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INSIDE 6 UVA students in Israel

7 Genna Brand makes Aliyah

24 f i r s t l o o k at s u m m e r c a m p 13

Virginia Festival of Jewish Film’s opening night

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upfront Miriam Adelson gives $5 million to Gingrich Super PAC Dr. Miriam Ade£lson, the wife of casino and hotel magna£te Sheldon Adelson, has donated $5 million to a group supporting Newt Gingrich for the Republican presidential nomination. The donation matches one given earlier this month by her husband to Winning Our Future, an independent committee, or Super PAC, that is run by former Gingrich associates, according to a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal citing GOP sources. The funding comes just days after Gingrich scored an upset in the South Carolina primary and ahead of a key primary in Florida on Jan. 31. Super PACs can raise unlimited sums from corporations, unions and other groups, as well as individuals, and indirectly support a political candidate. They cannot by law coordinate with the candidate’s official campaign. Miriam Adelson, an Israeli by birth, runs two non-profit drug treatment and research centers in Nevada and Israel. Sheldon Adelson, chairman and CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corp., is worth more than $21 billion, according to Forbes magazine. He is a major giver to Birthright Israel, which provides free 10-day trips to Israel for Jews aged 18 to 26. (JTA)

Atlanta Jewish Times publisher resigns over Obama assassination column The owner and publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times has resigned and is seeking a buyer in the wake of a column he wrote speculating that Israel would consider assassinating President Obama. Andrew Adler, in an email announced

Monday, Jan. 23 that he is “relinquishing all day-to-day activities effective immediately” following the publishing of his opinion piece saying that Obama’s assassination was among Israel’s options in heading off a nuclear Iran. Adler named staff writer John McCurdy as interim managing editor until a replacement can be found. Adler said he would publish an apology in his next edition and that reaction from readers had been overwhelmingly negative. The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta said earlier Jan. 23 that it would suspend its relationship with the Atlanta Jewish Times until Adler removed himself from the newspaper’s operations. The federation also called on Adler to sell the weekly. “While we acknowledge his public apology and remorse, the damage done to the people of Israel, the global Jewish people, and especially the Jewish Community of Atlanta is irreparable,” the Atlanta federation said in a statement issued Monday to constituent groups. In a Jan. 13 column, Adler outlined what he said were three possible responses by Israel to Iran’s acquiring a nuclear weapon: a pre-emptive strike against Hamas and Hezbollah, terrorist groups that he said would be emboldened by a nuclear Iran; a direct strike on Iran; and “three, give the go-ahead for U.S.-based Mossad agents to take out a president deemed unfriendly to Israel in order for the current vice president to take his place, and forcefully dictate that the United States policy includes its helping the Jewish state obliterate its enemies.” He continued, “Yes, you read ‘three’ correctly. Order a hit on a president in order to preserve Israel’s existence. Think about it.

If I have thought of this Tom Clancy-type scenario, don’t you think that this almost unfathomable idea has been discussed in Israel’s most inner circles? The Anti-Defamation League and the National Jewish Democratic Council also condemned Adler for his column. David Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee, also called on Adler to resign from the newspaper. CNN reported that the Secret Service is investigating Adler over the column. (JTA)

British nun who saved Jews from Shoah on way to sainthood ROME (JTA)—A British nun who saved dozens of Jews in Rome during the Holocaust has been advanced on the road to sainthood. Britain’s Catholic Herald newspaper said the file on Mother Riccarda Beauchamp Hamrough, who died in 1966, was sent recently to the Vatican for investigation by the Congregation for Saints’ Causes. Mother Riccarda was the director of the Bridgettine Sisters order and spent most of her life as a nun in Rome at the order’s mother house. In 1943, after the Nazi occupation of Rome, she saved about 60 Roman Jews by hiding them in the convent. The cause for her sainthood was opened in July 2010, along with that of another British Bridgettine nun. The Catholic Herald said that the rapid completion of the first stage in the investigation of their causes represented a “quick and early step forward in the long road to becoming saints.” According to the report, several Jews gave evidence on behalf of Mother Riccarda, saying that while hiding in the convent they had nicknamed her “mama.”

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Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 voice 757.965.6100 fax 757.965.6102 e-mail news@ujft.org www.jewishVA.org Terri Denison, Editor Germaine Clair, Art Director Hal Sacks, Book Review Editor Sandy Goldberg, Account Executive Sharon Freeman, Account Executive Mark Hecht, Account Executive Marilyn Cerase, Subscription Manager Reba Karp, Editor Emeritus Alvin Wall, President Stephanie Calliott, Secretary Harry Graber, Executive Vice-President The appearance of advertising in the Jewish News does not constitute a kashrut endorsement. The articles and letters appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of this newspaper. © 2012 Jewish News all rights reserved Subscription: $18 year For subscription or change of address, call 757-965-6128 or email mcerase@ujft.org.

Upcoming Deadlines for Editorial and Advertising Feb. 13 Mazel Tov Jan 27 March 5 Camp Feb 17 March 26 Passover March 9 April 9 March 9 April 23 Senior Living March 9 May 7 April 20 May 28 Health Care May 11

About the cover: The National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia ushers in Tu B’Shevat (the Festival of Trees), with an exhibit opening Wednesday, Feb. 1 featuring Israeli artist Tal Shochat’s large format photographs of trees. The exhibit runs through April 22, Earth Day.

contents Up Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Torah Thought. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 UVA students on Birthright. . . . . . . . . . 6 Genna Brand makes aliyah. . . . . . . . . . . 7 Yeshiva hosts parents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Kids Connection at JCC. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Shabbat Shira and Debbie Friedman . . 10 Local students at AIPAC. . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Pearl Glassman and tzedakah. . . . . . . . 12 Summer Camp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 JDC in the Ukraine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Temple Israel’s Iron Chef. . . . . . . . . . . 16

Science at BINA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Simon Family JCC Book Club. . . . . . . 17 JCC and the community. . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 What’s Happening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Mazel Tov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Tori’s Tricks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Oy!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Scene: Film Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Cantor at Commodore Levy Chapel. . . 26

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candle lighting

“The campus we will always

Friday, February 3/Shevet 10 Light candles at 5:13pm

represent is in Tidewater.

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The bond we formed in

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our community follows us wherever we go.” —page 11

Friday, February 24/Adar 1 Light candles at 5:35pm Friday, March 2/Adar 8 Light candles at 5:42pm Friday, March 9/Adar 15 Light candles at 5:48 pm

January 30, 2012 | Jewish News | 3

briefs Obama’s celebrity wish list With all the GOP campaign shenanigans, it’s possible to forget there’s still a president in the White House who wants to be reelected. President Obama is sticking to his guns—or celebrities. The Tennessean newspaper reports that his campaign has compiled a massive list of athletes, musicians, businesspeople and actors it would like to see supporting the cause. Some powerful Jewish names appear on the list: Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, Lea Michele of “Glee,” Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, Mila Kunis and others. (JTA) Brangelina at the U.S. Holocaust Museum On a recent trip to Washington, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie decided to swing by the U.S. Holocaust Museum to promote Angelina’s directorial debut, In the Land of Blood and Honey. They specifically went to tour the “From Memory to Action” exhibition on genocide, which includes the massacre in Srebrenica featured in her movie. “I’m having trouble even speaking about it because I spent half an hour in this room, where I did my best not to look at the walls and read everything because it was reminding me so much of everything I learned in the process of this film and all the beautiful people that I met that survived,” Jolie told the Washington Examiner. “It’s quite heavy.” Israel’s Channel 10 also had the chance to catch up with the couple, who told the news station that they were “very interested” in going to Israel and learning more about the conflict there. “There’s no good reason I haven’t been [to Israel],” Jolie said. (JTA) Giffords announces resignation from Congress U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot by a gunman last January, announced that she will resign from Congress. In a two-minute video released Sunday, Jan. 22, Giffords (D-Ariz.) said she will step down as she continues her recovery. “I have more work to do on my recovery, so to do what is best for Arizona, I will step down this week,” she said. “I’m getting better. Every day my spirit is high. I will return, and we will work together for Arizona and this great country.” Speaking slowly but clearly, Giffords thanked viewers for their prayers and said that she will always remember the trust her constitutents placed in her. Giffords, who is Jewish and a member of a local synagogue, was shot in the head 4 | Jewish News | January 30, 2012

at a Jan. 8, 2011 meet-the-constituents event outside a supermarket in Tucson. The gunman, Jared Loughner, who suffers from mental illness, killed six people and wounded 13 others, including Giffords. In the video, Giffords said she didn’t “remember much from that horrible day.” The National Jewish Democratic Council wished Giffords, the first Jewish woman to be elected to Congress from Arizona, “continued quick healing on her path to recovery” and looked forward to “the occasion when we can welcome her back to public life.” “We are so tremendously proud of the remarkable determination and resiliency that Gabby has shown in her amazing recovery; indeed all Americans have watched in awe as she has taken her first steps and grown stronger and stronger,” NJDC chair Marc Stanley and vice-chair Marc Winkelman said in a statement. (JTA)

Obama campaign unveils video with testimonials from Israeli leaders President Obama’s reelection campaign unveiled a video featuring testimonials from Israeli leaders a day after he raised $500,000 from Jewish donors in New York. The video, e-blasted Friday, Jan. 20 to Jewish supporters by David Axelrod, a top campaign official, intersperses speeches by Obama to Jewish audiences and at the United Nations with testimonials culled from news broadcasts. Among those speaking are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli ambassador to Washington Michael Oren, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, President Shimon Peres and former Mossad chief Efraim Halevy. Much of the seven-minute video addresses the close security relationship between the countries, although portions— notably Oren’s comments—say there is agreement also on Middle East peace talks. Obama’s critics among conservatives and Republicans have emphasized his tendency to openly differ with Israel on the conditions for talks, especially when it comes to settlements. In his opening remarks, Obama cited close security cooperation and his efforts to isolate Iran until it makes its suspected nuclear weapons program more transparent. “Since I’ve been in office, we have unequivocally said that Israel’s security is non-negotiable, and that we will do everything that’s necessary to make sure that Israel is able to thrive and prosper as a secure Jewish state,” he said. “Part of that

has been to make sure that we’ve got the strongest military cooperation that we’ve ever had between our two nations.” Obama also noted his efforts to revive the U.S. economy. (JTA)

RNC calls for ‘united Israel governed under one law for all people’ The Republican National Committee adopted a resolution calling for “a united Israel governed under one law for all people.” The resolution passed an RNC conference in New Orleans. Some liberal bloggers suggested that the resolution effectively called for a single state in Israel and the West Bank, with citizenship rights extended to all. With a preamble that describes the land of Israel as God-given to the Jews, the resolution resolves “that the members of this body support Israel in their natural and God-given right of self-governance and selfdefense upon their own lands, recognizing that Israel is neither an attacking force nor an occupier of the lands of others; and that peace can be afforded the region only through a united Israel governed under one law for all people.” For some, the reference to the biblical mandate in the preamble and the resolution’s rejection of the term “occupier” flagged an endorsement of claims by some right-wing Israelis to the entire biblical land of Israel. “There is no interpretation possible other than that the RNC is also advocating complete Israeli annexation of the West Bank, including granting citizenship to the Palestinians living there,” wrote Mitchell Plitnick, the blogger who first reported on the resolution. The dovish group J Street tweeted that the resolution “confirms the decades-long bipartisan consensus on a two-state solution is shattered.” However, the preamble’s language also suggests that the lands it refers to are those that Israel held before 1967. “The Nation of Israel declared its independent control and governance of said lands on May 14, 1948, with the goal of re-establishing their Godgiven lands as a homeland for the Jewish people.” “I’m not sure it takes a position on borders beyond allowing the state of Israel to have secure ones,” Ralph Reed, a top Republican strategist and the chairman of the conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition, told JTA in an e-mail. The resolution also called for member lawmakers to institute similar legislation in their legislatures. (JTA)

Germany marks anniversary of Wannsee Conference The German government marked the 70th anniversary of the conference at which Nazis plotted the genocide of European Jews. At the villa at Berlin’s Wannsee lake where senior Nazi officials coordinated the Holocaust in 1942, German President Christian Wulff said Friday, Jan. 20 that it was becoming increasingly hard to comprehend how genocide became the country’s official policy, The Associated Press reported. “We cannot be allowed to forget that this—the unbelievable and the unimaginable—actually happened,” Wulff said. Historians believe the Wannsee Conference was the occasion at which Hitler’s decision to exterminate the Jews of Europe was communicated to senior Nazi officials. In an Op-Ed published in the Bild newspaper, Dieter Graumann, president of Germany’s Central Council of Jews, warned that the anti-Semitism at the heart of the Nazi program had yet to be eliminated. “Anti-Semitism and xenophobia still poison too many people today,” Graumann wrote. “A day like this shows us where the intoxication of racism can lead, with all the consequences.” (JTA) Netanyahu orders probe of mufti’s speech Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered Israel’s attorney general to open an investigation into Jerusalem’s top Muslim cleric, who called for killing Jews. Mufti Mohammed Hussein, speaking at an event celebrating the 47th anniversary of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah movement, cited a traditional text attributed to the Prophet Muhammad that says: “The hour of judgment will not come until you fight the Jews. The Jew will hide behind the stone and behind the tree. The stone and the tree will cry, ‘Oh Muslim, Oh Servant of God, this is a Jew behind me, come and kill him.’” Video of the mufti’s speech was posted on YouTube by Palestinian Media Watch; the group’s account was frozen for several days over the content. The video also shows a man introducing the mufti saying that “Our war with the descendants of the apes and pigs is a war of religion and faith. Long live Fatah!” Netanyahu said that “These are grave words that the world needs to condemn.” Hussein told Israel Radio that he was just quoting the religious text, not calling for the murder of Jews. No Palestinian leader has condemned his words. (JTA)

torah thought

Making miracles ing to note that according to Torah, it is at this point in time that God says to Moses, “Why do you cry out to me? Let the people journey forth and you lift up your staff and stretch it out…” In other words, at the moment of crisis when the people cried out to God to save them, God responded that we must first try to save ourselves. According to the ‘Midrash,’ when the Israelites came to the edge of the Reed Sea, ne of the most dramat- they suddenly became very polite. Each one ic miracles of the Torah said to the other, “After you.” “No, after takes place in the portion you.” And no one wanted to go into the of Bashallach, the parting water first. Until Nachshon ben Aminadav of the Reed Sea, Yam Suf, plunged into the water. The water came up often mistranslated as the Red Sea. The to his neck—and then, and only then, did awesome nature of this miracle is cap- the sea split. And once it did, the rest of the tured by Hollywood in Cecil B. Demille’s Israelites followed after him into the water famous epic The Ten Commandments. and were saved. Nachshon deserves to be Even knowing it is only the magic remembered and emulated. He was We of Hollywood, we are impressed the great risk-taker, and if it were by the “miracle.” How much not for him, who knows if our must more impressive it must have people would have ever gotten help create been for the ancient Israelites across the sea? our own who witnessed this display of Each of us personally as divine power. But strikingly, individuals or collectively as miracles by the Torah does not portray a community must sooner or virtue of the Exodus as a transformalater face the same challenge tive experience. Miracles may that confronted our ancestors persistent alter the course of nature, but at the Reed Sea. For some, going effort. they leave human nature essenforward is too much, better to tially unaltered. give up than continue a hopeless Miracles are impressive, but somehow struggle. There will always be individuals they don’t do the trick. We see that mira- who seek to return to the past. We tend cles didn’t do the trick in the past, so why to forget the unpleasantness of the past. do we insist, not loudly, but inwardly, “If It is safe, secure and over. The future is only there were a miracle, then…” The late unknown, unmeasured, unsure, frightenRabbi Herschel Matt discussed the ques- ing. Often, in times of crisis, a person will tion of why there are no miracles today. say “Why can’t things be they way they He proposed that, “For the faithful Jew, the were, when life was simpler, when times miracles of old are constantly renewed.” were easier?” The problem is that no time They are renewed, he asserted, through period or stage of life is ever free of its share our rituals and our liturgy. The miracle of of challenges, problems or difficulties. For the exodus, for example, is commemorated all our nostalgia, we can’t recreate the past. with Passover and is cited each time we We can’t make things the way they were. chant the Shabbat Kiddush. Rabbi Matt We are faced with two options: grow or die, wrote, “For the faithful Jew, it makes no dif- change or wither, move forward or stop ference that the biblical miracles happened moving forever. long ago; for him these same miracles hapLet us learn from our past and be pen again and again. The miraculous past inspired by it. The Midrash teaches us becomes contemporaneous.” that we must not wait in anticipation of a This week’s parasha highlights a very miracle; we must help create our own mirpainful crisis in the history of our people. acles by virtue of persistent effort. When Reaching the shores of the Sea of Reeds, next we stand at a crossroad, when we feel our ancestors realized that the Egyptians paralyzed by fear and unable to make a are closing in behind them. What were they decision, let us remember Nachshom Ben to do? The Israelites were in limbo, caught Aminadav and may he be a model for us all. between the old and the new. It is interest—Rabbi David Goldstein, Gomley Chesed

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January 30, 2012 | Jewish News | 5

UVA students on their Taglit-Birthright Israel trip

he Brody Jewish Center at University of Virginia continues to have one of the largest campus Taglit-Birthright Israel programs in the nation. In fact, UVA’s Hillel has taken more than 300 students to Israel in the past four years. On Jan. 1, 40 UVA students left for a 10-day trip to Israel. Tidewater participants included Lauren Goldberg, Eric Smith, Adam Rosen and Aaron Shroyer. More than 20 other UVA students participated in additional Birthright trips this winter. These UVA students explored some of Israel’s historical, political, and spiritual dimensions. They experienced contemporary Israeli life, enjoyed the nightlife, beaches, museums, and cafes. Taglit-Birthright Israel offers Jewish young adults, ages 18–26, who have never been on a peer-group Israel trip, a free trip. Following are excerpts of blogs posted by Aaron Shroyer, Adam Rosen and Eric Smith:

Aaron Shroyer n the plane ride to Israel, I wrote down a few expectations for my experience during this trip. As I wrote down this initial journal, I realized that I knew far too little about the country that our people, the Jewish people, call home. In fact, the only mental images I had of Israel were either from tragic news clips about violence or ones I conjured from Biblical stories. Aside from my goals to learn more about Israel and its people, I wanted to learn more about Judaism and my role in the Jewish community. The past day has served as a great example of how both expectations have been met and maybe even exceeded. Today, we woke up at 6 am to climb Masada, which is a fortified city on a mountain that is famous for its significance in the Roman era. On the way up the mountain to Masada, we followed the Roman ramp route. The city is unapproachable on three of its four sides due to steep cliffs, so the Romans built a ramp in order to reach the city. Once we made it up the mountain, we explored the ruins of Masada, including Herod’s Palace, Masada’s cistern, and a bathhouse. For a history buff like myself, this was an excellent opportunity to learn about the events of the Roman attack on Masada, most notably including the mass suicide by the inhabitants of the city. In addition to touring the city, we performed a Hebrew naming ceremony on an outlook of the city. The group would yell out one of our new Hebrew names, and, as Jake said, the names were accepted by our Jewish

6 | Jewish News | January 30, 2012

ancestors via echoes coming off from neighboring mountains. After our climb back down Masada, we continued onto the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea, one of the wonders of the world, definitely ranked highly on all of our lists for places we were most excited to visit. The first thing we noticed was the shrinking of the Dead Sea; the shoreline is now a halfmile from where it was in the mid-20th century, leaving once beachside spas far from the Sea itself. The group that I was with decided, with the help of one of our soldiers, that we would take a dip in the Dead Sea and cover ourselves with mud. I can say without a doubt that it was one of the most unique experiences of my life. The feeling of bobbing back up in the water after falling backwards (and therefore breaking any law of physics I have ever known), is one that I will not soon forget. That said, a few of my friends and I are taking back special souvenirs in the forms of scratches and scrapes thanks to the salt crystals on the floor of the Dead Sea (Yes parents, Jake and Jenna did warn us about that.) I can say without hesitation that Birthright has met my pre-trip expectations. Although we have logged some long hours on the bus, we have been able to see a vast part of Israel. What I think was most surprising to the whole group was the geographic diversity and beauty of Israeli landscapes. In one week, we have traveled from the hills of Jerusalem to the Mediterranean coast and then to the rugged desert mountains. We have visited numerous historical sites, each one bringing us closer to Israel and telling the story of its past and present. Our group has bonded through these shared experiences (as well as through the inside jokes). Although I doubt that I will become more religious from Birthright, I feel a stronger sense of what it means to be socially and culturally Jewish, which has strengthened my ties to the Jewish community at UVA and in Israel. —Aaron Shroyer is the son of Leslie and Michael Shroyer of Norfolk.

Adam Rosen e began the day with our usual breakfast of salad and then boarded the bus for a short ride to the Western Wall and the Old City of Jerusalem. We rode or walked through each of the four quarters, which, as we learned, aren’t evenly divided quarters at all. Walking through the Muslim quarter was especially interesting. We saw stores selling Jewish souvenirs right alongside giant wooden crosses, with huge Persian rugs for sale hanging on

the walls. Delicious smells came from the bakeries selling flat ovular “Jerusalem bagels” and of course, fresh pomegranate juice. What trip would be complete without a visit to the western wall? We entered the plaza next to the wall and I went in to get a closer look. I never realized how tall the wall actu- UVA students and Tidewater area residents Lauren Goldberg, ally was until it was Eric Smith, Adam Rosen and Aaron Shroyer. towering overhead. There were tons of people praying and touching the wall. Then we entered the tunnels under the wall for a tour led by our wonderful educator, Efrat. The tunnels lead through cool cisterns and mikvahs. The most amazing part, though, was the size of the Lauren Goldberg and Adam Rosen. stones. They were enormous. We saw one that was a solid and were glad to be making their dreams piece of rock 35 feet long and 10 feet wide. come true by coming to Israel…and then It weighed 500 tons and somehow they the show began. managed to drag it to the wall. It was one of The whole thing felt like a rock concert. the coolest places I have ever been. A rapper jumped on stage with his crew The hotel served meatballs for dinner, and spit some sweet rhymes about Israel. but let’s just say there aren’t any Italians Next a dance troupe performed as an Israeli in Israel. After dinner, we all put on our singer sang a bunch of songs. There were matching “Taglit: Birthright Israel” shirts fireworks going off and really cool video and went to the International Convention effects. Finally the mega act stepped on Center for the Mega Event. As soon as stage: a famous Reggae musician from Israel we approached the building, we saw a named Mosh ben Ari. All of Taglit started group from Brazil waving an enormous dancing, even our tour guide Efrat joined flag, jumping up and down, and shouting in. She definitely moves like Jagger. But BRAZIL. Of course in response, the 1000s of course the night couldn’t be complete of American kids began a U. S. A. chant without one more dance party, so we all effectively drowning out the competition. stopped in the lobby for one last rave. One In addition to the Brazilian group, we met of the Israeli soldiers with us, Shacher, people from Argentina, Russia, Canada, the started breaking it down and even engaged U.K, Uruguay, Poland, Australia, Germany, in a dance off with one of the other kids in and from all over the U.S. our group. By 11:30 we were partied out As soon as we took our seats in the hall, and trekked back to the hotel where we all we were standing up again for a crazy dance fell into bed for our last night in Jerusalem. party and, of course, some more cheering. Next, onto Tzfat! Then Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu —Adam Rosen is the son of Dana and Jeff entered and gave a rousing, freestyle speech Rosen of Norfolk. welcoming us home and encouraging us to get to know Israel. We next heard from Read Eric Smith’s blog on page 8. the people who made Birthright possible

Genna Brand makes aliyah Virginia Beach native becomes Israeli citizen

by Terri Denison

he seeds might have been planted when she was four years old playing on her first soccer team. Or perhaps it was when she attended Hebrew Academy of Tidewater. It could have been during her first trip to Israel on a UJA Family Mission. But Genna Brand says the thoughts began to happen when she was 16 and played in the Macabbiah games in Israel, her second trip to her new home. Her third trip, to play again in the games four years later, was probably the real turning point. “I went to Israel to play and I was with all Jews in Israel. We shared stories, dreams, etc. and we all became very close. Something sparked inside of me and to be honest, it has never left,” says Brand. A Virginia Beach native and daughter of Bonnie and David Brand, she made aliyah with Nefesh B’ Nefesh on Nov. 9 to play for ASA Tel Aviv, a women’s soccer team that plays in the Israeli Women’s Premier League. The team finished in the top 16 in the world for women’s soccer. A graduate of Cape Henry Collegiate, Brand was recruited to play for Ohio State University where she played for four years. While at OSU, Brand was recruited heavily by women soccer teams across Israel because of her outstanding skills. Brand, however, wanted to fulfill her dream of playing Division 1 soccer and earn a degree from an American university, so she declined all of the offers. At OSU, she won awards and trophies, and in her senior year played in the Final Four in North Carolina. In time, Brand decided to combine her two passions—Israel and soccer—and contacted the coaches who had recruited her so hard from the time she was 16 years old. The contract and offer to play for ASA Tel Aviv arrived the day before her graduation from Ohio State. The recruiting process of ASA took nearly seven years, but ASA finally got who they wanted so badly— Genna Brand. So, what’s life in Tel Aviv like for this Tidewater native? “A typical week for me begins with Ulpan on Sunday. Sunday is my ‘usual Monday,’ and this definitely took some getting used to because Sundays were my lazy days and time to enjoy family. “Ulpan is five hours a day, four days a week, for five months. With my Hebrew

Genna Brand as she arrived in Israel in November.

background (thanks HAT!), I was able to join class a few weeks late,” says Brand. “I have met some incredible people of all ages in my class from all over the world.” Brand is currently trying to work for Nike in their offices in Herzliyah Petuach. But she says that after Ulpan she usually goes with friends to a cafe where they “attempt to read the newspaper, enjoy the weather when it’s not pouring, and take a walk on the beach, go to galleries, or a museum.” Practice for the team takes place at Tel Aviv University on Monday and Thursday with games on Tuesday. “I honestly believe it would be impossible for me to feel anymore support,” says Brand. “Sometimes I think my dad wishes he moved in or pulled a Rodney Dangerfield in Back to School. Skype has been a great way to communicate and thankfully my mom has finally understood how to operate technology!!” Her network grows as the days go by, she says, from Ulpan and soccer to her parents’ friends. And she says, “Israelis couldn’t be more willing to make people

feel so welcome and warm. There’s a whole lot of love in this country and it’s full of life!” Brand says she is “having the time of her life” and is learning more than Hebrew and about professional soccer. “I was reflecting the other day about what I’ve learned most since I’ve been here, similarities and differences, and what if anything, I miss most about home. Honestly, I don’t miss much. Sometimes I miss an American grocery store because the AMPMs here just don’t quite cut it. If only I had a Whole Foods around the corner!” she muses. “It’s not so much that I miss things from home, but living here definitely has opened my eyes to what’s really important in this world. I took so many things for granted in America, as most Americans do, because we know we will have plenty attempts at doing things and myriad of opportunities and choices. Our lives are full of “things” we don’t value and truly appreciate what we have. “People in Israel live each day as if it was their last and they live it to the fullest... enjoying each sip of their cappuccino and

time they spend with friends and families, taking in every second of sunshine and silence that fills the city on Shabbat. The way I see Israelis greet their friends and family, it’s as if they are SO excited to see them, like they are the only thing that matters to them at that moment. It’s truly incredible and I wish I was able to grasp this concept earlier, but it’s never too late,” she says. “This country has so much to offer and I want to take it all in. I try to keep my eyes open as much as I can because I don’t want to miss a thing or miss the chance of being inspired. I am a citizen of Israel and for now, this is my home. It keeps getting better day by day and I’m finally grasping what it means to live in the moment and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” A representative from Nefesh B’ Nefesh, the organization which eased the legalities of Brand’s aliyah process, will be in Tidewater on May 15. For more information, contact Robin Mancoll at rmancoll@ujft.org.

January 30, 2012 | Jewish News | 7

UVA student’s blog continued from page 6.

Eric Smith his incredibly eye-opening journey is, I am sad to say, coming to an end. As the final day approaches, I am desperately trying to mentally record every historical fact I hear, capture a final visual snapshot of the great sites, and seize every second in this holy land. My eagerness to “seize” these seconds is fueled by the ever-flowing influx of new historical facts, ideas, and insights that Israel has so

graciously blessed me with. Not a day goes by without me gaining a new perspective on WHY I am Jewish or WHY I should feel connected to Israel. This morning, sleep deprivation fought diligently against my will to feel alert. Fortunately, an exceptionally energetic and passionate speaker would greet our Birthright group at 8 am. Avraham Infeld, a Jewish man originally from South Africa, overcame the lingering fight of my sleep deprivation and more importantly, touched me deeply with his powerful message.

Avraham, who also happens to be the first director of Taglit Birthright and a past president of Hillel, taught our group a Jewish mindset that he has been spreading to audiences for years. This mental- Thumbs up on the camel ride from Eric Smith and Aaron Shroyer. ity that we were exposed to emphasized the fact that Judaism is NOT a ences and learn to grow together. Memory, religion. He repeated these words over Family, Mount Sinai, Hebrew, and Israel and over again: “Judaism is not a reli- (land and state) individually and collecgion!” He explained that Judaism as a tively support Judaism. This is the Jewish religion tends to distinguish the Reform, backbone. (He acknowledged that although Conservative, and Orthodox Jews. On the adopting all five legs is ideal, if we each contrary, Judaism as a culture and an adopt just three we are guaranteed to have encompassing lifestyle tends to connect at least one thing in common and the table our people. If we all embrace this concept, will still stand). Jews across the world will be more unified, I hope to take Avraham’s words and without necessarily being uniform. These incorporate them into my life. When relatfive words completely contradict my pre- ing this lesson to the other fascinating and Taglit perception of Judaism. However, for thought-provoking experiences I have had me it was so easy to accept these words, during this trip, I feel much closer to my almost too easy. Jewish identity. This feeling comforts me, Avraham further explained how we and also inspires me to dig deeper into my can finally feel united. By acknowledging Jewish roots. and adopting five “legs” of a stable “table” —Eric Smith is the son of Mona Smith of of Judaism, we can embrace our differ- Norfolk.

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Welcoming parents from across the country to spend a Shabbos in Norfolk with local parents and faculty, Yeshivas Aish Kodesh recently hosted its ninth annual Parents’ Weekend. This event always is a great success, involving parents more deeply in the education of their sons and offering an inside view of life at Yeshiva. The Yeshiva arranges accommodations and meals with local families from Friday through Sunday. The weekend began with parentteacher conferences on Friday afternoon. Each parent had the chance to meet with the principal and teachers and discuss their son’s progress. According to Ramona Drury, general studies principal, “Even though parents of out-of-town boys at Aish Kodesh can’t be involved in their child’s school life on a daily basis, we try hard to keep them involved and aware through phone calls and e-mails, and we see our Parents’ Weekend as a big part of our effort to keep in touch with the parent body.” This year the entire school joined for a festive Shabbos dinner at Congregation B’nai Israel. Parents, students, and fac-

ulty enjoyed the food and fellowship, taking advantage of the time to greet old friends and get to know the new families at Yeshiva. Rabbi Shmuel Brandt, 10th grade Rebbe, gave a Dvar Torah and was followed by Rabbi Chaim Silver of Bnai Israel, who spoke on the parsha of the week, emphasizing the importance of the Yeshiva to the community. The evening ended with a welcome from Earl Pollock, president of the Yeshiva. On Shabbos morning, parents gathered for davening in the Yeshiva Bais Medrash and enjoyed Shabbos lunch with the Rebbeim and their host families. On Motzaei Shabbos, the entire school came out for a Melava Malka at Yeshiva. The local parents got to know parents of boarding students. On Sunday morning, the weekend closed with a brunch for parents at Yeshiva. Yeshivas Aish Kodesh offers a traditional yeshiva education for boys in ninth through 12th grades. Almost half of its students are from Tidewater, with the remainder coming from New York, Baltimore, Chicago, and Seattle.

Kids Connection connects to community

by Laine Rutherford

fter a full day of school at Providence Elementary, Ciera Egan bounds up the stairs at the Simon Family Jewish Community Center, ready for more learning. The seven-year-old doesn’t call what she does at Kids Connection, the JCC’s before and after school program, learning, though. She calls it “fun!” “I like to read here. I like to exercise. And I especially like to dance,” says Ciera, anxious to finish her homework one recent afternoon so she could head into the Kids Connection Kid Fit Center and play Dance Dance Revolution, an interactive, movement-filled video game. Ciera and more than 50 other children attend Kids Connection’s before and after school enrichment program for students in kindergarten through grade five. Some arrive as early as 6:30 am, ride the JCC’s bus to school, then ride it back after school, and are picked up by 6 pm. More children attend during the special camps offered over winter and spring breaks, or on national holidays. Jaime Egan, Ciera’s mother, wholly endorses the program, which she says is so much more than any daycare and provides more than she ever imagined in a before and afterschool care program. Initially, though, Egan was hesitant to send Ciera to the JCC. “If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would be a member of the JCC or have my child involved, I would have said ‘no.’ I didn’t have the greatest experience growing up in the Jewish community in Norfolk—I felt like I didn’t fit in,” Egan, 31, says. “Now, partly due to our experience here, I identify with being a Jew and my child identifies with being a Jew. It’s a wonderful feeling to have.” Her mindset changed when Ciera was five and Egan’s mother saw an ad for the JCC Summer Camp in the newspaper and suggested Egan find out more. Cautiously, Egan agreed. The single mother discovered three things when she enrolled her daughter in camp that summer—that there were scholarships available, that she and Ciera were treated no differently than any other member or camper, and that Ciera adored the experience. “We decided that if Ciera liked the camp we’d try the before and afterschool program and we’ve been here since then,” Egan says. “Kids Connection is so well rounded

and gives her so much more than in any other program she could be in. They have homework time, arts and crafts, swimming lessons and a KidFit program—exercise and wellness—that Ciera really loves. “Half the time, I can’t get her to leave and when I think about how hesitant I was to bring her here in the first place—to find out that she ended up in a place that she loves so much she wants to stay longer—well, I feel that she’s in the right place,” Egan adds. Kids Connection has its own suite on the second floor of the JCC. Within the brightly lit rooms is an Art Zone, a Reading Area, Computer, Cooking and Building Centers, and a KidFit Center filled with exercise machines and a television set up for the children to play Ciera’s beloved DDR. Comfortable couches, colorful rugs and child-sized chairs and tables make the space friendly and familiar. “We try to make this experience as fun as possible, while incorporating learning activities in a nurturing, enriching environment,” Ashley Gregory, Kids Connection program manager says. “Our program is unique, it’s exceptional and it’s safe.” Fees vary for the program, ranging from $40 to $125 per week, depending on the times parents need for their children and whether they are JCC members or potential members. When possible, scholarships are available. All fees include homework assistance provided by screened and qualified counselors, instructional and free swim sessions, age appropriate community service and enrichment programs and KidFit, the children’s exercise and nutrition program led by a certified fitness instructor. Students come from all backgrounds, and while Jewish learning and values are incorporated, Gregory and her staff strive to ensure that all cultures are embraced, respected, and provide further avenues for learning. “The JCC provides a substantive service for children from Pre-K to grade five, and Kids Connection is a large part of that service,” says Sharon Laderberg, JCC director. “When families want a safe, nurturing, harmonious place where their children can be encouraged in education, in activities and to be a better person in community service, they find it here. “We, as a Jewish organization, believe in these values and we believe in instilling them as early as possible.” Laderberg says she, her staff and parents are grateful for the financial support Kids Connection receives from the United Way and the financial support the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Annual Campaign provides to the Simon Family JCC. That

Kids Connection counselor Marie Pinkney gets artwork off the wall for Ciera Egan and her mother Jaime.

support, she stresses, is vital to ensuring that families like the Egans continue to get exceptional care and opportunities. “Financial contributions defer the cost for single parents as well as for families where both parents work. We provide scholarships for families so they are able to give their children a great beginning, and great values,” Laderberg explains. “The children who attend Kids Connection get snacks, tutoring, exercise, swimming lessons, art projects, educational enrichment and more. If we added up all of these costs, it would be financially prohibitive to run this program. Contributions from the community defer these costs and help these children, who are our future, succeed.” Jaime Egan’s gratitude at being able to send Ciera to Kids Connection and Summer Camp extends beyond the enrichment she sees her daughter getting. The experience of being part of the community where she once felt like an outsider has made Egan feel good about being Jewish. “There are so many stereotypes about Jewish people being rich, that I didn’t know they offered scholarships in the first place. When I walked in here as a single parent who maybe couldn’t afford as much as other people could, I found I wasn’t turned away and that I wasn’t shunned. I’m not treated any differently, which makes me feel good,” Egan says. “When I walk into the JCC, I feel welcome. I feel like I belong.” To find out more about Kids Connection, visit www.simonfamilyj.org, or call 321-2338. The Simon Family JCC is a constituent agency of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Friends Tatyana Calloway, 6, and Ciera Egan, 7, at Kids Connection.

Ciera Egan with the one-of-a-kind t-shirt she created at JCC Summer Camp.

January 30, 2012 | Jewish News | 9

Shabbat Shira Clergy push Debbie Friedman song by Debra Nussbaum Cohen

(Forward)—About two weeks before she died, Debbie Friedman stood with Rabbi Joy Levitt at the piano in Levitt’s Manhattan apartment, and she shared with her friend a melody that the legendary singer and composer would

never have the chance to record. It was a new version of “Shalom Aleichem,” the hymn traditionally sung Friday evenings to welcome the Sabbath angels. Friedman told her friend Rabbi Joy Levitt that her version of “Shalom Aleichem” would be her legacy.

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Friedman, who was in New York en route to the Limmud Festival in England, had sung the very same tune the previous night to Levitt’s cousin, who was dying of breast cancer. “I think this is going to be my legacy. This is going to be bigger than Mi Sheberach,” Friedman told Levitt, referring to her melody of the prayer for healing, which is widely used as part of the liturgy in liberal synagogues. A few days later, Levitt wrote Friedman an email saying, “You gave me such a huge gift and I’m going to make it my business that everyone knows this ‘Shalom Aleichem.’” Levitt, who is the executive director of the JCC in Manhattan, never received a response. Sick with the flu that would end her life, Friedman returned from England to her home in Southern California, where she died in a hospital on January 9, 2011. She was 59. Since then, her “Shalom Aleichem” has been shared from one person and small group to the next, in an informal effort to weave the melody into the American Jewish canon. It is becoming increasingly popular at Friday night dinners and at Havdalah services, which mark the Sabbath’s end. In the coming days, Levitt and Cantor Angela Buchdahl, of Manhattan’s Central Synagogue, are planning to reach out to every clergy member in the Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist movements—urging them to sing Friedman’s version of “Shalom Aleichem” on Feb. 3 and 4, which is Shabbat Shira, or the Sabbath of Song. Buchdahl and musician Josh Nelson sang that very melody to a crowd of 700 people, who attended a memorial service for Friedman at Central Synagogue on January 27, 2011. It was there that Vivian Lazar heard it for the first time. She brought it to HaZamir: The International Jewish High School Choir, which she directs. Some 300 HaZamir members sang it at their annual festival concert at Lincoln Center in March. Those high school students, from 18 U.S. cities and Israel, then took it back to their communities, Lazar said. “We are keeping Debbie’s ‘Shalom Aleichem’ in our repertoire,” Lazar says.

“It’s a song the kids love, and it’s our attempt to distribute the song to a wider and newer audience.” The spring before she died, Friedman herself taught the melody to several hundred people at Hava Nashira, the annual Reform movement song leaders’ gathering. That summer, Friedman sang the song, which she was still tweaking, for a class she was leading at Hebrew Union College– Jewish Institute of Religion’s School of Nonprofit Management in Los Angeles. Richard Siegel, the school’s director, asked Friedman what she was working on. As Friedman sang her “Shalom Aleichem,” a student recorded it on an iPhone. Siegel has sung it every week since at his Shabbat table. “Once you get the hang of it, it’s quite haunting,” he says. Most recently, Cantor Jennifer Frost sang it before 6,000 people who gathered for the Union for Reform Judaism’s biennial gathering, held in December. Attendees could also request a biennial CD, which included Friedman’s version of “Shalom Aleichem,” and about 650 people did, says URJ spokeswoman Annette Powers. Though it is only now reaching a critical mass of synagogues and Shabbat tables, the melody was composed in 2009, according to Merri Lovinger Arian, who taught with her at HUC–JIR’s cantorial school. That school has been renamed the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music. “She grabbed me and said she wanted me to listen to it, and she said, ‘Doesn’t it really sound like we were born with that melody, that it’s been around for a long time?’” Arian recalls. “She was right.” In addition to the Shabbat Shira effort, Friedman’s “Shalom Aleichem” will be performed Feb. 1 at a Central Synagogue tribute to the late musician, which follows her first yahrzeit. “All of us were left with this piece we know she was so excited about, she really wanted to get it out there,” Arian says. “Since it wasn’t recorded there is a feeling that we have a responsibility to get this, of all melodies, out. We all feel a sense of urgency about it.” (This story originally appeared in the Forward newspaper. To read more, go to forward.com.)

Shabbat Shira is Feb 3 and 4

Students learn at AIPAC’s Saban by Staci Eichelbaum and Arielle Klebanoff

s a junior in college, it is a rare occurrence to be seated in a room of almost 500 people and be next to your best friend from pre-school. Staci Eichelbaum, a junior at James Madison University and Arielle Klebanoff, a junior at Emory, befriended one another as preschoolers at the JCC on Newport Ave. in Norfolk. Almost 20 years later, we sat together listening to AIPAC’s president, Howard Kohr, speak to students at AIPAC’s 20th annual Saban leadership conference in Washington, D.C. We attended the conference as campus liaisons. But, as we sit at the Sandler Family Campus in Virginia Beach, we recognize that the campus we will always represent is Tidewater. The bond we formed in our community follows us wherever we go. On Dec. 18, 400 college students from 156 campuses nationwide met in the nation’s capitol for APAIC’s 2011 Winter Saban Leadership Summit. The three-day seminar focused on promoting leadership

and Israel advocacy on college campuses. Leading Washington policy makers, Middle East experts, and AIPAC leadership development professionals shared their knowledge with students through breakout sessions, fielding questions, and developing students’ opinions and skills. We heard from many different speakers such as Rafi Danziger, a research advisor and AIPAC consultant. Danziger informed us of Arielle Klebanoff and Staci Eichelbaum at AIPAC. the challenges Israel will face in the future with Egypt, Turkey, and development director Iran. Lee Rosenberg, AIPAC president, and for AIPAC, offered tips Richard Fishman, AIPAC managing direc- on lobbying and advotor, held an information session discussing cating for Israel. the challenges Israel faces in today’s society We are excited to including Israel’s isolation and the Arab bring the information Spring. Jonathan Kessler, the leadership we have gathered from

Saban back to our community, both to our campuses and to the Tidewater area. We both understand the importance of the State of Israel and the United States bond, and are excited to share our passion with our Congressmen and Senators.

Arielle Klebanoff and Staci Eichelbaum from their “early years.”

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Pearl H. Glassman embodies tzedakah by Tanya Marten, marketing manager, Tidewater Jewish Foundation

Pearl H. Glassman

earl H. Glassman may be the perfect example of how anyone can become the embodiment of Tzedakah. During a laugh-filled conversation and guided tour of her beloved home at Beth Sholom Terrace, the energetic 97-year-old left no question as to her commitment to the ideal of Jewish giving. Growing up in New York City in the period just before and after World War

I, Glassman’s commitment to giving was greatly influenced by her revered parents, Yetta and Harris Hacken. “My parents taught me and my siblings the practice of Tzedakah. They migrated from Austria–Hungary. In my early youth, I remember attending Yiddish Theatre performances to benefit the needy as well as functions to raise funds for a local Workman’s Circle Home. Though not religious, we maintained and adhered to the principles of Judaism. My father was always raising money for Jewish causes and the needy. Though of modest means, I learned from my parents that Tzedakah should be a lifetime commitment!” She married Bernard Glassman, who worked in accounting for the U.S. Postal Service. Together, they used Bernard’s vacation time to travel the world, often on tramp steamers. “I thought I was a world traveler, but read in National Geographic you’re not one until you’ve been to 100 countries. I’ve only been to 72 other countries, so I guess I’ll never get to be a world traveler.” The Glassmans moved to Virginia Beach in 1976. Shortly thereafter, she saw that Temple Emmanuel was hosting an open

Create a Jewish Legacy Tu B’Shevat New Year for the Trees

Tu B’Shevat is the new year of the trees. In the past, it was the day for calculating the age of trees and their new fruit for tithing. Since tithing with fruit is no longer customary, this is a good time to reflect on the tree of life that reminds us of perpetual giving. Planning for the future by creating an endowment is a way we can incorporate this holiday into our lives. For information on how to Create a Jewish Legacy contact Philip S. Rovner, psrovner@ujft.org, 757-965-6111.

12 | Jewish News | January 30, 2012

house, which she decided to attend. “The people were so hamish. I felt welcomed and accepted. It was like finding a second home. My long-time membership with Temple Emanuel has been an uplifting spiritual and social experience.” Glassman’s relationship with Temple Emmanuel continues to this day. Her friends from the Temple hosted a 96th birthday party in her honor last year. The memory of it remains one of her fondest. Bernard, who passed in 2000, spent his final years at the Beth Sholom Home. Glassman, who was one of the first people to move into Beth Sholom Terrace when it opened in 2004, is happy to sing the praises of her home. “I am thankful for the opportunity to live at Beth Sholom Terrace. The people here are wonderful. Everyone is caring and there’s so much to do. I feel very blessed.” Obviously, so do the people at Beth Sholom Terrace. Walking through the halls, Glassman greets and is greeted warmly by everyone she passes. People call Glassman “the dancer,” referring to her love for and ability on the dance floor. She has also been honored with a plaque on the Beth Sholom Tree of Life. Through it all, Glassman’s commitment to giving has always been foremost in her mind and heart. Although of modest means, Glassman has made sure the Jewish community will benefit during and beyond her lifetime. “I have two Ezra gift annuities established by my brother, Robert Hacken. Presently, they contribute to my care. And both Beth Sholom Home and Temple Emanuel will benefit after my demise. This is very important to me.” If everyone had Pearl H. Glassman’s energy, compassion, good humor and commitment to Judaism, the Jewish people of Tidewater and its organizations would be guaranteed a long healthy life for centuries to come. Beth Sholom Village is a participating partner in the Create a Jewish Legacy initiative, raising awareness of planned giving and building its endowments. Like Glassman, consider establishing a Create a Jewish Legacy for the charitable organizations that are personally important. For more information about how to Create a Jewish Legacy, call or email Philip Rovner at 965-6109, provner@ujft.org.

Summer Camp Time to begin the search

he real winter weather hasn’t arrived, and yet it is time to start considering, planning and registering for Summer Camp. The good news is that the options are so plentiful that there is bound to be a “perfect fit” for every child. The not-sogood news is that the decision making process might take a little longer. What camp situation is best for your child and family? Is a residential experience appropriate or would your child be happier spending the night at home? Is distance a factor? How about price? Does your child want a “typical” camp environment filled with a variety of activities or is a themed camp preferred? Does a Jewish influence matter to your family? In this issue of Jewish News, we begin to explore the options for this summer and highlight how some camps choose their staff and the wonders of making lifetime friendships at camp. In the March 5 issue of Jewish News, we’ll offer our Camp Guide, when the camps will tell you more about themselves. In the meantime, lets get started….

Friends for Life

by Linda L. Esterson

hey hailed from different cities, Philadelphia and York, Penn., and Potomac, Md., but they spent the important summers of their childhood in the Cascade Mountains together. In 1989 when they were 11 years old, Amy Corbman Moncarz and Lauren Schachter Hirt were in the same bunk at Camp Louise in Cascade, Md. Stephanie Grossman Veiss joined them a few years later, and the lifetime trio was formed. More than 20 years later, Corbman Moncarz talks about the first friendships she made on her own and maintained throughout the years. “We wrote a lot of letters,” says Corbman Moncarz. They also shared long distance calls and traveled for offseason visits. Now, they communicate by phone calls, text messages and email. Today, they are all 33 and they can reflect back on sharing milestones with their “sisters.” This includes sweet 16 parties, then weddings, funerals, family vacations, brises and baby naming ceremonies. And like they shared clothes while

at camp, they continue to share clothes— baby clothes for their children. “It’s like having family—there’s so much support, so much love,” says Corbman Moncarz, who gave birth to her son three months ago, and both Grossman Veiss and Schachter Hirt attended the bris. “It’s truly unconditional love.” Camp friendships can set the bar for the rest of life. “My expectations for friendship are so high because I’ve had these amazing camp friends,” says Corbman Moncarz. “Relationships continue long-term because they are intense relationships built up in a short time at camp,” says Rick Frankle, director of Camp Airy in Thurmont, Md. “The environment breeds close connections. That’s why they continue.” Ryan Pine and Matt Barr met in 1996 at Camp Airy, and for five years, they were in the same bunk. Over the years, they saw each other through recreation sports programs and once they were in high school, they got together outside of camp. They progressed through the ranks at camp to trainee and then counselor and later unit leader. In 2007, Pine was a groomsman in Barr’s wedding last October and Barr was

a groomsman when Pine married. Today, they’re best friends. “We talk almost daily,” says Barr. They ask about each other’s day “to the point where it’s almost comical.” They live a mile apart, share season tickets to Maryland football games and play in a flag football league. They reflect on camp, and fondly recall the Olympics in 2002, when Pine was general and Barr was a lieutenant, and later when they went on Birthright together in 2005, were roommates after college, and traveled to England and to sporting events out of town. What has made their friendship work after all these years? Both answer: “Camp.”

When choosing a camp, request references from alumni.

Life training at camp by Linda L. Esterson

uring the interview process, Alicia Berlin, director of Camp Louise in Cascade, Md., asks applicants to think back to their greatest camp experiences and the counselors who stood out. They discuss those personality traits they possessed and what they learned from that counselor. Then they talk about what kind of counselor they want to be. “We’re looking for enthusiasm, passion toward camping and working with children,” says Berlin. “And we want the initiative to go above and beyond.” They also discuss scenarios that can arise at camp, such as campers missing home,

having arguments or not wanting to participate in a particular activity. “You can tell a lot from role play situations,” notes Berlin. “It gives me a lot of information to see if they are a good fit for us.” Being responsible, having a good sense of humor, remaining flexible and being a leader are all qualities essential for the counselor applicant. They also must be able to respond to criticism and suggestions, and know where to find answers to questions or solutions for situations that arise. Those traits are only half of the requirements for Camp Louise and its brother camp, Camp Airy in Thurmont, Md. Staffers also bring specific areas of expertise to the camp, whether through experience as a lifeguard or swimming instructor, actor,

musician or artist. Counselors also serve as teachers in the various areas. For many, the hiring process is the culmination of several years of training at camp. At Camps Airy & Louise, campers who are 16 years old spend four weeks of the summer in training before they dedicate the entire next summer in the eight-week Counselor in Training (CIT) program. The CIT program is implemented with

an overriding philosophy of esprit de corps, being a good person, according to Andrew Rosendorf, trainee division head at Camp continued on page 14 January 30, 2012 | Jewish News | 13

continued from page 13

Over 40 different activities • Located in nearby beautiful WV For boys & girls ages 7-16 • 2 & 3 week sessions 1 week sessions for younger campers Local references available

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Airy. The program encompasses two components—a practical/situational approach to being a counselor and self-reflection, which helps them identify strengths and improve weaknesses. Trainees spend time in bunks, camp departments and with the administration learning about camp and children and how important they are to both. The training, however, is also about them. It provides tools they need to succeed, like time management skills, dealing with various levels of bullying, developing creative programming, improvisational skills, providing positive reinforcement and leading a healthy life. “We try to turn them into well-rounded people so they are able to deal with any situation,” says Missy Sachs-Kohen, trainee division head for Camp Louise. “It’s about having respect for another person’s prized possession.” The majority of the staff comes through the CIT program, although the camps also employ staff from abroad. Each summer, there are usually a half dozen or so Israeli staff members and others from England working at both camps. Before they ever set foot on American soil, the foreign staff undergoes a week of training in Israel run by the Jewish Agency. There is also training time for the individual

camps to enlighten their staff members about camp. All staff reports to camp a week before the campers and they undergo a variety of training sessions including proper counselor/ camper contact. Throughout the summer, all staff participates in continuing education sessions by unit or department, and many accept further responsibility by serving on camp committees related to new programming or charity work. The training prepares the young staff for their future endeavors, whether it is college and dormitory life with roommates or how to be a team player or leader, notes Berlin. And their camp experiences often contribute to their career choices as many pursue teaching, psychology or social work or in other jobs in corporate America. “Camp gives them the opportunity to explore interests before they go into the world and do it,” she explains. “These people skills make them who they are and many attribute that to camp.”

When choosing a camp for your child be sure to ask about the counselors…their backgrounds and training.

v”c

Camp Gan Izzy is now accepting SMILES for summer 2012

July 30 - August 24 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Swimming Crafts Trips Sports & More

Visit www.ganizzy.org today to add your child’s SMILE today! Camp Gan Izzy is held at the Chabad House

14 | Jewish News | January 30, 2012

Eliot Weinstein is JCC’s new assistant camp director

Eliot Weinstein

by Leslie Shroyer

verything about his background led Eliot Weinstein to his new position as assistant camp director at the Simon Family JCC this summer. Originally from New Jersey, the Cox high school chemistry teacher is looking forward to interacting with kids on an informal basis at the JCC, and is

already planning an action-packed summer with Lisa Chacon, JCC Camp director. Chacon and Weinstein collaborated on plans for this summer, sharing fundamental visions for the campers. “We both want the campers in this community to succeed as people in the community, and we have created an awesome plan for them to do so,” says Weinstein. Some of the planned themes for camp include: “It’s a Jungle Out There”—a week where campers can explore their inner animal and communicate with nature; “Raiders of the Lost Artifacts,” complete with an archeological dig, studying societies of the past; “Magical Me” exploring the magic inside and including learning a few tricks; and “JCC General,” where campers will learn how to take care of themselves, physically and emotionally, and learn from experienced healthcare professionals. Weinstein spent his own young summers first at day camps and then at Jewish residential camps. After majoring in chemistry and music at Bucknell University, he spent four summers at Camp Harlam in the Poconos as a counselor, working his way up to supervisor for one unit of campers. His full time job before returning to graduate school for

a masters’ degree in chemistry was running youth groups and family programs for Har Sinai Congregation outside of Baltimore, Md. And, now, in addition to teaching and his new position at the JCC, Weinstein and his wife, Amy, are advisors for Ohef Sholom Temple’s youth group, OSTY. Weinstein says he misses the feel of camp summers, and is eager to jump back into to camp life. His overarching goal, which he shares with Chacon, is to create a residential feel for the day camp, a place where everyone wants to belong. For the

older campers and CITs, he and Chacon hope they can impart some of their leadership experience onto future counselors through planning and role modeling. For the younger ones, they want them to look forward to each day of summer camp. “We hope to have kids counting down the days until camp, and then, when camp is over, counting down the days until next summer,” he says. For more information about JCC Summer Camp, contact Lisa Chacon at 321-2306.

Spend the Summer with Friends SUMMER CAMP

June 18 through August 10

8 one week sessions for ages 3 through Middle School

ART, SCIENCE, MUSIC, DRAMA, SPORTS AND MORE! Call 428-7534 or email tmegan@friends-school.org to receive an information packet.

Virginia Beach Friends School 1537 Laskin Road Virginia Beach 23451

757-428-7534

www.friends-school.org

Summer Programs Choose from nine weeks of athletics, arts, special interest and academic camps. Something fun for everyone! Pick from exciting offerings like musical theater, elementary engineering or varsity sports. Camps are for grades PreK-12. Half and full day programs. Extended care is available.

June 11 to Aug 10 Call 626-1820

Make Memories! Summer Programs 2012

for a free brochure or visit us at

NorfolkCollegiate.org/summerprograms

For more information and to pre-register call (757) 480-1495 or visit NorfolkCollegiate.org Lo er school campus • Grades K-5 • 5429 Tidewater Drive January 30, 2012 | Jewish News | 15

Community-Federation

Shabbaton

Elderly woman finds community and hope

February 3 - 5, 2012

rom the harassment of a Modern orthodox schoolgirl to thousands demonstrating in beit Shemesh, the Jewish and non-Jewish world is talking about the situation in Israel. our community is talking, too. The United Jewish Federation of tidewater (UJFt) works to strengthen and nurture Jewish community here in tidewater, in Israel and around the world. a key piece of our mission is a commitment to the state of Israel as a homeland for all Jews. Please join your Jewish community as we host Shoel Silver, from the Jewish agency for Israel, who will be talking about ways UJFt works toward its mission of inclusivity in Israel. Mr. Silver’S SChedule: Friday, February 3, 2012 Shabbat services at ohef Sholom Saturday, February 4, 2012 Shabbat services at beth Chaverim Saturday, February 4, 2012 b’nai Israel Motzei Shabbat get-together at one of our congregant’s homes Sunday, February 5, 2012 brunch at temple Israel, joined by Kempsville Conservative Congregation For more information contact Carolyn amacher at 757-452-3181 or camacher@ujft.org

16 | Jewish News | January 30, 2012

Zhanna Bessmertnaya receives a JDC food debit card to purchase groceries at the supermarket, but it is the human companionship accompanying this support that truly lights up her life.

frail 73-year-old woman living in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, Zhanna Bessmertnaya struggles today to survive on a monthly pension of $82. “We’ve all lived such hard lives here,” she says “We survived Nazism, and living under Communism was not easy, especially if you were Jewish. But the hardest thing in life is the loneliness…to stay at home alone…to see nobody…to have no friends.” Bessmertnaya speaks for the 177,000

elderly Jews throughout the former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe whose life and dignity depend on the critical assistance provided by the Jewish community with American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee support. These elderly Jews—among the poorest in the world—would be forced to choose between going hungry and going without medicine, between living in darkness and freezing without heat. Bessmertnaya receives a food debit card to purchase groceries at the supermarket, medicines, and shoes and clothing, but it is the human companionship accompanying these services that truly lights up her life. “When I enter Hesed, it is an indescribable feeling,” she says of the local JDC-supported social welfare center she attends daily. “It is seeing all my friends that I love … it is a home that unites us all and lets us enjoy each other’s company.” For Bessmertnaya, this feeling of community is an antidote to her loneliness following a lifetime of hardship and loss. Her mother escaped to the Urals with her son and twin daughters (toddlers Zhanna and Kira) during World War II, working long hours in a hospital laundry to keep her young family from starving.

Though Bessmertnaya’s early-adult career at a Dnepropetrovsk photo studio showed promise, at age 28 a severe illness left her incapacitated and dependent on a state disability allowance. Neither she nor her twin sister ever married, and they became each other’s only support when their mother died in 1992. Hesed Menachem opened two years later, and the sisters were among the first to receive help. They also became active volunteers, having found a new loving family in their Jewish community. Since Kira’s death in 2009, Hesed is Bessmertnaya’s saving grace. Each day she leaves her lonely apartment to immerse herself in Hesed activities and to share the community’s warmth with others, escorting special needs children to Hesed programs and making wellness calls to the homebound. “It is my little way of giving back to Hesed,” says Bessmertnaya, “for how much they have given to me.” American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is a recipient of funds from the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Iron Chef: Chanukah Style Fun-filled event at Temple Israel

by Melissa Kass and Andy Rabiner

hanukah is a time for celebration, fun, and oily foods. That is exactly what occurred at Temple Israel on Dec. 10, where 20 adults and 20 kids gathered for a fun-filled Saturday evening hosted by the temple’s Young Families group. The night kicked off with Havdalah followed by a light dinner, and then, separate programs for the adults and children. The adults participated in an “Iron Chef: Chanukah Style” latke cook-off where the latkes were judged on presentation, originality, and taste. Two teams, the “Ms. Potato Heads” and the “Hot Potato Mama’s,” feverishly competed to make their most creative and interesting latkes from scratch from identical ingredients provided, all within 45-minutes. The “Ms. Potato Heads” went for the brass ring and produced dual options: chocolate chip latkes and veggie latkes (scallions, carrots, and zucchini) along with a chocolate/apple sauce garnish. This combination scored very high for

originality! The “Hot Potato Mama’s,” who struggled at first to get organized, made up lost ground by keeping it simple and making basic latkes with just the addition of minimal veggies. Their latkes were cooked to perfection and solidified the “Hot Potato Mama’s” as champions of the 2011 competition (along with bragging rights until Chanukah 2012). While the adults were cooking, the kids were off on a Chanukah-themed treasure

hunt around the temple. Clever clues kept them busy until they ultimately found the treasure, chocolate gelt. Then, the children participated in the judging of latke originality and presentation. The evening ended with everyone enjoying the yummy latkes! This creative and fun evening is typical of the types of events sponsored by the Young Families group to promote camaraderie and family involvement within Temple Israel.

Peeling and grating: “Hot Potato Mamas” team members Sheila Panitz, Tasha Chapel, Emily Panitz, Dorothy Hughes.

Tasty latkes cooked by both teams.

Science news for BINA

by Michele Sumter

INA High School earned full accreditation from the SACSCASI association in June 2011. The association provided a brief list of academic suggestions, one of which was to obtain a science lab. Immediately Linda Peck, the former general studies principal, began crafting a grant proposal to the Tidewater Jewish Foundation. Representatives from the Foundation came to BINA in August 2011 to peruse the halls and get a glimpse of the plans for the new lab. During that meeting, BINA’s academic goals were discussed and a glimmer of hope for funding this lab was set before the administrative team. In September 2011, Michele Sumter, BINA’s new general studies principal, worked with the chemistry and biology teachers to compose a list of items that would set the groundwork for a new science lab. It was important to be ready to make the big purchases as soon as the funding letter was received. At the top of the list were black lab tables, microscopes and safety eyewash stations. The Tidewater Jewish Foundation funded the grant in October 2011 and a check was dispersed to BINA for the pro-

curement of this new lab. Using the list of mandatory lab furniture and equipment, the orders were placed. The lab equipment arrived within a twoweek period and Rabbi Sholom Mostofsky and his team of assemblers quickly made the lab experiment-ready. Parents, students and staff were excited to see the new addition to BINA. The chemistry class conducted the first experiment in November and labs are conducted weekly on Friday mornings. According to STEM, the Science Technology Engineering and Math Education Coalition, schools should provide unlimited opportunities for students to engage in activities that promote these areas to foster creative minds that will be productive in this increasingly global society. In agreement with STEM’s philosophy, BINA is continually striving to provide experiences for students that will cause them to make meaningful contributions to the world. In February of this year, students will participate in a career fair where professionals from various fields in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will speak. In March, BINA girls will participate in their first science fair judged by science professors from Old Dominion University. BINA High School is a recipient of funds of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Simon Family JCC Book Club celebrates anniversary by Sherry Lieberman, senior adult programming coordinator

he Simon Family JCC Book Club, formerly the Jewish Family Service Book Club, celebrates four years of reading and discussions of books of myriad types of subject matter in February. The club has read best sellers, classics, Jewish topics, fiction, non-fiction and short stories. It has read almost 50 books, three short stories, seen the movie of one book (The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks), and participated in a live telephone chat with author Barbara Delinsky, discussing her book, Family Tree. The Book Club has won two book contests sponsored by Reading Group Guides. com. As prizes, it received copies of new release books and had the opportunity to provide feedback in the form of reviews.

Night Road by Kristin Hannah and A Turn in the Road by Debbie Maccomber are February’s books. This will be the first time that the Book Club will read and discuss two books in one month. The group’s feedback of Night Road will be posted online for the first time. The Simon Family JCC Book Club is one of the best in the area with good discussion tie-ins to the theme of the books, such as, snacking on an item pertaining to the book being discussed or mentioned. The Book Club meets the third Monday of each month at the JCC at 2 pm. All are invited to join or check it out. New faces are most welcome! For more information about this book club, or any other senior adult programs, contact Sherry Lieberman at 321-2309. The Simon Family JCC is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. January 30, 2012 | Jewish News | 17

JCC gives back to the community

by Leslie Shroyer

veryone familiar with the Simon Family JCC knows about its stateof-the-art fitness center, cultural arts events, sports leagues, summer camp and Kids Connection. The JCC also participates in events and activities for the secular community, including some that took place in January. More will happen in the next few months. Red Cross Blood Drive On Wednesday, Jan. 11, the JCC held the first of three blood drives for 2012. About 30 pints of blood are usually collected by the Red Cross during these drives. The Red Cross is the sole repository source of blood, other than the military, for this area. The blood drives provide users of the JCC and those who live nearby an opportunity to donate. One such donor, Steve Smith, drove from the Oceanfront to the JCC. “I was off today, and went online to find that the JCC was participating in a blood drive today,” says Smith, who had not previously visited the Simon Family JCC.

18 | Jewish News | January 30, 2012

Spinathon On Sunday, Jan. 15, the JCC held its second annual Spinathon. More than 70 JCC members participated by signing up for either a four-person team for a one hour session, or a two-person team for a two hour session. Every participant “paid” their way by donating a minimum of two bags of groceries. Veteran Spin instructors Tony Pearsall, Howard Weinstein, Lana Williamson and Starr Kimmer Gargiullo took turns leading the rides. Yorgos donated bagels for all riders. More than 1,000 pounds of food were collected and donated to both the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and JFS’ Food Closet. “Not only was it a great time,” says Kimmer Gargiullo, fitness director, “It’s also an example of the generosity of our members, when you consider that each one was willing to spend money shopping and participate in a very worthwhile cause.”

housing for at least 50 homeless people each night for a week. Approximately 100 volunteers are needed each year from the community to staff this program, which provides housing during the week of Feb. 15—Feb. 22. N.E.S.T. is a city wide all-volunteer program, which for 20 years has relied on local churches, synagogues and community centers to supply food and shelter for a week during the coldest months of the year. The JCC provides breakfast, dinner, a bag lunch, socks, hats and gloves one week every February.

N.E.S.T. (Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team) Program For the seventh consecutive year, the JCC is partnering with Temple Israel to provide

BBYO—B’nai Brith Youth Organization The Simon Family JCC’s BBYO program meets Sundays at the JCC. BBYO’s community service theme this year is Stand Up for

Operation Hamantashen The JCC, in collaboration with the Young Adult Division (YAD) of UJFT, is holding the second annual Operation Hamantashen on Sunday, Feb. 26 at the JCC to bake Purim cookies for Jewish soldiers serving the U.S.A. Cookies are sent to troops throughout the country for Purim.

Hunger, so the regional chapters are assisting area agencies in helping those in need of food and shelter. BBYO’s Simcha chapter collected 200 cans of food for the JCC Spinathon, which will be donated to the JFS Milk and Honey Program as well as the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. BBYO chapters will also assist with the upcoming N.E.S.T. program. BEAR The Be A Reader program is a literacy project that has been helping second grade children in the Tidewater area learn to read for 13 years. The BEAR program now serves eight schools with more than 70 program participants. Volunteers sign up for the full school year, but any volunteer can be worked in during the year as a substitute. For volunteer information or to serve on a JCC committee, contact Michelle Grimsley at 321-2303. Visit simonfamilyj. org for more about what’s happening at the Simon Family JCC. The Simon Family JCC is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

TEMPLE EMANUEL

Book review It’s about language says this author The Abyss (What REALLY Separates Us from the Arab World?) by Eli Avidar Agam Publishing House. 2011; Pp. 270 In Hebrew

Rabbi Zoberman

purchased the book in Israel in June 2011, during the annual “Hebrew Book Festival,” which offers welcomed discounts since the great plethora of books published there are quite expensive in shekels. I was intrigued by the book’s title and the author’s write-up on the inside jacket, even though I did not recall much about him. I’m glad that I got it irrespective of ones political inclination. A native of Egypt and founding chairman of “The Forum for a Wise Middle East,” Eli Avidar was head of Israel’s diplomatic office in Qatar, serving for a total of 16 years in Israel’s Foreign Ministry, as well as an officer for I.D.F. Intelligence Corps in Lebanon. He holds a masters degree in Middle-East History from Jerusalem’s Hebrew University. Avidar offers essential hope and wise advice in face of frustrating radical Islam’s uncompromising extremism and the yet unseen democratic transformation of the “Arab Spring.” He contends that Israel has potential partners for dialogue in the Arab world. However, we may ask, would those moderate Arabs have both the conviction and courage to stand up to those extremists undermining them? After all, Israel already has a mixed experience through its breakthrough peace with Egypt and Jordan. The author’s leading thesis is that the way to those moderates runs through far greater immersion of Israelis into the Arab language and culture, mindful of the indispensible role they play in shaping the Arab mindset. Sensitivity and sensibility toward long-standing norms of Arab tradition with its unique customs, quite different from their western counterparts, should be respected and utilized in building bridges of common understanding and interests. Before Israel’s fifth president, Yitzchak Navon, met in October 1980 with Egypt’s President Anwar Sadat in Egypt, he was guided by Professor Moshe Sharon of The Hebrew University. Navon was warned not to be the first to speak in their public appearance. Whereas in the West, the individual is at the center, the Arab focus is on the larger groups of affiliation, such as the

Proudly Presents:

family, tribe and nation. A high premium is placed on “honor” and “shame” to be avenged when violated. In addition, the Arab world is not to be treated as one homogenous unit. It is varied and complex. Just as Eliezer Ben Yehudah called for fellow Jews to speak Hebrew, does Avidar call upon fellow Israelis to speak Arabic. Instead of seeking the kind of a “New Middle-East” advocated by Israel’s President Shimon Peres, the author opts for a “Wise Middle-East.” He is concerned that the former Middle-East model which stresses “normalization” (a loaded term for the Arabs) in the relations between Israel and the Arab states, is still subject to deep Arab suspicion and resentment whether justified or not, that it is merely a means for Israel to assert itself further with even greater superiority. It would also threaten Israel as a Jewish state. However, Avidar seeks a mutual accommodation that honors Arab rights while protecting those of the Jewish State of Israel. He questions, though, to what extent Israel really wants to be part of an Arab Middle-East. The author regards the one-sided steps which Israel undertook in regard to the I.D.F. departure from Lebanon and the disengagement from Gaza as counter-productive, serving only to embolden the other side to believe in Israel’s weakness under pressure. He also finds fault with Israel’s exclusive support of Lebanon’s Christians, while neglecting the golden and missed opportunity to also reach out to the Shi’a who have a long history of being discriminated against. I’m not sure about this claim for feasible simultaneous support for both parties. Avidar is also critical of the economic sanctions against Gaza that hurt innocent children without tangible results, reminding us of the American failure vis-à-vis Cuba. He urges a separation in perception between the Arab people and their victimizing leaders, just as Iran is not all about Achmadinijhad and generalizing is dangerous. This approach he recommends also in supporting the Kurdish people in Turkey. Avidar calls from his own rich experience as an Israeli diplomat in Arab Qatar and the United States, along with his work in Israel’s Foreign Ministry for Israel to further engage with Muslim clergy in dialogue, sharing some significant successes that he was personally involved with. Avidar emphasizes that gaining the support of mainstream Muslim clerics who enjoy high standing in the Arab and Muslim world is an effective way to curtail the influence of the extremists and the terrorism they bring about. It should also be part of the strategy

of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In wake of the “Arab Spring” and the world’s selective response to it, the author discerns diminished American influence leaving Israel to rely more on its own devices. It is hard, however, to contemplate such a suggested radically changed scenario. Obviously the author, no doubt an authentic Israeli patriot, whose commentary is found in both the Israeli and Arab media, does not mince words with his constructive criticism of a lover’s quarrel. Rabbi Israel Zoberman is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Chaverim.

INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN JEWISH LIFE SOUTHERN STATES JEWISH PROGRAMMING SERIES The Baal Shem Tones February 17 & 18

Spiegelman among National Jewish Book Awards winners

uthor and illustrator Art Spiegelman and Israeli novelist Aharon Appelfeld are among the winners of the 2011 National Jewish Book Awards. The awards, which were announced Wednesday, Jan. 11 are given out annually by the Jewish Book Council to honor outstanding books of Jewish interest. Spiegelman’s new book, MetaMaus: A Look Inside a Modern Classic, Maus, took the prize in the Biography, Autobiography, and Memoir category. The judges describe it “as brilliant and paradigm-shattering as… Maus…a work of genius.” Appelfeld won his third National Jewish Book Award in fiction for Until the Dawn’s Light. Ned Beauman, the 26-year-old author of Boxer, Beetle, won in the Outstanding Debut Fiction category. Simon Sebag Montefiore was honored with the Everett Family Foundation Jewish Book of the Year Award for his epic history, Jerusalem: The Biography. This year, the Jewish Book Council will recognize the contributions of board member Myra H. Kraft, who died in July. The Myra H. Kraft Memorial Award in Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice, endowed by her husband, Robert Kraft, and her family, has been established for her dedication to the world of Jewish literature. It will be presented to Rabbi David A. Teutsch for his book A Guide to Jewish Practice: Everyday Living. The awards will be presented March 14 in New York. A complete list of the winners can be seen at http://www. jewishbookcouncil.org/awards/2011national-jewish-book-award-winners. The Jewish Book Council has been giving out the National Jewish Book Awards since 1948. (JTA)

Friday Night 6 pm Enhancing Shabbat Worship Saturday Night 7 pm Concert and Dessert Reception

Pincus Forum Weekend Dr. Joel Hoffman Keith Barany March 16, 17 & 18

Friday Night 6 pm Services, Dinner & Lecture Saturday Morning 10 am Lecture by Joel Hoffman Saturday Night 8 pm The Hilarious Comedy of Keith Barany Show and Dinner Sunday Morning 10 am Lecture by Joel Hoffmann and Brunch For more information & ticket sales: 757-428-2591 All Events held at Temple Emanuel 424 25th St Virginia Beach, VA 23451 January 30, 2012 | Jewish News | 19

what’s happening Temple Israel

Praying to God with all voices

Friday, Feb. 3, 5:30pm

istory will be made at Temple Israel, and perhaps, even for the Tidewater Jewish community with the first Shabbat service open to all, both those who hear without difficulty and those who are hearing-impaired or deaf. “I earnestly hope that this will become a recurring feature of our service to God and support of the community,” says Rabbi Michael Panitz. The evening’s order of worship will be the standard Friday evening prayers. The sun sets on Friday, Feb. 3 at 5:30 pm, so in fact, the congregation will be offering Sabbath praise and worship to God at the first possible moment. All this, highly traditional. At this service, though, two additional professionals will join Cantor Beverlee Tiger and Rabbi Panitz on the pulpit to extend the reach of the prayers to (potentially) many others, who today are, sadly, excluded from the experience of Jewish worship in this community. Mindy Brown will translate the prayers into sign language. Brown joined Rabbi Pantz on the pulpit at the end of Temple Israel’s High Holiday services and added a beautiful note to the worship by her fluid, choreographic signing. “I’m not sure about Michael Jordan, or even Nadia Comaneci and Dorothy Hamill—great masters of movement, all; but Mindy’s signing is TRULY “poetry in motion,” says Rabbi Panitz. Additionally, Lois Boyle will help with services that evening. Boyle is a certified CART operator (Computer Assisted, Real Time communications). Like a skilled court stenographer, she transcribes what the speaker is saying onto a keyboard, and the words are projected onto a screen. “When I saw her work, at a Faith Inclusion Network worship last April, I was ‘hooked!’” says Rabbi Panitz. “I considered an objection arising from Jewish law, before inviting Lois to join us. Traditionally, Jews do not write on the Sabbath. But I classify Lois’ work to be of a different genre than the writing that the Rabbi’s included in the ‘39 prohibited species of work,’” says Rabbi Panitz.

CART is about allowing people to do the functional equivalent of instantaneous hearing. Writing, in rabbinic thought, is never thought to be simultaneous communication, but is always thought of as a way of memorializing a message for future readers. “Hence, I would have no objections to a CART operator assisting the hearing-impaired or deaf to join our minyan for worship, even if the CART operator were Jewish; and it is self-evident that if the CART operator is not Jewish, then no restrictions on Jews’ writing on the Sabbath would apply to him or her. Similarly, when the Hyatts were members of Temple Israel, and Yaakov needed to use a keyboard to communicate, we all understood that this communication is not what the rabbis deemed prohibited,” says Rabbi Panitz. Judaism, in principle, urges the removal of barriers arising from physical exceptionalities or disabilities. Moses admonishes: “Do not place a stumbling block before the blind; do not curse the deaf” (Leviticus 19:14). While in the days of the Mishnah, deaf-mutes typically did not receive an education, and did not count towards the traditional quorum for worship, by the 18th century, when sign language had brought the deaf more fully into the circle of the educated, Jewish law reversed that disabling judgment against them. This change in Jewish law preceded the massive transformations of 19th-century Reform Judaism. Rabbis took note of the possibilities of a revolutionary advance in reaching out to the deaf as early as 1749. In that year, Jacob Rodrigues Pereire appeared before the Royal Academy of Sciences in Paris and introduced the savants to a young man, a deaf-mute since birth, whom Pereire had taught to speak, read, write and understand a modicum of grammar (Arthur Hertzberg, The French Enlightenment and the Jews, p. 141). “Whatever your hearing status is, and whatever your home faith community, you will be delighted and amazed by this multi-modal experience of worship,” says Rabbi Panitz.

Dr. Joel M. Hoffman is 2011–2012 Scholar-in-Residence at Ohef Sholom Temple — February 10–12 Dr. Joel M. Hoffman, an expert in translation, Hebrew, and the Bible, presents to dozens of popular and academic audiences each year. He holds a Ph.D. In linguistics and has served on the faculties of Brandeis University and Hebrew Union College. For a complete schedule, call 625-4295. 20 | Jewish News | January 30, 2012

Tribute to Israeli President Shimon Peres highlights upcoming conference March 4–6

Informational meeting—Tuesday, Jan. 31 Thousands of people are looking forward to this year’s AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., March 4–6. Israeli President Shimon Peres is among a growing Shimon Peres list of prestigious speakers already confirmed to address this year’s conference. President Peres will be honored for his unparalleled service to his country during a special presentation. The Israeli president’s presence at this year’s conference will offer an historic opportunity to see and hear from one of the Jewish state’s founding fathers in what promises to be a uniquely memorable highlight. Members of the Tidewater Jewish community can still register, as space is still available. Additional Policy Conference speakers, already confirmed, include: • House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) • Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) • Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) • President of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and

former member of Congress, Jane Harman • CNN Contributor Paul Begala • Democratic Strategist Donna Brazile • Fox News contributor Liz Cheney • Editor of The Weekly Standard, William Kristol • Political analyst for NBC News, Mike Murphy • Associate editor of the Jerusalem Report, Ehud Yaari The list continues to grow. More luminaries will be confirmed in the weeks to come, and this year’s conference will feature more than 150 speakers. Don’t miss out on what has been called “three of the most important days affecting Israel’s future.” To learn more about Policy Conference and meet others attending from the Tidewater community, plan to attend an informational briefing at Stacie and Marc Moss’ home at 121 86th Street in Virginia Beach on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 7pm. For this event, RSVP to Kate Sommers. Ksommers@ aipac.org. 770-541-7610 by Monday, Jan. 30. For more information on the Policy Conference, go to www.aipac.org/pc.

Frisco Kid at JMCC

Sunday, Feb. 12, 2pm

he Jewish Museum and Cultural Center will host “Movies at the Museum,” featuring The Frisco Kid. This event is free, but donations are appreciated. Free popcorn and water will be provided. 607 Effingham Street in Portsmouth. For more information, cal 391-9266 or email jmccportmouth@gmail.com.

Seniors Club meeting

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 12pm

he Simon Family JCC Seniors Club meeting at the JCC begins with a board meeting at 10:30 am. A catered lunch is at 12 pm, with the general meeting following at 12:45 pm with Tanya Marten, marketing manager for the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, as the guest speaker. She will talk about the exhibit in

the JCC Lobby, which is about the creation of the Survivors Talmud after World War II for the Jewish people in the Displaced Persons camps. The U.S. Army played an integral part in the making of the Survivors Talmud. If interested in joining the JCC Seniors Club, contact Wayne Gordon, membership chairman at 426-3297.

What’s happening

Dr. Mitchell Bard The Arab Lobby

Diary of a frustrated recycler

Earth Day community recycling at the Simon Family JCC

Thursday, Feb. 23

5:30 pm—Dinner for high school and college students (RSVP required) Myths and Facts 7 pm—Talk for community The Arab Lobby: The Invisible Alliance that Undermines America’s Interests in the Middle East.

s part of the Israel Today series, the Community Relations Council and community partners present an evening with Dr. Mitchell Bard, executive director of American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise and a foreign policy analyst. Speaking on today’s threats to Israel, Bard is a Middle East expert who has authored or edited 22 books, including The Arab Lobby: The Invisible Alliance that Undermines America’s Interests in the Middle East. In The Arab Lobby, Bard documents 70 years of complicity at the highest levels of government and corporate America, showing the malevolent forces at work and their chokehold on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, as well as domestic policy, education and national security. Prior to his discussion of The Arab Lobby, Bard will speak to high school and college students over dinner about his book Myths and Facts: A Guide to the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Both events take place at the Sandler Family Campus and are free and open to the community. RSVP is required to JJohnson@ujft.org.

Mitchell Bard (photo: Renée Comet)

Yasmin Levy—Ladino/JudeoSpanish singer at American Theater

Monday, Feb. 13, 7:30pm

ith her stunning good looks, deep, spiritual singing and passionate vocal delivery, Yasmin Levy is enchanting fans around the globe. Her emotive and distinctive style brings new interpretation to mediaeval Ladino/ Judeo Spanish songs by incorporating modern sounds from Andalusia and Persia. “I am proud to combine the two cultures of Ladino and flamenco, while mixing in some Middle Eastern influences. Join me as we embark on a 500-year-old musical journey, exploring the musical memories of the ancient Moorish and Jewish-Spanish world,” says Levy. Levy was born in Jerusalem in 1975 and at the age of six started playing the piano. She continued her musical studies until she was 18 and at the age of 20, began singing seriously. It was not until she made her debut at WOMEX in 2002 that her career took off and she has not looked back since. Her first release, Romance and Yasmin,

Sunday, April 22, 1–4 pm by Amy Cobb, JFS marketing and fundraising assistant

t started with a microwave. As microwaves tend to do, mine conked out. I will confess that, years ago, I would have thrown it in the trash. But I have become more environmentally conscious and couldn’t bring myself to throw it out. So, I searched for a place to take it to its final resting place. To my surprise, this was much harder than expected. In fact, my Internet search gave me the runaround and I found myself getting more and more confused and frustrated. Finally, I found a place to take it—Green Alternatives in Norfolk. I was able to drop it off…just before the company shuttered its doors for good. So much for my great discovery. Fast forward a few months and I found myself on a committee planning a community recycling event. The committee brainstormed and researched and brainstormed some more about which items should be accepted to recycle. How about pharmaceuticals? Should they be flushed down the toilet? Crushed with coffee grounds? The amount of misinformation floating around about disposing of drugs was staggering. What about electronics? That should be easy, right? Wrong. We found it’s very difficult to recycle these things and often there is a charge to get rid of some of them. If you are environmentally conscious like me, and you have items you’ve been holding, not knowing what to do with them, you are in luck. On Earth Day—

Sunday, April 22, bring these items to the free community recycling event at the Simon Family JCC, 1–4 pm. Accepted for recycling: Inkjet cartridges Cell phones IPods/MP3 players Digital cameras Plastic bags Pharmaceuticals (prescription and over-the-counter) PC towers/desktops (NO MONITORS!!!!) Circuit boards Laptops/Notebooks VCRs Keyboards Computer mice Cables/cords Eyeglasses and hearing aids Donations of non-perishable food items for JFS’s Food Closet and small toiletry/ hospitality items for JFS’ Personal Affairs Management program, which provides guardianship for incapacitated adults, will also be accepted. Volunteers are needed to help at this event. To volunteer, contact Patty Shelanski at 321-2227. This event is sponsored by the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, and J-SERVE. For more information, contact Jan Johnson at 321-2323 or jjohnson@ujft.org.

Scott Turow at Virginia Beach Forum Yasmin Levy

focused on Ladino music and Turkish influencesgreatly influenced by the work of her father, the famed composer and cantor, Yitzak Levy. Tickets are $32.50 or $27.50 with discounts for students, seniors and military personnel. 722-2787 or www.hamptonarts.net.

Wednesday, Feb. 29, 7:45pm

n attorney and best selling novelist, Scott Turow will speak at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach as part of the Virginia Scott Turow Beach Forum. The author of nine highly regarded works on fiction including Presumed Innocent

(1987), The Burden of Proof (1990) and Ordinary Heroes (2005), Turow has won a number of literary awards. Turow continues to practice law concentrating on white-collar defense, and is a frequent contributor to the New York Times, Washington Post and Vanity Fair. He is also known for his book 1L; a must read for first year law students. Tickets and sponsorships are available by calling 504-4327 or at www.vabeachforum.com. January 30, 2012 | Jewish News | 21

calendar

What’s happening Temple Emanuel presents

The Southern States Jewish Programming Series

A project of The Institute of Southern Jewish Life Made possible by a generous grant from The Simon Family Foundation

welve programs over the course of five months are being offered by Temple Emanuel. The events include storytelling, a one-woman show, concerts, lecturers and a comedian. All programs are open to the community. The first two in the series took place in early January. Full series pricing: Adults $100; Kids $35. (Non-member pricing is +$5) 428-2591. Feb. 17—The Baal Shem Tones Enhancing Shabbat worship in song. 6 pm. No charge. Feb. 18—The Baal Shem Tones Concert and dessert reception. 7 pm. Adults $14; Kids $7. March 6, 7 and 8—Dr. Joel Hoffman Author of the bestseller And God Said

Friday night 6 pm, services and dinner and lecture. Adults $18; Kids $10. Saturday morning 9:30 am, Services and lecture. No Charge. Sunday morning 10 am, Brunch and lecture. $5. March 7—Keith Barany Comedy at its finest! Dinner and show. 8 pm. Adults $18. March 31—Max Jared in concert 8:15 pm. Adults $10; Kids free with paid adult. April 28—Batsheva in concert 8:45 pm. Adults $10. May 17 and May 18—Dr. Stuart Rockoff, Southern Jewish History Thursday night lecture. 7 pm. No charge. Friday night Services, dinner and lecture. 6 pm. Adults $18; Kids $10.

Gomley Chesed grows and celebrates with dinner

Friday, Feb. 3, 6pm

omley Chesed has experienced the largest influx of new members within the last decade and plans to celebrate with a Shabbat dinner. The Jewish community of Portsmouth, Western Branch section of Chesapeake and north Suffolk “is returning to its vibrant roots,” according to the congregation. The community is invited to celebrate with

them at a Shabbat dinner hosted by the congregation to welcome new members. Rabbi David Goldstein and the ladies of Sisterhood, are preparing the dinner. Dinner will follow services, which begin at 6 pm. Call the office at 484-1019 for further information. Reservations will be accepted no later than Jan. 31.

Sunday morning Shabbaton at Temple Israel

Sunday, Feb. 5, 10am

emple Israel and its programming partner, Kempsville Conservative Synagogue, will host Shoel Silver from the Jewish Agency for Israel, at Temple Israel on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 10 am. The Tidewater Jewish community’s scholar-in-residence for the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Shabbaton weekend, Silver will highlight the many ways in which the Federation supports the local Jewish community, as well as a variety of causes in Israel and other relief efforts. 22 | Jewish News | January 30, 2012

Since it is anticipated that he will engage the audiences in conversations that cross the boundaries of religious schisms and individual congregations, the hope is to include as many community members as possible in the dialogue started during this Shabbaton. A complimentary breakfast will be served and the entire community is invited to attend. Call the Temple Israel office at 489-4550 with any questions and to reserve a spot.

F eb rua ry 1, W ed ne s d ay Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day . M e e t w i t h T i d e w a t e r ’s G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y d e l e g a t e s i n Ri c h m o n d. 9 6 5 - 612 0. F eb rua ry 3, F rid ay Federation Shabbaton o n p l u r a lis m w i t h S h o e l S il v e r o f t h e J e w is h A g e n c y f o r Is r a e l. A t O h e f S h o l o m, B e t h C h a v e r i m, B ’n a i Is r a e l, Te m p l e Is r a e l, K e m p s v ill e C o n s e r v a t i v e a n d Te m p l e S i n a i. C a ll 4 5 2 - 3181. Gomley Chesed hosts a dinner to welcome new members. 6pm. 484-1019.

F eb rua ry 4, Sat urd ay Temple Sinai to hold final Annual Auction . S il e n t a u c t i o n a t 6 p m. T h e m a i n a u c t i o n b e g i n s a t 7: 3 0 p m w i t h m o r e t h a n 10 0 i t e m s. G a il Wo lp i n o f T h e P h o e b u s A u c t i o n G a ll e r y w ill s e r v e a s a u c t i o n e e r. $ 2 0 p e r p e r s o n i n c l u d e s h e a v y h o r s d ’o e u v r e s a n d o p e n b a r. C a ll t h e Te m p l e S i n a i o f f i c e a t 4 8 4 ‑173 0 o r e m a il o f f i c e @ si n a i.h r c o x m a il. c o m. Te m p l e S i n a i is l o c a t e d a t 4 4 01 H a t t o n P o i n t R o a d i n P o r t s m o u t h. F eb rua ry 5, S und ay Sacred Spaces s e r i e s c o n t i n u e s a t J e w is h M u s e u m. P a n e l d is c u s si o n w i t h m o d e r a t o r E r i c M a z u r P h.D. D is c u s si o n o f S a c r e d O u t si d e S p a c e. 4 p m. $15 p e r p e r s o n. 3 91- 9 2 6 6 o r e m a il j m c c p o r t s m o u t h @ g m a il.c o m. F eb rua ry 10 –12, F rid ay– S und ay Dr. Joel M. Hoffman is t h e S c h o la r - i n - R e si d e n c e a t O h e f S h o l o m Te m p l e. A n e x p e r t i n t r a n sla t i o n, H e b r e w, a n d t h e B ib l e, H o f f m a n is a m u c h s o u g h t - a f t e r s p e a k e r w h o p r e s e n t s t o d o z e n s o f p o p u la r a n d a c a d e m i c a u di e n c e s e a c h y e a r. F r i d a y, F e b. 10. 6 : 3 0 p m ; S a t u r d a y, 9 a m ; S u n d a y, 11a m. 6 2 5 - 4 2 9 5. F eb rua ry 12, S und ay Frisco Kid a t J M C C. 3 91- 9 2 6 6. S e e p a g e 2 0. F eb rua ry 15, W ed ne s d ay Simon Family JCC Seniors Club meeting . 12p m. G u es t sp ea k er is Ta n y a Ma r t en, ma r k e t ing ma nag er f o r T ide w a t er Je w ish F o u nda t io n. 3 21- 23 3 8. F eb rua ry 16, T hur s d ay Stelitz Preschool open house . We l c o m i n g a g e s 2 – 4 i n p r e s c h o o l a n d f u ll c a r e p r o g r a m s. J C C B e g i n n i n g s p r o g r a m f o r a g e 2 a n d u n d e r. N u r t u r i n g, e d u c a t i o n a l, d e v e l o p m e n t a ll y a p p r o p r ia t e p r o g r a m. P r o f e s si o n a l a n d e x p e r i e n c e d f a c u l t y w i t h l o w s t u d e n t - t e a c h e r r a t i o. L ib r a r y, m u si c, p h y si c a l e d u c a t i o n, a q u a t i c s, c o o k i n g c e n t e r, c o m p u t e r s. S t a t e - o f- t h e a r t p la y g r o u n d. S t ill i n d ia p e r s ? N o t a p r o b l e m ! P e a n u t f r e e S e c u r i t y G u a r d. 7p m. 4 24 - 4 3 2 7. F eb rua ry 17–18, F rid ay– Sat urd ay The Baal Shem Tones a t Te m p l e E m a n u e l. 4 2 8 - 2 5 91. S e e p a g e 2 2. F eb rua ry 23, T hur s d ay Community Relations Council a n d c o m m u n i t y p a r t n e r s p r e s e n t t h e 2 n d e v e n t i n t h e Is r a e l To d a y s e r i e s, a n e v e n i n g w i t h M i t c h e ll B a r d. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o R S V P, J J o h n s o n @ u j f t .o r g. S e e p a g e 21.

Send submissions for calendar to news @ ujf t.org. Be sure to note “calendar” in the subject. Include date, event name, sponsor, address, time, cost and phone.

to r i ’ s t r i c k s

mazel tov to Achievement John M. Cooper on the opening of Cooper Hurley, a specialized personal injury law firm based in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, with his new law partner, Jim Hurley. Cooper devotes himself to helping individuals hurt in car, truck, motorcycle, and train accidents. He is a District Governor for the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association,

the statewide plaintiffs’ bar, and serves as chair of the FELA (railroad worker injury) Litigation Group for the American Association for Justice.

Mazel Tov submissions should be emailed to news@ujft.org with Mazel Tov in the subject line. Achievements, B’nai Mitzvot, births, engagements and weddings are appropriate simchas to announce. Photos must be at least 300k. Include a daytime phone for questions. There is no fee.

Oy! Come and Get Me! Isaac and Sarah got married and left on their honeymoon. When they got back, Sarah immediately telephoned her mother, Leah.

w o r d Sea r ch : T u B’ She vat A

Word Bank

“Well,” said Leah, “how was the honeymoon, darling?” “Oh, Mom,” Sarah replied, “the honeymoon was fantastic. It was so romantic, and. . . and . . .” then Sarah started to cry.

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“Oh, Mom, as soon as we got back, Isaac started using terrible language. He said things I’d never hoped to hear, all those fourletter words. Please Mom, get into your car now and come and take me home.”

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“Calm down, darling,” said Leah, “tell your mother what could be that awful. Don’t be shy, tell me what four-letter words Isaac used.”

I would like to thank the many friends who called, visited and/or sent donations during my recent hospital stays. The best medicine is being cared about by so many people. It is very gratifying and my family and I are most appreciative. Thanks to all again, Boodie Friedman

“Please Mom, I’m too embarrassed to tell you, they’re terrible words. Just come and take me away,” said Sarah. “But, bubbeleh, you must tell me, you must tell me what the fourletter words were.” Still crying, Sarah replied, “Oh Mom, he used words like wash, cook, iron, dust…” — Reprinted with permission from Oy! The Ultimate Book of Jewish Jokes by David Minkoff

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scene

19th Annual Festival of Jewish Film opening night

abul (The Flood) opened the Simon Family JCC’s 19th Annual Festival of Jewish Film Presented by Alma* and Howard Laderberg at the Roper Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Jan. 21. More than 375 people attended, which included a dessert reception at Todd Rosenlieb Dance after the movie. The party theme was Noah’s Ark, the subject of the protagonist’s Bar Mitzvah torah portion in the film. The opening night committee decorated the dance studio to resemble the Ark, and carefully planned desserts fashioned in the same theme, which were prepared by TCC’s culinary arts department.

Lois and Barry Einhorn.

Photographs courtesy of Mark Robbins Photography *of blessed memory Members of the Laderberg family: Linda Laderberg Baltuch, William, Howard, Romney and Harry Laderberg and Leigh Baltuch.

Eric and Susan Schwartzman.

Gloria Siegel with Anna and Ed Goldenberg.

Final touches are put on the cake. All desserts were created by the TCC culinary arts department. 24 | Jewish News | January 30, 2012

Sonia and Marshall Bonnie.

Sandra Porter Leon with Linda Peck and Barry Friedman.

Fern Leibowitz, Ralph and Arlene Soussan, Barry and Debbi Mandell, and Larry Leibowitz.

obituaries Morris London Virginia Beach—Morris L. London, 93, passed away peacefully on Jan. 9 at Beth Sholom Home. He was a warm and compassionate man, who had a wonderful sense of humor, and a kind heart, that touched everyone’s lives who he met. He was born in Hartford Ct., to the late Hyman and Martha London. He was the youngest of his 10 siblings, all of whom predeceased him. As a child, he helped care for his mother, who was bedridden due to Parkinson’s disease. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, in Europe. Afterwards, he obtained an accounting degree from Bryant University in Rhode Island, during which time he met and married his wife Pessy Goldstein. He moved back to Connecticut, and together they raised two children in West Hartford. He was an auditor for the State of Connecticut for several decades, during which time he constantly traveled to audit city finances, building friendships with city workers, who normally would have feared a tax auditor. He was a spiritual man, who was a long time member of the Agudas Achim synagogue in West Hartford. Morris was predeceased by his wife Pessy, with whom he shared his life for 54 years, until her death in 2003. He is survived by his loving daughter, Jane Popkin and her husband Richard and their daughter Carly of Norfolk, his son, Mark and his wife Debra Rittner of Natick, Mass. and several cherished nieces and nephews. A graveside service was held in Forest Lawn Cemetery with Rabbi Michael Panitz and Canto Elihu Flax officiating. The family especially wishes to thank the staff and friends of Beth Sholom, for their five years of wonderful care, love, friendship, and compassion that they pro-

vided. The family asks that donations be made to Beth Sholom Home. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Online condolences may be made to hdoliver.com. Lev Shvets Norfolk—A funeral service for Lev Shvets, 95, was conducted at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments.

Frank Cooper, 99,

agent with ties to Sinatra and Eastwood Hollywood talent agent Frank Cooper, who discovered Frank Sinatra and helped develop pioneering TV programs and films, died Jan. 19 at 99 in Encino, Calif. The trade publication Billboard said in 1943 that Cooper was the “forgotten man” in the complicated deal that freed Sinatra from his contract with the Tommy Dorsey Band and gave Sinatra his big boost to superstardom. “Cooper is credited as being the first guy to see big money possibilities in Sinatra and swung his first theater dates which started the amazing success story.” Cooper launched his own talent agency two years later, and his clients and accomplishments included representing Yankees great Joe DiMaggio; finding work for Joe Louis after his boxing career; selling the pioneering but controversial “Strike It Rich” to CBS; creating the first quiz program on radio; packaging the first dramatic TV series, “Man Against Crime,” starring Ralph Bellamy for CBS; helping create “Dirty Harry” and bringing Clint Eastwood to one of his most iconic roles; and bringing “Man of La Mancha” to Broadway. (JTA)

U.S. airman Matthew Ryan Seidler, 24, dies in Afghanistan U.S. Air Force bomb disposal technician Matthew Ryan Seidler, 24, died Jan. 5 from injuries suffered after an improvised explo-

sive blew up in southern Afghanistan. He was the 40th Jewish fatality in the ongoing U.S. wars in the Middle East and the first in 2012. Two other airmen died in the attack. Seidler, a Baltimore native, “loved the Air Force. It was his calling. There was no second choice,” his father, Marc Seidler, said at his funeral. “He was very happy with his band of brothers, and [being in the U.S. Air Force] reconnected him with the importance of family. He loved getting the letters and emails and packages. I wonder where he got his bravery from. He never questioned his commitment to his country. We can all learn from Matt. Our freedom is something we should never take for granted.” “He was almost the perfect airman,” said Jason Warden, a technical sergeant at the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron at Peterson Air Force Base in El Paso County, Colo., Seiler’s home base. “He was really polite, and he was really big on customs and courtesies.” Within hours of hearing of his death, his friends organized a strenuous hike in the Colorado Rockies in his honor. Seidler had often organized such activities before being shipped to Afghanistan. (JTA)

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Aaron Sachnoff

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s a kid, even though our family belonged to a local synagogue, I remember second night Passover Seders and other events on the military base. Always realizing we were somewhat different from most Jewish families because we were a military family, it was our norm. Pantone 322services C So, attending High Holiday at the Commodore Levy Chapel this year brought back a lot of memories. The Commodore Levy Chapel at NOB has been a home away from home for Tidewater Jewish military personnel since 1942. And since 1989, with a short hiatus between 1993 and 1995, Cantor Aaron Sachnoff has been the eternal light keeping the Jewish flame burning. After being approached by a chaplain at Naval Station, Norfolk in 1989, he became a contractual government employee for the Chapel. His smooth voice and warm personality make him a welcoming beacon. Not only do 50% Black attendees get a spiritual service, but also a homemade challah, as Sachnoff is also the only Jewish baker for the Williamsburg Lodge. Sachnoff says he has a hand in literally any and all baked goods for all Williamsburg taverns, restaurants, the Visitors Center, and the Williamsburg Lodge. And although they are not Glatt kosher, he is also a consultant for all kosher events at the Lodge. A native of Chicago, Sacnoff had a convoluted journey to Norfolk. With a life-long passion for the culinary arts and for Judaism, Sachnoff is one of the few fortunate to combine both his passion and his work. As a teenager, he says he enjoyed working as a counter man in a local deli, which, for him, was a perfectly satisfying career. His future in-laws saw it differently. If he was to marry their daughter they wanted to see a stable job. So, he joined the Navy. Inspired by his cantorial mentor and bar mitzvah tutor, the two years prior to enlistment, Sachnoff studied six semesters at Spertus College of Judaic Studies in Chicago. While there in the 1970’s, he served as co-director and soloist of the Sharim choir. One of his fondest memories is the privilege of singing at The Orchestra Hall in Chicago for Israel’s 25th anniversary. At age 20, Sachnoff married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Cheryl, and began more than a 12-year stint in the Navy. Starting his career at Great Lakes, Ill. as a corpsman, he decided he wanted to further his education. However, there

was no availability in the corpsman program at the time. Fortuitously, in 1981, availability opened for the Navy cook program. Having a young Aaron Sachnoff family, Sachnoff applied for a land job. With nothing available for a cook, he trained as a corrections officer and ended up at Great Lakes Navy Brigade spending the first year as a corrections officer until a job for mess specialist became available. In 1984, Sachnoff was stationed in Norfolk with the USS Inchon (which he says is now an artificial reef off the coast of Norfolk) until 1988 when he was honorably discharged. Then, he began a stint at a former local landmark, Uncle Louis, working for Louis Eisenberg as a line cook, a deli clerk and a licensed handyman until 1993. From 1993 until 1997 he often worked double jobs from night baker at Farm Fresh, to counter clerk and baker for Food Lion, to head baker at the Waterside Marriott, and even as kitchen supervisor at the Chesapeake city jail until, in 1997, landing a prime position at Colonial Williamsburg where he has continued to advance. When asked why it is important to maintain continuous Jewish programming at The Commodore Levy Chapel, Sachnoff says, “It serves as a home away from home for military families.” When there is enough interest, he teaches Hebrew. Until four years ago, there was an active choir. The last B’nai mitzvah, for a Navy Chief and his two children, was in Dec. 2009. The two studied by Internet with their grandfather who happens to be a rabbi in Florida. Sachnoff tutored the prayers and haftorah portions. One of his previous Bar Mitzvah students even became a Navy rabbi. Sachnoff says since Desert Storm and Desert Shield in the 1980’s, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, The Commodore Levy Chapel has been a dwindling congregation. He still arranges potlucks, onegs, Shabbat Across America (a springtime outreach), and other special programs, which are supported solely by donations. He welcomes any and all military, active or retired, and their friends, to visit the chapel. Services are held Fridays at 7:30 pm and on holidays. The Chapel is now on Face Book at Commodore Uriah P. Levy Chapel, Naval Station Norfolk, Va.

Karen Lombart’s Face to Face column will return soon.

One day they will be applying to the same universities.

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410-466-9010 www.airylouise.org January 30, 2012 | Jewish News | 27

28 | Jewish News | January 30, 2012

Islamic parties dominate in new Egyptian parliament The fundamentalist Islamic political party the Muslim Brotherhood won 47 percent of the seats in the new Egyptian parliament. An alliance of ultraconservative Islamist parties, the Salafi Al-Nour, also won 25 percent of the vote in the first parliamentary elections since former President Hosni Mubarak was deposed nearly a year ago. The leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohammed Badia, said that his party would respect the peace agreement with Israel, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but that all international agreements that Egypt has signed will be re-examined.â&#x20AC;? The parliament will appoint the 100 members of a Constitutional Assembly, The New York Times reported. A constitution is expected to be ratified in June, when a president is to be elected. The Salafi Al-Nour wants to impose strict Islamic law in Egypt. (JTA)

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