2018 NOVEMBER 5779
Three Students Awarded College Grants
INSIDE
In memory: Milt Bronstein page 3
Centennial Highlights pages 5-8
March of the Living page 9
By Ried Redlich, Chairman, Student Financial Aid Committee
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Ari Berkowitz
Ilana Goldstein
ouro Fraternal Association awarded $27,000 in student financial aid to seven students who are pursuing higher education degrees this academic year, including three students who received grants. After a rigorous selection process, conducted by the Student Financial Aid Committee, three applicants were each awarded $5,000 educational grants to be used in defraying the cost of their college educations. Touro increased the grant amount this year, which was formerly $3,000. The winners of the grants are: • Ilana Goldstein, daughter of Brian and Helene Goldstein of Wakefield, a sophomore at the University of Vermont who is studying linguistics. Her interests include teaching, languages and athletics. • Hannah Glucksman, daughter of Richard and Priscilla Glucksman of Cranston, a freshman at the University of Rochester who is studying biomedical engineering. She enjoys rowing, pottery and robotics.
Hannah Glucksman • Ari Berkowitz, son of Gary and Andrea Berkowitz of Barrington, a senior at Beacon College who is studying computer information systems and is a peer tutor for history and math. A regular member of Touro, he was an intern for Senator Jack Reed, enjoys politics and is proficient with many computer-based systems.
Four other students will share a total of $12,000 in interest-free loans from Touro’s Leo Greenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund. These loans, which do not accrue interest, are not repayable until six months after the student graduates or is no longer a full-time student. Since the establishment of the student grant and loan program in 1981, Touro has made financial awards to ease the cost of higher education. Regular members and their children who are enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible to apply for the one-time $5,000 grant or the interest-free loans. Members must belong to the organization for at least two years in order to qualify.
Nate Lury Retires from Board of Directors Fun on Golf Links page 9
URI Assistant Coaches page 10
Nate Lury is presented a plaque to commemorate his retirement from the Board of Directors after 43 years of service. A member of Touro for 50 years, Nate was the long-time chairman of the House Committee, overseeing the upkeep of Touro Hall since its dedication in 1989. His pride and joy was always the kitchen, where he planned kosher meals that members enjoyed for decades. Making the presentation to Nate at the October 24 lodge meeting is Board Chairman Alan Lury, his cousin.
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Thoughts While Shaving
Social Scene
By Alan Lury Chairman of the Board
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rothers, as we head into the finale of 2018 and the prospect of a new year looms before us, we have a great schedule of events lined up to entertain, enliven and enlighten you all. As in the past, the Social Committee meets on the first Wednesday of the month at Touro Hall at 7 p.m. All brothers are welcome and encouraged to come to provide your thoughts and insights so we can provide varied and relevant programs. In October, we held a Fall Mini Open House which exposed prospective members to Touro to see what we do and to learn about the benefits of membership. The Fall Two-fer featured the band, Element 85, which entertained us at Laurel Lane Country Club in West Kingston with a night of dinner, dancing and fun. Our Friendship Lodge meeting included a deli dinner and the annual Joke Off, hosted by comedian Frank O’Donnell. In November, the Harmony Lodge meeting was followed by a delicious brunch and a great guest speaker, WJAR-TV Channel 10 personality Alison Bologna. In addition, we have had Fantasy Football & Pro Pick ‘Em football competitions ongoing. Good luck to all! Follow the leaderboard weekly on our Facebook page.
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hope all of you have enjoyed your High Holiday season as we look forward to the first night of Hanukkah. We are living through some of the most divisive times in recent US history. No matter which side you supported during the Kavanaugh nomination process, both sides would agree that future historians will not look upon the recent events in our democracy as one of our finest hours. But while living through this recent turmoil, I thought of how Touro has historically been the virtual tent for all branches of Jewish life. Touro is where Jewish men and their families, encompassing the broad spectrum from Reform to Orthodox, come together to enjoy the comradery of being members of our family. The commonality of our Jewish heritage and our Touro affiliation allow us to leave our political and philosophical differences at the door as we enjoy each other’s company at our monthly meetings and events. The continued success of our organization is predicated on the continuation of our members stepping forward and becoming more actively involved in our leadership. To better ensure the pipeline of leadership continues to be cultivated and flow, I accelerated the annual nominating committee process by tapping fellow board member Barry Schiff to commence this annual undertaking. Barry’s committee has met several times and culled the extensive list of our members and created a roster of individuals that has been approved by the Board of Directors. These identified future leaders of Touro will be contacted and meetings will be set up with them to commence the initial steps of entering the leadership program. If you are reading this article and were not contacted, but want to become more actively involved, please contact myself or Barry. Just like a successful business, our organization’s future is greatly enhanced by maintaining a robust pipeline of future leadership candidates. Those of you who have attended our monthly meetings since September have been greeted by two newly mounted wide-screen monitors that will entertain you with highlights from past events, news of upcoming happenings, and other visual selections that will be managed by Harmony President Richard Levenson and our Communications Committee. Special thanks to Brother Dave Mossberg for relocating our audio visual control center and the extensive rewiring it required. Additionally, House Committee Chairman Steven White spent a good part of the summer and early fall overseeing the first updating of our kitchen since we moved into the building in 1989. New lighting, ceilings, floors and countertops, as well as the creation of new storage space, will ensure that members will continue to receive quality meals from our kitchen. Touro’s life blood and continued vibrancy depend upon attracting new young members to our organization. This cannot be accomplished without every member being in a continuous outreach mode with their contacts within the Jewish community. Please do not forget that every born or converted Jewish male you know is a potential member, affiliated or not. All are welcome to join us under our Touro tent. I wish you all a very enjoyable Holiday Season with your family and friends.
By Steven Hopfenberg, Vice President, Harmony Lodge
Here is what is planned for the next few months:
November 25 • Foxwoods Bus Trip
Our annual trip to one of the gambling meccas of the region. Food and slot machine certificates enhance a day of fun, lights and hopefully winnings.
December 9 • Chanukah Party
Fun for the kids with Fishel Bressler and friends and a new spin on the menu with make-your-own sundaes and a dairy selection.
December 19 • Friendship Lodge Meeting
Touro welcomes Bob Perlow, former writer on the David Letterman Show, while we enjoy a brisket dinner.
December 25 • Buffet & Movie
Our Christmas Day excursion to the Hong Kong Buffet in Cranston for two sittings, as well as tickets for a movie of your choice.
January 23 • Harmony Lodge Meeting
A Musical Bingo contest, featuring DJ Thomas McNeil, will be tremendous fun. First, we’ll dine on American chop suey.
February 20 • Friendship Lodge Meeting at Roma
A delicious buffet Italian dinner will be served at Roma on Federal Hill, followed by guest speaker John Kelly, president and CEO of Meeting Street. Valet parking is available.
March 23 • Spring Two-fer
Get ready for a good time at White’s of Westport (Mass.), featuring Eric Dittelman, a mind-bending mentalist.
March 27 • Harmony Lodge Meeting
General Treasurer Seth Magaziner will offer his views on Rhode Island’s financial health. ~2~
M I LT O N B R O N S T E I N
Long-Time Investment Committee Chairman, Passes Away at 101 By Larry Berman
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ilton Bronstein, whose financial expertise strengthened Touro Fraternal Association as its long-time Investment Committee chairman, passed away on September 6th at the age of 101. He was Touro’s oldest member. In addition to his dedication to Touro, he was a legendary figure both in the state’s labor movement and within the Rhode Island Democratic Party. Mr. Bronstein joined Touro on March 14, 1951 and was active until only a few years ago. “Milton chaired the Investment Committee well into his 90s,” said Alan Lury, chairman of Touro’s Board of Directors. “I had the honor of succeeding him in that position. They were big shoes to fill, as Milton had successfully led the committee through bull and bear markets. He did not let market turbulence affect his calm and steady hand in ensuring that Touro would have in place the income to manage our operations and continue to fund our charitable commitments.” Touro honored Mr. Bronstein with a special tribute on September 19, 2012 as a celebration of his 95th birthday that he marked earlier that year. Then-Chairman Robert Miller, long-time friend and fellow board member Nate Lury, and Jeffrey Davis, his son-in-law and Touro board member, all offered accolades that evening. “Milton was an invaluable board member, guiding us through both good and difficult times with excellent investment and financial advice,” said Chairman Emeritus Miller. “We appreciate his decades of dedicated service to Touro, and he will be sorely missed.” “Milton’s contributions as a long-time board member and Investment Committee chairman are well documented. But it should also be noted that for decades, he was the living embodiment of Harmony, Friendship and Benevolence,” added Chairman Emeritus Jed Brandes. “He had an easy, engaging manner, and was always quick with words of sage advice, encouragement and appreciation. We would all do well to keep him in our thoughts and follow his example.” Mr. Bronstein was born on February 2, 1917, when Woodrow Wilson was in the White House, our nation was involved in World War I, and two months before Jacob Eaton obtained the charter to create Touro Fraternal Association.
Mr. Bronstein grew up in Providence, but lived most of his life in Providence and Cranston before residing in retirement homes in Warwick and East Greenwich in the past few years. For fifty-two years, until her passing, Mr. Bronstein had been married to his wife, Claire, and together they had three children, Harvey Bronstein, Andrew Bronstein and Cynthia Davis. He was the cherished grandfather of seven grandchildren and the very proud great-grandfather of four. Mr. Bronstein served our country with honor and distinction as a First Sergeant in the Army Air Force. He served during World War II and was primarily stationed in England. For 30 years, Mr. Bronstein worked as a fiscal agent and head of the Patients Resources and Benefits for the Department of MHRH (now known as BHDD) and was a long-time union executive. As an active member and leader of Rhode Island Council 94, he led the charge to organize and improve the quality of life for Rhode Island workers, serving as the council’s first president. During his tenure as president, he oversaw the unification of AFSCME Councils 70 and 22, resulting in a more powerful voice for workers all across the state, and helped to establish Supervisory Local 2883. Not a man to remain idle, upon retirement, Mr. Bronstein became active in the council’s retiree chapter, serving as vice president for many years and stepping down at the age of 99! Mr. Bronstein was also an active member for decades within the state Democratic Party, serving as the recording secretary. Senator Jack Reed once nicknamed him “Mr. Democrat” for all his efforts on behalf of the party. When Touro honored him in 2012, Senator Reed sent a video tribute from Washington and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a close friend, penned a letter that was read. The U.S. Senate and the Rhode Island House of Representatives both honored him last year on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Incredibly generous with his time and involvement with Touro, the labor movement and in politics, he left a lasting legacy of kindness and civility. He was a widely-respected gentleman who impacted the lives of so many Touro members through his wealth of financial knowledge that will benefit generations to come.
President’s Report
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By Rich Levenson, President, Harmony Lodge
ne hundred years ago, Touro Fraternal Association was founded by Jacob Eaton. World War I had just ended and the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series. Fifty years later, the nation was critically divided over politics, the Vietnam War and the assassination of Martin Luther King. Around that same time, Jews struggled with the emergence of radical Zionism yet considered it a turning point in Jewish culture and politics. But most importantly, the involvement of baby boomers in various aspects of Jewish life was at its highest point in history. Today we are still divided, yet for different reasons. More troubling, due to the many demands on our lives, it is increasingly difficult to remain involved. This is particularly challenging for an institution like
Touro. The increased social options, and apathy towards religion, in general, results in a loss of connection to our heritage. This can have dire consequences for a fraternal association that depends on membership as its life blood. Touro is a haven which provides a place for Jewish men, young and old, to enjoy one another’s company and celebrate our Jewish heritage. We give back to our community, we promote fraternalism and we support each other in times of need. We are Touro, and hopefully, we will be here for many years to come. Our continued success will depend upon all of us. Only through our combined efforts to overcome the hurdles to engagement, and attract and retain new members, will we be able to preserve an association that thrives well into the future. Thank you for your ongoing support and participation. ~3~
The Giving Continues after the Centennial Celebration
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By Andy Lamchick, Chairman, Community Involvement Committee
he Community Involvement Committee met over the summer to complete the allocation of our $33,000 Centennial budget. After establishing the endowment fund for the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center and donating two AEDs, we had approximately $2,000 left in our budget. This fit in perfectly with a request we received from the Jewish Family Service/ Jewish Seniors Agency for an AED for their new building on North Main Street in Providence. We will provide the new AED
and training for this new organization that helps needy Jews in our area. In addition to the Centennial allocation, we also had money remaining in our traditional budget for 2018. The committee decided to again support the Communities for People organization with a $1,000 donation. This is an organization that reunites siblings who are in foster care. We’ve supported this organization in the past, with good results. We also committed $500 to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and committed $200 to both Crossroads and Amos House. We will meet, before the year’s end, to distribute the remaining dollars in our budget to needy organizations in our community.
Welcome New Members June - October, 2018
Membership Update By Barry Ackerman, Chairman, Membership Committee
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(l-r): Steven Sholes, Morton Shlesinger, Mark Sweberg
Jackson Maroni
e are between the October Mini Open House and the main Open House event in April. The Membership Committee remains busy, both in attracting new brothers as well as retaining existing members. As you have heard many times, the accomplishments of Membership are not just from the activities of the committee members, but through the assistance of ALL Touro members. We are never done in this endeavor. So, what more is needed? Just the same – continue to promote Touro as a social and community group. Remind your friends that Touro provides entertainment and great food at the lodge meetings, plus family and couple events throughout the year. But Touro is also impressive with the assistance we offer both Jewish and non-Jewish organizations. Be proud for what we do for Jewish Elder Care, Ronald McDonald House, the Holocaust Education Center, the Food Bank and many more! Just as important is ensuring current members, especially the blue badge first-year members, remain engaged and welcomed. Please continue to reach out, support, help and communicate with our fellow brothers. And remember, if you are a sponsor, it is your duty and responsibility to be a mentor to the new brother. Make sure to talk to the new members and ask if they need anything, are happy with Touro, and get them interested in participating on committees. Be engaged! Lastly, if you need assistance with talking to a perspective member or someone you sponsored, each of us on the Membership Committee is here to help. Please contribute to the greatness of Touro Fraternal by growing our membership!
Antonio Sabella, III
Our Kitchen Receives a Makeover
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(l-r): Joshua Jasper, Neal Drobnis, Mark Helman
By Steven White, Chairman, House Committee
n keeping with the total restoration of our building, we decided to do a major overhaul of our kitchen. There is a new ceiling with the correct grid work. Thanks to the new LED lighting, we can now actually see what we are doing. The entire kitchen, including the cabinets, was re-painted, and a quartz countertop installed. We also have an enclosed closet for dairy items, and the oven and double refrigerator have been fixed. The floor is a vinyl plank. But that’s not all. Our lobby will shortly have a brand-new heating and air conditioning unit because the old one rusted out. Additionally, we installed new LED outside lighting, and all the hall’s audio/visual equipment has been moved to the vault. As you can see, the House Committee has been very busy, and there will be more to come! ~4~
A Look Back at Our Centennial Year Centennial Gala September 16, 2017
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Centennial Brunch September 17, 2017
Boston Red Sox June 10, 2018
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Cruise to Bermuda June 24 to July 1, 2018
Block Island July 15, 2018
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Waterfire Cafe Nuovo July 28, 2018
Time Capsule Sealing June 20, 2018
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March of the Living and Time Capsule Sealing at Steak Fry By Lester Nathan Immediately after the ceremony, Jed and Bruce unveiled the new Touro banner, which will hang behind the podium in our social hall. After the meeting adjourned, dinner was served. Andy Lamchick, the chairman of the Community Involvement Committee, emceed the March of the Living presentation, which Touro has sponsored for nearly 20 years. Three of the ten local high school participants in the march, Sadie Gaffin, Marin Warshay and Jordan Kimia, described their experiences with the assistance of a slide show. While in Poland, the group visited several villages in which Jews had lived as well as the Majdanek and Auschwitz concentration camps. After the march from Auschwitz to Birkenau, they heard speeches by both the Israeli and Polish presidents. They met teens from many other countries and had meaningful exchanges with them. The trip was deeply emotional for everyone; visiting these places was enlightening and made more of an impact than could be derived from reading about them. After the trip to Poland, the teens flew to Israel, where they spent much of their time in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Particularly moving was their trip to the Yad Vashem Museum. They also participated in a march to the Old City. They observed Yom Ha’Zikaron (Memorial Day) and celebrated Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Independence Day) at a big concert at the Latrun Army Base. The group also visited Yad Lakashish, an art workshop for the elderly, and the cities of Safed and Tiberius. After they were done, they took a few questions from the audience. For everyone who attended, the Steak Fry was a very full and engaging evening.
(l-r) Andy Lamchick, Marin Warshay, Sadie Gaffin, Jordan Kimia, Jed Brandes
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he annual Steak Fry, our last lodge meeting before the summer, was held on June 20th. A packed house witnessed an initiation ceremony, the time capsule sealing ceremony and a presentation on this year’s March of the Living. The business meeting began with the initiation of six new brothers into the association. After the committee reports, Board Chairman Jed Brandes and Centennial Committee Chairman Bruce Weisman, assisted by brothers Jeff Stoloff and Adam Halpern, conducted the sealing of Touro’s Time Capsule. Various memorabilia were inserted, including: the old Touro banner, American flag, commemorative items, several Tourograms, documents and photographs.
Another Successful Golf Season By Jeffrey Davis, Chairman, Golf Committee
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he Touro Golf League finished up another great season of play at Cranston Country Club. As in previous years, we had two sessions during the summer months. We divided the players by their handicaps and ability into two divisions. We had several new golfers join us this year and everyone had a great time. The winners for the first session were: A Division: 1st place- Jeffrey Davis, and 2nd place -Abe Strashnick. B Division: 1st Place -Ralph Nathan, and 2nd Place -Jed Brandes. The second session winners were: A Division: 1st place- Andy Lamchick, and 2nd place -Jeffrey Davis. B Division: 1st place - Jed Brandes, and 2nd place- Jerry Tebrow. The winner of the A division came down to the last day on the last hole, with half-a-stroke difference separating the top two finishers. You can’t get any closer than that! Congrats to all the winners! Touro’s Annual Golf Tournament was held on Monday, July 30th at a new location, Crestwood Country Club in Rehoboth. We couldn’t have asked for a better day and the weather was perfect. The course was in great shape and all had a great time. We played a scramble best-ball format and the team of Alan and Barry
Rappoport, with their sons Ryan and David, won the tournament. After the round of golf, we had a great lunch and awarded raffle prizes. We are looking forward to another great year in 2019. If interested in joining us on the links and having fun with your Touro brothers, please contact Jeff Davis at info@tourofraternal.org. See you on the links!
(l-r) Tournament champions Barry Rappoport, David Rappoport, Alan Rappoport, Ryan Rappoport
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URI Assistants Come Off the Bench for Leading Roles
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By Larry Berman
hen new URI basketball coach David Cox decided to bring From 1997 to 2004, he was a Boston Celtics assistant coach under in two veteran assistant coaches to help him on the bench, Rick Pitino and Jim O’Brien. With 36 games left in the season, he received he hired John Carroll and Kevin Sutton. And when Cox a call from General Manager Danny Ainge. O’Brien had suddenly needed to find substitutes to address Touro Fraternal Association, he resigned and Carroll would be the head coach for the remainder of the again turned to his bench and called on Carroll and Sutton. season. Carroll was 14-22, the Celtics were bounced out of the playoffs The two newest URI assistants proved to be extremely entertaining in the first round, and he was relieved of his duties. Ainge had hired guest speakers, regaling our Doc Rivers to replace him. brothers with stories gathered “I loved coaching Paul Pierce, but from a combined 76 years of coaching my son was more important,” coaching. Cox was unavoidably he told Touro. He walked away from the detained at the URI campus glamorous NBA life to concentrate on to attend a ring ceremony his family, while coaching young players celebrating last year’s Atlantic at the elite AAU level. He kept close 10 Conference championship. tabs on URI, providing some guidance Carroll and Sutton graciously to Coach Dan Hurley, one of the players filled in to cap off a great he recruited to Seton Hall. When evening on September 26th Hurley left for UConn after leading URI that began with the first lodge to two consecutive NCAA tournaments, meeting of the new year and new Rams’ coach Cox thought Carroll delicious hamburgers and hot would be a great fit on his bench. dogs. Cox also turned to Sutton, 54, who Cox has pledged to address has 34 years of coaching experience at Touro in the future, but he (l-r) URI Assistant John Carroll, Steve Waldman, URI supporter the highest levels of prep basketball will have a tough act to follow. in Washington, DC and as an assistant Milan Azar, URI Assistant Kevin Sutton, Rich Levenson Carroll and Sutton were filled at five colleges, including Georgetown with stories gained by coaching at the prep school, college and NBA University under John Thompson III. He also has extensive coaching levels. background with USA Basketball youth teams, where his former players The quick-witted and straight-talking Carroll, 63, began his 42-year include NBA star Anthony Davis. coaching odyssey under P.J. Carlesimo at Seton Hall University, earning “I take a holistic approach to coaching, making sure they become $5,000 a year. He worked his way up to be the chief recruiter on the fine young men on and off the court,” said Sutton, in his soft-spoken staff that advanced to the NCAA championship game in 1988. That and genuine style. “My focus will always be on player development.” earned him a head coaching gig at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh With John Carroll and Kevin Sutton on the bench to help new coach Cox, from 1989 to 1995, where he competed against URI in the Atlantic the Touro brothers would agree that the URI program is in great hands. 10 and still has fond memories of freezing nights traveling to the old Keaney Gym.
Mittler, Goldman Win Top Prizes at Joke Off By Larry Berman
(l-r) Michael Smith, Steve Goldman, Frank O’Donnell, Gerald Weiner, Howard Shapiro, David Goldstein, Peter Mittler ~ 10 ~
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eter Mittler and Steve Goldman were the winners of the annual Joke Off held on October 24. Comedian Frank O'Donnell did a great job keeping the evening moving at a brisk pace, with more than two dozen participants trying their best to get some laughs. The most successful in the "clean jokes" category were Mittler, the winner of $50; Howard Shapiro, who took home $25, and Michael Smith, the state's funniest funeral director, who won $10. Goldman exterminated the "dirty jokes" category and also grabbed $50, with David Goldstein and Gerald Weiner taking the $25 and $10 prizes respectively. No cash was awarded to Norm Bolski, but he still enjoyed his "booby prize." After a delicious deli dinner, O'Donnell joined brothers Jeff Stoloff and Max Guarino as judges for the fierce and funny competition.
Summer Two-fer at the Newport Playhouse
Fall Two-fer at Laurel Lane
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Providence, RI Permit #719
P.O. BOX 3562 CRANSTON, RI 02910
UPCOMING TOURO EVENTS:
Chinese Buffet & Movie December 25, 2018
Friendship Lodge at Roma February 20, 2019
Two-fer at White's of Westport March 23, 2019 Visit Touro at www.tourofraternal.org
2 0 1 8 NOVEMBER 5 7 7 9 Bruce Weisman, Production Editor Larry Berman, Content Editor Columnists: Brett Boisvert Jed Brandes Lester Nathan Jeffrey Stoloff Bill Troberman Bruce Wasser Howard Wasser
TOURO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2018-2019
Staff Photographers: 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 Richard Levenson, President Steven Hopfenberg, Vice President Stuart Solup, Secretary David Mossberg, Treasurer David Weisman, Inside Guard
Alan D. Lury, Chairman Stevan Labush, Vice Chairman Steven Waldman, Treasurer Bruce Wasser, Secretary Barry Schiff, Chaplain Mitchell Cohen, Inside Guard Jed Brandes, Chairman Emeritus Robert Miller, Chairman Emeritus Barry Ackerman Larry Berman Jed Brandes Jeffrey Davis Norman Dinerman Andrew Gilstein Andrew Lamchick
Robert Miller Ried Redlich Barry Schiff Michael Smith Bruce Weisman Steven White
FRIENDSHIP LODGE Max Guarino, President Jeffrey Stoloff, Vice President David Altman, Secretary Peter Silverman, Treasurer Jeffrey Harpel, Inside Guard
Ried Redlich, Faithful Guide
HARMONY • FRIENDSHIP • BENEVOLENCE ~ 12 ~