2014 November 5775
INSIDE This Issue
2014 Scholarship Winners Announced
by Stephen Waldman, Chairman, Student Financial Aid Committee nce again, Touro is able to assist the children of its brothers with funding for their higher education endeavors. I am pleased to announce that ten young men and women were selected to share a total of $30,000 in educational financial aid. Three of the recipients received a $3,000 scholarship grant while seven others shared a total of $21,000 in interest-free loans from the Association’s Leo Greenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund. A total of ten applications for grants were received. This year’s recipients include two incoming freshmen and a graduate student. The 2014 grant recipients are:
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Centennial Update page 3
Touro Golf League and Tournament Results page 4
Steak Fry page 5
Trivia page 6
Helene Fischman, daughter of Burton Fischman of Mundelein, Illinois, is a Master’s Degree candidate at The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, where she is working toward her Master’s Degree in Fine Arts. Helene hopes to become a teacher at the university level.
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Rena Levin, daughter of Michael Levin of Cranston, Rhode Island, is also a freshman who is attending New York University in New York City. Rena is studying Liberal Arts. Rena has been very active in BBYO and plans to join Hillel.
Regular Touro members, their spouses and children, and children of deceased Touro members enrolled full time for the 2014-2015 academic year in an accredited institution of higher learning were eligible for the grants. Regular members, their children and children of deceased members similarly enrolled could apply for the interest-free loans. Since the fund was established in 1981, approximately a half million dollars has been distributed to students. All loans are interest-free and are not re-payable until six months after the student graduates or cease to be a full time student. To date, no loans have been defaulted. As Chairman of the committee, I would like to thank all the committee members for their hard work in making the loan and grant process happen.
Deli, Brownies and Volunteers
T Touro’s Involvement in the Community
Stephanie Greenberg, daughter of Jeffrey Greenberg of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is a freshman at the University of Rhode Island where she is studying Pharmacy. Stephanie is also interested in robotics and has volunteered in numerous capacities.
by Howard Wasser
he October monthly meeting had the usual great food. There was as much deli and dessert as one could eat. There were a lot of take-home cartons going home as well! Our guest speaker was Jeffrey Savit, President and CEO of the Jewish Alliance. He was very enthusiastic. Some of his previous professions were trust and estate attorney, geriatric social worker and baseball team owner. Jeffrey became a Touro brother at the recent continued on page 6 - Steak Fry Steak Fry. ~1~
(l to r) Brother Jeffrey Savit with Chairman Jed Brandes
Chairman's Chatter By Jed Brandes, Chairman of the Board
orientation (or i ən'tei ∫ən) an introduction, as to guide one in adjusting to new surroundings, employment, activity, or the like; the ascertainment of one’s true position, as in a novel situation, with respect to attitudes, judgments, etc. “I take great pleasure in presenting to you these new brothers whom I commend to your friendly care and brotherly love.” These words will be familiar to those who attend lodge meetings regularly. They come at the end of our initiation ceremony. What is the significance of these words? Recently, I had the pleasure of attending an Orientation Committee meeting. Three prospective initiates were introduced to Touro’s history, its procedures, benefits and mission. I was reminded of the simple truth that what most of us love about Touro is that it facilitates our desire to be social, to participate in the Jewish community, to feel like we belong. One of our prime directives has to be to ensure that every brother has the opportunity to realize these basic benefits of membership. For my part, as a transplanted New Yorker, my social interactions would be few and far between, if not for Touro. Luckily, years ago, Brother Steve Dinerman asked me to serve as his lodge’s treasurer, and I had the foresight to answer the call. Along the way, I befriended many of the brothers who served in the lodges and association as officers and board members. My circle of friends expanded further still when I joined Touro’s golf league. But it was not always that way. I was a non-active brother for three years before Steve called. Touro meant very little to me. I reaped none of the benefits of membership. It is my good fortune that a new direction presented itself. But how many of our brothers have had that same good fortune? Year in and year out, our Membership Committee struggles to retain brothers as members. True, our brothers can be more proactive. They can participate in our social activities or run for office. But for some, it is not so easy. They need a push. We take great effort to attract new members, orient them and initiate them. They are commended to our friendly care and brotherly love. Then what? Unfortunately, the answer has too often been “not much.” We should all do some soul searching. What do we do to make sure that our new brothers reap all the benefits of membership? So often, rather than reaching out for new friends, we fall back on those we already know. Think about who you sit with at lodge meetings. Is it always the same cast of characters? We should think about our own orientations. If orientation is ascertainment of one’s true position, then I think some of us may find that we are actually being antisocial! Touro is not about cliques. It is about breaking out of our ruts and embracing all our brothers. This would benefit all of us individually, and the association as a whole. As you can well imagine, this has been a subject of discussion on our Membership Committee. Retention of our membership is every bit as important as finding new brothers, and it is receiving the attention it deserves. We have identified some solutions. New initiates are now given blue name badges, to help distinguish them from our more seasoned brothers. They and their sponsors have a “Table of Honor” at our meetings. In this way, we hope to foster a sense of belonging and help you to identify them. Please take the time to introduce yourselves. If you think back to your own initiation, you were instructed as follows: “You have undertaken a most solemn obligation, an obligation to aid and to guard and to protect the property and character of all of your fellow members. By virtue of that obligation, every member of Touro Fraternal Association and their families are the object of your fraternal care.” Let’s act like we mean it. Bei mir bist du shayn! ~2~
Social Scene FALL 2014
by Barry Ackerman, Vice President, Harmony Lodge Hello brothers… Another fall season has arrived with many exciting Touro events planned. Our brothers on the Social Committee continue to explore new ideas and improve on the events that we offer. But, please tell us of any ideas you have, as your involvement is appreciated. Better yet, come to our monthly meeting, the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM. (All events are at Touro Hall, unless noted) Sunday, December 14 Touro’s Annual Hanukkah Party/ Touro-Jewish Voice Hanukkah Art/ Essay Contest Menu: Hotdogs, latkes, etc… Gifts for the kids Entertainment: Ollie the Clown Comedy/Magic Show Wednesday, December 17 Harmony Lodge meeting Menu: Spaghetti and meatballs Entertainment: Movie night, featuring Good Morning Vietnam Thursday, December 25 Chinese Dinner and a Movie Event NEW LOCATION: The Hong Kong Buffet 1776 Cranston Street, Cranston. Seating at 5:30 and 7:00 PM. Sunday, December 28 Bus Trip to Foxwoods Resort Casino Bus, $10 food voucher and $15 slots voucher. There is limited seating! Wednesday, January 21 Friendship Lodge meeting Trivia Night Wednesday, February 25 Harmony Lodge meeting Where: Lemongrass 1138 Post Road, Warwick
In Memoriam
President's Report
by Andy Liss, President, Harmony Lodge
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o start, I once again would like to thank all my Touro brothers for allowing me to serve as your lodge president. It is a true honor to work for you in this capacity. There are so many things to talk about, and I look forward to sharing my ideas with all my Touro brothers. You may notice something that I almost never use the term “members” when describing our brothers. There is a reason; Touro Fraternal is not a place, like a gym, it is a home to us. It is a place where we break bread, and share our stories with others. We confide in each other, and respect all equally without judgment. This is what a brotherhood is, in my eyes. I think we go out of our way to make sure that each and every one of us is physically, mentally, and even financially sound. Take a look at our sick and mortuary benefits, or our Sunshine Committee, paying a visit to those who are sick or shut in. Our Student Financial Aid Committee is there to help those who qualify for assistance, in paying for college for their immediate family. We also care for our neighbors, both local, nationally and internationally thru our Community Involvement and Welfare Committees. Then, there is my favorite subject, the food. Once a month, for 10 months a year, we share a meal together. Like any family, we talk, we may even have a discussion that may seem heated, but that is what happens in any family. In the end we all have the same mutual respect for each other. By the way, the food is damned good, too. Only the best is served to our family, because if it’s not up to standard, someone will hear about it. You may be saying to yourself, as you read this: “Yes, Touro is a great place.” So if this is how you feel, why are you not sharing Touro with other Jewish men that you know? We all know someone who we care about, a son, a brother, even a nephew who would greatly benefit from Touro. During my inauguration speech, I mentioned this, and I am so proud of what the Membership Committee is in the process of doing. I just have made it my personal mission, as it should be with each and every brother, to build our brotherhood. We all should help it not only maintain our current level of brothers, but actually increase it. For the next Open House, make a call to someone in your family who may enjoy Touro. The next time you go to temple, talk to someone you know about the benefits that Touro has to offer. As far as I’m concerned, every one of us is a sales representative for Touro Fraternal. Can you imagine? If each of us brought in one new brother, that would make our brotherhood over a thousand. The number is astonishing. The only problem, at that point, would be figuring where we would put all these new brothers! I think that’s a good problem to have, unless I am making the next batch of beef bourguignon. As always, for our next meeting, please bring a non-perishable kosher food item for the Goldie and Louis Chester Kosher Food Bank. It is a mitzvah to help those less fortunate than us. ~3~
RODNEY LOCKE Rodney Locke joined Touro November 7, 1979. He served on the board of directors for 33 years. In that time, Rodney chaired several committees including Budget & Finance, Ways & Means and Cemetery, and made meaningful contributions to most of the other committees, as well. His tireless work as Touro’s investment advisor was instrumental in building Touro’s portfolio, which now exceeds $10,000,000. Mostly, Rodney will be remembered as a staunch supporter of the association and its brothers. He was a true champion of Harmony, Friendship and Benevolence.
Touro Centennial Update
By Bruce Weisman, Chairman, Centennial Committee
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s the centennial year approaches (2017-18) your Touro board as well as the Centennial Committee has been working to plan out a year that will be sure to honor the past, present and future of the organization. In honor of the centennial, plans are in place to purchase $100,000 in Israeli bonds. The bonds are being purchased by the Investment Committee in annual installments, with the last bond to be purchased in 2017. The Centennial Committee has been meeting regularly and is currently working on several fronts which include: -A Touro Centennial Logo which will be used on all printed/ published material throughout the centennial year. The logo will be chosen by a subcommittee from the submissions made by Touro brothers during our contest held this past summer. The winner will receive a cash prize. Announcement of the winner will be made shortly. -A publication which will chronicle Touro’s history. -A Centennial Gala weekend, September 16 - 17, 2017 at the Crown Plaza in Warwick. It will kick off the Centennial year with food, and fabulous entertainment. -A time capsule which will be placed at Touro Hall. There are other fronts being worked on by the committee, which will involve Touro social events as well as community involvement, all to honor our centennial year. The committee is happy to announce that at our upcoming June dinner dance at the Crown Plaza, one Touro member will have the opportunity to win a “Gala Weekend Package.” It will include two tickets to the 2017 Gala, an overnight stay at the Crown Plaza and two tickets for the Sunday brunch. This package has a value of over $ 400.00. Watch for details in future announcements. If you are interested in being involved in the Centennial Committee please contact the Touro office (401-785-0066) and leave a message or via e-mail at info@tourofraternal.org.
Tournament winners (l to r) are: David Rappoport, Abe Strashnick, Alan Rappoport, Barry Rappoport, and Barry Forman
2nd Place tournament (l to r) Bob Silverman, Abe Strasnick, Jed Brandes and Rich Fain
Touro Golf League winners with Barry Shaw (center) are: (l)1st place B Division Alan Rappoport and (r) A Division Jeremy Steinberg
2014 Touro Golf Update By Abe Strasnick, Golf Committee Secretary
T Barry Shaw presents Jed Brandes with award for “Hole In One” he achieved during league play.
he sun just set on a very successful golf season for Touro’s golf league. We started on a wet cool day, September 27, at Crystal Lake. In between, we had great weather, not one rainy Tuesday compared to last year. This year we had the A players play from the white tees and the B players play from the silver tees, which made the B players very happy. Despite the weather, we had a great day at the year-end tournament for ALL Touro members -- good golf, good food and great prizes. We look forward to another great year in 2015.
Neal Arbor accepts award from Abe Strasnick for Closest to Pin No. 15.
2014 TOURO GOLF LEAGUE RESULTS 1st Place A division 1st Place B division 2nd Place A division 2nd Place B division Abe Strasnick presents 2nd place award to Howard Shaw for his play in the A Division
Jeremy Steinberg Alan Rappoport Howard Shaw Joel Cohen
2014 GOLF TOURNAMENT RESULTS 1st Place Team (Scramble) / 65 Barry Rappoport | David Rappoport Alan Rappoport | Barry Forman 2nd Place Team (Scramble) / 68 Abe Strashnick | Rich Fain | Jed Brandes | Bob Silverman Closest To The Pin / Hole No. 2 Jim Sinman Closest To The Pin / Hole No. 15 Neal Arbor
Joel Cohen accepts award from Abe Strasnick for 2nd place in league play in the B Division
We’re going back to Cranston CC in 2015 on Tuesday nights. Anyone interested in joining, please contact Barry Shaw or me via e-mail info@ tourofraternal.org or 401-785-0066. We welcome ALL, regardless of your golfing skills. We are out there to have fun and enjoy the company of our fellow Touro brothers.
Comedian Ace Aceto Tickles Touro’s Funny Bone at September 17 Lodge Meeting offering hamburgers, hot dogs and featuring the humor of local comedian Ace Aceto. ~4~
Jim Sinman accepts award from Abe Strasnick for Closest to Pin
Steak Fry Features March of the Living Recipients
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(l to r) March of the Living recipients Benjamin Harpel and Julie Penn.
by Howard Wasser
nce again, there was a full house for the annual Steak Fry which was held on June 25. Traditionally this event is one of our best attended meeting. If we were allowed to have SRO, we’d have that too. The steaks tasted great and were plentiful. Kudos to our top notch grill team! The April Open House had proved to be a huge success. As a result, ten new brothers were initiated in June – so many, there was barely enough room around the altar. Three new candidates were voted in and there was one new application. The word’s getting out about all that Touro has to offer! After the business meeting and the meal, we listened to and watched a presentation about the recent March of the Living. Our Community Involvement Committee sponsors these trips for Jewish students, particularly the children and grandchildren of Touro brothers. Many of the students have reported that the trip is life changing, providing an up close opportunity to witness the horror of the Holocaust. It is an experience that you cannot get from a history textbook. This year’s presenters were Julie Penn, daughter of brother Michael Penn and Benjamin Harpel, son of brother Jeff Harpel and the grandson of Brother David Brandt. They did an excellent job conveying stories about their trip and emotions which they experienced during their visit to the Polish concentration camps and thereafter, to Israel.
Music Trivia Contest at Fall’s Game Night By Lester Nathan
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ouro continues to reward its music listeners, especially those with eclectic tastes in rock and pop music. Taking a cue from the theme of January’s lodge meeting, Family Game Night featured a “Name That Tune” competition. Held on October 18th, Steve Labush served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Team size was larger than at our lodge meetings, as participants formed teams by full table. The contest had four sections. Section One challenged teams to name the titles of 40 songs; Section Two involved finishing the lyrics of five songs; Section Three featured five songs whose band name was either an animal, bird, bug or fish; and Section Four asked teams to name both the song and movie/show from which it came for five more songs.
First Place Team
The winning teams were:
FIRST PLACE:
The Gertsacovs (Marc, Susan, Anna, Jackson & Harrison), The Labushs (Rhonda & Jenna) and Stuart Solup
Second Place Team
SECOND PLACE:
The Berkowitizes (Ari, Bram, Gary & Dustin), The Golditches (Jason & Ethan) and The Ackermans (Barry & Mia)
THIRD PLACE:
The Schiffs (Barry & Pam), The Davises (Jeff & Cindy) and The Guarinos (Max, Lisa, Emily and Amanda) Thanks to Mike Levin and his crew for preparing the refreshments, which included hot dogs, latkes and knishes. Even those of us who did not know all the tunes went home well fed! ~5~
Third Place Team
Giving Back to the Community, Year After Year
by Andy Lamchick, Chairman, Community Involvement am once again honored to be the Chairman Following our October lodge meeting (see article page 1) we of the Community Involvement made a donation of $1,800 to the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI Committee. It is so fulfilling for the for their program “Living on the Edge." This is a community committee members to be able to help so based partnership that has been created to assist the nearly 50% many needy Southern New Englanders on of Jewish Southern New England families that are on the brink Touro’s behalf. Our committee works hard of financial disaster. to maximize our allotted budget so that it helps the most people We are also pleased to announce the return of the Jewish Voice/ possible. Touro Fraternal Association Hanukkah coloring/essay contest At our July meeting, we were approached by several for 2014. Once again, Touro’s Community Involvement and organizations for funding, including the Jewish Seniors Agency. Membership committees are cosponsoring this holiday contest They had requested $500 for the “To Life Center”, a kosher adult through The Jewish Voice. Students in local religious schools day care center that provides recreational and social therapy for and temples will have the opportunity to enter this contest to Jewish seniors. The committee unanimously approved the request. win cash prizes in two categories. The temple or religious school We also received notification from Jewish Family Service that they represent will also receive a generous prize. Winners will be they were celebrating their 85th anniversary in November, with a announced at Touro’s Annual Hanukkah party on December 14th. brunch event and commemorative program booklet. As partners Finally, I would like to personally thank Brother Andy Liss, with Jewish Family Service for many years, the committee felt that who has been spearheading our quarterly cooking sessions at we wanted to show our support to this very worthy organization. Ronald McDonald House. Andy and his team prepare wonderful In addition, we investigated to see if our donation could be applied meals for the temporary residents of Ronald McDonald House, to some of the programs that we have supported in the past. We while their children are fighting their own battles at the hospitals were pleased to find that our donation could be applied to their across the street. Ronald McDonald House provides a warm, heating assistance program, which provides heating oil to needy caring atmosphere for these families, when they need it most. Jewish families in our area. The committee voted to donate Touro does what it can by preparing delicious home-cooked meals $1,000 to support this milestone, which included four tickets to as often as possible. It all comes down to giving back! the celebratory brunch and a half page ad in the program.
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Steak Fry - continued from page 1
The main reason for Jeff ’s visit was to discuss the "Living on the Edge" initiative for the poor in the RI Jewish community. A study, done by Brandeis University for the Alliance, determined how many in RI’s Jewish population is near, or close to the poverty level. Brandeis did their research with rabbis and local Jewish people. Surprisingly, about 50% of the Jewish population is in an economically vulnerable or worse condition. 2% are below poverty level, 18% are near poverty and 30% are vulnerable (meaning they are one economic setback away from not being able to meet needs). To Touro, this means that help is needed. Touro looks to partner with the Alliance by providing volunteers to help where needed. If you can swing a hammer, go to the drug store, get groceries or drive the elderly to a doctor appointment, we want to hear from you! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Touro at info@ tourofraternal.org or the Community Involvement Committee chaired by Andy Lamchick. Any help would be appreciated!
Touro Welcomes New Brothers At the August 13 board meeting Touro welcomed new brother Matthew DeQuattro (no photo available).
On October 22, Touro welcomed (l to r) Joshua Miller, Jake Dwares, Rabbi Raphie Schochet and Earl Vanderhoff.
During the May 21 meeting Touro welcomed brother Daniel Brandes. ~6~
Touro welcomed brother Michael Pompili at October 22 meeting.
At Touro’s annual Steak Fry, June 25, we welcomed brothers (l to r) Herschel Huber, Andrew Schiff, Lowell Lisker, Everet Kartun, Jeffrey Savit, Gary Engelson, Barry Marshall, Joel Bielawski,Sam Marshall and Adam Card
NEWPORT PLAYHOUSE
Summer FISHING TRIP Summer VENUS DE MILO
TWIN RIVER
TOURO A T T HE TOURO AT THE PAWSOX ~7~
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Providence, RI Permit #719
P.O. BOX 3562 CRANSTON, RI 02910
UPCOMING TOURO EVENTS:
December 25 Chinese Dinner and a Movie New Location! The Hong Kong Buffet
December 28 Bus Trip to Foxwoods Casino
Visit Touro at www.tourofraternal.org or scan the QR code.
Join us on Sunday
December 14
2 0 1 4 NOVEMBER 5 7 7 5 Bruce Weisman, Editor Columnists: Jed Brandes Howard Custis Norman Dinerman Max Guarino Andrew Lamchick Lester Nathan Arthur Poulten Barry Jay Schiff Howard Wasser Staff Photographers: Brett Boissvert Jeffrey Davis Edward Deluty Stevan Labush Touro Fraternal Association 45 Rolfe Square, P.O. Box 3562, Cranston, RI 02910 Phone: 401-785-0066 Fax: 401-941-8781 E-Mail: info@tourofraternal.org Website: www.tourofraternal.org
HARMONY LODGE Marc Gertsacov, President Barry Ackerman, Vice President Andrew Shuster, Secretary Lester Nathan, Treasurer Max Dinerman, Inside Guard
TOURO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014-2015 Jed Brandes, Chairman Alan Lury, Vice Chairman Steven Waldman, Treasurer Marc Gertsacov, Secretary Judah Rosen, Chaplain Barry Shaw, Inside Guard Robert Miller, Chairman Emeritus Arthur Poulten, Chairman Emeritus Nathan Lury Jed Brandes Robert Miller Jeffrey Davis Arthur Poulten Norman Dinerman Ried Redlich Andrew Gilstein Barry Schiff Adam Halpern Barry Shaw Stevan Labush Michael Smith Andrew Lamchick Steven Waldman Andrew Liss Bruce Weisman Alan Lury Steven White
for Touro's Annual
Hanukkah Party featuring
FRIENDSHIP LODGE Andrew Liss, President Max Guarino, Vice President Richard Cohen, Secretary Michael Levin, Treasurer Ried Redlich, Faithful Guide
HARMONY • FRIENDSHIP • BENEVOLENCE ~8~
Magic • Games • Gifts Hot Dogs • Latkes and more! Announcing the Touro-Jewish Voice
Art/Essay Contest Winners! For more info watch your mail or visit: www.tourofraternal.org