Spring 2015 by Touro Fraternal Association

2015 March 5775

INSIDE This Issue

2015 Student Financial Aid Update by Steven Waldman, Chairman, Student Financial Aid Committee

Burt Fischman Awarded page 3

he Touro Board of Directors has budgeted $45,000 for the Student Financial Aid Committee for the 2015 fiscal year. Three grants of three thousand dollars each are eligible to be awarded. The remaining $36,000 will be dispersed in the form of interest-free loans of up to $3,000 each. Regular Touro members, their spouses and children, and children of deceased regular Touro members may apply for grants. Previous grant winners are not eligible for additional grants. Regular Touro members, their spouses and children, and children of deceased regular Touro members are eligible for interest-free loans. Each Touro member may receive up to $12,000 in interestfree loans over their academic career. Applications are available now by written request (snail mail or email to info@tourofraternal.org). Please make sure to fill out all applications accurately and completely.

Judge Licht Warms Up a Cold Evening Meatloaf and Trivia page 4

Shannon Hegy page 4

Hanukkah Contest page 5

Community Involvement page 6

by Lester Nathan

ur winter lodge meeting, hosted by Harmony Lodge and held on February 25, moved to a new venue – the Lemongrass Restaurant in Warwick. 72 Touro brothers came out on a chilly evening for a round (or two) through the Chinese buffet line. The evening’s guest speaker was the Honorable Richard Licht, a justice on RI’s Superior Court since 2014. A member of one of RI’s more recognizable political families, he had previously served as director of the Department of Administration in the Chafee administration. He enjoyed that position, he said, because it gave him the opportunity to improve people’s lives. Justice Licht’s career path has been similar to his late uncle’s, Gov. Frank Licht; he started as a lawyer, was elected a state senator, then elected lieutenant governor and eventually was appointed to the Superior Court. He has also served as chair of the Board of Governors for Higher Education. It’s no surprise that Uncle Frank served as his mentor and passed along several important lessons, which Judge Licht shared with us: • Don’t make it personal. Yesterday’s political enemy may one day become your friend. • If they don’t respect you, don’t come back. • Some issues don’t go away. They return later on. • Public service is a noble profession. The rewards can’t always be measured and they mean more. During the Q & A, a wide-ranging number of topics were covered, including former Governor Chaffee’s relationship to the public, the proposed new ballpark for the PawSox, whether judges should be appointed or elected, legalization of marijuana and taxation of pensions and Social Security. The most illuminating question revolved around RI’s future economic growth. The judge said the number one issue is the educational system’s failure to supply enough qualified workers for local employers. While the government can’t be “all things to all people,” this is one area which requires more resources and attention and will take some time. ~1~

Social Scene

Chairman's Chatter Chairman’s Chatter

SPRING 2015

By Jed Brandes, Chairman of the Board

By Barry Ackerman, Vice President, Harmony Lodge

By Jed R. Brandes

Investment (In ˈvɛst mənt): a devoting, using or giving of time, talent, emotional energy, etc., as for a purpose or to achieve something

Touro brothers, all have a monetary investmentAtinthethe As Touros brothers, we all have we a monetary investment in the association. most basic level, we have allAtpaid maintain our membership. The dues dues we association. theannual most dues basictolevel, we have all paid annual to pay are a drop in the bucket compared to the social benefits we gain. We also shell out maintain our membership. The dues we pay are a drop in the bucketa few shekels when we elect to participate in some of Touro’s social events. When we spend compared social benefits we gain. We also shell out $50 a few when $15 in July to forthe a PawSox game, dinner and fireworks, or even forshekels a catered dinner we elect to participate some of Touro’s events. When spend $15 dance, mingling with ourin best friends and theirsocial significant others, thewe cost is small compared value received. It is quite to see that the return in July fortoathe PawSox game, dinner andeasy fireworks, or even $50 on forthese a catered investments is substantial. But the definition of Investment noted above focuses on a dinner dance, mingling with our best friends and their significant others, more esoteric pursuit. It is an action that anticipates a less tangible reward: personal the cost is small compared to the value received. It is quite easy to see that satisfaction.

the return on these investments is substantial. However, the definition of What do we hope to gain as Touro brothers? I think our association’s Investment, noted above, focuses on a more esoteric pursuit. It brochure is an action summarizes our sought goalsreward: quite ably: “Since satisfaction. its founding in 1917, Touro that anticipates a less after tangible personal Association has offered Jewish men a sense of fraternalism, a sense of Fraternal What do we hope to gain as Touro brothers? I think our association’s community and a sense of belonging.” We can distill this a bit further. We fraternize by brochure our“create sought-after ably:We “Since its founding developingsummarizes friendships that bonds togoals last aquite lifetime.” are communal through in Touro Fraternal Association offeredbecause Jewishwe men sensea of our1917, ongoing commitment to Tzedakah. Andhas we belong havea found way to come together aregularly, Jews. fraternalism, sense of as community and a sense of belonging.” We can distill this a bit further. We fraternize by developing friendships that “create bonds Is that enough? Are you maximizing your return on your investment? We can all say to a lifetime.” We are communal through our ongoing commitment thatlast we’ve made friendships at Touro. Our ranks currently stand at 550 brothers. toHow Tzedakah and we know? belongWouldn’t because your we have foundataTouro way to comesatisfying togetherif you many do you really experience be more really knewasmore? regularly, Jews. As brothers, we all take pride in our association’s charitable ways. wouldn’t you gainAre fulfillment by rolling up yourreturn sleeveson andyour helping us to serve a But, Is that enough? you maximizing your investment? dinner at Ronald McDonald House? These types of greater rewards are available to all We can all say that we’ve made friendships at Touro. Our ranks currently our brothers. All it takes is a little more time, effort and devotion. stand at 550 brothers. How many do you really know? Wouldn’t your experience at Touro be more satisfying if you really knew brothers, Those brothers who have attended lodge meetings regularly in more? the pastAs two years have, no doubt, meinencourage new initiates to embrace theBut, association. we all takeheard pride our association’s charitable ways. wouldn’tThe youmessage gain is equally important for our more seasoned brothers. Attending lodge meetings and social fulfillment by rolling up your sleeves and helping us to serve a dinner at events is a great way to start. But, participation on Touro’s committees is far more Ronald House? These of greater rewards are to effective.McDonald Ask any of the brothers whotypes have served on committees, andavailable I am confident all Allthat it takes is a rewarding little morerelationships time, effort and devotion. thatour theybrothers. will tell you the most they’ve developed at Touro enhanced by regular with similarly involved regularly brothers. They also tell wereThose brothers whointeraction have attended lodge meetings in thewill past you about greatno personal derive from contributing to the efforts that two yearsthe have, doubt,satisfaction heard methey encourage new initiates to embrace further Touro’s interests and dearest causes. The time devoted to the committees pays the association. The message is equally important for our more seasoned tremendous dividends! brothers. Attending lodge meetings and social events is a great way to start. Manyparticipation of our committees are open to all members. These effective. include Centennial, Yet, on Touro’s committees is far more Ask any of the Communications, Digital Media, Golf, House and Sunshine, to name a few. Dowill you have brothers who have served on committees and I am confident that they tell you that the most rewarding relationships they’ve developed at Touro were enhanced by regular interaction with similarly involved brothers. They will also tell you about the great personal satisfaction they derive from contributing to the efforts that further Touro’s interests and dearest causes. The time devoted to the committees pays tremendous dividends! Many of our committees are open to all members. These include Centennial, Communications, Digital Media, Golf, House and Sunshine, to name a few. Do you have a special skill, talent or experience? Reach out to an officer or director, and find out how you can get involved. Believe me, we are always on the lookout for capable individuals ready to lend a hand. The fruits of greater personal satisfaction are out there, ready to be harvested. Will you reach for them? ~2~ Az me git, nem!

Hello Brothers, Hopefully, another nasty winter is behind us and we can look forward to more amazing Touro events this spring and summer. The Social Committee works diligently to bring you both classic events and new ones. You are welcome to bring your ideas, feedback and enthusiasm to our monthly meetings, held on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM. All events are at Touro Hall unless noted. The following upcoming events span the next two seasons. You can check our website for more details. Also, the website provides information about our monthly Bagelpon activities. April 22 Touro’s Open House with our traditional kosher baked chicken – take that Colonel! April 25 Family Game Night – Jeopardy. Always lots of laughter, food, camaraderie and prizes May 20 The annual Installation Dinner – Brisket and the fixings June 13 Our annual Dinner Dance at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. A delicious meal with entertainment from Steve Anthony & Persuasion June 24 The June Steak Fry – Our most popular monthly event, so circle your calendars July 2 PawSox & Fireworks – Eat, meet a professional ball player, watch our home team win and then enjoy the fireworks August 15 Back to the Newport Playhouse. Come eat, socialize and enjoy the Flamingo Court August 23 Fluke Fishing in RI Sound – just like last year September 20 PPAC for the Carole King inspired musical, “Beautiful” Also, the summer picnic at the Masonic Shriner’s Park in Warwick is back! Date to be announced – watch your mailboxes for the flyer.

From the President by Andy Liss, President, Friendship Lodge Hello Brothers; What a winter! Yet, in spite of all the snow, ice and extremely cold temperatures, it was great to see the brothers enjoying our events. Whether it was at our hall for trivia with brother Lury, or at the Lemongrass Restaurant for our annual outside meeting, our brothers demonstrated that Harmony, Friendship and Benevolence are alive and well at Touro. Jacob Eaton himself, I think, would be very happy to see how Touro has evolved over the years. We do not wear tuxedos anymore; but the traditions, ceremonies and values are the same. Sure, we may not agree with something that another brother says or does; but as in all families, we work it out. I, like everyone else at Touro, have strong opinions, and they can clash; but in the end, we all care about each other, both mentally and physically. We are also learning and adapting to a new growing world. I know I have talked about growing our membership in the past, and I will continue to do so. If we do not grow our membership, it will be the demise of our beloved association. So, if you know someone who is a Jewish male, tell him about Touro Fraternal. You may think: "He won’t want to be a member, it’s not his thing." Please, do not make these judgments. Tell your friends about all the great things Touro Fraternal offers and let them make the decision. I bet you never thought you would be a salesman for us. Well, you are! Our brothers are the face of Touro Fraternal. With that, brothers, I look forward to seeing you at the next lodge meeting, and hopefully at the Social Committee too. As always, brothers, please do not forget to bring a kosher nonperishable food item for the Chester RI Kosher Food Bank.

BURT FISCHMAN Receives Lifetime Achievement Award by Alan Lury

urt Fischman, has been a long-time active member of Touro Fraternal Association. We remember Burt emceeing our Joke-off events and presiding as our faithful guide during initiations. He also served on our board and as association president. In July, Burt will be awarded the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC) at their biannual convention in Miami Beach. As many of you know, for many years Burt has been extremely active in the FJMC, especially in their Leadership Development Institute. Rabbi Charles Simon, the longtime executive director of the FJMC, is in the process of authoring a new book on leadership and how leaders motivate and inspire their communities. Because of Burt’s significant contributions to Jewish men’s clubs across the country and all of the brotherhood members he has inspired, Rabbi Simon is dedicating this book in honor of Burt for his lifetime of contributions to FJMC. The production cost of the book has been underwritten by FJMC members across the country. I personally received a notice from FJMC in mid-January and suggested to our chairman that Touro should consider contributing as well to this endeavor. Jed agreed and dipped into the Chairman’s Discretionary Fund to make a contribution to FJMC in honor of Burt’s upcoming award. For any of our Touro members, who may be attending the convention, be sure to look for our gift acknowledgment in the program for the honor ceremony, which will be distributed at the convention.

Touro’s 2015 Golf League Now Forming Anyone interested in joining, please call Touro at (401) 785-0066 or write inof@tourofraternal.org or bshaw22@cox.net Barry Shaw, Chairman of Golf Committee

~3~

Shannon Hegy

Reporting Live from Touro Hall By Barry Jay Schiff

O Shannon Hegy

n Sunday, November 16, Channel 12’s Co-Anchor Shannon Hegy was the guest speaker at our Fall Brunch. A Connecticut native, Shannon is no stranger to Rhode Island having spent childhood summers on South County beaches. Shannon graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and interned at NBC’s Today Show. Shannon’s big break was spending six years at WGGB in Springfield, MA where she covered the June 1, 2011 tornado, 2012 October snowstorm, the 2012 presidential election at Mitt Romney’s headquarters in Boston, the Sandy Hook massacre, and Boston Marathon bombings. When she accepted the position at WPRI in 2014, she and her husband moved to West Warwick. She has adjusted well to her new role in the Ocean State and looks forward to the challenges ahead. As usual, the meeting capped off with a variety of members' questions.

MEATLOAF AND TRIVIA By Howard Wasser 1. What is the word for meatloaf in Hebrew ? Answer: Klops 2. What is the real name of the singer Meat Loaf ? Answer: Marvin Lee 3. What was served on January 21, 2015 at Touro hall? Answer: A Meatloaf dinner with all the fixin’s and a hefty side of Trivia.

Alan Lury (center) with first place winners: Barry Schiff (l) and Jed Brandes(r)

fter the Lodge meeting and dinner, we were all treated to a very challenging trivia contest prepared by brother Alan Lury, featuring US history. The questions spanned from the passage of the Constitution through post-World War II. Taking top prize was the team of Barry Schiff and Jed Brandes. Second prize was the team of Gary Berkowitz and Peter Silverman. Third prize was the team of Steve White and Michael Pompili. Alan Lury (right) with second place winners: Gary Berkowitz (l) and Peter Silverman (not shown)

Trivia participants

Alan Lury

~4~

Alan Lury (center) with third place winners: Steve White (l) and Michael Pompilli (r)

End of Year Gifts to the Community

By Andy Lamchick, Chairman, Community Involvement

s 2014 came to a close, the Community Involvement Committee worked its magic to help those in need with its remaining annual allocation. We received a request from Jewish Family Services for funding for their adult day care. They requested $600 to pay for kosher chicken for needy seniors; a change of pace from the ground beef they normally deliver. The committee was pleased to be able to accommodate the request. There was also a request from Meeting Street School for a $900 donation to purchase a stroller for use by their Early Learning Center. The stroller can seat four children and helps to move The stroller that Touro purchased for Meeting Street School children more efficiently. Our Chairman presented the check during the 39th Annual Meeting Street Telethon on January 24. With $800 remaining in its budget, the committee decided to help the homeless. We donated $400 to both Amos House and Crossroads RI. In retrospect, we feel that Touro put its best foot forward to help those in need.

Touro/Jewish Voice Hanukkah Contest a Hit!

uring the fall, Touro Fraternal Association was proud to sponsor, in conjunction with the Jewish Voice, a Hanukkah coloring/essay

by Andy Lamchick

contest. The contest was open to all area religious schools, and there were two divisions: a coloring contest for grades 1-4 and an essay contest for grades 5-8. The students were asked to submit creative pieces with the theme “What Hanukkah means to me.” The top three winners in each division received a cash prize. First place - $108, second place - $72 and third place - $36. The first place winner of each category also earned a $720 cash prize for their religious school, which will be used to purchase new technology. Judges were composed of staff members from the Jewish Voice and brother Steven White of Touro’s Community Involvement Committee. Prizes were awarded at Touro’s annual Hanukkah party held on December 16, 2014 at Touro Hall. The winners and their families were invited to celebrate with Touro families. The contest was funded by Touro’s Community Involvement and Membership Committees.

Contest winners with Touro chairman Jed Brandes (far left) and membership chair Stevan Labush and Jewish Voice editor, Fran Ostendorf (far right)

Coloring Contest

1st Prize Rivkah Taitelbaum 4th Grade Providence Hebrew Day School 2nd Prize Esther Taitelbaum 2nd Grade Providence Hebrew Day School 3rd Prize Yael Bulley 4th Grade Providence Hebrew Day School

Essay Contest

1st Prize Alexander Orth 5th Grade Temple Beth El 2nd Prize Sarah Brosofsky 8th Grade Temple Beth El 3rd Prize Sarah Peckman 7th Grade Congregation Agudah Sampling of over 90 contest entries submitted ~5~

Touro Centennial Committee Announces Logo Contest Winners By Bruce Weisman, Chairman, Centennial Committee

he Centennial Committee is happy to announce there were two winners in the Centennial Logo contest. They were Jennifer Adler, daughter of Touro member Ethan Adler, and brother Brett Boisvert. Both have received a $100 check for their efforts. The final design of the logo will be developed from elements of both winning designs. Over 10 entries were submitted and all non-winning participants’ efforts were recognized with either bagel bucks or gift certificates, complements of the committee. The contest was open to all Touro members, spouses and their children. The Centennial logo will be unveiled at the Dinner Dance at the Crowne Plaza on June 13th. This is also the site for our Centennial Gala on September 16, 2017. Mark your calendars! Beginning with the Dinner Dance, in addition to our usual 50/50 raffle, the committee will sponsor an additional “free” raffle to Touro members and all succeeding two-fer dinners, leading up to the gala. We will award one member a “Gala Weekend Package.” This includes two tickets to the gala, an overnight stay at the Crowne Plaza and tickets to the Sunday brunch on the following day. Each member in attendance at the two-fer will be given a free raffle ticket and a winner will be selected that night. You must be a Touro member in good standing and present at the event to be eligible to win. It’s that simple. Each brother is eligible to win one package only! As the 2017-18 centennial year approaches, there will be many more exciting announcements. We are always looking for help. If you are interested in being part of the excitement, please contact the Touro office (401-765-0066) and leave a message, or send an e-mail to: info@tourofraternal.org.

The Child Survivor Fund: You May Be Eligible for War Reparations from Germany

he following was brought to our attention during Good & Welfare at the last Touro lodge meeting on February 25th: The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (aka Claims Conference) has announced the creation of the Child Survivor Fund. This fund was created solely for survivors who suffered Nazi persecution as children during the Second World War. In order to determine whether you are eligible for this payment, some additional information is required. Download the form from the Conference’s website: www.claimscon.org and answer the questions. Mail the form to: Claims Conference, 1359 Broadway, Room 2000, New York, NY 10018. If you are found eligible, you can receive a one-time payment of 2,500 euros. ~6~

NEW BROTHERS Brothers who Joined Touro in 2014 Joshua Adler Joel Bielawski Daniel Brandes Adam Card Joel S. Chase Matthew DeQuattro Jake Dwares Gary S. Engelson Kenneth Federman Herschel Huber Everett Kartun Andrew Katzman Lowell Lisker Barry Marshall Sam Marshall Joshua Miller Michael Pompili Jeffrey Savit Andrew Schiff Raphie Schochet Earl Vanderhoff Merrill J. Winoker

Brothers we lost in 2014

Joseph Ackerman Larry Alkins Maurice J. Applebaum Robert L. Erenkrantz Herbert S. Glick Harold Homonoff Leonard L. Levin Rodney Locke Nathan Safferson Manuel Seltzer Stephen B. Ucran Burton C. Weiser Howard Werchadlo

Touro Welcomes New Brothers at Recent Lodge Meetings

Touro welcomes four new brothers at the November 16, 2014 Lodge Meeting (l-r): Joel Chase, Kenneth Federman, Andrew Katzman and Merrill Winoker

Touro welcomes two new brothers at the January 21, 2015 Lodge Meeting (l-r) Howard Boksenbaum and Rabbi Elan Babchuck

December hanukkah Party at Touro

February Lodge meeting at Lemongrass ~7~

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Providence, RI Permit #719

P.O. BOX 3562 CRANSTON, RI 02910

UPCOMING TOURO EVENTS:

June 13 Dinner Dance at the Crowne Plaza, Warwick

August 15 Flamingo Court at the Newport Playhouse Visit Touro at www.tourofraternal.org or scan the QR code.

It’s Becoming a TRADITIOn! Last year Will Gilbert gave his take on “The Rhode Show”. This year

2 0 1 5 MARCH 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

...Touro Fraternal Association’s

Open House welcomes

MICHAELA JOHNSON WPRI - TV, Rhode Show Co-Host

Wednesday | 6:30 p.m.

April 22

FRIENDSHIP LODGE Andrew Liss, President Max Guarino, Vice President Richard Cohen, Secretary Michael Levin, Treasurer Ried Redlich, Faithful Guide

HARMONY • FRIENDSHIP • BENEVOLENCE ~8~

A Kosher Baked Chicken dinner is reason enough for joining Touro! Incredible incentives! First Come, First Served Reservations Required deposit $5.00 or ss 5 Bagel Bucks he le ! t p l e nate fortu certified a g tem n i od i Br er fo her Kosh the Kos y! tr for Pan Food

The more regular members signed up that night, the bigger the prizes. Call or write: (401) 785 - 0066 info@tourofraternal.org

Touro Hall, 45 Rolfe Square, Cranston, RI 02910