ZOE LEVIN, 20. She was born and raised in a religious Jewish home in suburban Chicago. Levin played Steve Carrell’s pretty teen daughter in the 2013 sleeper hit, The Way, Way Back, and co-starred earlier this year with SARAH JESSICA PARKER, 49, in The Commons of Pensacola, a hit off-Broadway play about a Jewish family that was penned by actress AMANDA PEET, 42. Also in Red Band, playing a hospital doctor, is DAVE ANNABLE, 34 (Brothers and Sisters). His mother is Jewish. Premiering September 21 (CBS, 8:00 p.m.): Madam Secretary stars Tea Leoni as a former CIA agent who unexpectedly is named Secretary of State. BEBE NEUWIRTH, 55, co-stars as the Secretary’s chief of staff. Premiering September 22 (ABC, 10:00 p.m.): Forever is a supernatural drama starring Ioan Gruffudd as Harry, a NYC medical examiner who can’t die. He studies the dead to try and discover why he’s immortal. JUDD HIRSCH, 79, plays Abe, an antique store owner and ladies’ man who is Harry’s best friend and confidant. He urges Harry to enjoy life, including romance.

The same night at 8:00 p.m. on Fox: The highly-touted Gotham, a Batman spin-off of sorts. Benjamin McKenzie plays Detective Jim Gordon, who is fated in later life to become Gotham’s police commissioner. His first big case is the investigation of the murder of the parents of the young Bruce Wayne (much later Batman). The young Wayne is played by DAVID MAZOUZ, 13, a Sephardi actor from Los Angeles. Also starting on the 22nd (CBS, 9:00 p.m.): Scorpion. The plot: a group of tech nerds form a team to solve the world’s most difficult problems. EDDIE KAYE THOMAS, 33 (Finch in American Pie), plays Toby, a team member. Premiering September 24: Mysteries of Laura (NBC, 8:00 p.m.) and Black-Ish (ABC, 8:00 p.m.). Mysteries stars DEBRA MESSING, 46 (Will and Grace), as a brilliant police detective who tries to balance career and single motherhood. Black-Ish was created by, and stars comedian Anthony Anderson. It explores one suburban black father’s efforts (first name “Dre”) to establish a cultural identity for his four kids. His bi-racial wife, Rainbow, is played by TRACEE ELLIS ROSS, 41 (TV’s Girlfriends). She’s the daughter of famous singer Diana Ross and Ross’ ex-husband, ROBERT ELLIS SILBERSTEIN, 67. Dre and Rainbow’s four children include Andre, who really wants a bar mitzvah despite the fact the family isn’t Jewish. By the way, when ABC was previewing this “cultural identity” show for a media audience, a reporter referenced “cultural

Out g n i s s i eM r ’ u Yo On Birthday Pre sents

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. identity” when he stood up and told the head of ABC programming, “I think ‘Black-Ish’ will mention a bar mitzvah before The Goldbergs [on ABC] does.” The programmer’s reply implicitly acknowledged that The Goldbergs had gone a full season without using the word “Jewish.” Paul Lee, the programmer, said, “I don’t think there’s anybody in the country that watches The Goldbergs and doesn’t think it’s about a Jewish family. We have so much support and respect for ADAM [GOLDBERG, the show creator]...When he’s ready to tell that story, he’ll tell that story…” Premiering September 25 (ABC, 10:00 p.m.): How to Get Away with Murder. This drama centers on an African-American law school professor (Viola Davis), her two associates, and her students – and how they get caught up in a murder case. Playing one

associate is LIZA WEIL, 37 (Paris Geller on The Gilmore Girls). Premiering October 2 (NBC, 9:00 p.m.): A to Z, a comedy that shows us a romance from start to finish. The co-stars are Cristin Miloti and BEN FELDMAN, 34 (Mad Men). Premiering October 5 (Fox, 9:00 p.m.): Mulaney. Stand-up comic John Mulaney, like JERRY SEINFELD once did, plays a comedian named John Mulaney who lives in New York. His wacky neighbor is played by ELLIOTT GOULD, 76. Over on DirectTV, in the original show Kingdom, which starts on October 8 at 9:00 p.m., Frank Grillo plays a gym owner and former top mixed martial arts fighter. His two sons are also fighters. Playing one is JONATHAN TUCKER, 32 (whose real-life mother is Jewish).

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

Please confirm your birth date with us and get a chance to win one of our monthly gifts.

13A

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14A

October 2014

JEWISH INTEREST

The Jewish revolt at Auschwitz

A POWERFUL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

HOLOCAUST, GENOCIDE AND TOLERANCE EDUCATION

MANY INSPIRING SPEAKERS TO CHOOSE FROM INCLUDING:

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

HILDE MANDEL PAUL MOLNAR RIFKA GLATZ MARK SOLENT HENRY TENENBAUM

All speakers are authentic to their respective experiences and feel a strong commitment to bring an awareness of the consequences that result when evil is allowed to flourish. They feel privileged and grateful to live in this wonderful country where their voices are being heard. For Booking Contact

Anne Stein, Speakers Bureau Coordinator 941.923.6470 • luvhula@gmail.com

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

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

Artwork credit: Janet Mishner

2014

Tuesday, December 2 12:00 pm @ Michael’s On East

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Featuring

Camryn Manheim The annual Women’s Day Luncheon provides an opportunity for women to come together around a theme they can all relate to while enjoying an inspiring speaker and a delicious lunch. This year’s event will feature Camryn Manheim, the acclaimed actress and social activist known for her Emmy and Golden Globe winning role on The Practice, who will speak about her topic: Mitzvah Therapy: Living Life Generously.

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eventy years ago this month, on October 7, 1944, a most remarkable event took place at Auschwitz. The prisoners fought back. The XII Sonderkommando rose in revolt, blew up Crematorium IV, and killed the guards. Originally an SS term for units designated special tasks, the word Sonderkommando later came to mean those Jewish prisoners in the death camps assigned to work in the gas chambers Dr. Paul Bartrop and the crematoria. These prisoners would help the victims with the removal of their clothing, shave their hair, usher them into the gas chambers and later, after the victims had been murdered, inspect the bodies for hidden coins and jewels, remove any gold teeth, and then take the corpses from the gas chambers to the crematoria. Their job was also to stoke the crematoria and do the “heavy work” involved in such operations. The life of the Sonderkommando prisoners themselves was short, as they would be murdered after approximately three months. As witnesses to the industrialized mass murder of the Nazis, it was believed there was no other way to ensure secrecy. The knowledge possessed by the Sonderkommando men was far too sensitive for anyone in the outside world to know about, so the Nazis would regularly gas the men of a Sonderkommando unit and replace them with a new team. The first task of the incoming group would be to dispose of their predecessors’ remains. On October 7, 1944, the men working at Crematorium IV rose in revolt. Setting fire to the crematorium, they attacked the SS guards with hammers, axes and stones. Upon learning that the revolt had begun, the men working at Crematorium II joined in, killing a Kapo and several SS men. Then the Hungarian prisoners working in Crematorium III also entered what by now had become a full-scale rebellion. The revolt so damaged Crematorium IV that it was never used again. During the revolt, several hundred prisoners escaped from Birkenau, though most were caught and killed by the SS. Later that day, an additional 200 prisoners who took part in the revolt were executed. One month later, on November 7, 1944, the Nazis destroyed the entire gas chamber-crematorium complex, and closed down the operation altogether. Among those who had been instrumental in assisting the men in their preparation were a group of four women: Roza Robota, Ala Gertner, Estusia Wajcblum and Regina Safirsztajn. Before the war, Roza had been a member of the Zionist youth movement Hashomer Hatzair. During the Nazi occupation she engaged in underground activities, but in 1942 she was transported to Auschwitz and assigned to the women’s camp at Birkenau. She was assigned to the clothing shed in the Kanadakommando, right next to Birkenau’s Crematorium III. As she was already known to some of those working in the Auschwitz

underground, she was recruited to smuggle gunpowder to the men working in the Sonderkommando in Crematorium III. She established contact with about twenty women in the Union plant outside the camp who were willing to cooperate, and over a period of several weeks they smuggled the gunpowder into the camp. There was great risk; prisoners were often searched when returning from “outside work” (aussenarbeit). Nonetheless, each day they were able to pass on tiny amounts to the men of the underground. By the time the revolt took place, enough had been accumulated to enable the resisters to blow up Crematorium IV. The uprising was, however, unexpected, breaking out before a hopedfor general revolt could take place. In the chaos, around 600 Sonderkommando men broke through the fences separating the crematorium from the rest of the camp, though ultimately all those who escaped were caught and shot. In the Gestapo investigation that followed, the explosives were traced back to the Union plant where the women had been working, and several suspects were rounded up. In subsequent days, Roza, Ala, Estusia and Regina were arrested and interrogated under brutal torture for information relating to the revolt. All refused to reveal the names of others who had participated in the smuggling operation. They were duly hanged on January 5, 1945 – two women at the morning roll-call assembly, and two others in the evening. Their execution was in public, as a warning to the entire camp. According to some eyewitness accounts, the four women shouted “Nekamah!” (“Revenge!”) to the assembled inmates before they died. Roza’s last message was a note scratched on a piece of paper she managed to smuggle from her cell: “Chazak V’amatz” – “Be strong and have courage.” Estusia died a few days short of her st 21 birthday; Roza was just 23 years old. Regina was 29, and Ala was 32. The revolt of the XII Sonderkommando at Auschwitz was triggered by the imminence of extermination, but many of those involved were no doubt also motivated by a desperate desire to destroy the machinery of death that had murdered so many innocent people before them. It was, however, an isolated incident in the history of the camp; further, it was restricted in scope, and did not involve the entire Auschwitz complex. It was, however, an instance of the most positive form of resistance, demanding our respect and our memory. In their honor, we must all stand by the Hebrew injunction Al tishkach: do not forget. The revolt of October 7, 1944, is something from which we can take inspiration. It did not, however, end with the mass executions that followed, or the hanging of the four heroines on January 5, 1945, for two weeks after their martyrdom, on January 17, 1945, Auschwitz was evacuated. A new chapter in Jewish history was about to begin. 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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15A October 2014 JEWISH INTEREST

October 2014

15A

East Side Story: A plague on both their houses By Philip K. Jason, Special to The Jewish News Ishmael’s Oranges, by Claire Hajaj. Oneworld Publications. 226 pages. Hardcover $24.99.

ovelists exploring Middle East tension and catastrophe occasionally focus on the possibilities of a loving relationship between an Israeli (or simply a Jew) and a Palestinian (or simply an Arab or Muslim). The couple’s hardships become a microcosm of the region’s perplexity. Rise: A Novel of Contemporary Israel by Yosef Gotlieb Phil Jason (2011) is one impressive example of such works. Ishmael’s Oranges adds new dimensions to this way of examining recent Middle East history and wraps it in a highly evocative poetic style. Spanning forty years, 1948-1988, Ishmael’s Oranges begins shortly before Israel declares statehood but already has forces on the move, taking over or threatening Arab population centers. A seven-year-old Arab boy, Salim, is teased by a slightly older neighbor: “The Jews are coming for you! They’re going to kick you out and break your skinny arse like a donkey.” Salim is the middle son of a fairly prosperous farmer. Jaffa oranges are the family’s and community’s treasure. Jaffa’s harbor, beaches, orange groves and downtown square are lavishly described, and we receive an ominous glimpse of Tel Aviv’s skyscrapers. The bully, Mazen, is the son of a local judge. He knows that the Jews will soon be taking over Jaffa. The only Jew Salim knows is another neighbor and friend, Elia, son of Isak Yashuv – a man who “was nearly an Arab. You could never tell him apart

from any other Palestinian.” Elia’s Jewish identity is formed by mother was a “white” Jew from outside these relationships. Although of Palestine. she studies for her Bat MitzSalim’s mother, with her “white vah, Grandma Rebecca’s forehead and olive green eyes” is also a death drowns her pleasure in foreigner; Abu Hassan al Ishmaeli had reaching that goal. taken a beautiful, much younger LebaHajaj moves back and nese woman as his second wife. forth between Salim’s In sketching this population, Hajaj world and Judith’s world, smoothly introduces the complexities often using important hisof racial and ethnic identities. torical markers to focus Soon, Salim’s family members are scenes, until she has plotrefugees, fleeing Jaffa for the relative ted a series of events that leads them safety of Nazareth. One thread of their to meet and fall in love. Judith is now story has to do with their dreams about, eighteen and Salim is twenty-five. One and attempts to reclaim their Jaffa of the most brilliantly conceived epihome and farm. sodes along the way takes place in 1956 Salim’s story now begun, Claire when Salim’s father attempts to obtain Hajaj next introduces Judith’s story. In justice in a Tel Aviv governmental Sunderland, England (a Luftwaffe inoffice, aided by his son-in-law Tareq. dustrial target), a young girl is born to The attempt, a dismal failure, reveals Dora Gold. It’s a difficult birth: “There that a Jaffa neighbor had betrayed the was enough blood and ripped flesh family’s interests. for a battlefield, and at After their mother the end a tiny, limp girl abandons their Nazaborn struggling for oxyreth home to return to gen just as the new State Lebanon and rebuild her of Israel was drawing fortunes, sister Nadia, its first breath.” Named Tareq, and Abu Hassan Judit, after her mother’s hatch a plan to send Samother who died in warlim to his older brother, time Budapest, she adds Hassan, who has a small the “h” when she is five repair business in Lonyears old and is later don. Salim, totally weary nicknamed “Jude” by a of his life as an Israeli bossy school friend. Her Arab, takes the opporother grandmother, Retunity. He works hard, Claire Hajaj becca, is the true materstudies hard, and earns nal force. That harrowing forty-eight an economics degree at University hour delivery had chilled Dora’s maCollege, London. He becomes a Britternal instincts. ish citizen and holds a British passport. Judith shares a room with Gertie, a He has prepared himself for a new life. Holocaust survivor sixteen years older At a party, he meets the slight, atthan Judith who was adopted by Jutractive young woman everyone calls dith’s parents long before when Dora Jude. and Jack thought they were unable Now comes the heart of the book: to have children. Growing up, Judith their courtship and marriage; the learns that her Uncle Max had fought in Israel’s War of Independence. Her

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painful negotiations with their respective families; and the individual sacrifices and promises made in the hopes of building their life together and starting a family. They have their eyes wide open, or do they? Though Salim is climbing the ladder of success working for Western businesses in Arab countries, there is a ceiling for people with his origins. He is betrayed by the big Satan – Western economic imperialism – that won’t fully acknowledge his worth. Slowly, the spouses’ loyalties to their families of origin, their cultures and their national identities make claims that threaten to destroy the marriage. Salim’s guilt over abandoning his Palestinian heritage is played upon by his PLO-influenced younger brother and others. By now the couple has children, a darker twin and a lighter twin, innocents who – through their parents’ personal crises – are victims of the crisis that continues to poison the Middle East. Emotionally and intellectually powerful, and blessed with gorgeously rendered scenes in Beirut, Baghdad, Kuwait City and elsewhere, Ishmael’s Oranges imaginatively tests the limits of crossing boundaries in a world in which one’s personhood remains colored – perhaps tainted – by undying prejudices and conflicting loyalties. 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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16A

October 2014

WE HAVE A LOT TO SAY

JEWISH INTEREST

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

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

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

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By David Benkof, DavidBenkof@gmail.com Across 1. More than 1,000 work at Mt. Sinai Hospital 4. The King David Hotel’s are considered fancy 9. Big-shot friend of Stephen S. Wise 12. “Hooray, Maccabee Tel Aviv!” 13. In official Hebrew, it’s called “Doar Electroni” 14. Judean king with an edifice complex 16. “The Shop on Main Street” Oscar nominee Kaminska 17. Judea and Samaria, e.g. 19. Women’s ___ (Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, et. al.) 21. He played the grandson of Tambor and Walter in “Arrested Development” 22. Blood ___ (Kind of medieval attack on Jews) 23. “If ___ a Hammer,” frequent song for Peter Yarrow 24. Kind of mask in the news in 1991 27. Harry Golden book celebrating the success of U.S. Jewry 31. A kosher phone won’t send one (abbr.) 33. “The ___ 2” (video game in which a character could wear a yarmulke) 34. Month for Jewish schools and yeshivas to start up 35. Arnold, Bosley, and Segev 37. Place for a sukkah 40. British composer Lionel (“Oliver!”) 41. Adrift on the Exodus, perhaps 42. Ticho who painted the Jerusalem Hills 44. Milwaukee Jewish ___ School 45. Sign-off from Mel Blanc 50. Amazon find (but not from Jeff Bezos’s Web site) 51. It flies to three North American destinations: New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles 52. Lindsay who starred with Jamie Lee Curtis in “Freaky Friday” (2003) 55. Like kosher venison 56. Board at Ben Gurion 58. George Burns, until he was 100 years old 62. “Teach me the entire Torah while I stand on one ___” 63. Lebowitz and Drescher 64. American, Brit, or Canadian in Jerusalem 65. God’s attitude toward the Golden Calf 66. First word in the name of the Jewish holiday on which bonfires are lit 67. Locations of mother birds who must be shooed away 68. Alternative to Z, zed, and omega

Solution on page 22A

Down 1. Prop for Orin Scrivello, DDS, in “Little Shop of Horrors” 2. They help you compute how big the bagel is 3. Your rabbi might invite you to his home for one 4. Recites the Haggadah again 5. Prominent Canadian Jewish furniture designer Arbel 6. They were used to get the Jews of Denmark to Sweden 7. “Oy vey iz ___!” 8. How Israelis say, “Sorry!” 9. In Hebrew, it’s referred to as the sixth day 10. John ___ (anonymous person; Ploni Almoni in Hebrew) 11. Abbr. for word #3 in “Blowin’ in the Wind” 14. Mixed multitude 15. BCE part 18. The Dodgers were Sandy Koufax’s 20. Ari ___ Canaan 23. Put programs on your Dell computer 24. Israeli soldier who was a captive for five years 25. Car whose 2012 commercial starred Jerry Seinfeld 26. Lox, taste-wise 28. Lyricist Yarburg (“Over the Rainbow”) 29. Matisyahu’s mom 30. ___ Tevye (phrase in “If I Were a Rich Man”) 31. Herzl’s “The Jewish ___” 32. Rav ___ Feinstein 36. First syllable of the name of the world’s largest Hasidic group 38. Gershwin’s “Concerto ___” 39. Kiryat ___ (city east of Tel Aviv) 43. Lyle Alzado of the LA Raiders, and others 46. Department store chain once led by Julius Rosenwald 47. Tzedaka, in a way 48. He’s definitely not a rabbi 49. ___ ALEPH (newsletter for Renewal Judaism) 53. Jews believe the Messiah will usher in ___ of peace 54. You might like it Eilat 55. ___ Eden (First place, according to the Torah) 56. Hadassah Hosp. tests 57. Tuna ___ (deli order) 58. Org. in which Noah Cantor played for the Toronto Argonauts 59. Flatow who hosts NPR’s “Science Friday” 60. Media order when three Israeli teenagers disappeared in June 2014 61. Number for monotheists

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October 2014

17A October 2014 JEWISH INTEREST

K’zohar Ha-Ivrit Yom Ha-Kippurim and Kapparot By Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin

17A

Is Parkinson’s disease hereditary?

Like HEXA in Tay-Sachs and BRCA in breast cancer, a gene called LRRK2 can lead to Parkinson’s in Ashkenazi Jews. By Liz Zeisler

en days after Rosh Ha-Shannah, the Jewish world observes Yom Kippur. Interestingly, from the days of the Torah and up to the end of the 5th century, all Jewish sources referred to this day only in the plural form, namely Yom Ha-Kippurim. The shift to the singular, Yom Kippur, occurred mainly in the liturgical poetry. Today, the name Dr. Rachel Dulin Yom Kippur is recognized universally as the proper name for this somber day. The original name, Yom Ha-kippurim, is mentioned eight times in the Bible. It is derived from the root k.p.r meaning ‘atone for,’ ‘expiate,’ ‘propitiate’ and ‘forgive.’ It is related to the Aramaic verb kaper which has a similar meaning, and to the Akkadian word kuppuru, which means ‘wipe off.’ The word kapparot (in Yiddish kappores) meaning ‘expiatory sacrifice’ is also derived from the verb kaper. The custom of using an animal as an expiation sacrifice is very old. In the days of the Bible, the ritual of Kapparot centered in the Temple and was officiated by the High Priest. Two goats were used in the ritual in order to cleanse the community from sin. By lottery, one goat was sacrificed by the High Priest and the other was sent to A-za-zel, an undisclosed place in the desert, carrying with it the sins of the community (Lev 16:7-10). With the destruction of the Temple this ritual ceased. A new ritual of expiation was intro-

duced in the 7th century in the Mesopotamian exile, where magic and sorcery were popular. Accordingly, a chicken (for a female) and rooster (for a male) were waved above one’s head, praying that all transgressions would magically be absolved. The poultry was then slaughtered and given to the poor. Some people preferred using stalks of plants and grain to wave above their head, throwing them into the river as expiation. Many rabbis objected to these practices, seeing them as superstitious, but popular beliefs and customs prevailed. In some communities money was given to tzedaka, to charity, as an expiatory act. Two interesting idioms entered the Hebrew language connected with the custom of kapparot. The first is sa-ir la-a-za-zel, literally ‘a goat sent to the a-za-zel,’ and idiomatically meaning ‘a scapegoat.’ The other is ke-tar-ne-gol biv-nay-a-dam, literally translated ‘like a rooster (tarnegol), among human beings (be-nay adam). Idiomatically it means ‘to be confused, not understanding what is happening in front of one’s eyes.’ Yom Ha-Kippurim, ‘The Day of Atonement,’ is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Special prayers and melodies were composed asking for forgiveness from sin. The most well known are Kol Nidre (All Vows) and Al Chet (About Sin). May all our prayers be heard and answered. May it be a year of health, of joy and of peace. Shannah Tovah. 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.

id you know that about 10 percent of all cases of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are genetic? The LRRK2 gene, in particular, is an important known genetic contributor to Parkinson’s disease. A LRRK2 mutation is found among 15 percent of Parkinson’s disease patients of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. So what does this mean for you? While having a mutation in the LRRK2 gene can increase your chances of developing Parkinson’s disease, many people with the mutation will not go on to develop the disease. The LRRK2 gene is the subject of intense investigation by Parkinson’s disease researchers around the world because of its potential to lead to medical breakthroughs for all people with PD, not just those with a genetic form. Over the past decade, studies focused on the genetics of Parkinson’s disease have revolutionized the pursuit of a “disease-modifying treatment,” a therapy that can slow or stop the progression of PD. To date, no disease-modifying treatment has been discovered; it is the single greatest unmet need of Parkinson’s patients today. For this reason, families of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage that carry a LRRK2 mutation have a vital role in this research. One study in particular, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), is seeking to learn more about how the LRRK2 gene can sometimes lead to Parkinson’s disease. PPMI is the landmark study of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s

Research and is taking place at 32 clinical sites worldwide. The goal of PPMI is to identify indicators of PD progression to ultimately enable early and accurate detection, and potentially help identify new and better treatments for future generations of people with Parkinson’s. Today, PPMI needs volunteers to participate in this study and is seeking individuals who meet either of the following criteria: People with PD who are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry People without PD who are related to someone with PD and who are of Eastern European Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry Because PPMI is an observational study, participants do not take an experimental drug or placebo. Individuals who meet either of these criteria may be eligible to receive genetic counseling and testing at no cost to determine if they may qualify to participate in PPMI. Find out how you can get involved by visiting www.michaeljfox.org/ppmigenetics or by calling 888.830.6299. Studying the genetics of Parkinson’s disease could revolutionize the development of new treatments for patients worldwide. Families who carry the LRRK2 gene play a unique role in pursuit of a cure. A decision to get involved in PPMI is an opportunity to join forces with thousands of families worldwide committed to speeding scientific progress that can touch countless lives.

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18A

October 2014

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

20 top tech inventions born of conflict

Many of Israel’s most amazing contributions to the world – from the DiskOnKey to the PillCam – result from its existential need for innovation in the military. By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org, August 7, 2014

srael’s painful reality of 66 years fighting off bullets, grenades, missiles and bombs could easily have led to a spirit of despair and defeat. Instead, living with the constant threat of war has spawned an extraordinary culture of Israeli military research and development. This R&D under seemingly impossible circumstances is responsible for extraordinary innovations for the battlefield that have been transformed into technologies used worldwide to save lives, guard against cyber-attacks, simplify mobile communications and lots of other everyday needs. “How do you approach a complex problem and solve it? We do this in the Israel Defense Forces every day,” says Iron Dome innovator Brig. Gen. Danny Gold in an interview with Israel Brain Technologies. “Many of the people involved in these types of projects, like the Iron Dome for example, then take their skills to industry. What they learned about putting together complex multidisciplinary solutions serves them well in fields such as high-tech and brain-tech.” Some of the most notable successes have come from Rafael Development Corporation (RDC), which incubates and commercializes products based on high-tech defense technologies developed at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, in cooperation with Elron Electronic Industries. Ebit Systems, a large defense electronics/electro-optics firm, also spins off many once-military technologies. Medical devices deserve special mention, says D. Todd Dollinger, chairman and CEO of the Trendlines Group, which invests in, incubates and supports early-stage, high-promise medical and agricultural technology companies in Israel. “Israel is a major player in this area, to the point where a few years ago MedTech Insight estimated up to 50 percent of all medical devices in the world can be traced back to the State of Israel,” Dollinger says. Indeed, the

startup nation leads the world in medical device patents per capita. He explains that signal acquisition and signal processing technologies developed by the military to acquire and process data intelligently led directly to the booming medical devices industry in Israel. We’ve chosen 20 outstanding and diverse examples of Israeli innovation stemming from the military sector. 1. PillCam Given Imaging, the company behind the famous PillCam – a capsule with two tiny video cameras that enables visualization of patients’ intestines without the need for endoscopy –

PillCam by Given Imaging

was founded by Gabi Iddan, an IDFtrained engineer. He used miniature missile-guiding technology to craft this groundbreaking medical-imaging device. 2. Emergency Bandage (a.k.a. Israeli Bandage) Former combat medic Bernard BarNatan invented the Emergency Bandage, considered an essential item in first-aid kits around the globe. Its innovation is a built-in pressure bar to stop bleeding. Developed through Israel’s Technology Incubator Program, the Emergency Bandage saved so many U.S. lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom that it became known as the Israeli Bandage in the North American market. This product was used by Arizona emergency responders to treat Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords after she was shot in January 2011. 3. DiskOnKey USB flash drive Dov Moran, the legendary serial entrepreneur from whose fertile mind grew the DiskOnKey, the DiskOnChip and other ubiquitous computing

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devices, got much of his knowhow from the Israeli navy, as director of its microprocessors department. His MSystems Flash Disk Pioneers company was acquired by SanDisk in 2006 for $1.6 billion. Moran also invented the first small modular smartphone, Modu, which didn’t catch on – but its patents were acquired by Google for its upcoming Ara modular phone. 4. Selman Surgical Rehearsal Platform Retired Israel Air Force officers Moty Avisar and Alon Geri translated their experience with flight simulators into a revolutionary neurosurgery simulator that lets brain surgeons rehearse challenging microsurgical procedures before making a single incision. The system generates 3D images from the patient’s CT and MRI scans, and provides a preview of how surgical instruments will interact with the patient’s tissue and how the delicate brain structures will respond. It was launched at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in October 2012 and is named after Dr. Warren Selman, the surgeon who commissioned the former officers to devise the system. 5. Visual-ICE This is the newest product from Galil Medical, a world-leading developer and manufacturer of innovative cryotherapy platforms based on cooling technologies taken from the tip of the head of Rafael missiles. Visual-ICE and other Galil products provide a minimally invasive, easy-to-use system to precisely destroy solid tumor cancers of the kidney, lung, bone, liver and prostate, and they also enable nerve ablation for pain management. 6. Solo Insulin Delivery System

Medingo, the company that developed this state-of-the-art miniature, lightweight, tube-free remote-controlled insulin micro-pump for people with diabetes, was fully acquired by Roche for $200 million in 2010. Medingo’s approach was based on a variety of sophisticated technologies stemming from military applications, and was incubated at RDC. 7. Cardiac catheterization A computer-vision tracking mechanism developed for air force pilots at Elbit led to the miniaturized 3D cardiac mapping and navigation technology built inside the revolutionary catheters made by Biosense Webster, an Israeli company acquired by Johnson & Johnson for $500 million. These devices help cardiovascular surgeons navigate within the body with unprecedented levels of insight, precision and safety to better diagnose and treat cardiac arrhythmias. 8. Check Point Software Technologies Check Point, which pioneered the game-changing Firewall-1 software, is the industry-leading grandfather of a growing Israeli cyber-security sector based largely on technologies developed for national defense purposes. It has offices around the world and thousands of customers, including most Fortune 100 companies. Cofounders Gil Shwed and Shlomo Kramer were members of the IDF’s famed Intelligence Corps Unit 8200; third cofounder Marius Nacht served in Talpiot, an elite IDF physics and mathematics training program nurturing R&D standouts. Shwed still serves as CEO. 9. Through-Wall Vision Xaver systems by Camero make the

SPEAKERS BUREAU

FOR ISRAEL Enjoy the opportunity to educate your civic group, Church or Synagogue and community about Israel with the Speakers Bureau for Israel. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee through the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative has put together a group of passionate and highly informed speakers to give clear and direct factual information about Israel and current events surrounding Israel both political and militarily.

Request a speaker today to provide this engaging and informative topic for your group and/or congregation.

inform EngagE www.SarasotaLovesIsrael.com The Robert & Esther Heller Israel advocacy Initiative

continued on next page

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October 2014

19A ISRAEL & THEOctober JEWISH2014 WORLD

19A

continued from previous page impossible possible: “seeing through” walls. The radar-based products use 3D image reconstruction algorithms, patented signal processing techniques and a unique proprietary sensor to generate 3D images of objects concealed behind cement, plaster, bricks, concrete or wood. The product line ranges from security cameras with advanced micropower radar technology to a handheld device intended for search-and-rescue workers. Founder Amir Beeri drew on knowledge gained during 14-plus years in military intelligence; he once headed the IDF’s R&D department. 10. Digital printing Those 100-meter-tall images of Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli – and, in fact, the entire large-format digital printing industry – are possible because of a mapping technology developed by the Israeli military for cruise missiles. The original company to make commercial use of that technology, Scitex Vision, specialized in producing equipment for large-format printing on paper and other materials. Scitex was sold to Hewlett Packard for $230 million in 2005, and the rest is history. 11. Stylit This website, billed as “Your Personal Stylist,” unites a proprietary predictive technology platform with actual fashion stylists to give users head-totoe outfit recommendations based on their preferences, budget, body type and size. The technology was adapted from algorithms originally developed in Unit 8200 to track and prevent suicide bombings. 12. Any.Do This wildly popular, award-winning to-do-list app made Fast Company’s 2014 Top 10 list for the world’s Most Innovative Companies in Productivity, and is said to have inspired the look and feel of the iOS-7. Any.Do was founded in 2011 by Omer Perchik, who hired his staff from a list of Unit 8200 veterans provided by a friend who’d served in the unit. Their understanding of predictive algorithms for defense purposes enabled them to make Any. Do happen. 13. Image stabilizing The fact that your camera can take a focused picture even if you’re not holding it steady is thanks to military technology developed at Elbit. The image stabilizer feature in virtually every camera on the market today is based on an algorithm devised for long-range imaging systems mounted on unsteady or moving surfaces, such as tanks. 14. ACE IntelliGym Professional basketball and hockey players swear by the IntelliGym braintraining software from Applied Cognitive Engineering (ACE). The software is based on military applications devised by cognitive psychology and engineering expert Daniel Gopher, whose video-game-like training methods improved Israeli Air Force and U.S. Army pilot performance in the air by 30 percent. The same technology helps anyone learn to make faster decisions in a high-stress environment with a lot of incoming data. 15. PlaySight Court Smart A trio of former army buddies took their expertise in top-secret weaponry and war simulators and adapted them to tennis. Their company, PlaySight, devised the Smart Court system based

How Court Smart works

on advanced 3D visualization technology and concepts used to train fighter pilots. The system provides automatic real-time, event-based visual feedback of a tennis match with the aim of revolutionizing the coaching process in all

ball sports. PlaySight intends to bring the world of advanced after-action review, affordable so far only for highprofile professional sports events, to every field sports club around the world. 16. Skylens This cutting-edge Google Glass-style headgear for airline pilots, recently introduced to the market by Elbit based on military technology, projects data from plane-mounted cameras onto the pilot’s visor to provide an augmented 3D image of the view ahead. The wearable technology lets pilots keep their eyes on the “road” – and more importantly, allows for safe takeoffs and landings even in conditions of poor visibility that would normally ground or delay a plane. 17. Drones Your Amazon order will someday soon be delivered via an unmanned drone. Starting in November, you’ll be able to capture midair sports action remotely with AirDog, a foldable auto-follow drone for the GoPro camera. These space-age achievements wouldn’t be

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possible without the IDF’s development of the first modern unmanned aerial vehicles – also known as UAVs or drones. Lighter, smaller and cheaper than their predecessors, the Israeli UAVs introduced real-time 360-degree video imaging and other cool bells and whistles. 18. Satellite communications (SATCOM) Starling Advanced Communications was founded at RDC to design, develop and market airborne, low-profile SATCOM antenna systems based on military innovations in communications, aviation and electronics. Its innovative flat-panel antenna technology is built into today’s systems for in-flight connectivity, emergency communications, real-time combat coordination and other fields. In 2011, Starling was acquired by Panasonic for $11 million. 19. Non-stick coatings for aircraft An exceptionally durable non-stick nano-coating developed by Prof. Hanna Dodiuk, formerly of Rafael, was introduced to the international industry last June. Originally meant to solve the problem of ice adhesion on fighter-jet wings, the unique super-hydrophobic coating is eagerly sought by makers of everything from commercial modes of transportation to medical devices. The Massachusetts state government is financing the final development of the coating because ice buildup is a huge problem for aircraft and electrical infrastructure in the cold Northeast. It could also be an anti-dust and graffiti coating for walls and windows. 20. Data storage Five veterans of the 14th cohort of Talpiot took their expertise from the military to found XIV (14 in Roman numerals) in 2002, with the goal of developing a uniquely high-performance digital data-storage architecture. XIV was sold to IBM in 2008 for $400 million. In its newest iterations, this critical digital solution made in Israel continues to address new requirements for next-generation digital content. Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior to moving to Israel in 2007, she was a specialty writer and copy editor at a daily newspaper in New Jersey and has freelanced for a variety of newspapers and periodicals since 1984.

For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit the Federation’s website at www.jfedsrq.org.

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20A

October 2014

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

A new website for Israel: www.websiteforisrael.com

srael is at war on two fronts! There is the physical battleground of death and destruction that has caused the loss of life and suffering, plus dramatic financial and economic setbacks. Fortunately, however, for the moment there is a cease fire but we know this is only temporary. There is a second war that continues to rage that is equally as severe as the physical battles Israel has fought – the psychological public relations war. How can we show the world the true picture of Jews and Israel? How can we make our own people, much less the world, proud of Israel’s accomplishments? What must we do to present the positive aspects of Israel, and what Jews and Israel have contributed to the welfare of the world? We must disseminate more positive information to combat the negative perspective the world has of Israel. We need to show how the average person can assist Israel and why it is so important for all Jews to stand united with Israel. Welcome to a new website for Israel – www.websiteforisrael.com – a very positive perspective of Israel that will

help reverse the negative propaganda. The site is a compilation of many website resources showing the bright side of Israel and how we can assist her in this struggle. We need to have more websites that promote Israel and show the Internet world the best of Israel. The website’s mission is to educate, enlighten and motivate anyone interested in the State of Israel. We need to give our support to Israel – if not now, when? The site has five major categories: “A light Unto the Nations” Isaiah 4055: The Torah tells us that Jewish people will be “A Light Unto the Nations.” The site details major discoveries and inventions in fields such as technology, medicine, science and business. Jews and Israel have made major, significant contributions to the welfare of the world. 18 Aspects of Life in Israel: Various aspects of life in Israel are showcased. Experience life in Israel, from the IDF to the Maccabi games, from the Negev to the Mediterranean, from Masada to Tel Aviv, from hi-tech business to sightseeing pleasure, from klezmer to hip hop, from Jewish to

Christian to Islam to Bahia and more. Israel has it all! 18 Ways You Can Help Israel: There are many things you can do assist Israel. Contact different agencies, publications and government representatives. Be involved with Jewish organizations and attend meetings and Israel rallies. The site provides many ideas on how you can help Israel. 18 Reasons to Visit Israel: Visit Israel and learn more about our heritage. See the miraculous transformation from a desert wasteland to thriving skyscraper cities. Connect and bond with our Israeli brothers and sisters who live and defend our homeland. Visit Israel and feel its energy and see its history 18 Lies About Jews & Israel: Hitler’s propaganda minister, the infamous, Joseph Goebbels, said, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” The Arabs and their allies have been lying to the world for years, and unfortunately people believe these lies. The site exposes, dissects and refutes these lies. In addition, there are five inter-

active categories: Deals & Coupons: A comprehensive list of money-saving deals and coupons available to tourists and local Israelis. Israeli Mitzvah Malls: Merchandise Mall - buy Israeli products and take a virtual shopping spree, Israelstyle. Tzedakah Mall - a comprehensive list of charitable and non-profit organizations in Israel. Shabbos & Holidays: Everything you need to know about Shabbos and the holidays: history, observance, prayers, candle lighting, weekly parsha explanations and interpretations. Jewish Bloggers: A variety of Jewish bloggers expressing their points of view, observations about Jews and the Middle East. Want to contribute? You, too, can become one of the site’s valued bloggers. Free Jewish E-cards: A unique collection of contemporary and traditional Jewish greeting cards for all occasions and holidays. For more information about www. websiteforisrael.com, please contact Eliezer Heyman at 561.213.7826 or emailus@websiteforisrael.com.

BRIEFS ISRAELI GAS TO REACH GLOBAL MARKET VIA PIPELINES TO EGYPT Egypt and Israel are negotiating deals that may mean the sale of $60 billion in Israeli natural gas to liquefaction plants in Egypt. Executives said recently they expect to finalize the agreements by year-end. For Israel, shipping its gas to Egypt will be faster than building LNG plants. “From these LNG plants in Egypt, Israeli gas can reach European and Asian markets,” said David Shrem, a Tel Aviv-based portfolio manager. The

deals “are the first significant ones for regional exports.” Noble Energy and Israel’s Delek Group expect to send gas to Egypt through pipelines under the Mediterranean Sea. (Shoshanna Solomon, Bloomberg)

NASA CHOOSES ISRAELI MICRO-CAMERA FOR INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION NASA has incorporated the Micro ScoutCam 1.2, the world’s smallest camera produced by Israeli medical device company Medigus Ltd., into its

VIPIR robotic inspection tool at the International Space Station. (Globes)

ISRAEL HAS HIGHEST BIRTHRATE IN DEVELOPED WORLD Israel has the highest birthrate in the developed world, with three children per woman, versus an average of 1.7 children born to mothers from other developed nations. (Daniel K. Eisenbud, Jerusalem Post)

ISRAEL – A WEAPONS RESEARCH LAB Israel has been in a perpetual state of

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conflict with its neighbors since the country’s founding. It feels threatened from all sides; it is small and doesn’t possess a massive army. “Innovative military technologies, rather than a massive army, have been viewed as strategically crucial for Israel given its relatively small size,” says Dan Peled, a business professor at the University of Haifa. Data from the Stockholm institute SIPRI shows that Israeli weapons exports more than doubled between 2001 and 2012. “Proven combat performance is still one of Israel’s strongest military technology sales promotions,” says Peled. The label “combat proven” translates directly into healthy global sales of firearms, drones and rockets “Made in Israel.” The vast majority of Israelis view the development of new weapons as a simple necessity in order to ensure their safety and their country’s very existence. Defense industry officials even present their technologies as promoting peace. They argue that precise weaponry can prevent collateral damage, and that the Iron Dome rocket defense system makes milder responses to missile attacks from Gaza possible. Jane’s reported that Israel sold more drones than the U.S. in 2013. It is estimated that it will export twice as many as the U.S. in 2014. “Surprisingly, given its modest resources, Israel’s defense R&D community succeeds in developing state-of-the-art weapon systems, often the first of their kind in the world,” a study conducted by the University of South Wales in Australia concluded. (Markus Becker, Der Spiegel-Germany)

HOW ISRAEL IS WINNING THE SOCIAL MEDIA WAR IN CHINA

Israelis are pouring resources into winning the war of opinion in China. Michael Anti, a prominent Chinese blogger, looks at this issue in Caixin, a respected business magazine. He observes that Taiwanese social media users are generally supportive of the Palestinian cause while many mainland Chinese are rooting for the State of Israel. It is an interesting reversal of their countries’ official positions; Taipei is generally considered to be proIsrael and Beijing pro-Palestinian.

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October 2014

21A ISRAEL & THEOctober JEWISH2014 WORLD

BRIEFS continued from previous page In China, the rising popular backlash against Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism is helping Israelis win hearts and minds. China has suffered a string of deadly terrorist attacks recently and many of them are connected with Jihadist-inspired separatist groups in Xinjiang. The Israeli embassy in Beijing maintains one of the most popular social media accounts among diplomatic missions in China, with close to 850,000 followers. By comparison, the U.S. embassy has 890,000 followers. A recent Israeli embassy post which compares Hamas to the notorious IS terrorist organization is drawing many sympathetic comments. The majority of comments support Israel’s attack on Hamas. (Peter Cai, Business Spectator-Australia)

NATURAL GAS POWER GENERATION IN ISRAEL REACHES PEAK On Wednesday, August 27, natural gas accounted for 57% of the country’s electricity consumption, the Israel Electric Corporation announced. Ever since natural gas from Israel’s Tamar reservoir began to flow in March 2013, there has been a considerable change in the fuel mix for the country’s electricity production, with a major reduction in the use of polluting fuel oils. (Sharon Udasin, Jerusalem Post)

ISRAEL SIGNS $15 BILLION GAS DEAL WITH JORDAN Israel signed a memorandum of understanding with Jordan recently, under which it will supply the Hashemite Kingdom with $15 billion worth of natural gas from its Leviathan energy field in the Mediterranean over 15 years. The gas field is expected to become operational in 2016. In February, Israel signed a deal with Jordan to supply $500 million worth of gas from the Tamar field. The Jordanians turned to Israel because their supply of natural gas from Egypt had been halted by repeated terrorist attacks on the gas pipeline. Israel has also signed energy deals with Egypt and the Palestinians. (Marissa Newman, Times of Israel)

WHO’S AFRAID OF THE BIG, BAD BOYCOTT? It’s time to calm down. Israeli exports are not affected by the present economic boycott, nor will they be affected in the future. This is not because certain European consumer groups are not trying – it is because the unique nature of Israel’s exports simply does not allow for it. Many Israeli companies operate in niche areas. Moreover, 95% of Israel’s exports do not involve individual end consumers but rather business-tobusiness trade, with firms that are only interested in the best product or service at the most competitive price. (Adam Reuter, Ynet News)

COL. KEMP: PALESTINIAN CIVILIAN CASUALTIES IN GAZA WAR ONE-FOURTH OF WORLD AVERAGE Col. (res.) Richard Kemp, the former British commander in Afghanistan, recently told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that the ratio of civilian to military casualties in the Gaza war was only one-fourth of the average in warfare around the world. Kemp said there was approximately one civilian casualty for every terrorist killed by the IDF, whereas the average in the world is four civilians for every combatant. “No army in the world acts with as much discretion and

great care as the IDF in order to minimize damage. The U.S. and the UK are careful, but not as much as Israel.” “During the whole operation Israel was very careful under all the limitations of international law. Even if there were exceptions...there was no intention to hurt civilians.” (Lahav Harkov, Jerusalem Post)

IDF DETAILS HAMAS’ USE OF CIVILIAN AREAS AS MISSILE BASES

Throughout the Gaza war, IDF maps, graphics and videos have illustrated Hamas’ consistent transformation of civilian areas into launch pads for some 3,000 rockets blasted wildly into Israel. The IDF also has informed the world about its leaflets, phone calls and text messages that urge Gazans to seek shelter before Israel neutralizes Hamas’ hostile-fire installations. The IDF now has created an outstanding indictment of Hamas: “Hamas War Tactics: Attacks from Civilian Centers - Evidence of Hamas’ Violations of International Law through Use of Civilian Facilities and Densely Populated Areas for Terror.” The report details Hamas rocket blasts from mosques, schools, power plants and hospitals. Beyond maps, photos and text, it includes links to declassified footage from IDF drones and aircraft. Multiple IDF videos and broadcast-news stories show how these militant-Islamic murderers literally commit war crimes by firing from civilian areas in Gaza into civilian areas in Israel, all while

refusing to wear uniforms. If Israel is held to Geneva Convention standards, why isn’t Hamas? In just one example, an IDF map shows how Hamas fired a rocket from inside El Azhar Islamic College on July 8 at 2:44 a.m. It exploded in the Israeli town of Ofakim. “Hamas’ tactics flagrantly violate international law and the most basic of moral precepts,” the document concludes. “Given these tactics, the ultimate responsibility for the damage done to civilians as well as the civilian infrastructure of Gaza lies with Hamas.” (Deroy Murdock, National Review)

ISRAEL: NONE OF ALLEGED GAZA COLLABORATORS WERE ISRAELI AGENTS None of the Palestinians executed in Gaza on charges of collaboration dur-

21A

ing the Gaza war were Israeli assets, an Israeli intelligence officer said recently. The Israel Security Agency confirmed that those executed had all been held in prison in Gaza and that none would have had any information that might have played a role in Israel’s locating rocket launch sites or conducting targeted killings. The agency said that none of the Hamas military leaders attacked during the final stage of the war were targeted on the basis of human intelligence. Fatah Central Committee member Tawfiq Tirawi, a former security chief in the West Bank, said that “some of those who were executed were former officers with the PA’s security apparatus.” The intelligence source said that rivals are often killed and family feuds settled under the guise of purging society of Israeli spies. (Aaron J. Klein and Mitch Ginsburg, Times of Israel)

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22A

October 2014

BRIEFS continued from previous page

ISRAELIS’ QUANDARY: HOW TO AID GAZANS BUT NOT HAMAS When the Rev. Raed Abusahliah, director of the Catholic humanitarian aid group Caritas Jerusalem, sought donations of food, clothing and other vital supplies for Gazans, he didn’t anticipate the outpouring of support from Israeli Jews, who he said constituted about half of the 600-700 donors to the campaign. The Palestinian Catholic priest said, “Many Jews have also sent us messages of solidarity and offers of everything from baby clothes to blood donations.” While polls in Israel show that a vast majority of Jews believe the Israel Defense Forces had no choice but to shell Gaza to stop nearly 3,500 Hamas rocket attacks over the past five weeks, “that doesn’t mean we believe the civilians in Gaza are the enemy,” said Angy Shavit, one of the Jews who promoted Cariatas’ campaign through social media. Shavit surmised that most of the Jewish Israelis donating “don’t feel guilty” about Israel’s military operation against Hamas. “It’s just that when a baby needs diapers, you donate diapers.” (Michele Chabin, USA Today)

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

IDF OPERATED UNMANNED APC IN GAZA During the Gaza war, the Israel Defense Forces used an unmanned armored personnel carrier to deliver supplies to soldiers on the battlefield. “This is the first time in history, throughout the world, that such a thing has been done,” said Lt. Avidav Goldstein, the head of the IDF’s unmanned vehicle unit. The unmanned APC can travel 50 km. per hour and hold four tons of equipment. It was operated remotely by soldiers in a control vehicle located inside Israel. (Lilach Shoval, Israel Hayom)

IDF MEDICAL CORPS IMPROVED SURVIVAL RATE OF SOLDIERS IN GAZA WAR The IDF’s Medical Corps said that 64 soldiers were killed and 714 were injured. For the first time in Israel’s military history, the total number of fatalities was less than 10% of the number wounded. The figures represent a significant improvement in the capabilities of field medics treating severe wounds immediately after an incident. There were significant upgrades in the emergency medical equipment supplied to every soldier. The kit included an advanced arterial tourniquet for self-use, protective goggles, and a special coagulant-coated bandage.

Hundreds of wounded soldiers were given pain-relieving candy instead of morphine. Five of the 400 doctors and paramedics who operated in Gaza were injured. (Yoav Zitun, Ynet News)

IN A HOSPITAL UNDER FIRE FROM GAZA Dr. Rabia Darawasha is an IsraeliArab surgeon at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, where Hamas rockets land in the vicinity and “Code Red” alerts send staff and Israeli and Palestinian patients scrambling for cover. I asked him if treating Israeli soldiers was difficult for him. He replied, “The Hamas do not represent me. The soldiers represent me.” He added, “This is my country; my family is here.” Dr. Darawasha comes from Iksal in northern Israel. His father and uncle, he says, have always had positive interactions with the Jewish people – both socially and professionally. As an Arab, he has never felt discriminated against or treated as a second-class citizen by Israel. In fact, when he graduated from medical school in Romania, Israel embraced him, gave him money to continue his studies and gave him job opportunities. (Avi Benlolo, National Post-Canada)

THE BIG LIE OF GAZA The idea of Gaza being the most densely populated place in the world is a propaganda fabrication. In 2010, Gaza had 11,542 people per square mile, less densely populated than Hong Kong (17,422), Singapore (17,723), Monaco (39,609) and Macau (52,163). No one calls these places teeming, open-air prisons – with reason. Hong Kong has the world’s third largest financial center. Singapore has the third highest per capita income in the world. Monaco has the world’s highest GDP per capita. And Macau is one of the world’s richest cities –

testimony to what hard work, solid industries and responsible government can achieve in small, resource-poor territories. Gaza could be the Singapore of the Middle East. But it isn’t – it’s governed by Hamas, whose Charter calling for war with the Jews until their obliteration is well-known to those who elected it. Gaza, along with the West Bank, has been the recipient of the highest levels of per capita aid in the world. Investment not siphoned off by Hamas has produced results: Gaza boasts shopping malls, five theme parks and 12 tourist resorts. In the last two years, Hamas has spent an estimated $1.5 billion on an underground infrastructure of terror tunnels deep into Israel for the purpose of mounting Mumbai-like mass-casualty terror assaults. (Daniel Mandel, Washington Times)

HAMAS GAVE US 50 DAYS TO DESTROY ITS CAPABILITIES

Former Israeli National Security Advisor Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Yaakov Amidror told Israel Channel 2 TV: “Hamas, in its stupidity, gave us 50 days to destroy its capabilities, to strike its infrastructure, to destroy its network of attack tunnels, to reach a point where its ability to manufacture weapons is close to zero. The number of rockets it has left is very small, and to rebuild what it had will take a long time, if at all, because the government on the other side of the border, the Egyptian government, is not like the previous government... [Hamas] also has more than 1,000 dead.” “This does not mean that Hamas will not open fire in another month if it comes to the conclusion that it has received nothing so far. This is more or less a cease-fire agreement. It didn’t receive anything, and it may be that it will understand that it received nothing and will open fire.” (Interview with Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Yaakov Amidror, Israel Channel 2 TV-Hebrew)

ISRAEL CREDITS “GLOVES OFF” TARGETING FOR LATEST CEASE-FIRE IN GAZA

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After 11 collapsed cease-fires in 50 days of war, Israel had to employ “extraordinary escalation,” an IDF General Staff officer said, to force Hamas to accept the latest Egyptian-brokered truce that promises to end the Gaza war. He said Israel may never know what compelled Hamas to accept an August 26 truce whose terms were “virtually identical” to those offered in the first days of the war. Operationally, he surmised it was a string of “spectacular airstrikes” leveling at least three luxury towers that followed “high-value” killings of senior Hamas leaders that triggered the turning point. Following the August 23 destruction of a Gaza City high-rise that housed a Hamas command center, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “I call on the inhabitants of Gaza to evacuate immediately from every site from which Hamas is carrying out terrorist activity. Every one of these places is a target for us.” (Barbara Opall-Rome, Defense News)

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle Solution to puzzle on page 16A

23A COMMENTARYOctober 2014

October 2014

Starting over each year From the Bimah Rabbi Brenner Glickman Temple Emanu-El eading just the first five books of the Bible is a peculiar way to tell the story of our people. There are 24 books in the Hebrew Bible. When you read them from beginning to end, you get a full story arc. We are granted the land of Canaan, we go down to Egypt, we march back through the wilderness of Sinai, we enter the land again, we settle the land, we establish kingdoms, we rise and fall and rise and fall. It is a complete story. But for so many of us, our custom is to read the first five books, the Torah, as a portion each week. In the course of a year, we start at the beginning with the stories in Genesis, then we are slaves in Egypt, then we are redeemed, we receive the Torah, we cross the Sinai, and we reach the border of Canaan, and just as we are about to enter…we go back to the beginning. This happens every year. We toil and march all the way to the border of

Israel, and then start over. It is a constant loop. We never reach the Promised Land. I had noticed this for years, but never really thought about its meaning. Last year, I had the chance to study in Jerusalem with a great scholar of Bible. He shared a teaching that really touched me. He said: The practice of reading the story up to the moment of entering, but never entering – it keeps us yearning. We never get fulfillment. We are not satisfied. We stay hungry, wanting more, wanting to achieve. The point of starting over each year, he felt, was to keep us aspirational. For Jews today, we have many reasons to feel satisfied. We are living in the beautiful Sarasota-Manatee area, in freedom and peace and security. It is easy for us to grow complacent, and feel that our journey and struggle are over. Simchat Torah comes along each year and stirs us from this complacency. After a year of reading the Torah and anticipating our entrance into the land, we come so close. We are with Moses as he sees the land from Mount Nebo, and then we start over again. There is no end in the journey of spiritual, Jewish life. The delight is engaging, each year, with our heritage, our history, and our God. May this year’s journey be sweet and fulfilling!

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24A

October 2014

COMMENTARY

What I hope to hear at High Holy Day services By David Harris, Executive Director, AJC, August 17, 2014

t’s often said the High Holy Days come either too late or too early, but never on time. This year, they couldn’t be better timed. With all that’s going on now in the Jewish world, there’s an extraordinary opportunity to reach a vast audience during the solemn ten days we know as the Yamim Noraim, or Days of Awe. Two immediate messages need to be shared from the bima. First, anti-Semitism is on the rise. Newsweek magazine devoted a cover story to a young Belgian Jewish woman carrying a suitcase, with the chilling title, “Exodus: Why Europe’s Jews are fleeing once again.” The Wall Street Journal has published at least three recent major opeds on rising anti-Semitism. And three European leaders – the foreign ministers of France, Germany and Italy – issued an unusual joint appeal against the surge in anti-Semitism. We cannot remain indifferent or complacent. We Jews are a people. We share a destiny. We have a collective responsibility to one another. Consider some recent occurrences:

2014

Thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Paris, Berlin and other European cities, many chanting: “Death to the Jews,” “Hitler was right,” “Jews to the gas chambers” and “Reopen Auschwitz.” A demonstration in Sweden against anti-Semitism had to be canceled because the organizers were physically afraid. And let’s not forget the Paris synagogue that was targeted by a raging mob, while worshipers were inside. They were saved by the courage of security personnel, until the French police could arrive in larger numbers. It’s important to emphasize that for those threatening from the outside, it didn’t matter a whit what denomination the synagogue was, only that it was a Jewish site and there were Jews inside. Sadly, this is far from a complete list of what’s been going on, primarily in Europe, but elsewhere as well, from South Africa to New Zealand, from South America to Australia. Second, this is a time to reaffirm our enduring bonds with Israel. Once again, we find so many who are either unwilling or incapable of understanding Israel’s profound security challenges. Too often, wherever we look – in the media, diplomatic corridors and elsewhere – we see distortion of reality, political expediency and moral inversion. Israel left Gaza in 2005, giving local residents their first chance in history to chart their own destiny. Tragically, in elections, they chose Hamas, which, consistent with its blood-curdling charter, opted to pursue Israel’s destruction rather than Gaza’s construction. How is Israel supposed to react, when missiles are being fired indiscriminately at millions of its citizens? What would any other country do in Israel’s place? And what is Israel to do when it discovers more than 30 infiltration tunnels built from Gaza into its territory with the aim of sending jihadists to kill and kidnap as many Israelis as possible? Again, what would any other country do in Israel’s place? Israel is fighting a ruthless, cynical foe, who uses civilians, especially women and children, as human shields, hoping to drive up the casualty count and draw the world’s sympathy and support. And how else could Israel act in

You’re Accustomed To The Best.

defending itself against an adversary that chooses schools, mosques, UN facilities, and hospitals to hide terrorists, store weapons and fire missiles, while counting on the international community to express horror if any of these structures are hit by Israeli strikes? How could so many fail to see the moral clarity of Israel’s struggle? How could they fail to grasp that Israel is on the front line in the battle against jihadist forces, and that all of us – Western nations, as well as moderate Arab countries like Egypt, Jordan and the UAE – have a stake in Israel’s success? And how could they not understand that Hamas is part of the same family tree as ISIS, Hezbollah, AlQaeda and Boko Haram – groups that despise America, target Christians, Yazidis, Baha’i, and Muslims of other outlooks, and want to impose shari’a law wherever possible? We need to remember and thank those that have stood by Israel, including the U.S., Canada and Australia. And we need to remember, as well, those that have assailed Israel – notably Turkey and, among others, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Peru, Uruguay and, of course, Venezuela. Think twice before you make your next overseas vacation plans or business decisions. But most of all, we need to tell Israelis that they are not alone, that we stand with them shoulder-to-shoulder, that we admire their courage, and that, individually and collectively, we will advocate their cause in the halls of power here and around the world. Israel is a remarkable country in a thousand different ways. How fortunate we are to be able to say “This year in Jerusalem,” when, for countless generations, it was always the yearning for “Next year in Jerusalem!” But for all its astonishing progress, Israel remains embattled, surrounded by Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria and ISIS. And let’s not forget Iran, which, like Iraq in 1991, is just a missile away. Today, Israel faces challenges on three fronts. First, the military front, where, time and again, the IDF has acted heroically. Second, the civilian front. Israel’s enemies have sought to hit cities and towns, only to be met by resilience and determination. And third, the global front, where Israel’s opponents have tried to penetrate the media, universities, unions, politicians, civic groups, the courts, etc., seeking Israel’s isolation.

That third front is also our front. Accordingly, in the spirit of our tradition, this is a time for each of us to say “Hineini!” “Here I am!” It’s a time for all of us to say together “Hineinu!” “Here we are!” It’s a defining time. In life, we don’t usually get to choose our moments. But the moment is here. Do we respond to it? Do we show that we’ve learned the lessons of history, that we understand the core Jewish principle of collective responsibility? Do we identify with our Jewish sisters and brothers around the world, who today face a new level of danger and fear? Do we call on world leaders not only to denounce anti-Semitism, but also to take sustained action against it? Do we stand with Israel, affirming our pride, solidarity and support? Or do we let the moment pass, using such excuses as it’s not the right time in our lives, or the issues don’t touch us directly, or we don’t know what’s going on, or maybe if we’re just a bit nicer everyone will like us more, or everything will somehow turn out alright of its own accord? We are a people who for thousands of years have yearned for one thing above all, shalom, peace. We are all meant to be rodphei shalom, pursuers of peace. We must never abandon that quest, that belief in its possibility. Yet, at the same time, we cannot become so mesmerized by it that we lose all perspective on life as it actually is today. Perhaps our situation is best summed up in the following anecdote: Sherlock Holmes, joined by his trusty aide Watson, left London by horse-drawn wagon for a case in the north. Darkness arrived, so they pitched a tent along the way. In the middle of the night, Holmes woke up, looked around, and elbowed Watson. “Watson, my dear chap, what do you see?” Watson rubbed his eyes before saying: “Why Holmes, I see the beauty of the stars, the transcendence of the universe, and the majesty of eternity.” To which Holmes replied: “Watson, you fool, someone has stolen our tent!” We must never lose sight of the beauty of the stars. But we must also never forget, as we gather in sacred communities for these Days of Awe, that someone is trying to steal our tent. If we, each of us – indeed, all of us – don’t protect the tent, who will? For more information, visit www.ajc. org.

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25A COMMENTARYOctober 2014

J’accuse

It is time for Jews to say to The New York Times: we’ve had enough. By Rabbi Benjamin Blech, www.aish.com, July 30, 2014

write often for Aish.com. I write infrequently to The New York Times. Sometimes they print what I have to say. But this time I knew they weren’t going to publish my letter. Here’s what I said: To the editor: In the conflict between Israel and Hamas, The New York Times has repeatedly insinuated that Hamas enjoys the higher moral ground based on the premise of proportionality – the number of its civilian victims far exceeds that of Israelis. Since my children and grandchildren live in Israel and have thus far been spared from death thanks to their shelter, the Iron Dome, and most certainly God, I beg you for some clarification. To my mind, the thousands of rockets that have targeted six million innocent civilians – a number that somehow resonates for me with great significance – have gratefully not succeeded in fulfilling the stated goal of those who fired them. By charter, Hamas has made clear its intention to slaughter all Israeli residents, men women and children. Were Israel not to respond forcefully to this threat, admittedly and most regretfully killing hundreds of civilians during this war they did not seek or initiate, the results would catastrophically be in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Israeli deaths. Please enlighten me as to how many Israelis need actually die and how many photos of butchered Israeli children would be required for Israel to regain the media’s favor? I can only hope it’s not another six million – because, starkly put, been there, done that. And why was I so sure it was an exercise in futility to send this letter to them? Because it’s now become clear that The New York Times has lost any claim to journalistic integrity by the way it continues to distort its reporting of a war initiated by an internationally recognized terrorist organization against the only democracy in the Middle East. Ignored and completely forgotten by the supposed “newspaper of record” are the simple facts that Hamas started a fight with a clearcut goal, as affirmed in its charter, of killing every Israeli, or to be more precise every Jew. That means men, women and children. By the way, there’s a name for these intended victims. They are called civilians, a term not to be selectively used only for Arab citizens of Gaza. Hamas sent hundreds – by now thousands – of rockets specifically designed to maim and to murder as many of these civilians as possible, and their lack of success in no way diminishes their moral culpability. Hamas has refused to accept every cease-fire offered – and broken every limited humanitarian-based agreement to mutually suspend conflict. Instead what the Times offers its readers to the point of nausea are heartbreaking photos of suffering residents in Gaza without the context of the reason for their grief – a leadership safely ensconced in luxury far from the fighting who praise death and martyrdom as the noblest aspirations for their followers. One can only wonder if the Times would have covered World War II in the same fashion, keeping score as over one million Germans civilians perished as compared to only 12,000 Americans – none of whom it may be recalled were in immediate danger of

missiles over the American mainland. If morality is determined solely by number of innocents dying, The New York Times must truly believe that United States bears an unspeakable measure of guilt for its role in stopping Nazi Germany from its murderous plans because, after all, in order to accomplish its mission it caused the death of innocent victims. What is perhaps most astounding about the Times’ coverage is not only its lack of objectivity and its inability to view events with any semblance of moral clarity but something that Bret Stephens pointedly noted in his column in The Wall Street Journal that smacks either of amateurish incompetence or willful and evil distortion. As source for the numbers of victims in Gaza, as well as for the breakdown between combatants and civilians in this figure, the Times cites the Palestinian Health Ministry and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Just a little digging by a responsible journalist would reveal that the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza is run by Hamas and the United Nations group gets its information from two Palestinian agitprop groups! So even if war has been reduced to a game of numbers by The New York Times, the information it offers its readers is nothing more than propaganda filtered through what is supposed to be a reliable newspaper. It is time for Jews to say we have had enough. It is time for Jews to say what Emile Zola said when he could no longer stand the lies, the fabrications, the deceits and the dishonesty of the press of his day as they falsely accused the Jew Dreyfus of treason when the real reason for their attack was because Dreyfus was a Jew: J’accuse. We, even the liberals and leftists and the intelligentsia who have so long been taken in by the prestige and the esteem The New York Times has for so long enjoyed in their circles, must finally take note of reality. Loudly and clearly, as well as by way of cancellation of subscriptions, we must shout out J’accuse! We accuse the newspaper that has built its reputation on fairness and objective reporting of losing its way as it grants the moral high ground to terrorists and to those whose admitted goals are violence and terrorism. Rabbi Benjamin Blech, a frequent contributor to Aish, is a Professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University and an internationally recognized educator, religious leader, and lecturer. Author of 14 highly acclaimed books with combined sales of over a half million copies, his newest, The World From a Spiritual Perspective, is a collection of over 100 of his best Aish articles. Visit his website at www.benjaminblech. com.

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

October 2014

25A

COMMENTARY BRIEFS AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO THE GAZA WAR The way the Gaza war has been described and responded to abroad has laid bare the resurgence of an old, twisted pattern of thought – namely, a hostile obsession with Jews. News organizations believe Israel to be the most important story on earth, or very close. If you follow mainstream coverage, you will find nearly no real analysis of Palestinian society or ideologies, profiles of armed Palestinian groups, or investigation of Palestinian government. The West has decided that Palestinians should want a state alongside Israel, so that opinion is attributed to them as fact, though anyone who has spent time with actual Palestinians understands that things are more complicated. Every flaw in Israeli society is aggressively reported. In one seven-week period (November 8 to December 16, 2011), I counted 27 separate AP articles, an average of a story every two days, on the various moral failings of Israeli society – a tally higher than the total number of critical stories about Palestinian government and society that our bureau had published in the preceding three years. Any veteran of the press corps here knows that Hamas intimidation of reporters is real. As an editor on the AP news desk during the 2008-2009 Gaza fighting, I personally erased a key detail – that Hamas fighters were dressed as civilians and being counted as civilians in the death toll – because of a threat to our reporter in Gaza. The policy remains not to inform readers that a story is censored unless the censorship is Israeli. The fact is that Hamas intimidation

is largely beside the point because the actions of Palestinians are beside the point: Most reporters in Gaza believe their job is to document violence directed by Israel at Palestinian civilians. Many of the people deciding what you will read and see from here view their role not as explanatory but as political. Coverage is a weapon to be placed at the disposal of the side they like. The land that Israel controls consists of the 0.2% of the Arab world in which Jews are a majority and Arabs a minority. The conflict is more accurately described as “Jewish-Arab” – a conflict between the 6 million Jews of Israel and 300 million Arabs in surrounding countries (or, more broadly, 1 billion Muslims worldwide). Yet the “Israeli-Palestinian” framing of the story allows the Jews to be depicted as the stronger party. When journalists cover the Jews’ war as more worthy of attention than any other, when they portray the Jews of Israel as the party obviously in the wrong, when they omit all possible justifications for the Jews’ actions and obscure the true face of their enemies, international press coverage has become a morality play starring a familiar villain. (Matti Friedman, a reporter and editor in the Jerusalem bureau of the Associated Press from 2006-2011, Tablet)

CONDEMNATION OF ISRAEL PREVENTS PEACE

The international response to Israel’s defensive actions against terrorism is disturbingly familiar, and it is galvanizing the Israeli public against making further compromises to their security for the sake of peace. This experience is driving yet another nail into the coffin

continued on page 27A

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October 2014

COMMENTARY

Top five media fails of the Gaza War Reprinted with permission of HonestReporting, August 20, 2014

eporting during wartime may be the ultimate challenge for the media. But the conflict between Israel and Hamas revealed, yet again, the severe limitations of traditional journalism. Five media fails stand out in particular. The biggest threats to accuracy and understanding came not from individual pieces of biased reporting but from the mass of articles that adhered to the flawed standards of journalism today. 1. Casualty Figures as Moral Barometer Benjamin Disraeli said there are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics. Casualty figures cited in virtually all reports on the Gaza war served as all three. The numbers are unreliable, the true percentage of civilians unknown, and their meaning obscured by a lack of context. Reporters often relied on figures provided by the Hamas-run Gazan Health Ministry even though Hamas has a strategic interest in inflating the numbers. Reuven Erlich of the Meir Amit Intelligence and Information Center told The Media Line that his organization checked 152 names supplied by the “Gaza government’s Ministry of Health:” The list was done hastily and later changes were made. There were a number of false names listed; the details of the dead are only partial, making identification suspicious. There are names used more than once and some might have been killed by their own fire rather than by the Israeli army. The list doesn’t differentiate between civilians and terror operatives. All the dead are listed as “shahids” [martyrs]. To make sense of the numbers,

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media outlets often included the percentage of those killed considered to be civilians. The number often ran as high as 80%, according to media reports. But as The New York Times noted when it took a deeper look at the figures, a suspiciously high number of people killed were males between the ages of 20 and 29, the primary age of Hamas terrorists involved in the fighting. “At the same time, women and children under 15, the least likely to be legitimate targets, were the most underrepresented, making up 71 percent of the population and 33 percent of the known-age casualties,” the report stated. Another element of distortion was the presentation of the Palestinian numbers alongside the Israeli numbers, which were much lower, as though there was a relationship between the figures, like a scoreboard at a sporting event. These numbers, however, had moral undertones, implying either that Israel was the aggressor because it killed so many more Palestinians, or that the threat against Israel was not so serious, since so few Israelis were killed. But that doesn’t tell the real story. It does not reveal the efforts Israel has made to protect its civilians, and it doesn’t take into account the ways Hamas endangers civilians by turning residential neighborhoods into battle zones. As Bret Stephens wrote in The Wall Street Journal: The real utility of the body count is that it offers reporters and commentators who cite it the chance to ascribe implicit blame to Israel while evading questions about ultimate responsibility for the killing. Presented as raw numbers, the ca-

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sualty figures obscure more than they reveal. 2. The ‘Battered Journalist’ Syndrome Covering Gaza poses challenges for any reporters, not least of which is the ever-present pressure from Hamas to adhere to the Palestinian narrative. Even reporters who never encountered direct threats knew they were operating on territory that offered no protection for free speech. And if their livelihood depended on being able to access Gaza in the future, they knew that reporting facts that Hamas would find objectionable would risk deportation or blacklisting, at the very least. The situation was severe enough that the Foreign Press Association (FPA) issued a scathing condemnation of Hamas’s behavior towards journalists, citing a number of examples that had emerged during the weeks of fighting. Even Hamas admitted it intimidated reporters: Some of the journalists who entered the Gaza Strip were under security surveillance. Even under these difficult circumstances, we managed to reach them, and tell them that what they were doing was anything but professional journalism and that it was immoral. Yet amazingly, the response from some of the most influential journalists covering Gaza was that the entire issue was over-blown. New York Times Jerusalem Bureau Chief Jodi Rudoren even called the FPA statement “nonsense” in a tweet. Why go out of the way to downplay something that had an obvious impact on the stories that emerged from the conflict? Maybe if reporters were complete-

ly transparent about the challenges they faced, it would point to the fact that they should not have been reporting from Gaza in the first place. As journalist Michael Totten wrote following the publication of the FPA’s statement: The Gaza war was a huge story, of course, and it had to be covered, but it could just as easily have been covered from the Israeli side of the line. Covering both sides of the story is of course preferable whenever possible, but providing balanced coverage from Israel alongside censored coverage from Gaza is a form of journalistic malpractice. Stop it. 3. Failure to Disclose Missing Information While many journalists insisted that their work was unhindered by Hamas, they could not explain credibly why there were noticeable gaps in their coverage. Most prominently missing, of course, were pictures of Hamas fighters in action. When the issue was raised to The New York Times, the response was even more galling than the gap – the paper simply didn’t have any photos to publish. The paper’s star photographer, Tyler Hicks, went even further: If we had access to them [Hamas fighters], we would be photographing them. I never saw a single device for launching the rockets to Israel. It’s as if they don’t exist. Hicks explained that the Hamas terrorists were fighting from the margins, and if they ventured into public areas, they would immediately become targets for Israeli strikes. Fair enough. Hamas fighters were hard to find. But there was no shortage of photos of Palestinians reacting to

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continued on next page

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October 2014

27A COMMENTARYOctober 2014 continued from previous page Israeli airstrikes or attending funerals. Maybe if the photographers had ventured out to the margins themselves, they may have spotted something. And maybe those who did were stopped by Hamas. The media, however, treated the issue exactly as Hicks said – as if rocket launchers and the people firing them didn’t exist. In photo gallery after photo gallery of Gaza, there was hardly any way to tell that there were two sides fighting, and not just one. Media outlets have an obligation to let the readers know what’s missing. And if they couldn’t show it with pictures, they could have done more to explain that Hamas routinely fired from populated areas. Of course, as the fighting started to die down, pictures and videos of rocket launch sites began to emerge, raising questions about whether the photos really were impossible to obtain or if Hamas threats were responsible for their absence. 4. Over-Emphasis on Grisly War Photos While there were virtually no pictures of Hamas fighters during the days of heavy fighting in Gaza, there was no shortage of pictures of children or babies hurt in Israeli airstrikes. Those pictures were particularly prevalent across the UK and other European cities and helped inflame the

streets of Europe and beyond, where anti-Semitic sentiment ran to a fever pitch. They also badly misrepresented the fighting taking place in the Gaza Strip. Taken together with the absence of photos of Hamas fighters and the message is clear: Israel is an aggressor that targets children. 5. Failure to State Hamas’s Real Goals Throughout the weeks of fighting, and especially during the periods of negotiations for a cease-fire, the media claimed that Hamas’s main motivation was to ease the blockade around Gaza or to open a port or airport. But does that really explain why Hamas spent the past several years building a complex of tunnels and bunkers that reached across the border and into Israel? Does it explain why the terror group chose to smuggle or manufacture thousands, if not tens of thousands, of rockets capable of reaching the heart of Israel? Or why it continues to fire them at Israeli civilians? Is it really looking for peace with Israel, or an easing of Israel’s security measures just to improve the lot of the people of Gaza? It would be more honest to point out that Hamas is working towards Israel’s annihilation. It even has a charter that says so clearly.

As S.E. Cupp wrote in the New York Daily News: Rarely is it mentioned in a news report that Hamas’s primary objective, its main goal, what it really wants and what its military arm is designed and determined to get, is the total destruction of Israel and the annihilation of the Jews. It’s a crucial component that’s regularly left out of news reports. But any story that does not mention this among Hamas’s chief demands is not an intellectually honest or complete one. Few in the media seem to grasp this, the effect of which has been to create a gauzy and nebulous moral equivalency between Israel and Hamas that isn’t really there. Allowing Hamas to maintain its charter but ignoring it and letting the terror group present itself as a moderate force seeking the best for the people of Gaza distorts the reality. The media has an obligation to present the conflict as it is – the aggression of a terrorist group working for the destruction of Israel and Israel’s efforts to defend its citizens. A framework that puts Israel and Hamas on an equal moral plane is another case of journalistic malpractice. Read more at HonestReporting, www. honestreporting.com.

BRIEFS

to ensure that no U.S. assistance goes to any refugee who has received “military training” as a member of the Palestine Liberation Army, or any other “guerrilla-type organization,” or who has “engaged in any act of terrorism.” UNRWA promised to check its staff against specific UN sanctions lists. But those lists are not that relevant to Gaza: They cover al-Qaeda and the Taliban (there is no UN sanctions list for Hamas). (Claudia Rosett, journalist-in-residence with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, National Review)

bombed, even though Serbia had not launched a single missile towards any NATO capital city. The media in the countries involved in the military operation did not start their daily broadcasting with updates on the number of civilian dead; they did not even send camera crews. It is the same today with regard to the women and children killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, who have been killed in massive numbers over the past decade, the tragic victims of Western air forces bombing terrorist targets in both countries. Nobody bothers to count how many innocents have been victims of Western pilots in the last decade. Western media know full well that in war, innocent people do unfortunately die. But when it comes to the war between Israel and Hamas, the tragic victims dominate practically every news outlet. Meanwhile, innocents are dying in Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, Libya and Kenya, usually on a vaster scale than in Gaza, but the media is uninterested in those people. Israel didn’t kill them, so the world doesn’t care. (Yossi Levy, Israeli ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro, Ynet News)

continued from page 25A of Israeli-Palestinian peace, as global condemnation of Israel becomes increasingly disconnected from realistic expectations of how a sovereign nation should handle terrorist rockets raining down on its cities. With no better solution to offer Israel for the protection of its population, international opinion becomes increasingly irrelevant to Israel’s government and alienates moderate Israelis who would support political and territorial concessions to the Palestinians – but not at the cost of their personal safety. That the Gaza war, one of many raging in the world today, has yielded one of the lowest rates of civilian casualties, and showcased some of the most valiant efforts in the history of modern warfare to protect the other side’s innocents, seems to matter not one whit to Israel’s critics. Israel scrupulously abides by the laws of war. Israelis have watched the hypocritical international reaction and have concluded that Israel’s very real security concerns are not taken seriously. Israel has a right to defend itself, we are told, but apparently this is a right that exists only in theory, not in practice. Consider the 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, during which right-wingers warned that Gaza would turn into a launching pad for rockets against Israeli cities. Israel’s left, and the international community, regarded the idea as preposterous. That laughable idea has become reality. Now rockets are raining down on Tel Aviv and beyond. (Hilik Bar, deputy speaker of the Knesset and Secretary-General of the Israeli Labor party, Forbes)

THE UN: CLUELESS OR COMPLICIT IN GAZA?

If UNRWA officials knew that Hamas was building terror tunnels, but raised no public alarm, then that should be grounds for a major inquiry into UNRWA complicity with terrorists. There’s also the question of whether UNRWA employs or directly supports members of Hamas. If so, that should block the agency from receiving money from the U.S. The U.S. Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 forbids funding to UNRWA unless it takes “all possible measures”

NO DONOR CONFERENCE FOR GAZA Albert Einstein quipped that insanity was doing the same action repeatedly but expecting different results each time. Once again, as the smoke clears in Gaza, the European community is stepping in with calls for a donor conference. That’s simply crazy. The Palestinians have received more per capita than any other national community, but have the least to show for it. The problem is not Israel, but rather an unwillingness to foreswear terrorism and concentrate instead on internal development. If Hamas knows that the international community will always step in and rebuild houses, schools or government buildings, then it makes it easier to dedicate what revenue the Palestinian government does have to terrorism and military adventurism. The international community’s knee-jerk reaction has always been to subsidize the Palestinians further. Clearly, that strategy has neither worked nor furthered peace. Perhaps it’s time to stop treating taxpayer dollars as an entitlement to Palestinians who have made bad choices. Only when Palestinians in Gaza realize that Hamas brings nothing but ruin can there be a possibility for something better. (Michael Rubin, fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a former Pentagon official, Commentary)

THE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA’S HYPOCRISY In the summer of 1999 more than 2,000 civilians were killed by NATO air forces which bombed cities and villages in the former Yugoslavia. Unintentionally, hospitals, schools, libraries, and even a train over a bridge were

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USING THE LANGUAGE OF HUMAN RIGHTS We need to talk in the same language that is used against us, the rhetoric of human rights. We need to explain that supporting Hamas means forcing women to cover from head to toe, it means giving carte blanche for husbands to beat up their wives, it means forcing young girls to marry, it means excluding women from any significant positions in society. Supporting Hamas means condoning the use of children as human shields; their exploitation for political use; the firing from their schools and orphanages. The Gaza situation is not about Israel, it’s about human rights, crimes against women and children by their own leadership. Supporting Hamas is supporting the annihilation of basic human rights for their people. (Rachel Azaria, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Times of Israel)

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27A

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October 2014

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Seizing the fall holidays’ opportunities Education Corner

By Laura Freedman

ack in December 2013, the planning for the preschool year of 2014-15 began. As director of a temple preschool, I examine the public school’s posted calendar to help minimize conflict for families with children in both settings and, of course, the Jewish holiday schedule. Our calendar is full of observances, but the fall presents a plethora of holidays. Every year, we map out these celebrations to allow for the most enriching experiences for our Jewish youth. It is an opportunity to revisit and begin family traditions. This creates a beautiful time of the year for families to develop rich traditions that continue throughout childhood in loving, Jewish homes.

The tail end of September kicks off the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, following a few short days later. So many Jewish communities offer specialized interactive services for young families to attend. Synagogues and community centers develop childfriendly programs aimed toward a lively take on the meanings of the holidays. The leaders – often rabbis, cantors and/or youth educators – will use joyous songs and lighthearted messages mingled with hands-on projects to emphasize the meanings of the High Holy Days. The annual tradition of kicking off the year sweetly with apples dipped in honey, along with the lesson of reflecting on our behavior to make positive changes, are important lessons reiterated with our children. Families attend these services year after year while their children are young, teaching them the sounds and stories they will remember and look forward to at this time of the year…every year. Sukkot comes next on the calen-

dar. I am reminded of the time our family built the sukkah. All of the cousins were scampering about to help out. The littlest ones were given the task of coloring the pictures of fruits in vibrant colors to line the inner walls. The primary-age children teamed up with the bigger kids to make “links of love.” This is what the aunts and uncles called the paper chains especially designed for Sukkot. The strips of paper were strewn about the table with colored pencils for the first step. Everyone would decorate with pictures of family and friends we love. The next step was to curl the strips and interlock them to create the links. The adults would lace the chains about the upper walls. What a festive atmosphere for the mitzvah of sharing a meal together with loved ones in the sukkah, one that makes a truly lasting impression! The joy of Simchat Torah rounds out the month. On this holiday, we celebrate the cycle of Torah reading. We read the very last pages of the Torah, and then roll back to the beginning,

BBYO North Florida Region experiences record-breaking growth

and begin to read the Torah all over again. We acknowledge, with this ending and beginning together, that learning never ends. It is quite a celebration of the book that holds the stories, laws and history of our people. It is a festive event for all ages. In the sanctuary, all of the Torah scrolls are brought out of the arc. Everyone dances and waves flags. People sing songs and march with the Torah. Religious schools honor their newest learners with Consecration. The students receive a personal scroll to cherish. Memories of these scenes flash in my mind with the image of my own children fascinated by such joy and jubilation watching the Torah unroll and roll back up again. We can seize the opportunities that the fall holidays provide for us by building the family traditions through the many holiday celebrations that they include! Laura Freedman is the Director at The Gan at Temple Sinai.

Sponsored by

More local Jewish teens get the chance to be involved in BBYO

rue to its mission of involving more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences, BBYO, the world’s leading pluralistic Jewish youth organization, is experiencing record-breaking growth and is increasing its membership in its North Florida Region division in Sarasota, Orlando, Tampa and Naples. BBYO North Florida Region began the programming year with a large membership increase within its leadership programs – the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA, BBYO’s high school fraternity) and the B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG, BBYO’s high school sorority). Regions across North America are sharing this success; BBYO membership is up five percent this year. BBYO North Florida Region’s

programming is teen-led and designed to reflect the interests of the teens involved. Diverse chapter and regional school-year programs and summer experiences at camp, on campus and around the world offer teens ways to meet peers, explore new ideas, connect with their Jewish heritage and learn about Israel. Recent Sarasota BBYO events have included scavenger hunts, chapter meetings and cook-off competitions. An upcoming regional event is Kallah, a weekend-long retreat for Jewish teens in grades 9-12. Kallah will be hosted at Dayspring Camp, November 1416, and features teen-led programs, a Jewish song-leader, presentations from AEPi and StandWithUs, and meaningful Shabbat experiences.

S.K.I.P

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

Send-A-Kid-to-Israel Program

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

PANIM EL PANIM

The Federation will be subsidizing a trip to Washington, D.C. for students in 10th, 11th or 12th grade to participate in the Panim el Panim Seminar on March 29-31, 2015.

Let your voice be heard!

During this subsidized trip to Washington D.C you can learn how to make a difference and advocate for the issues most important to you while exploring our nation’s capital. The PANIM Institute of BBYO is creating a movement of young activists ready to take on the challenges facing the Jewish people, America and the world. Application deadline: November 30, 2014. For more information, contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

This exciting growth brings revitalized energy to the region and the surrounding Jewish community.

BBYO North Florida Region, please contact Lory Conte, regional director, at 407.621.4032 or LConte@bbyo.org. About BBYO BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. For 90 years, BBYO has been providing exceptional leadership programs and identity enrichment experiences, shaping the confidence and character of At the BBYO BBG Southern Region Convention more than 400,000 alumni who “I’m really excited about all of the are among the most prominent figures upcoming BBYO programs this term,” in business, politics, academia, the said Lauren Wagner, teen chapter arts and Jewish communal life. Now, president. “The chapter leaders have BBYO’s network of Jewish teens, worked really hard on making our alumni, parents, volunteers and phievents fun. BBYO is our home away lanthropists serves as the Jewish comfrom home and we can’t wait to share munity’s most valuable platform for that experience with others.” delivering to the post-bar/bat mitzvah Sarasota BBYO’s growth is due, audience fun, meaningful and affordin large part, to the development of able experiences. With year-round the elected teen leaders. The current activities in hundreds of local commuchapter board includes Lauren Wagnities and inspiring worldwide travel ner (President), Rachael Kramer (Vice experiences, BBYO’s broad program President), Erica Brown (Membermenu enables teens to explore areas of ship), Rachelle Wetsman (Secretary) leadership, service, civic engagement, and Caroline Colburn (Jewish ProIsrael education and Jewish values. For gramming). more information on BBYO, please For more information about visit www.bbyo.org.

On March 1-3, 2015,

Join over 6,000 activists for The AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C! Federation will be subsidizing up to 6 students!

If you are a high school or college student, a leader, and passionate about Israel advocacy, apply today at

www.jfedsrq.org. Application Deadline: November 30, 2014

For more information, contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

October 2014

29A October 2014 FOCUS ON YOUTH

Temple Emanu-El partners with Federation for Tot Shabbat

t’s sure to be another fantastic year of Tot Shabbat! For the second year in a row, Temple Emanu-El is delighted to partner with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee to provide meaningful and fun Shabbat events for young Jewish and interfaith families at various community locations. October’s Tot Shabbat event will take place Saturday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Crowley Nature Center, 16405 Myakka Road, Sarasota. Grandparents, parents and children are invited to celebrate Shabbat and the blessings of nature in a beautiful, fun natural setting. There is a play area for kids and lots of gorgeous flora and trees for everyone to enjoy. Families will nosh on

ley Nature Center Tot Shabbat, and a delicious bagel breakfast, do a natureinspired craft, and participate in agelimited free spaces are available. For more information, a complete schedule appropriate Shabbat blessings, songs, of Tot Shabbat events, or to make a resmovement, and a story with Temple Emanu-El Rabbi Brenner Glickman. ervation, please contact Rabbi Elaine Although Tot Shabbat is designed for families with children up to age 6, older kids are welcome. Tot Shabbat will continue monthly throughout the year, with events held at Temple Emanu-El as well as local venues such as Sarasota Children’s Garden and Hunsader Farms. Reservations are rec- Dad Chris and mom Tammy admired Alexandra Jefferson’s nature crown at last year’s Crowley Nature Center Tot Shabbat ommended for the Crow-

29A

Sponsored by

Rose Glickman at elaine-glickman@ comcast.net or 941.379.1997.

Temple Emanu-El Early Learning Center student Woody Bryant enjoyed last year’s Crowley Nature Center Tot Shabbat

Family involvement at TBSS TBS and TBSS welcome Robert Patsko

emple Beth Sholom Schools has expanded its programming for the new school year. Mom’s Morning Out is now offered on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Every mother deserves a morning out. Children thrive in a loving safe environment where they have many opportunities to develop social skills, explore and play while growing intellectually and emotionally. Families Get Fit will take place

We are excited about the start of Grandparents Club – not solely for grandparents who have grandchildren in the school, but for any grandparents who wish to get involved with educating and supporting our young people. Sue Rosin and Peggy Simon will serve as co-chairs for this club. Join us for an informational meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. in the Media Center in the Upper School. For more information about TBS Schools, please visit www.tbsschools. org or call 941.953.2027.

emple Beth Sholom and Temple Beth Sholom Schools are excited to announce Robert Patsko as its new Youth Group Director and teacher for the 2014-15 academic year. Robert is relocating from Philadelphia to serve in multiple capacities. He has a master’s degree in Jewish Studies from Gratz College. He will teach Judaica, Hebrew and World Religions in the Day School and Paver Religious School. He will also lead holiday fam-

ily events, Tot Shabbat, Junior Congregation, and Day School Shabbat services collectively with Rabbi Werbow. Robert’s passion is music and he enjoys playing the guitar and piano. Robert likes to incorporate drama wherever possible to make Judaica come to life for an even more enriching experience. We welcome Robert and his wife, Emme, to our synagogue, schools and community!

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B A R / B AT M I T Z VA H S P E C I A L I S T

during this time so families can get a total body workout. Baby Play is also evolving. It is now offered on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Active, handson play is the best way for your baby to learn language and problem-solving skills and master social relationship. Play and music activities are an opportunity for parents to share a special uninterrupted time with their babies and develop lasting friendships with other parents who have babies the same age.

CORPORATE GROUP

CUSTOM SIGN IN BOARDS

member

FAMILY TheJewishFederation.org

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

join us UNDER S Join us for stor y time, ar ts and craf ts, and yummy fr uits of the ear th under the Sukkah at the Selby Children’s Garden.

All ages welcome! Register at www.jfedsrq.org

Interfaith PJ Library Sukkot Saturday, October 11th • 3-5 pm Questions? Contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org.

The PJ Library program supports families in their Jewish journey by sending Jewishrelated books and music on a monthly basis to children for free. Sponsored By:

Karp Family Foundation Follow us at facebook.com/pjlibraryofsarasota Visit the Federation website to sign up!

TheJewishFederation.org Questions?

Contact Jeremy Dictor 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org PJ Library is a program of The Jewish Federation Sarasota-Manatee that is sponsored by the Karp Family Foundation

KAH! K U

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October 2014

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Sinai celebrates summer camp and Israel

n today’s world, providing intensive Jewish educational experiences to Jewish youth has become a high priority. Synagogue supplementary schools lay a foundation and are able to build a local community, but research shows that off-site peer experiences have the greatest long-term impact. Temple Sinai recently celebrated the return of the temple’s summer campers and staff as well as its Is-

rael travelers at an uplifting Shabbat service. This past summer, Sinai had campers at URJ Camp Coleman, URJ Camp Kutz, Camp Judaea and as participants in The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Young Ambassadors Israel program. Youth were given all the honors during the service and several spoke about their experiences. Jack Bates, a first-year Coleman camper, spoke

Mackenzie Dyrda presents Rabbi Geoff Huntting a clay hamsa she made for the temple at Camp Coleman

about how much he loved camp and can’t wait to go back. Benjy Quale, who returned to Coleman after taking a break, shared how great it was to be at camp with his sister, Savi, on staff. Jamie Metzger, one of three Young Ambassadors from the temple, described how she connected to Israel and the “magnetic pull” she felt at the Western Wall. It takes a village to provide these

Jamie Metzger, Maia Zildjian and Julie Lichterman were fortunate to be part of the Young Ambassadors on the Federation-sponsored Israel trip

At summer’s end at Temple Sinai

kinds of camp and Israel experiences to youth today. The costs add up and parents often need financial help. Fortunately, grandparents, the temple’s generous scholarship fund, the Federation’s Camp Grant program, and the Foundation for Jewish Camping’s One Happy Camper program all help share the financial burden. The youth and their parents have expressed their deep appreciation for the support they received from the “village.”

Maya Gordon, Anna Labiner, Ben Labiner and Leo Hellawell attended Camp Judaea

“FOCUS ON YOUTH” PHOTOS OF THE MONTH

n Sunday, August 10, The ReA tub full of school supplies was collected and will be donated to the ligious School at Temple Sinai hosted a “Meet and Greet” at Sarasota Y School Link program. Menchie’s in the River Club Plaza, Lakewood Ranch. Frozen yogurt kept everyone feeling the “chill” as parents and children caught up with friends they hadn’t seen over the summer. Families looking for a synagogue experience had a chance to Ava Small, Sage Leinweber and Noah Leinweber check out the yogurt flavors and toppings talk with Rabbi Geoff Huntting, Chazzan Cliff Abramson and Sue Huntting, Religious School Director. There was lots of lively conversation about vacations, summer camps, and plans for the upcoming school year, including attending Temple Sinai’s mid-week Hebrew class in LakeRabbi Geoff Huntting and Chazzan Cliff Abramson wood Ranch.

Zoe Korman, Oliver Martineau, Chaya Steckel, Michal Mahadeo and Shua Bukiet with Head Counselor Ceita Morosow at Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch’s Camp Gan IZrael

Temple Emanu-El Religious School student Danielle Rudd displays Rosh Hashanah cards created for JFCS at the Summerfield Park Family Picnic. The event was sponsored by Temple Emanu-El and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch’s Camp Gan IZrael campers on bumper boats at Lowry Park Zoo

MASA ISRAEL TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP “... the trip of a lifetime.”

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

COMPLETE INFORMATION, ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS & APPLICATION:

www.jfedsrq.org

Questions? Contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

www.TheJewishFederation.org

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

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

31A LIFE CYCLE

October 2014

ANNIVERSARIES th

60 George & Marcia Bardos Temple Sinai 45th Dr. Marvin & Elyse Diamond Temple Sinai 40th Marvin & Kathryn Kaplan Temple Sinai 30th Nina Levitt & John Hockenberry Temple Emanu-El 25th Sidney & Marcia Rutberg Temple Sinai

15 Ned & Meghan Davis Temple Sinai 15th Jack & Dorothy Nesbitt Temple Sinai 15th Dr. Alec & Dana Rubin Temple Emanu-El 15th Stan & Karen Weinstein Temple Sinai

October 2014

Sarasota-Manatee Chevra Kadisha

31A

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

TAHARA admin 941.224.0778 men 941.377.4647

BAR MITZVAH Alana Schreibman, daughter of Dr. Tanya and Dr. David Schreibman, October 11, Temple Emanu-El Emma Katz, daughter of Rabbi Jonathan and Marty Katz, October 18, the ceremony will be at Temple Beth Israel; Emma attends religious school and is a member of Temple Emanu-El Alex Moyle, son of Lauren and Brian Moyle, October 25, Temple Emanu-El

women 941.921.4740 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237

Gerry Ronkin

Jewish Family Coordinator Office

941-955-4171 cell

IN MEMORIAM

Howard Blankman, 85, of Venice, formerly of Baltimore, MD, Aug. 26 Dorothy Gipstein, 100, of Longmeadow, MA, formerly of Sarasota, Aug. 9 David K. Kahn, 75, of Lakewood Ranch, Aug. 7 Herbert Kramer, 93, of Sarasota, Aug. 23, Daniel H. Levy, 71, Sarasota, formerly of New York, NY, Aug. 3 Panni J. Maslow, 99, of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Chicago, IL, Aug. 11 Leonard Martin Mazur, 68, of Longboat Key, formerly of Baltimore, MD, Aug. 18 Ted “Tibi” Newman, 99, of Sarasota, Aug. 8 Bert Rosen, 88, of Sarasota, formerly of Bronx, NY, Aug. 11 Leatrice D. Samuels, 86, of Venice, formerly of Long Island, NY, Aug. 10 Jeanette Schep, 96, of Sarasota, Aug. 19

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

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Temple Beth Sholom CEMETERY serving the Sarasota/Manatee Jewish Community since 1932

GARDEN OF ABRAHAM SKYWAY MEMORIAL GARDENS BURIAL PLOTS AVAILABLE BELOW CEMETERY RATES

CALL TBE AT 941-755-4900 FOR MORE INFORMATION

For information on purchasing grave sites contact: Ben Berman

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or Helene Kaufman

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Temple Beth Sholom

941-955-8121

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• Our online form makes it easy. • Support a worthwhile cause. • Receive tax benefits.

Please submit your life Tracey Beale General Manager/ Pre-Need Specialist cycle events (births, B’nai Tracey Beale Mitzvah, anniversaries) toGeneral Manager/ Pre-Need Specia jewishnews18@gmail.com. Photos are appreciated; email as JPGs at 300dpi. How Far can a DoLLar go TowarD making a DiFFerence in THe Lives oF women & cHiLDren? LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.

Visit TheJewishFederation.org

SHA LOM BA BY Families who are expecting or have recently celebrated the arrival of a baby can receive a Complimentary Gift Basket, which includes special baby items and a helpful resource guide for our Jewish community.

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. 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.

YOU wILL BE pART Of THE pROCEss. YOUR VOICE wILL BE HEARD.

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To become a member or for questions: Contact Ilene Fox at 941.343.2111 or ifox@jfedsrq.org TheJewishFederation.org

32A

October 2014

*Sep 25–26 *Oct 4 *Oct 9–15 Oct 11 *Oct 16 *Oct 17 Nov 3 Nov 16 Dec 2 *Dec 16–24 Dec 31 Jan 22 Jan 24–25 Jan 28 Feb 9 Feb 16–27 *Mar 5 Mar 8–16 Mar 16-25 Mar 19 *Apr 4–11

Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Sukkot PJ Library Interfaith Sukkot at Selby Gardens Shemini Atzeret Simchat Torah Israel Advocacy Lecture featuring Gil Hoffman Annual Meeting featuring David Lieberman and his Klezmer Band Women’s Day featuring Camryn Manheim Hanukkah Silent Disco at Louies Modern Roof Top Holocaust Film: Hannah Arendt S.T.E.P. Teen Community Lock-In People of the Book featuring Jeffrey Tambor Israel Advocacy Lecture featuring Nathan Miller Taste of Israel in partnership with USF Purim Jewish Film Festival Shonim B’Yachad: Celebrating Israel’s Diversity Mission Women’s Passover Celebration featuring Rahel Musleah Passover *All holidays begin at sundown the evening before.

I HE N A

BO R

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Get complete information and purchase tickets as they become available:

www.jfedsrq.org

HOFFMAN

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CAMRYN M

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Celebrating Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Israel and the World FEDERATION NEWS

Serving our community since 1971!

Published by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee www.jfedsrq.org

October 2014 - Tishrei/Cheshvan 5775

Volume 44, Number 10

Jewish Happenings WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2

A Touch of Talmud: History, Methodology and Genius

The Awesome Days of Awe

Learn about the Talmud and the importance of Talmudic thought and direction as Rabbinic Judaism evolved over 2,500 years. The class will take place on eight Wednesdays from October 1 through November 19 from 1:00 to 2:20 p.m. at Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Avenue, Sarasota. It will be taught by Marden Paru, dean and co-founder of the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva. He earned an MA at University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration and was a doctoral fellow and faculty member at Brandeis University. Cost: $75 paid to Lifelong Learning Academy. Register online at www.LLA-SM.org or call Lifelong Learning Academy at 941.359.4296.

Before Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, we are given a 10-day period of reflection and introspection in which to scrutinize ourselves towards the end of polishing our souls one last time before Judgment Day, so that we can shine our inner lights every day in the coming year. This time of sanctification is a truly awesome contribution to humanity in search of goodness and kindness, needed more now than perhaps ever before. Join us at 2:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Burns Square, Sarasota. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Embracing Our Differences The Temple Beth Sholom Sisterhood has invited Sarah Wertheimer, Associate Executive Director of Embracing Our Differences, who will speak about the many ways this organization exemplifies our Judaic heritage’s commitment to tikkun olam. Everyone is welcome at 7:00 p.m. in the Temple Beth Sholom Multi-Purpose Room, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Light refreshments will be served. No cost, but RSVP to Hannah Puckhaber at 941.377.8668 or hjpuck@comcast.net. Please bring kosher canned goods for the JFCS Food Bank.

Sarasota Jewish Chorale rehearsals The Sarasota Jewish Chorale rehearsal dates for the month are Thursdays, October 2, 23 and 30 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Rehearsals take place at Hecht School, 580 McIntosh Road, courtesy of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Join us to sing our spirited and inspirational music. We welcome singers of all faiths and all voice parts. Call co-manager Susan Skovronek at 941.355.8011 for more information, and call Phyllis Lipshutz at 941.924.6717 for booking dates.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5

“When Your Life Is On Fire, What Would You Save?” What would you save if your house was on fire and it contained not only everything you own, but everything you are? As we’ll learn from Alan Alda, Jane Pauley and Fred Newman, the question provokes unique responses, and forces us to delve deeply into our personal lives, work and faith. Erik Kolbell, psychotherapist and pastor, and author of the book of the same title, asks the questions and helps us all to consider what it is that we value most in life. The event begins at 8:15 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Cost: $5 (free for TBI members). For more information, visit www.tbi-lbk.org or contact the TBI office at info@tbi-lbk.org or 941.383.3428.

Sukkah construction at Temple Beth Sholom Everyone is invited to join the Men’s Club of Temple Beth Sholom (1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota) at 9:00 a.m. in raising the sukkah for 5775! No experience necessary to participate in this commandment. Teens can earn community service hours or scholar dollars for their help in construction and decorating. There is no cost. For more information about the sukkah, please contact Gerry Ronkin at gronkin@templebethsholomfl.org or 941.955.8121.

Volunteer Teachers N E E D E D

olunteer Teachers are needed for our second year of free ESOL classes (English to Speakers of Other Languages) at the Hecht Building on The Jewish Federation campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Classes will begin Oct. 6th, 2014 and finish in May 2015 with a month break over the holidays. Teachers are needed for all classes. Textbooks will be provided. Classes are in English only.

• Mondays 6–7:45 pm – Basic English class & Advanced English class • Wednesdays 6–7:45 pm – Basic English class & Advanced English class

Free & Open to the Public

Annual Rally

Humanity Working

to End Genocide

With Guest Speaker Nadja Halilbegovich

• Thursdays 10–11:30 am – Conversational English

A Childhood Shattered by War

CLASSES START

October 6th 2014 Please contact Jeremy Lisitza for information at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org

Nadja Halilbegovich, referred to as the “Bosnian Ann Frank”

• • •

Survived the Bosnian War and escaped to the US at 16 Brought her message of peace to over a million people Featured in the book Architects of Peace alongside Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama

Sunday, October 5th 3:00

Hospitality Begins at 2:30

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

941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

Incarnation Church 2929 Bee Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL Information: Call Bernie 941-351-8341

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

October 2014 MONDAY, OCTOBER 6

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8

Torah Tots

Temple Emanu-El “Lunch with the Rabbi”

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

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 at noon at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Attendees are asked to bring a brown-bag lunch and are also welcome to bring a newspaper article for discussion. Homemade dessert and terrific company are provided – and in honor of Sukkot, we’ll provide a lulav and etrog as well! For more information, call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 Great Musical Jews: Eddie Cantor An incomparable star of television, radio, movies and recordings, Eddie Cantor was inordinately talented and philanthropic, despite his early life as an orphan by age 2. He began the first March of Dimes campaign on his own radio show, asking his audience to mail a dime to polio victim, President Franklin Roosevelt. Other entertainers joined in the appeal, and the White House mail room was deluged with 2,680,000 dimes! Join us at 2:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Burns Square, Sarasota. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Sarasota Jewish Singles Sponsored by Temple Beth Israel, Jewish singles of all ages are invited to attend a dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Barnacle Bill’s, 5050 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Meet new people and offer up ideas for future events and outings. Cost: whatever you order off the regular menu (individual checks). For more information or to make a reservation, please call or text Rosalyn Fleischer at 941.915.6631.

Yom Kippur_SarasotaJwNews 5x5 8/26/14 8:26 AM Page 1

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P L A T T E R

$14.99 Your choice of any combination of fish:

This year, let TooJay’s do the holiday preparation. Bring family and friends and break the fast with us, or take out our deluxe smoked fish platter to celebrate in the comfort of your own home. Either way, it will be a meal worth waiting for!

SLICED NOVA SMOKED WHITEFISH BAKED SALMON WHITEFISH SALAD Also includes: BAGELS

Sarasota Westfield Southgate (941) 362-3692 Tampa Baystreet at International Plaza (813) 348-4101 www.toojays.com

Salads in the Sukkah Fulfill the mitzvah of eating in the sukkah and savor the spirit of Sukkot at Chabad of Sarasota’s Salads in the Sukkah event, held on the first eve of Sukkot following the 7:30 p.m. service. During the service a Sukkot-themed children’s program will be held. All are welcome at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Although there is no cost, advance reservations are requested. For reservations, call the Chabad office at 941.925.0770.

Wesley K. Clark: “Don’t Wait For the Next War” Can America have a real national strategy and move forward without the focus of war? Retired four-star general Wesley K. Clark identifies a new unifying national strategy. The event begins at 8:15 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Cost: $5 (free for TBI members). For more information, visit www. tbi-lbk.org or contact the TBI office at info@tbi-lbk.org or 941.383.3428.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 Tot Shabbat Join us for a Tot Shabbat Service at 5:30 p.m. followed by a Super Supper at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. Please call Laura Freedman, Director of Early Childhood Education, at 941.926.9462 for menu, cost and reservations.

Sukkot dinner at TBS Celebrate Sukkot with a kosher buffet-style dairy dinner catered by Michael’s On East at 5:45 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom (1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota) before the 7:00 p.m. evening services. The cost for dinner is $20 for members and $15 per child. Prepaid reservations are required by Monday, October 6. They can be made on the templebethsholomfl.org website or by calling 941.955.8121.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 Interfaith family Sukkot celebration Sponsored by

Join us at 3:00 p.m. for a family Sukkot celebration at Selby Gardens, 811 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. Snacks and crafts for the kids, and fun for the whole family. Free. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.343.2106 or jdictor@ jfedsrq.org. You can also register at www.jfedsrq.org.

CREAM CHEESE AND ALL ACCOMPANIMENTS

CLUBFED A

S E N IO R

C H AVU RAH

E C T U R E Presented by Dr. Steven Derfler

“REDISCOVERING ANCIENT ISRAEL TODAY— Excavating Ancient Moladah of the Bible”

Wednesday, November 19, 2014 10am -11:30am

To be held at: The Jewish FederaTion 580 McIntosh Road • Sarasota, FL

This is a FREE event. Please register at jfedsrq.org.

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

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

Bridge... Anyone?

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. For more information, call Bob Satnick at 941.538.3739

Thursdays / 12pm to 4ish Jerusalem Room, Federation Campus (582 McIntosh Road) $5 pie.

Friendly but serious game!

Contact Marilyn Oslander 941.951.2029 marasota@yahoo.com

Seasoned

JEWISH HAPPENINGS 3B October 2014 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood Speakers Program The Brotherhood of Temple Emanu-El is pleased to announce that Ron McCarty, curator for the Ca d’Zan mansion at the Ringling Museum, will make a presentation of the museum’s magnificent art and fascinating history. This program will feature the life and times of John Ringling, the great circus impresario and art connoisseur, and his extraordinary impact on Sarasota. A deluxe bagel breakfast will precede the presentation. All are invited to this event that begins at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $10. For more information, please contact Don Malawsky at 941.359.2890 or dmalawsky@msn.com.

October 2014

Jewish Family & Children's Service is pleased to present the 10th AnnuAl GrAce rosen MAGill lecture JUDY & BOB VIGDER, CO-CHAIRS

SPIRITUAL HEALING and

american Jews Featuring

Dr. ellen M. uMAnsky

Temple Sinai Men’s Club Day

Monday, November 10, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.

Join the Men’s Club to see the Tampa Bay Bucs as they play against the Baltimore Ravens. Tickets are either on the 30 yard line for $60 or on the 20 yard line for $50. Plan to meet in the Temple Sinai parking lot at 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge, Sarasota, at about 10:30 a.m. to carpool to Tampa. Open to all Temple Sinai members and their guests. For more details and to make your reservation, please contact Richard Brown at richard442@ gmail.com or 941.373.3898.

Lunch & Lecture

Sukkot barbeque at Temple Beth Sholom Shake your lulav! The community is invited to join the Temple Beth Sholom Men’s Club in our sukkah (1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota) at 12:30 p.m. for hot dogs, corn on the cob, drinks, games, face painting, and Israeli dancing. Vegetarian option available. The cost for lunch is $5 per person; maximum $20 per family. Prepaid reservations are required by Monday, October 6. They can be made on the templebethsholomfl.org website or by calling 941.955.8121.

Sushi in the Sukkah

The Francis 1289 N. Palm Avenue • Sarasota

Ticket: $45 • Patron Ticket: $136 Patron ticket includes book & preferred seating Reservations are required by Friday, October 31st

Event includes presentation to JFCS Award Recipients The Rabbi Sanford E. & Leah Saperstein Hope & Healing Award presented to shirley Fein

Join Chabad of Sarasota’s Men’s Club (Club 770) at 4:00 p.m. in the sukkah at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. You will enjoy delicious food, fulfill the mitzvah of eating in the sukkah, and reciting the blessing on the lulav and etrog. Children will enjoy an afternoon of rock climbing. All are welcome. Cost: $10 for Men’s Club members; $12 for nonmembers; $8 for children ages 5-10; free for students of the Weinstein Religious School. Advance reservations are required by calling 941.925.0770.

Cteen sukkah party Sponsored by

Cteen is a Jewish teen club that compacts exhilarating fun and meaningful projects into a program that’s thrilling and uniting. Cteen events happen at least monthly, but the moments last a lifetime. The impact is magnificent, the experience priceless. Join us at 4:00 p.m. at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail for a free party. The teen club is sponsored by a grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. For more information, please contact Chaya Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

Sukkot adventure with an American Ninja Warrior Join Chabad for everyone’s favorite heart-racing obstacle course competition featuring super athlete Sean Morris from American Ninja Warrior. This will be an interactive running, climbing, swinging, vaulting, jumping and rolling adventure! Enjoy a Sukkot BBQ, shake the lulav and etrog and lots more. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Admission is free! Donations appreciated. Sponsor this program for $250. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

The Sidney J. Berkowitz Building Community Award presented to the FrieDMAn FAMily

Please contact Monica Caldwell at 941-366-2224 ext. 142 mcaldwell@jfcs-cares.org EVENT SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSOR

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

Klezmer in the Sukkah Concert Join us at 5:00 p.m. at Chabad of Venice (2169 S. Tamiami Trail) for a Klezmer Festival with the Freylekh Band. Klezmer is a Hebrew word, a combination of the words “Kley” (vessel) and “zemer” (melody), that referred to musical instruments in ancient times. It became colloquially attached to Jewish folk musicians sometime in the Middle Ages. Enjoy a beautiful evening of music along with a BBQ, Simchas Beis Hashoeva, games, moon bounce, sukkah, and shake the lulav and etrog. Open to the whole community! Cost: $10; $100/sponsor; free for children under 12. For more information, contact Chaya Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

YIDDISH HEROES

16th Conference of the International Association of Yiddish Clubs 16 Conference of the International th

Association of Yiddish Clubs

November 14-17, 2014 Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center Boca Raton, FL, November 14-17, 2014

Presenters : Sarah Bunin Benor, Hasia Diner, Gennady Estraikh, Heidi Estrin, Refoyl Finkel, Riva Ginsburg, Ruth Glasberg Gold, Ruth Fisher Goodman, Frank Handler, Marlis Humphrey, Genia Kutner, Dvoyre Dorothy Marden, Caren Neile, Hilda Rubin, Maxine Schackman, Eddie Shraybman, Harold Ticktin, Iosif Vaisman, Leon Weissberg, Barney Zumoff, and others

Join your fellow Yiddish enthusiasts for an exciting weekend celebration of Yiddish language, culture and history.

Entertainers: Alejandra Czarny, Naomi Miller, Jane Peppler, Elizabeth Schwartz, Yale Strom

Scholarly presentations by prominent speakers in Yiddish and English  Scholarly Presentations by Prominent in Yiddish and English Live Yiddish entertainment Speakers entertainment, Klezmer music, folk dancing  Live Yiddish Entertainment, Klezmer Folk Dancing Music,Workshops and special programs  Workshops and Special Programs  Vendor Area: Judaica, Books, MusicJudaica, books, music Vendor area area:

Join your fellow Yiddish enthusiasts for an exciting weekend celebration of Yiddish language, culture, and history

Saturday: October 11, 2014 SHOP, SAVE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE! COME SEE THE NEW STORE IN THE MALL AT UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER SARASOTA Since 2006, Shop For A Cause has raised more than $48 Million for charities across the country. This is your opportunity to be part of the excitement and help your Jewish Federation!

$5 Saves You Big* 100% goes to your Federation. To purchase savings passes or for more info, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org. Coupon for $10 OFF purchase of $25 or more Chance to win $500 Macy’s Gift Card Music and Entertainment

Early registration deadline – July 31, 2014 For more information, contact: Genia Kutner, phone: 561-498-5961 Visit us online at: http://yiddishclubs.org, email: iayc2014@gmail.com

For more information: For more more information: information: Call 561-900-0434 713-723-1895 Call GeniaGoldstein Kutneror atat 561-498-5961 Call Barbara 713-723-1895 Email Email iayc2014@gmail.com Email iayc2014@gmail.com iayc2014@gmail.com Visit Visit www.yiddishclubs.org Visit www.yiddishclubs.org www.yiddishclubs.org

Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center, 5150 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33486

*Special savings offers valid only at Macy’s University Town Center. You will also be eligible to win a $500 gift card, no purchase necessary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. See shopping pass for details.

This Is Your Chance To Shop For YOUR Cause!

October 2014

JEWISH HAPPENINGS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 YAD Happy Hour Join fellow young Jewish adults for a drink to socialize and network with one another. This free event takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings, 5235 University Pkwy., University Park. For more information, please contact Len Steinberg at 941.552.6301 or lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org.

Mitzvah Knitting Group at Temple Emanu-El Are you a knitter or crocheter interested in using your talent to brighten the lives of others while making new friends? If so, please come to the Mitzvah Knitting Group sponsored by Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood. We gather monthly to craft and socialize, and our beautiful handiwork has been donated to local new parents as well as needy families in SarasotaManatee and in Israel. Bring your needles or crochet hook and a favorite pattern – we’ll supply the yarn and great company! This free event begins at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, call Judy Sauertieg at 941.349.5260.

“What You Don’t Know About Sukkot…”

NEW YEAR’S EVE ROOFTOP

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

•

Top floor of Palm Parking Garage 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota

TICKETS

Includes: Cash bar and cash food vendors, free party favor and champagne toast at midnight Early Bird: $60 (Sept. 15 - Oct 1) General Admission: $70 (Oct. 2 - Dec. 30 at noon) At Door: $80 (based on availability)

VIP

Multi-channel wireless headphones Two live DJs Incredible view of city & fireworks

Includes: VIP lounge with open bar, assorted hors d’oeuvres and free champagne toast at midnight Early Bird: $125 (Sept. 15 - Oct 1) General Admission: $150 (Oct. 2 - Dec. 30 at noon) At Door: $180 (based on availability)

Do you know how a lulav is made? Have you held and smelled the sweet aroma of a luscious etrog? Have you ever held an etrog box made of acacia wood? How and when do you shake the lulav and etrog? What are the traditional symbols and foods of Sukkot? Why will Sukkot be celebrated by all nations in Messianic Times? How do we know that? What makes Sukkot the most distinctive of every Jewish holiday? Join us at 11:00 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Burns Square, Sarasota. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 NCJW presents Elizabeth Melendez Fisher National Council of Jewish Women cordially invites you to an informative program on human trafficking. Elizabeth Melendez Fisher, CEO of Selah Freedom, will share the podium with Connie Rose, a survivor of human trafficking and Director of Survivor Programming and Leadership. Selah Freedom exists to confront sex trafficking and sexual exploitation through advocacy, training and restorative services. A film is also being planned in addition to a discussion about legislation to combat the problem. A dessert reception will follow the program, which begins at 1:00 p.m. on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required at the NCJW 24-hour hotline number, 941.342.1855.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 Soup, Salads & Simchat Torah No words can accurately describe this party. It is a celebration you must witness to believe. Joyous, energetic and cool are some of the terms we have heard being used but “be there” is the best description we can think of. Come horah with the Torah as we enjoy Hakafot, singing and dancing with the Torah at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. There will be Special Family Torah Dancing for children at 6:00 p.m. prior to the main festivities at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact Rabbi Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or info@chabadofvenice.com.

Third Grade Consecration and Simchat Torah at TBS All are welcome to participate in Simchat Torah and celebrate the Third Grade Consecration, where the Paver Religious School and Goldie Feldman Academy students of Temple Beth Sholom Schools are welcomed into their first year of formal religious study. This program will include the Simchat Torah religious service and live klezmer music. This free event is open to the community and begins at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. For more information, please contact the temple office at info@templebethsholomfl.org or 941.955.8121.

Simchat Torah Hakafot at Chabad SRQ Feel the joy of Simchat Torah! Chabad of Sarasota’s Simchat Torah celebration will include lots of fun for the kids, and joy for the adults. Dancing, L’chayim and a delectable Oneg will follow the 7:30 p.m. service at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. This annual celebration is free of charge and open to the entire community. For more information, call the Chabad office at 941.925.0770.

PURCHASE TICKETS AT WWW.JFEDSRQ.ORG

Sponsored by

Fifty Shades of “J” events provide opportunities for singles and couples to meet new and old friends. Join us at 6:00 p.m. at Snook Haven, 5000 East Venice Avenue, Venice. There will be a cash bar, live music and light snacks. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org. You can also register at www.jfedsrq.org.

JFCS Transitions Support Group Sponsored by

The death of a spouse, significant other or life partner is perhaps the most difficult experience that one can have. Once the initial intense period of grief has subsided, how do you recreate your life and go on? This group is an opportunity to be with others and stay connected socially. The group meets the third Tuesday of the month from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the JFCS Main Campus, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Funded in part through a grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. RSVP required to Beverly Mishkin, LCSW at 941.366.2224 x119 or bmishkin@jfcs-cares.org.

An eight-week heart-wrenching discussion class Fridays 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Starting October 24, 2014*

There is a new, eerie and ubiquitous condition which impacts the Jewish community: Israel vs. the World. Have you noticed it yet? Everywhere we turn, the media seem to be jumping down the throat of the Jewish State. Has the World truly turned against Israel? Is Israel, the David of the Middle East, really the new Goliath? Has the new antiSemitism so reared its ugly head that the tiny Jewish People has to once again worry about its safety and security around the globe? What are we to make of the outpouring of wrath against Jews where they now assemble: in synagogues, schools, pro-Israel rallies—especially on the recently-Islamized European continent? Join the thought-provoking discussion as the class explores and responds to various printed-media pieces published in recent months. Including all materials, the tuition fee is $50. Marden Paru will serve as moderator. *No class will be held on November 28 Classes are held on the Campus of the Jewish Federation, 580 McIntosh Rd. in Sarasota. To register or seek more information, please contact Marden Paru, Dean and Rosh Yeshiva; at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail.com. Please make checks payable to the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva and mail to Marden Paru, 2729 Goodwood Court, Sarasota, FL 34235. NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other schooladministered programs.

A commemoration The Jewish Federation and the Generation After Group invite you to commemorate Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass.

Torah & Tea Join Chanie Bukiet in her home for a weekly dose of delicious tea and refreshments spiced with thoughts on the weekly Torah portion and roundtable discussions. These free meetings take place on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. Sponsor a class in someone’s memory or honor for $25. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

Bat Mitzvah Discovery Course The course meets weekly on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. It prepares Jewish girls for their transition to young adulthood. The girls will study the 13 principles of faith, the meaning of a Bat Mitzvah, applicable women’s mitzvot, and the “Aishet Chayil.” This curriculum also includes art projects, challah baking and other exciting activities. A celebration and mikvah tour marks the end of the 14 weeks of study. Call Chanie Bukiet for course fees and additional information at 941.752.3030.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 JFCS Holocaust Survivors’ Havurah Sponsored by

All survivors are invited to attend these monthly gatherings of friendship, camaraderie and support. This month’s topic is My Personal Credo. Enjoy a light nosh and a lively discussion. The group meets from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Avenue, Sarasota. This is a multi-agency event sponsored by JFCS of the Suncoast, Inc., Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota Manatee and the Claims Conference of Germany. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jan Alston at 941.366.2224 x172 or jalston@jfcs-cares.org.

Balance and Fall Prevention “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” In case you didn’t know, falling is neither fun nor funny. Penelope Evensen, RN, Balance Movement Coordinator for the Friendship Centers, will present an eye-opening and thought-provoking talk on the vital aspect of balance in preventing falls. SaBra Chapter of Hadassah members, Associates and guests are welcome at 11:30 a.m. in the Zell Room on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Join us for a motivating program and light lunch. Space is limited. RSVP to Nancy Mizrahi at 941.923.1790 or nmizrahi2@gmail.com.

Great Humorous Jews - Their Lives & Times Dr. Allan B. Schwartz will discuss “FDR, the Holocaust and The Jewish Question.” Was FDR aware of the atrocities in Europe before and during World War II? Was there a U.S. Jewish Quota? Was FDR an antiSemite? What did FDR trade with Congress, Willkie, Lindbergh? Discuss FDR’s “Jewish Cabal.” What was the Morgenthau Plan? White House documents will be presented.

Special performance by The Sarasota Jewish Corale

Questions? Contact Orna Nissan, 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org

Sunday, November 9, 2014 7:30 pm • Federation Campus

Event is FREE – Registration is required.

www.jfedsrq.org

Gertrude Berg, better known as Molly Goldberg, starred in the hit comedy about the everyday life of a Jewish family. From New York City to a sugar plantation in Louisiana, Gertrude experienced Jewish life and wrote about it. While in her teens, she wrote dialogues about her father and grandfather, reciting them to guests at their hotel. Here Gertrude’s talents began to unfold until she wrote and starred in the hilarious and nostalgic television series, The Goldbergs. Join us at 2:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Burns Square, Sarasota. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Selah Freedom leader to address sex trafficking The Social Action Committee of Temple Emanu-El will host an important and compelling talk by Elizabeth M. Fisher, President and CEO of Selah Freedom. Selah Freedom is dedicated to confronting the issue of sex trafficking and exploitation through advocacy, training and restorative services. With a PowerPoint presentation and a question-and-answer session, Ms. Fisher will address the issue of sex trafficking in the State of Florida and right here in Sarasota-Manatee. Refreshments will precede the presentation. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, please contact Emily Tennenbaum at letenne@verizon.net.

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

JEWISH HAPPENINGS 7B October 2014 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 Greek Shabbat at Temple Emanu-El Temple Emanu-El invites the community to Greek Shabbat – the first of three “ethnic Shabbats” that will be celebrated this year. Greek Shabbat begins with a delicious and festive Shabbat dinner featuring traditional Greek foods, and continues with a Shabbat service influenced by Greek Jewish practices and liturgy as well as a sermon exploring the history and stories of Jews in Greece. All are welcome to this alpha Shabbat of the season at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost for dinner, service is free. For more information or reservations, please call Ethel Gross at 941.388.7899.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 “Where the Jewish and American Worlds Intersect”

October 2014

WAKE UP YOUR MIND AT PIERIAN SPRING ACADEMY

Enjoy FREE lectures by PSA’s distinguished faculty. 2:00 p.m. • Selby Public Library, 1331 First St. Open to the public at no charge. Free parking. Wed., OCt. 29

•

tue., NOV. 4

Claudia deschu

•

Art Kesten

•

Rapid Changes in Science and Technology. •

Spectacular Art in Gold.

MON., NOV 10 • Sam Roberts • Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather and Mike Wallace -- What Were They Really Like? tue., deC. 2

•

Cheryl Smith

•

A Tapestry Woven from the Threads of Our Lives.

Rabbi Michael Werbow is holding a Sunday morning class to discuss where our Jewish and American worlds intersect. The class starts at 9:00 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. There is no fee, but please preregister. Contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org for more information.

Registration is now open for PSA’s 2014-15 Lifelong Learning Courses. Visit: www.PSAsrq.org; e-mail: info@PSAsrq.org or call: 716-2471 to request a catalog.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 “Jewish Victories in History: The War of Independence” Immediately after declaring the first independent Jewish state in 2,000 years on May 14, 1948, Israel was invaded by five Arab nations bent upon its annihilation. Miraculously, the vastly-outnumbered Israeli army, comprised of Jewish pioneers, volunteers and Holocaust survivors, not only held back the Arab armies, but actually expanded Israel’s frontiers before the fighting ended. Relive this great Jewish victory of the Jewish state, which has not only endured, but flourished in the 66 years since independence. Join us at 11:00 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Burns Square, Sarasota. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher brunch included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Annualmeeting

Sunday, November 16, 2014 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Chair: Helen Glaser

Temple Sinai Men’s Club Join the Men’s Club for its monthly “Schmooze” at 12:30 p.m. at Matto Matto, 543 S. Pineapple Avenue in Burns Court. The cost is whatever you order off the menu; the talk is whatever you wish to discuss. For more information and reservations, contact Rich Goldman at richardjaygoldman@gmail.com, 941.552.9794 or 610.812.8630.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29

Mildred Sainer Pavilion at New College 5313 Bay Shore Rd • Sarasota, FL 34243

RSVP required: www.jfedsrq.org or Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232

“Lasting Words: Creating a Legacy in Our Later Years” Temple Emanu-El’s Adult Education Committee hosts a book talk and signing by author Claire Willis, a clinical social worker, lay Buddhist chaplain, and co-founder of Facing Cancer Together in Newton, Massachusetts. Willis’ new and groundbreaking book, Lasting Words, encourages readers to consider stories we want to tell, experiences we want to relate, and values we want to pass on to our children and grandchildren as we face life’s challenges and grapple with our own mortality. This free event begins at 1:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, please contact Beth Ann Salzman at 603.494.5852.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31

941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

invites you to our

4th annual

“Shabbat At Table” Join Congregation Ner Tamid for the tremendously successful Bradenton initiative “Shabbat At Table.” No charge. No chairs in rows. Just a beautiful blend of blessings and songs along with a potluck dairy dinner. Perfect after a long week of school or work. It’s a short, warm service at the family table that you won’t want to miss. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Lodge, 4802 B @6th St. W., Bradenton. For reservations, call Elaine at 941.755.1231. For more information or directions, visit www. nertamidflorida.org.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Gil Hoffman on “Peace, politics and projectiles” Sponsored by

Join us for an engaging lecture by Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post. Gil will present “Peace, politics and projectiles – An insider’s look at the war in Gaza and its aftermath.” This free event is open to the public and begins at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.jfedsrq. org or contact Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow@jfedsrq.org.

Advertise in The Jewish News and reach an established and powerful demographic of over 9,500 homes in Sarasota-Manatee. Call Robin Leonardi at 941.552.6307.

7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2014 Michael’s on East, 1212 SE Ave., Sarasota Sarasota Opera performs a variety of musical genres while guests enjoy a sumptuous dessert buffet. Proceeds benefit the Benevolent Care Program, helping residents who qualify, to stay in their homes at Kobernick-Anchin when their resources are depleted. Event Co-chairs Anne Garlington and Sally Yanowitz Tickets $125 each · Sponsorships available For tickets, sponsorships and other gifts, please contact Vice President of Development Mary Lee Richey, 941-377-0781, ext. 404 or mrichey@kobernickanchin.org

Premier Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Larry and Debbie Haspel Randy and Susan Mallitz

Thank you to all our event sponsors

October 2014

TickeTS ON Sale NOW! Call 941-953-3368 www.VanWezel.org

alviN ailey americaN daNce TheaTer OCT 1 Peter Frampton OCT 6 The Eve of Jackie: A Musical Tribute to Jackie Wilson OCT 16 Martina McBride: The Everlasting Tour OCT 17 Lyle Lovett & His Acoustic Group OCT 24 The Ultimate Doo-Wop Show OCT 26 An Evening With Bill Maher OCT 27 Shen Yun Orchestra NOV 1 The Capitol Steps NOV 5 Susan Boyle NOV 12 Phillip Phillips NOV 16 Wanda Sykes NOV 18 Evil Dead-The Musical NOV 19 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis NOV 20 Celtic Thunder Symphony Tour NOV 21 So You Think You Can Dance Season 11 Tour NOV 28 Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2014 NOV 29 Kenny Rogers Christmas with special guest Linda Davis NOV 30 Camelot DEC 3 Smokey Joe’s Café Featuring The Coasters DEC 4 The National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China Performing Cirque Peking DEC 10 Colors of Christmas Featuring Peabo Bryson, Jennifer Holliday, Taylor Dayne, Ruben Studdard DEC 11 Cincinnati Pops Orchestra:Holiday Pops with Brian Stokes Mitchell DEC 13 Diana Krall 2014 Wallflower Tour DEC 16 Bowzer’s Rock & Roll Holiday Party featuring Peter Noone & Herman’s Hermits DEC 21 A Christmas Carol DEC 27 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker DEC 28 Jungle Jack Hanna Into the Wild Live DEC 29 Shen Yun Performing Arts DEC 30 Guys and Dolls JAN 2 Vanessa Williams JAN 3 Salute to Vienna: New Year’s Concert 2015 JAN 4 Sister Act JAN 5 Menopause the Musical JAN 6 The Beach Boys JAN 8 St. Petersburg State Symphony JAN 9 Bill Engvall JAN 12 Foreigner JAN 18 The Bronx Wanderers JAN 21 Michael Bolton JAN 22 ABBA The Concert JAN 23 Kathleen Madigan JAN 24 Elvis Lives JAN 27 Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons JAN 28 Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. JAN 29 Ballroom with a Twist FEB 3 Golden Boys Starring Frankie Avalon, Fabian & Bobby Rydell FEB 4 Les Ballet Trockadero FEB 5 Neil Berg’s 106 Years of Broadway FEB 6 Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra FEB 7 The Piano Guys FEB 8 The Time Jumpers with Vince Gill FEB 9 Duke Ellington Orchestra FEB 11 Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra FEB 12 Peter and the Starcatcher FEB 14 Michael Feinstein FEB 16 Dancing Pros Live FEB 17 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater FEB 18 Discover Davinci & Michelangelo: “Side by Side” FEB 19 Garrison Keillor FEB 24 “The Piano Men:” Jim Witter MAR 2 Paul Anka MAR 3 Russian National Ballet: Gala Program MAR 5 Jekyll & Hyde MAR 09 Three Dog Night MAR 11–15 Jersey Boys (8 shows) MAR 16 Anything Goes MAR 18 The Manhattan Transfer MAR 21 Itzhak Perlman MAR 22 Audra McDonald MAR 24 Jackie Evancho MAR 26 Cesar Millan LIVE! APR 1–2 Flashdance (2 shows) APR 3 The Temptations and Four Tops APR 4 Memphis APR 9 Boz Scaggs APR 12 Johnny Mathis APR 17 Chris Botti APR 18 Chef Robert Irvine Live APR 19 Rigoletto APR 22 Roberta Flack APR 23 RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles APR 24 Celtic Woman APR 26 Kathy Griffin

941.953.3368 vanwezel.org

ShiNiNg STarS Of The 2014-2015 45 Th aNNiverSary SeaSON BUY 4 OR MORE VARIETY SHOWS AND SAVE UP TO

Bill maher

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BOX OFFICE: 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm; Sat 10 am-4 pm Open later & Sunday on show dates

MaTTISON’S BaySIdE aT THE VaN WEzEl Dine in the Grand Foyer before the show Call to reserve at 941.921.3400

GROup SalES: 941-955-7676 ext 2225 FOR aN appOINTMENT: Call 941-953-3368

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