Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
NOVEMBER 3, 2017
VOL. LXXXVII NO. 7 $1.00 86 2017
7
Together
Yachad builds community for people
with special needs and everyone else Page 22
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Jewish
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Standard march 3, 2017 3
November
Noshes They certainly werent desperate for
pastrami.
New York State Senator Simcha Felder, after thieves stole $5,000
from a Brooklyn deli next to his office but left the food untouched.
Want to read more noshes? Visit facebook.com/jewishstandard California-based Nate Bloom can be reached at
Middleoftheroad1@aol.com
Own Your
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When:
Sunday, November 12
9:30 am 12:30 pm
Life is a balancing act. Between work, home and family, its
Where:
tough to make your own health a priority. Learn about improved
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
lifestyle and cancer prevention strategies in a talk-show style Taub Auditorium
setting. Bring your questions. 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly, NJ
Complimentary childcare, kid-friendly activities, photo booth fun, chair massages, refreshments, giveaways and more!
Partnering with
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for great fall recipes
Please call Alice Blass at (201) 837-9090 ext 302 or email AliceB@JFCSNNJ.org for more information.
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Startup Schechter
Two parents talk about their role in Israels high-tech scene
LARRY YUDELSON
T
to a 35-year-old mother, still searching said. I would read about the cure for lep-
he Talmud, the seminal text of shell always be searching, that much is rosy it started out with something like
rabbinic Judaism, has almost entirely clear but in a different, older, Take a cauldron, and it totally was like
everything in it. although equally smart way. eye of newt. I could find myself think-
Its got closely reasoned logic Ms. Kurshan who will talk about her ing Did Shakespeare read Talmud? It
and wildly fantastic lore, leaps of imagina- memoir in Teaneck on November 9 (see seemed like there were so many echoes
tion and magic realism and strictly con- box) started her talmudic explorations because they were responding to the same
structed legal proscriptions. Its got mul- soon after she made aliyah, but she already human influences.
tigenerational time-defying conversations, had an impressive intellectual background I was very drawn to the sorts of ideas
and it understands the compulsive need from which to draw. that brought up my historian of science
to argue with absolutely everything as the The oldest of the four children of Rabbi side and my historical side and my roman-
most basic Jewish cultural assumption. Neil Kurshan, the Conservative rabbi of the tic side, and I explored a lot of that.
Its like an old-fashioned hard suitcase Huntington Jewish Center on Long Island, The romance of the Temple was very
when youve shoved absolutely everything who has just retired after 30 years in the real for me. The nostalgia for the Temple,
you can think of in it, in a jumbled mess pulpit there, and Dr. Alisa Rubin Kurshan, and the love of talmud Torah I would
thats logical to you, and then you remem- who retired as a senior vice president of hear echoes of Keats.
ber lots of other things, and then you have New Yorks UJA Federation, Ilana gradu- I couldnt think about Rabbi Yochanan
to sit on it to get it to close, and some ran- ated from Harvard and then spent a year being sick without thinking about Keats
dom things still stick out, but then you can as the John Harvard fellow at Cambridge Ilana Kurshan DEBBI COOPER and beauty and evanescence. I would
fasten it and its ready and you can bring it University in England. Shes always been have those associations and not be able to
with you wherever you go. and still is the kind of person who liter- she runs, and so she associates different disassociate them, so I clearly had to write
Its culture defining, and has been ally cannot put down her book. When she streets, vistas, hills, stores, shapes, and about them.
for millennia. lived in Manhattan, you could run across even smells with very specific bits of text. Talmud is highly gendered, and histori-
But its rarely seen as a vehicle her on Riverside Drive. Shes easy to spot Ms. Kurshan also reads widely; she loves cally it has not been accessible to women
for memoir. she was the tall thin blonde reading as she poetry and writes it herself. Her under- (or, to be honest, particularly kind to
In her brilliant, beautifully written, sen- walked. It could be alarming. standing of the Talmud often is filtered them). When I read the text, I often find
sitive, original new book, If All the Seas When she moved to Jerusalem, she said, through English writers; her ability to myself identifying far more often with the
Were Ink, Ilana Kurshan writes about she did the same thing, and eventually bring together Jewish and English sources, male characters than with the women,
how Daf Yomi, the worldwide seven-year people recognized her as yes, that young in ways that illuminate both of them, is Ms. Kurshan said. That because by tal-
program that encourages Jews to study a woman with the book. idiosyncratic and valuable. mudic definition, I am more a man than a
page the same page of Talmud every She is also an avid runner; she listens As I learned, I found myself hearing woman. Shes independent, has a job, can
day, took her from life as a not-very-happy, to podcasts, often of Talmud talks, as echoes of other texts that I had learned support herself, was unmarried during
These are a few of the limericks that Ilana Kurshan wrote to sum up that days learning:
(Chagigah 9b) (Bava Metzia 2a)
A person who learns and reviews Two are holding a tallis they find
A full hundred times still he will lose Each one cries out, This tallis is mine!
Out on what hed have learned Each guy swears that at least
(Chagigah 5b)
Had he once more returned, He owns half the whole piece.
Rebbi used to read Eicha and sigh
Said Bar Hey Hey. For knowledge accrues. Then they split it. Both parties dont mind.
With the book on his lap, he would cry
He could bear it no more
(Sukkah 28a) (Bava Kama 27a)
The book fell to the floor
A student of Hillel of fame: Someone falls off a roof and he lands
He cried, We who sink low were once high.
Yonatan ben Uzziel was his name. In a woman (Er not in her hands)
When he learned, when he read What was done has been done
(Ketubot 2a)
Any bird overhead (And perhaps it was fun)
On Wednesdays the virgins should marry
Would spontaneously burst into flame. Are they married? This was not the plan!
So their husbands can wake and not tarry
To go Thursday to court
(Sukkah 37b) (Kidushin 8b)
(If they wish) and report:
This sugyas about number two Be my wife with this loaf of fresh bread.
Theres no blood on the sheet that I carry!
For what is a person to do A dogs chasing her! Soon shell be dead!
When he goes on Shabbat She throws bread to the beast
(Ketubot 17a)
Can he carry, or not? It slows down for the feast
How to dance before a bride
Just three stones may be brought to the loo. She escapes. Is she single, or wed?
Who is lovely, but on the inside?
Hillel says: Say shes pretty
(Taanit 9b) (Bava Metzia 58b)
Says Shammai: A pity
Ulla tasted in Bavel a date. If a convert comes by, you cant say
To lie. But you must! Hillel chides.
It was yummy. He filled his whole plate It was ten years ago to the day
He said, Why dont they learn more That your Dad ate some pork
In Bavel. They earn more. With a spoon and a fork
His bowels, alas, met their fate. Do not torture or turn him away.
GRAND OPENING
much of that first seven-year Dof Yomi cycle.
!
When she moved to Israel, Ilana was a newlywed.
That marriage lasted for about six months, and it
ended with a combination of inevitability and great
sadness. I started reading Daf Yomi as a coping mech-
anism, Ms. Kurshan said; when she began, she was
living alone in a small apartment, and it was a way of
OF OUR NEW SHOWROOM
putting one foot in front of the other. She found her-
self writing about what she was reading, first as mar-
ginal notes in the text itself, then as anonymous blog
posts, and then more and more as pieces to be read.
At some point, I made the conscious decision to put
all this stuff together, she said.
She found that the talmudic text often triggered
associations with painful periods in her life; she writes
about both her doomed first marriage and her college-
era eating disorder.
And she also writes about the joy that shes found
in her second marriage. Her husband, and the father
of her four children, is Daniel Feldman, who is from
Teaneck; his father was Dr. Charles Feldman and his
mother is Rella Feldman.
Ms. Kurshan often writes limericks that sum up
the daily page of Talmud. In their brevity, concision,
insight, originality, and wit as well as their deep
respect for the text they elucidate they provide nut-
shell views of her thoughts. We have reprinted some
here.
Ilana Kurshan and Daniel Feldman have embarked
on their second cycle of Daf Yomi; now, as she reads
the text again, she has vivid memories of the first time
she read it. Now, as she, her husband, and their chil-
dren make a life for themselves as a family in Jerusa-
W
sand & r e
lem, she remembers the foundation she built on as she
moves forward.
e
your exi nish
s
hardwooting
Who: Ilana Kurshan
DIRECT LINE oors!
d
CARPET
What: Will talk about her new book, If All The
Seas Were Ink
Where: At Congregation Rinat Yisrael, 389 West
Englewood Ave., in Teaneck
When: On Thursday, November 9, at 8 p.m. New
Co-sponsored by: Congregation Keter Torah, also L cation!
o VINYL | CARPET | HARDWOOD
in Teaneck.
For information: Call (201) 837-2795 or go to
www.rinat.org
Beyond the
But she wanted to move back to New Jersey. I
grew up in Weehawken and Fort Lee, she said. As a
result, the couple moved to Englewood Cliffs 52 years
ago. We stayed in the same house, Ms. Scherl said,
adding that it grew to accommodate their expanding
family. Indeed, they remained in that house until just
Start-Up Nation
a few years ago, when they moved to an apartment
in Fort Lee.
We had a family room on the lower level, she
recalls of their Englewood Cliffs home. Their family
grew to include four children and 10 grandchildren.
At some seders, we had more than 40 people.
SEE SCHERL PAGE 49
TUESDAY, NOV.14
Tesser said; the most well known perhaps is Victor
Cruz of the New York Giants. Hes just one example 7:00PM
of a kid who probably would have had a harder time
getting to where he got without the program, Mr. Tes-
ser said. There are students who excel, and Joe gave
them scholarships to private schools or colleges.
There is no real definition for the program. He just
did whatever Paterson needed.
If they needed a new basketball floor in the ym,
hed put it in. If they needed uniforms, hed pay for
them. He never forgot where he came from.
He could walk down the worst street in Paterson,
and everyone would know who he was, Mr. Tesser said.
His father-in-law was a striking physical presence,
he added; he was tall, with long white hair, and always
well dressed. Whenever he walked into the room,
everyone would know it, he said.
He owned race horses; he was very involved in the
science behind horse racing. He did a lot of trying to
understand what made a horse run faster.
It wasnt that he was a gambler, Mr. Tesser
Elaine Adler
KAREN COHEN-PROSNITZ
Shira Rein Kraft, left of center in pink, leads her spin team.
JCC,
Sharsheret
spin together
In recognition of National Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, women and men of all
ages came to the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
in Tenafly on October 29 to take part in Spin
4 Sharsheret.
On that high-energy morning, the organiza-
tions raised a significant amount of funding
for Sharsheret, the locally based nonprofit
with an international reach that that sup-
ports women and their families as they battle
breast or ovarian cancer.
In between spin classes and a Zumba pro-
gram, participants listened to personal sto-
ries. They learned about the importance
of cancer screening, early detection, and Englewood Hospital and Medical Centers
genetic testing, and they heard in-depth Sharsheret board member Jonathan Blinken stands with his wife, nutritionist Nina Spiegel and acupuncturist
explanations of Sharsherets mission. They Barbara, and spin instructor Hagit Tal. Carleen Implicito from EHMC.
also learned about its Peer Support Network,
which links newly diagnosed participants to
others farther along in their treatment, and
still others who have survived their bouts
with cancer. Sharsherets database allows it
to link women with specific questions and
needs to others who already have asked and
answered similar questions.
The JCC partners with Englewood Hospital
and Medical Center, and that partnership also
helps with early detection and treatment.
Experts from EHMCs Graf Center for Integra-
tive Medicine were on hand; they included a
licensed acupunturist and a nutritionist.
Saranne Rothberg, a breast cancer survivor
who founded the Comedy Cures Foundation, Cynthia Rosenbloom won a free JCC
also visited the spin. massage, here she stands with the JCCs
Learn more at www.jccotp.org. group exercise director, Hagit Tal. Carleen Implicito, a licensed acupuncturist at EHMC, counsels a participant.
Saturday Nights @ the JCC IAC Cinematec Presents Past Life Welcome to the World Baby Gift
Grab a friend and join the fun! In this fascinating and profoundly moving new film from Do you have a friend, family member or
All materials and dinner included. one of Israels most acclaimed directors, Avi Nesher, two neighbor who just had a baby? Did you
paint n piZZa for graDes K-2 Israeli sisters investigate rumors of their fathers actions just have a baby? Let us know! Wed love
during WWII. Inspired by a true story, Past Life tracks to welcome the new bundle of joy to the
A creative night of artistic fun! Children community with a special gift!
the daring 1977 trans-European odyssey the sisters make
will be given step-by-step instructions to
as they try to unravel the disturbing mystery that has Visit jccotp.org/welcomebaby
paint their own masterpieces on canvas.
shadowed their whole lives.
holiDay cooKing for graDes 3-6
Screening followed by discussion with producer David
Festive favorites! Children will learn Milch. Made possible in collaboration with Jewish
quick, healthful and delicious recipes and Federation of Northern NJs Israel Film Festival. to register or for more info
bring home holiday cookbooks. Dinner
included.
Sun, Nov 19, 7:30 pm, $10/$12 at door visit jccotp.org
Part of the JCC Patron of the Arts Program. Find out stay in the Know! liKe us on
Sat, Nov 18, 6:309:30 pm, $45/$50 more at jccotp.org/patron-of-the-arts
facebook.com/KaplenJCCOTP
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades taub campus | 411 e clinton ave, tenafly, nJ 07670 | 201.569.7900 | jccotp.org
JEWISH STANDARD NOVEMBER 3, 2017 21
Cover Story
Making friends
for life
As Yachad plans its gala, leaders talk about
why inclusion matters, and what it means
JOANNE PALMER
C
Who: Yachad, the Orthodox Unions
organization for people with special
ommunity is a real thing. needs
It can be messy. It can be What: Holds a festive melava malka
uncomfortable. It means includ- Where: At Congregation Keter Torah,
ing everyone, including people 600 Roemer Ave., Teaneck
who look different or sound different or in Where: On Saturday, November 18, at
some other way are for-real different. 8 p.m.
It sometimes take work to learn to
Why: Honoring three families for their
include everyone in the community, but special dedication to Yachad
the younger you are when you first learn
For more information and reserva-
how to do it, the more natural it is.
tions: Go to Yachad.org/njgala2017 or
And when most of the community call (201) 833-1349.
accepts the truth that not everybody is like
everybody else, in a wide range of ways, in a
myriad of ways, then everyone can be more make it easier on them. So we bought one
comfortable in his or her very own skin. 15-person van and one minivan, and we
Yachad proves that truth every day. can take them home. Most people at the
Yachad is the part of the Orthodox center come from Bergen County, but oth-
Union that works with people with disabil- ers come from Passaic County, and even
ities. Yachad New Jersey is the local chap- as far as central Jersey Edison, Highland
ter of that organization. That is the most Park, and Elizabeth, she reported.
blunt and least inclusive way to describe The center is an unbelievable tribute to
what Yachad does. Mendel Balk, and a jumping-off point for
Yachad works with people with special Yachad, she continued. It is amazing to
needs, seamlessly weaving them into the have someone like Ariela Balk, who steps
community. It does not provide school- up and invests in us.
ing here, thats the province of the Sinai As in all Yachad program, the special-
Schools, an unrelated organization whose needs participants are joined by more
mission dovetails with Yachads but gives typical ones; mainstream high school
children, teenagers, and adults with dis- students participate in the program, and
PHOTOS BY SHIRA SHEPS
In September Yachad members, staff, and volunteers celebrated the opening of the Mendel Balk Adult Community Center.
Yachad New Jerseys director, Chani Herrmann, left, and Leora Verbit, vocational
Corinne Blyumin, Sara Gdenski, Gavy Levy, Avi Tsadok, and Yoel Balk at the coordinator at the Mendel Balk Yachad Center, flank Yachad participant Donny
Moriah/Yachad color run. Hain.
every event, Ms. Herrmann said. He The young leadership honorees are It was all of us together, in an inclusion counselor while she was in Stern College,
gives them a spotlight. He makes them feel Shira and Scott Sheps. The couple, who program. It was the first time that I had and then I just started doing Yachad shab-
like a million dollars. live in Fair Lawn with their two young chil- met anyone with special needs, and I was batonim as often as I could, she said.
And, she added, the Katzes did not come dren, came to Yachad through Shira. taken with how joyful and loving and fun Why? People with special needs have
to Yachad because they had a child who Shira Lankin Sheps grew up in Edison, and spirited it was, she said. I remember this amazing capacity to reach beyond the
needed its services. That is a time-honored went to Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva, it as a really great experience. kind of faade that people who do not have
and entirely valid to find your way there, and I had my first Yachad Shabbat when Trying to recapture that experience special needs put up to protect themselves
of course, but, as so many Yachad enthusi- I was in eighth grade, Ms. Sheps said. It and succeeding Ms. Sheps worked from the world, she said. They have a
asts have found, thats not at all necessary. was a very powerful experience. with special needs students as a camp purity and a sweetness that is unique to
Visit us today!
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NDA 75 Route 59, Monsey Town Square
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JEWISH STANDARD
bk - JEWISH NOVEMBER
STANDARD - MONEY MARKET -3,
EFF2017
DATE 9-5-17.indd 1 9/1/2017 3:21:45 PM
Cover Story
50th ANNUAL
TEANECK RECEPTION
December 11, 2017 7:00 pm
Congregation Beth Sholom
354 Maitland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ
Honoring The Founding Committee
Helen and Robert B. Levine
Janice and Gerald I. Rosen
Charles W. Shain
Honoring Circle of Excellence Award Recipients
Karen Shawn and Keith Breiman
Ellen and Richard Gertler
Janice and Norman Levin
Marcia Eagle and Melvin Reichman
Guest Speaker
jnf.org
Black Box Performing Arts Center (GPS: 290 Walraven) 800.JNF.0099
200 Walraven Drive Teaneck, NJ 201-357-2221
www.blackboxpac.com
JEWISH STANDARD NOVEMBER 3, 2017 25
JENNY JON Cover Story
see something, which is not at all like the Yachad participant since he was 8, Ms.
way anybody else sees it, and find a way Herrmann said. Hes been with us for
LIQUIDATION to share that vision.
Eventually, Ms. Sheps had to stop
more than 25 years.
Avi has Down syndrome, hes 34
STARTS working with Yachad. Now she is back,
in another capacity, as an artist and
years old, and he is very social, Ms.
Tsadok said. He has been social since
EVERYTHING
ing Yachad, but it became less of a daily very positive and constructive ways.
force in their lives. But for her, it has Without Yachad, I dont think that
been not only a place that continued to there would be a vehicle for that, she
give to me as a young adult, but also it added.
MUST GO!
has given to me as a professional, and as Yachad is just about the same age as
a person. Avi not the New Jersey chapter, that
It is a tremendous honor to be hon- is, but the national organization, head-
ored by Yachad, she continued. They quartered in Manhattan. When he
nurtured me they nurture each other was 8, he started going to Shabbatons.
and its like family. We went to so many family Shabbatons
My two kids come and play at together, with families and social work-
Yachad. It is an unbelievable opportu- ers and siblings. So my other three kids
& SLIPPERS
ent, because not everyone who is differ- grown and expanded. He went to Israel
ent looks different. with Yachad he might do it again this
ON SALE
No matter who it is, you should be summer and he goes to Camp Mesorah.
loving and inclusive and kind, Ms. We are so fortunate that Yachad now
Sheps concluded. The people at Yachad has a vocational program, and Avi par-
do more for me than I possibly could do ticipates in it. We are so fortunate that
STARTS THIS for them. Yachad has the social program in the
FRIDAY, NOV. 3 Although it is Shira who has been the evening, and he participates in that
family leader in the Shepss relationship too. Otherwise, hed be sitting at home
with Yachad, the award is going to both watching TV and being miserable.
spouses for very good reason, Ms. Her- And Avi goes to the Sunday Yachad
MUST SELL
rmann said. Scott is always there, sup- programs, and he works at camp
porting Shira, she said. He has been over the summer. Without Yachad, he
at her side from the beginning. You will wouldnt be doing any of that.
DOWN TO THE
never see her at an event without him. Avi is thrilled about being honored,
He is an active participant, and they are along with his parents, his mother
tremendous role models in the commu- added. He is telling everyone about the
BARE WALLS!
nity, and beyond. gala. He is obsessed with birthdays. Its
People really look up to them, she not that he wants presents, its that he
said. wants people to say happy birthday to
The family honorees are the Tsadok him, so he gets to smile.
family of Englewood, Shlomo and At the gala, when he is honored, Avi
9 FASHION CENTER, PARAMUS, NJ Debbie, and their Avi, who has been a Tsadok will have a lot to smile about.
Sharansky On Tuesday, Hanegbi told the delegates of the Jewish section and the so-called Ezrat Yisrael plaza, where
FROM PAGE 27 Agencys Board of Governors that Israel plans to go ahead men and women can worship together.
for the task by the state rabbinate. and renovate the pluralistic prayer platform at the Wall. But During Tuesdays 90-minute session in the Knesset,
After vociferous and across-the-board protests from the Hanegbi made plain the government will not fully imple- countless lawmakers from the opposition and the
Jewish world, Prime Minister Netanyahu appointed Moshe ment the January 2016 deal, which provided for joint over- coalition took the mic to express their appreciation
Nissim, 82, a former justice and finance minister, to find sight including representatives of non-Orthodox streams for diaspora Jewry and their concern over the cur-
a solution to the conversion controversy. He also tapped of Judaism of a permanent pavilion. Most notably, he rent crisis, but did not offer any concrete proposals
Regional Cooperation Minister Tzachi Hanegbi to sort out a insisted that Israel will not build a common entrance to to solve it.
compromise at the Western Wall. all three prayer areas the Orthodox mens and womens I want to tell you that the relation [between Israel
and] American Jewry is very, very important to us.
Its true that it doesnt always look that way. But its
very important, said coalition chairman David Bitan
(Likud), who also co-chairs the Caucus for Strengthen-
ing the Jewish People.
Proud to b e Jew i s h Were aware of your needs and the influence you
have in America and in Israel, but we also have inter-
nal problems, he added, likely alluding to constraints
stemming from his partys ultra-Orthodox coalition
partners. So we always try to navigate between all
Jewish Federation
OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Transforming
Lives Together
jfnnj.org | 201.820.3900
THE FIDF
New Jersey
Tribute Dinner
Children enter the Halom Jewish Community Center in Kiev in September.
PHOTOS BY CNAAN LIPHSHI
Kiev secondary reason for enrolling his daugh- smartphones, and help youngsters with
FROM PAGE 29 ter there. homework or teach them languages.
conference rooms, computer stations, I came here for the pedagogic approach The exchange program, and its promise
and art displays, including an exhibition and facilities, he said a sentiment that of sign language lessons, drew Adrianna
of hyper-realistic models of famous syna- recalls those Jews, including immigrants Golubka, a non-Jewish Ukrainian college
gogues made from matchsticks by the well- from Ukraine, who enrolled at Jewish-run student who became a volunteer last year.
known artist Iosif Ostashinsky. settlement houses in America in the Her sign language teacher, septuagenarian
A former teacher herself, Snitsruk opted early 20th century. JDC supports efforts Halom regular Irina Yosepavna, became an
to become a stay-at-home mom just to that bring non-affiliated Jews into Jewish inspiration to Golubka in all areas of life.
avoid sending her eldest, Lev, to a kinder- life, but also encourages mutual respect When Im depressed or tired, I think of
garten with one teacher per 20 children, among Jews and non-Jews. Irina, of how positive and energetic she is
where the food is not so great, where he The opening of Halom (the name means after leading a long and not so easy life,
wouldve gotten no attention and zero dream in Hebrew) in November was a and I snap right out of it, she said.
stimulation, she said. watershed moment for other age groups, Part of Haloms charm, she says, is in
I enrolled him right away after Haloms Alla Shakhova, left, the head of the too. amenities that few public spaces boast in
opening, she added. I can see how he has volunteer department, stands with The center, which greets 1,000 to 2,000 Kiev, including the lobby, the WiFi, the
developed emotionally. Its a change that volunteer Adrianna Golubka at the Ha- users monthly, instantly became a hit with free coffee, and art displays. Its just very
has affected our family profoundly. lom Jewish Community Center in Kiev. the golden-age population. pleasant to come here, interact and relax,
Even at a subsidized rate of $90 a I used to just stay at home all day, Golubka said.
month, tuition at Halom is making a dent Bodnar, the 30-year-old director of Halom. I didnt go anywhere, said Valentina For the elderly users, Halom also is a
in the household budget of Volodia Paster- Most recipients of Halom services do, how- Basova, a septuagenarian who lives alone promising dating scene. The center has led
nak, a retired athlete and father of three ever, self-identify as Jewish, she added. since her son immigrated to Israel with his to several successful shidduchs, or roman-
whose youngest, four-year-old Maria, Kievs Jewish population is estimated at family four years ago. Its great to also be tic matches. And last month, Halom cel-
attends Halom. 60,000. around young people, Jewish children, ebrated the union of the first couple who
But I wouldnt call it a sacrifice, he Snitsruk, who is Jewish, said she is she added. married after meeting there: Maya Sere-
said. Im so glad that I get to send her to a rather indifferent to the kindergartens A regular at Halom, Basova comes bryanaya and Valeriy Utvenko, 68 and
place that she actually likes. Its because of religious dimension. (The children learn nearly every day to participate in inter- 72 respectively.
the attention each child gets here. Its not about Jewish holidays and customs like generational programs in which elderly Their relationship came as a surprise to
something I thought I could afford. candle lighting and challah baking.) people are paired with children or teen- me, actually, said Bodnar, the JCCs direc-
Halom accepts all children regardless Pasternak said he approved of such agers to exchange skills. Elderly partici- tor. I thought they were just friends.
of whether they are Jewish, said Anna activities, but he too spoke of them as a pants are taught to use computers and JTA WIRE SERVICE
JERSEY YACHA
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BENOVITZ KAMINETZKY NCSY DIRECTOR
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AND AND
immediately following the
SHARONA & JEFFREY WEINBERG FREDA GREENBAUM
BEN ZAKKAI 23RD ANNUAL HONOR SOCIETY JULIA & JOE MACY ZL DR. ALLAN JACOB
INDUCTION CEREMONY DVORAH & BEN GASNER
from past years because we dont play the as leftists for their association with the
blame game or talk about peace. We talk organizers. Dweck said he did not know
about who we are as a people. their motivation.
Right-wing extremist Yigal Amir shot Darkenu emerged from V-15, a group
Rabin to death on November 4, 1995, at also co-founded by Dweck that sought
the end of a rally the then-prime minis- to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netan-
ter held to demonstrate public support yahu in the 2015 election.
for his efforts to make peace with the Dweck said that by eschewing politics,
Palestinians. In the following days, and the organizers have been able to attract
every year since on the Saturday near- Israelis who would have felt unwelcome
est to the anniversary date, thousands in the past. One of the speakers this year
of Israelis have gathered in the square will be Esther Brot, who left her home in
where the assassination took place to the West Bank settlement of Ofra out of
honor Rabin. respect for the High Court of Justices rul-
For many years, an alliance of youth ing that it must be demolished because
groups and social organizations, which it was built on private Palestinian land.
has become the main way to commem- Another speaker will be Tel Aviv Deputy
orate Rabin, organized it. But last year Mayor Mehereta Baruch-Ron, who immi-
the alliance opted to instead hold round- grated to Israel from Ethiopia as a child.
table discussions in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Yehuda Glick, an Orthodox Jewish law-
and Haifa. The Labor Party, part of the maker in Netanyahus Likud party, sent
Zionist Union, stepped in at the last min- a letter Monday to the Knesset encour-
ute to save the rally from cancellation. aging his fellow lawmakers to attend
Unlike in past years, no Israeli politi- the rally this year. He said that he was
cal parties or lawmakers were invited ashamed by the politicized atmo-
to speak at the rally. The six living for- sphere of last years rally, when speak-
mer chiefs of staff of the Israel Defense ers scored the right and demonstrators
Forces received invitations. But after all heckled the left. But Glick said he was
expressed interest, they declined one convinced Darkenu and Command-
by one. Israels Channel 10 TV station ers for Israels Security would create a
reported that they feared being tagged SEE RABIN PAGE 36
at
O U T
110 minutes l Hebrew with Subtitles
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Thursday, November 2 l 7:30 pm Gue l Monday, November 13 l 7:30 pm
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Special Guest Yonatan Nir, Director Teaneck Cinemas l 503 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
Warner Theater l 190 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
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Tuesday, November 7 l 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 16 l 7:30 pm
Teaneck Cinemas l 503 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
Edgewater Multiplex Cinemas l 339 River Road, Edgewater
This program has been made possible in part by a grant administered by the Bergen County Division of Historic and Cultural Affairs from funds granted by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Joseph Taub
a remarkable man with extraordinary devotion to Jewish life,
Jewish community and the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades.
JewishStandard
N E W J E R S E Y R O C K L A N D
BOGOTA
Breitbart, Bannon favored Trump from the prima-
HOUSE ries outset because he reviled the partys establish-
ment. They have been simmering since he left the
CALLS White House in August and returned to Breitbart
with a mission of going to war for Trump against his
SINGLE ITEMS TO
And when Arizona Senator Jeff Flake announced
that he wouldnt seek re-election, observers noted
it was unlikely he would withstand a Bannon-
ENTIRE ESTATES! backed challenge.
In Nevada, Arizonas neighbor, Tarkanian, the
son of a legendary university basketball coach and a
Watches, Clocks, Pocket Watches perennially unsuccessful candidate for public office,
Paintings, Prints, Bronzes has eagerly taken on the Bannon mantle. On Octo-
ber 23, on Twitter, Tarkanian called on Heller to sign
Estate Jewelry the McConnell replacement pledge, to remove the
Senate leader.
Coin & Stamp Collections On October 25 a day after Flakes Senate floor
retirement speech shocked the party the Sen-
Judaica Costume Jewelry ate Leadership Fund replied to Tarkanians tweet.
Heres another pledge for @DannyTarkanian to sign
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Chinese & Japanese MOVING or featured a headline from the New York Daily News
last year: Anti-Semitic Trump campaign CEO not a
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school with Jewish girls. Bannon denied it, although
Swords, Cameras Sterling Flatware Sets some elements of the incidents she describes have
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He ets, etc.
lm
HUMMELS & LLADROS with my friend Steve Bannon against Heller/McCo-
nnell hatchet-mans smear attacks, Tarkanian said
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on Twitter.
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will set up a rematch of the House seat he failed
to win last year. The victor then was Jacky Rosen,
Sterling! CELL 917-887-6465
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query about why it was bringing up Bannons alleged
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TRI-STATE! WILL TRAVEL.
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SEE BANNON PAGE 40
OLYMPIC GYMNAST
assessment false and asked Mandel, of racism. He and his proxies have
the Ohio treasurer who hopes to unseat mimicked some of the themes popular
Brown, for comment. among white supremacists and anti-
TUESDAY
When Washington politicians get so Semites: Breitbart News included for
terrified of losing their job and their cock- a time a news tag called black crime.
tail party invitations, they embarrass Bannon refers repeatedly to global-
NOVEMBER 14
themselves like Sherrod Brown did today, ists who seek to control the worlds
Mandel said. Career politician Browns economy, a framing typical of anti-
charges against former White House advi- Semitic conspiracy theorists.
4PM
sor Steve Bannon and President Trumps Once Bannon assumed control of
senior policy adviser are desperate, false Trumps campaign last year, the can-
and beneath the dignity of his office and didate made the sinister reach of glo-
ALY
the people of Ohio and he should apolo- balists and bankers central to his
gize. Mandel linked to the Breitbart story campaign. Milo Yiannopoulos, the far-
on his Twitter feed. right provocateur who co-authored a
Brown is not likely to stop calling major piece on the alt-right that ran
Bannon out. In August, after Bannon in Breitbart in 2016, vetted the piece
RAISMAN
left the White House, Brown said in a before publication with a neo-Nazi
tweet that the aide had has promoted and a white supremacist, although it is
anti-Semitism, racism and misogyny, not known whether Bannon, who was
embracing bigotry and hate speech. then directing Breitbart, was aware of
Mandel, who lost his 2012 bid to the outreach.
unseat Brown, studiously avoided In its last major ad before the elec-
Trump before last years election and tion, the Trump campaign featured
SIGNING HER NEW BOOK campaigned, as he has in the past, as
a conventional Republican, favoring a
audio from the candidates jeremiad
against globalists, running over unflat-
TICKETS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS! * ALL DATES & TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. robust U.S. posture overseas and fiscal tering images of Clinton, President
ALL BOOKS MUST BE PURCHASED AT BOOKS & GREETINGS. hawkishness. Since the election, he has Barack Obama and three Jewish
MON.WED. 10AM6PM THURS & FRI. 10AM8PM SAT. 10AM6PM SUN. 125PM embraced Trumpism with a vengeance, financiers. JTA WIRE SERVICE
Leon Rubach
Generous philanthropist, Holocaust survivor,
beloved friend of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
and father of JoJo Rubach, current chair of the JCC Board.
He established the
Eva and Leon Rubach Holocaust Educational Fund
at the JCC to be certain these lessons are remembered
from generation to generation.
W
applications to Jewish business ethics.
L
e will hear much next week about Both are derived from Leviticus 19:14: You shall
ast Shabbat, two liberal synagogues Temple Avo- how Jews voted on Election Day, but not...put a stumbling block before the blind, which is a
dat Shalom in River Edge, which is Reform, and we should not be as concerned with general principle that goes beyond its simple meaning.
Temple Israel in Ridgewood, which is Conserva- whether Jews vote, but whether they If politics followed these two principles, most can-
tive joined forces, mingling their services and vote as Jews should vote, putting Jewish law and values didates today would be disqualified from running
their sermons, demystifying each others practices, talking ahead of mundane considerations. because their deceptive campaign advertising and
about shared values and beliefs. On Saturday night, Rabbi There is a halachic approach to choosing people to stump speeches place a stumbling block before the
Gordon Tucker, a towering intellect in the Jewish world, represent us in government. From a practical stand- blind and amount to theft of knowledge. Opponents
the leader of Temple Israel Center, the Conservative shul in point, however, it is an approach that would keep us records often are distorted beyond recognition, as are
White Plains, spoke in the Reform synagogue. Last year, the home on Election Day, which in itself would violate hal- their positions on hot-button issues.
speaker, the Reform Rabbi Gary Zola, spoke in the Conser- achic rules relating to our communal responsibilities. For example, if one candidate supports a more
vative one. Of course, elections, as we know them, were not a humane approach to immigration, his or her opponent
The entire program, for this second year, was the gift of part of either the Torahs or the Talmuds explicit legis- likely will accuse that candidate of wanting to flood a
Rabbi Selig Salkowitz, an HUC-ordained rabbi who feels him- lation, but we are offered subjective guidelines on the community with rapists, murderers, and drug lords.
self to be very much a member of both communities. kinds of leaders we should choose. A case in point is a political commercial
This week, our cover story is about Yachad, the Orthodox In this regard, I frequently cite an by the Republican candidate for New Jer-
Unions program for people with special needs; we concen- excerpt from the Takkanot of the Council sey governor, Kim Guadagno. It says that
trate on the New Jersey branch, which is led by the visionary of Cracow (which ruled Jewish life there her Democratic opponent, Phil Murphy,
Chani Herrmann, and which keeps growing and innovating. in the Middle Ages). It tells us that voters would rather protect dangerous crimi-
When I talk to people at Yachad I always am astonished must act for the sake of heaven and the nals and murderersthan stand up for
by how personally and passionately they take their work common good, and not out of favoritism the law abiding people of New Jersey,
(which very often is volunteer). That is true if they have spe- or self-interest or personal grudge, such because of his views on immigration. His
cial-needs family members, and it is true when they do not. as by voting against candidates who favor proposals, she said, are designed to pro-
That doesnt seem to matter. What does matter, they make social welfare programs because we want tect violent criminals.
abundantly clear (and not to impress me as a reporter, but to pay less in taxes. Most important, vot- Shammai The Newark Star-Ledger, which only
because it is among their deepest truths and they are com- ers should not act hurriedly, but should Engelmayer grudgingly supports Murphy, said that
pelled to talk about it), is that Yachads clients are members think carefully, because once the votes Guadagno is using distortion to fan fear
of their community. And once thats a fact, then what is there are cast, nothing can be changed. of minorities and stir up the white vote
to talk about? Of course they do what they do. Who wouldnt? Such guidelines are too general and too subjective, much like the infamous, race-baiting attack ad from
In fact, it is clear that the Orthodox community believes however, so we need to find an appropriate halachic George [H.W.] Bush did in 1988, starring [Willy] Horton,
deeply in demystifying special needs, in teaching their chil- model from which to deduce more unambiguous a black felon. That ad began a major slide into oblivion
dren that everyone doesnt have to be alike to be valued and guidelines. for Bushs opponent, Massachusetts Governor Michael
loved and cared for. The United States is a republican form of democracy. Dukakis.
It is possible to romanticize this, of course. No community In the words of Abraham Lincoln, it is a government The nature of many political contributions also is at
is perfect. But in the course of one week, Ive seen and heard of the people, by the people and for the people. Thus, issue as a form of bribery, in the eyes of halacha. The
and talked about inclusion in so many ways of how it is the people we elect to run our government are our gun lobby, for example, gives money to candidates
possible to overlook differences in theology, in ideology, in equals when it comes to the rights, obligations, and who will protect its interests. (This also is a violation of
ability, in appearance, because what we share is more pro- privileges of citizenship. They are us. That makes our the Torahs insistence not to favor either the rich man
found than what divides us. elected representatives our active partners in gover- or the poor one in a dispute.) Since bribery must be
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Certainly thats a romantic vision, pos- nance. Perhaps we should choose them as we would avoided, we also must avoid those who give or accept
sibly even simplemindedly so. Yeah, yeah, yeah. We all can choose a business partner. Our search for guidelines, the bribes. Any candidate liberal, conservative, or
think of times when this vision hasnt come anywhere close to therefore, should look first to Judaisms business laws. middle of the road who takes money from special
reality, times when its fallen embarrassingly, painfully short. Two principles stand out here lifnei iver, or the interests, then, would be disqualified.
But to listen to Yachad staff and volunteers talk about their placing of a stumbling block before the blind, and We also should avoid those who sell something
work, to listen to Rabbi Paul Jacobson of Avodat Shalom and geneivat daat, the theft of knowledge (a category of potentially dangerous to someone who might use it in
Rabbi David Fine of Temple Israel, to listen to Rabbi Gordon economic/halachic crime that includes false and mis- a dangerous way, because such a sale is forbidden. Spe-
Tucker, to listen to the people they attracted really, just leading advertising, and deceptive packaging). While cifically, BT Avodah Zarah 15b bans the sale of weapons
to be open-minded and open-eared and open-eyed is to they apply generally (see the Babylonian Talmud to people who are known to use them in an illegal way
feel hope.
And right now, we all can use some hope. And we all can The opinions expressed in this section are those of the authors, not necessarily those of the newspapers editors,
use some community. JP publishers, or other staffers. We welcome letters to the editor. Send them to jstandardletters@gmail.com.
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Jerusalem vignettes
The Jerusalem Biennale overflowed with joy that I was privileged to be in the midst
My wife, Miriam, and I spent six weeks in Jerusalem during of this group of worshippers.
or who possibly may do so. It also bans selling the fall High Holy Days period. We actually arrived a week
a weapon to someone who might sell it to a before Rosh Hashanah because Miriam, an artist, had two The Lemon Laws
suspected thief or murderer. It is not too far a pieces in the Jerusalem Biennale, an international art show Sukkot follows swiftly on the heels of Yom Kippur, with many
leap to see here a prohibition against facilitat- centered in Jerusalem, featuring works by Jewish artists things to do. First, there is the purchase of the arbaah minim
ing such a sale, meaning politicians who oppose themed around Jewish subjects. Since she had volunteered (four species) consisting of an etrog (the lemon-like citron),
putting limits on weapons sales. to help the group she was showing with set up its exhibit, she lulav (a palm frond), three hadassim (myrtle branches), and
The same can be applied to many issues, needed some time before the opening to be there. Hence, our two aravot (willow branches). Those who know the experi-
especially including the current opioid epi- arrival a week before the Yamim Tovim. ence of buying these items, which we wave and march with
demic, and to anyone who seeks to make it eas- The Biennale showed works that went from the sublime to on Sukkot, know that it doesnt take five minutes. Each item
ier for drug companies to sell these drugs with the funny. There was an exquisite paper cut called the Tower has a halachically determined definition of what constitutes
abandon. of Babel that contained the letters of 70 languages, follow- its most beautiful form. These are the Lemon Laws.
The stumbling block rule applies here as well. ing the Jewish tradition that holds that there are 70 nations Selling what can be pretty pricey lemons (citrons,
Unless a candidate is willing to disclose any that make up the world community. Every letter was cut by etrogim) have many merchants doing a once a year business.
understanding, stated or implied, that went hand and arranged in an upward spiral of mixed In our neighborhood there were tables manned
with a particular special interest contribution, letters. The walls contained plaques telling the by teenagers running the length of the street in
the public is being denied necessary informa- biblical story of the Tower in 70 different dia- front of our local supermarket. I looked over
tion regarding a potential danger to its welfare. lects. This work of a Brazilian artist, Mirtka Kup- some of the four species at one table and wasnt
The necessity for full disclosure has other ferminc, took five years to make, and it unques- impressed enough to buy. The young man said,
applications in the political sphere. Candi- tionably was the star of the show in the venue Not a problem. My partner is working at the
dates, for example, talk about their plans, but where Miriams group showed. table down the block. Who knew there were
rarely provide the specifics we need to evalu- A truly funny show was called Popodox and etrog conglomerates?
ate those plans properly. Im for cutting taxes featured pop art by Orthodox Jewish artists. At any rate, I bought my treasured lemon
could mean cutting taxes for lower-income Probably the best piece was a red framed glass and all of its accessories for 120 shekels (around
people only, or for upper income-people only, with the words In case of Moshiach, break Rabbi Dr. $45 U.S.) from a shy teenager, who was not ter-
or across the board, or some other permuta- glass. Behind the glass was a huge shofar wait-
Michael rific salesmen, and a girl who was. In the states
tion. What the candidate means by the phrase, ing to welcome the Redeemer should he, or
Chernick I would have probably paid $100 for it. Check
and what each voter means by it, can be very maybe she, show up. The Ten Commandments out your local Judaica shop next year and see
different. were done up in the form of square and regular if I am kidding.
Cutting taxes, especially with abandon, is bar codes. But the four tables in our neighborhood were nothing com-
halachically dicey, in any case. The Torahs And this is only the tip of the artistic iceberg. It was amaz- pared to the etrog mall near the open air Machaneh Yehudah
emphasis on our obligations to the poor out- ing and uplifting to see how many active Jewish artists there market in the middle of Jerusalem. In an 80-meter-square
weighs a communitys right to decide what its are who bring a deep Jewish sensibility to the art they create, area there must be 50 or 60 etrog stands with lemons
taxes should be, as some rabbinic decisions whether the topic is serious or satirical. going for anything from 35 shekels ($10) to 400 shekels (about
have made clear over time. If the communitys $120). There is a cacophonous hawking of wares and a lot of
ability to aid the poor will be injured substan- The High Holy Days haggling about price. Its China and Egypt put together.
tively by a tax cut, a majority vote in favor of On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Miriam and I attended The men buying the higher priced etrogim, the ones that
that tax cut must be ignored. On the other hand, a women-friendly modern Orthodox Jerusalem congregation follow the lemon laws to the letter, use jewelers loupes in
the majority rules if the cut does not so harm called Yedidiah. The congregations members include a great search of any defect on the fruit. Scab-like dry spots on the
the communitys ability to help the poor. many spiritually sensitive, Jewishly knowledgeable, and intel- etrogs skin or spots that look like a teens blackheads in the
Without full disclosure, then, we inadver- lectual Orthodox Jews. This is a marriage of characteristics etrogs surface mean rejection by connoisseurs.
tently might give someone the power to do made in heaven. When you know what youre saying and But one thing this process does accomplish: It forces us to
what we ourselves are not permitted to do. That doing and really feel it, the experience can be overwhelm- look at nature carefully, see its magical beauty and intricacy,
is a stumbling block placed before the blind, if ing. And, indeed, we were overwhelmed on the second day and realize that it is so often the key to the seasons of our joy.
ever there was one. of Rosh Hashanah.
As I said earlier, from a practical standpoint, All services at Yedidah are led by lay prayer leaders. On Sukkahs, sukkahs, everywhere
trying to apply these guidelines would keep us the second day of Rosh Hashanah God gave us a gift. The Once the fours species are taken care of, its sukkah-building
home on Election Day and that also is not shaliach tzibburs voice, his understanding of the liturgy, time. Since Jerusalem is overwhelmingly an apartment house
permitted. and his presentation of melodies that brought out its mean- city, and sukkot cannot have anything covering them except
That leaves us with nowhere to go, except to ing were more than merely exceptional. His rendition of the products that grow from the ground, finding a place to build
choose a candidate who we believe will best Rosh Hashanah-Yom Kippur liturgical gem called Unetanah a sukkah is not easy. Where there are courtyards, sukkot
heed the words of Isaiah that we read as the Tokef was presented so beautifully that there were many eyes appear there. But often the sukkah winds up on an apart-
haftarah on Yom Kippur (Chapter 58): that needed dabbing to keep the tears from rolling down their ment house roof, battened down because of wind.
Is not this rather the fast that I have chosen owners cheeks. And I was one of them. In some apartment houses there are higher floors with
[says God] to loose the chains of wickedness, At that moment I palpably felt the presence of our Divine small porches extending from individual apartments with
to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the Parent, and I pleaded with Him to grant me the strength no other porches above them. Tiny sukkot stand precari-
oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is and compassion to be a good husband to my wife, a good ously there. Some of these porches have contraptions that
it not to share your bread with the hungry, and parent to my children, and the best Saba (grandfather) I extend the porch area, so you can build a sukkah beyond an
that you bring the poor, who are cast out, to could be to my grandchildren. My heart nearly broke think- overhanging porch. They say that those who perform a mitz-
your house? When you see the naked, that you ing of being so far away from our little ones, but it also vah will not be harmed. For people whose sukkah is built on
cover him; and that you hide not yourself from these platforms in the air I hope its true.
your own flesh? Then shall your ... righteous- Professor Michael Chernick of Teaneck holds the Deutsch We lived near Emek Refaim, a trendy restaurant row.
ness go before you...; then shall your light rise Family Chair in Jewish Jurisprudence and Social Justice at the The sidewalk areas in front of every restaurant were lined
in darkness, and your gloom be as the noon Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York; with sukkot, since it is a mitzvah to eat in them. Because
day; and the Lord shall guide you continually.... his area of expertise is the Talmud. He received his doctorate the weather was still summery, some people slept, ate, and
That is the Jewish way to vote. from the Bernard Revel Graduate School and rabbinic studied in their sukkah, thereby literally fulfilling the Torahs
ordination from R. Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. SEE JERUSALEM PAGE 44
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or starters, lest I upset or disre- That goes for doctors, nurses, and medical chalks up the issue at hand to something others who have had similar experiences at
spect anyone reading this, I must professionals of all stripes. An enormous like anxiety. (Of course, no, this never their appointments and consultations.
say, doctors, you have the ability amount of time, effort, sleepless nights, happened to me.) Im certainly okay with a doctor not
to help save peoples lives and and keeping up to date with the newest Sixth: when a doctor looks up a patients knowing something. Pass me along to
enhance their quality of life. And for that, treatments and technology are require- medication that he knows virtually noth- another specialist, sure thing. But dont
I love and respect you. Please have that in ments within the medical field and all its ing about, reads the possible side effects, pretend that you do know until you come
mind as you read this column. specialties and subspecialties. and says, Oh, look, I see here that this to the point toward the end of the appoint-
At the same time, please also draw from Now that youve heard my disclaimer, I medication may cause dizziness,weight ment when you realize that you dont
this column some input that may positively will tell you my ultimate pet peeve: a hor- gain, weight loss, depression [insert here know and then just shrug and walk out.
affect the manner in which rible bedside manner. This any other reaction that might be listed so And please, all the while, show
you treat your patients. The manifests in multiple ways. that if it does occur, the pharmaceutical some semblance of respect during my
following is about some doc- First: when a doctor comes company wont get sued]. Thats probably appointment.
tors not all doctors. into the exam room with the root of your problem. Ill let you in on a little secret, says a
My gripes about doctor- a holier-than-thou, conde- Seventh: when a doctor speaks doc- doctor friend who Ive known all my life.
patient communication or, scending manner, all his toreez to a patient who doesnt know the Doctors dont know everything. Some
rather, its deterioration (or her, of course) experi- language and then, in an impatient, conde- may act as though they do, but oftentimes
bubble to the surface from ence and expertise under scending manner, translates the issue into theyre shooting in the dark and learning
time to time, but I often let his belt, and treats a patient patienteez, making the patient feel like as they go.
my frustration simmer down like a mere case to plow an idiot for not duh! knowing what the Honesty. Practicality. Lets say it like it is.
after a little while. By a little Dena Croog through and Next! get doctor originally meant. To sum up, doctors need to listen to
while I mean it can be days out the door for the sake of Eighth: when a doctor states, Ive seen their patients better, exhibit a more wel-
or it can be weeks. Usually, it expediency. hundreds of cases like yours before; you coming and reassuring bedside manner,
doesnt hit the one month mark, but I cant Second: when a doctor steps into the must have this condition, without thor- treat patients as people, dont talk over
say for sure as I have probably blocked out exam room, and after hearing three sen- oughly evaluating the patient and listening patients, ask relevant questions for clarifi-
those experiences out of necessity. Anger tences or less from the patient, stops the to her own personal observations before cation, dont act pompous and all-knowing
and frustration are no good for the soul. patient in her (or his, of course) tracks and coming to his conclusion. as if they automatically know the patients
To be clear, again, I think that anyone starts talking over the patient. Or, as my friend, who is in the medical body more than the patient, and recognize
who has dedicated themselves to the med- Third: when a doctor, in addition to field herself, says: Thats great that you their own limitations.
ical field has chosen a noble profession. talking over the patient, is dismissive and went to Harvard Medical School but my At the same time, patients often need
doesnt allow the patient time to explain body didnt read your textbook. to learn how to hold their own. They
Dena Croog is a writer and editor in his or her symptoms and possibly related Ninth: Im not sure I have a ninth, but I need to come prepared with a list of spe-
Teaneck and the founder of Refaenu, medical history. bet you do. cific questions as well as a list of specific
a nonprofit organization dedicated to Fourth: when a doctor, while talking The bulk of doctors, I would hope, are symptoms. They need to ask as many
mood disorder awareness and support. with a patient, is looking at a computer nothing like this. The bulk of doctors have questions as necessary in order to under-
More information about the organization screen for most, if not all, of the session. patience with their patients and listen and stand what the doctor is telling them
and its support groups can be found at Fifth: when a doctor takes one look at ask clarifying questions and work with their about their condition and other matters
www.refaenu.org. You can also email a patients psychiatric diagnosis, and with patients to understand whats going on. But of concern and, if need be, write down
dena@refaenu.org with any questions or the smell of preconceived notions in the in addition to experiencing all of the above, what the doctor says. They also need to
comments. air, thinks he has the patient pegged and I have, indeed, heard the stories of many be their own advocates and not let the
Jerusalem public transportation have experienced thereby gaining my freedom from the to do is rub my scraped calves and enjoy
FROM PAGE 43 crowded trains and buses. But there is no Cuckoos Nest. Polite, no? watching her being pushed around like I
injunction, Seven days shall you dwell in comparison between that experience and But fear not, I will get my comeuppance. was. But then I remember. Shes got three
sukkahs to remember how your forebears the crowds on the Light Rail. After shopping at Machaneh Yehudah, dangerous weapons: her granny cart, inor-
left Egypt in makeshift dwellings. For example, it seems that no one has whose prices cant be beat and whose dinate strength for an octogenarian, and
We did not have immediate access to learned the law of physics that says that fresh produce is fantastic, I try to get infinite measures of chutzpah.
a sukkah at our apartment. Fortunately, two objects cannot inhabit the same space on the train with my packages. Nobody
a local synagogue built one for members at one time. In Light Rail travelers terms moves, so I do a little squeeze-in maneu- Why dont you just leave?
of the community who lacked one. It had this means that virtually no one has fig- ver. I notice that there is actually room While all Israeli men and women are
tables, chairs, lights, and a few sad look- ured out that it might be easier to get into in the train, and so I think, Maybe its conscripted, some do not wind up in the
ing decorations. It was a few steps from the train if you let some people out first. because all these people stepped in Crazy army. Orthodox women, many of whom
our apartment, and nobody thought it No, its two-way traffic on a single lane Glue that they arent moving. But I know do serve, are given the option of doing
was crazy that I was schlepping trays of highway when it comes to the getting on better. Its actually a turf issue. national service, which adds to the ranks
breakfast or lunch through the streets to the Light Rail at Machaneh Yehudah. I become resigned to my fate: I will just of medical personnel, school teachers,
this square tent-like thing with bamboo Heres a scene: I got to my stop and have to stand by the door and be run over and caretakers for the elderly and chil-
on top, because this was Jerusalem, not prepared to get out. A rather corpulent every time we stop. dren. One group, however, is exempted
New Jersey. fellow standing in the doorway is intently But I am saved. A little old lady with en masse: Ultra-Orthodox men, otherwise
conversing on his cellphone and is oblivi- her granny wagon shopping cart pushes known as charedim.
Watch out for the little old ous to anything else. No passenger can in behind me, throwing me into the arms The general Israeli population is fed
lady with the granny cart get out because of him, and the crowds of a stranger, whose surprised body is the up with this arrangement. Indeed, the
There are three stops on the Jerusa- of course are trying to get in. Dumbo only thing that kept me from falling, and in demand for sharing the burden of defend-
lem Light Rail route that are particularly doesnt move. order to get fully into the car she proceeds ing the country got so vociferous that a law
crowded: Central Bus Station, Machaneh How do you handle this? In this case, to run me over with her granny wagon. has been passed requiring charedi men to
Yehudah, and Jaffa Street Central. generally mild-mannered I scream at this Hurrah! It is she who will now have to enlist, or at the very least appear for enlist-
Now all of us who travel on New York tembel ( jerk) and push him to the side, fend off the entering crowds. All I have ment at conscription offices. In general,
A
for the patient, not the other way around.
They also should not be afraid to call out nyone doubting the neces- Mahwah, that she too must be just In my comments at that session I
the doctor if the patient doesnt think he sity of the New Jersey another paid Jewish actor targeting addressed the governing bodys con-
or she is being heard. attorney generals power- their town. She rebutted those claims tinued denial that a perception of anti-
A week or two after a recent appoint- ful intervention against by challenging anyone to look at the Semitism exists by pointing to the New
ment, I received an email from the medi- Mahwah Townships governing body address listed on her drivers license. Jersey attorney generals filing a nine
cal practice requesting feedback. The email should have been sitting next to me The despicable reaction to Ms. Shus- count discrimination lawsuit claiming
said: last week, when Inna Shusteris rose to teriss comments was reflected in the the town is acting like 1950s era white
Thank you for choosing [our practice] speak at the city council meeting there. celebratory atmosphere that pervaded flight suburbanites who sought to keep
for your recent health care services. To pro- During the public ses- the council chambers. Its African Americans from moving into
vide the best possible care for our patients, sion, Ms. Shusteris looked council president arrived their neighborhoods. In addition, the
we hope to learn more about what patients the council members in after the proceedings Democratic gubernatorial candidate,
experience and how we can improve the the eyes and declared had begun. the state Senate majority leader, the
quality of our care. Below is a link to a sur- that as an 11-year Jew- I and many other lead- county NAACP president, many other
vey asking about your experiences. Your ish Mahwah resident she ers in the region had state and municipal elected officials
participation in this survey will be very could no longer keep hoped that the New Jer- around the county, and organizations
helpful to us and to future patients. silent. As someone whose sey attorney generals including the Simon Wiesenthal Cen-
Im sorry (not sorry), Dr. X, for com- family e sc aped from legal actions would have ter all recognized that peoples fear of
pletely bashing your professional perfor- anti-Semitism in Rus- cooled passions and the unknown has driven rhetoric and
mance as it relates to items one through sia, she could no longer Michael D. helped set a more seri- policies that crossed the boundary into
eight listed above. You may or may not allow such behavior to go Cohen ous tone and direction anti-Semitism.
have a wealth of knowledge up there, unchallenged in her own for the council. We can only hope that the township
but down in the exam room, your doctor- hometown. Instead, I found myself of Mahwah alters its reckless course
patient communication skills leave much to Ms. Shusteris charged that the town to be one of the few people at the meet- and works with all parties, includ-
be desired. was acting in a manner that would ing who did not jump to my feet to ing the Jewish community, to forge a
And again, hopefully, all matters listed exclude her own relatives in Rockland join in the standing ovation that the path of dialogue, understanding, and
here dont apply to most of you doctors from being able to use the parks with council president received upon his mutual respect, rather than repeating
reading this. Still, I hope Ive offered a little their children when they come to visit arrival. I sat in disbelief as the round public bullying and bias.
food for thought. And please, dont take her. Ms. Shusteris, emotionally dis- of speeches began that continued to
offense; some of my dearest friends are traught, added that she feels as though champion the townships position to Michael Cohen of Englewood is the
doctors. she is living under the Third Reich. rounds of sustained applause. It was eastern regional director of the Simon
Its just that sometimes, you know, Painfully, I watched many people into this toxic environment that Ms. Wiesenthal Center. He represents
your patients, who are already struggling at the meeting heckle her and her Shusteris bravely stepped when she the Second Ward on Englewoods
with whatever condition at hand, leave husband as they went out the door. attempted to respectfully address the City Council, and he belongs to
your office feeling even more frustrated, Some said that she too is a fraud, that council. We should all salute her dig- Congregation Ahavath Torah there.
wondering: she couldnt possibly actually live in nity and courage.
Hey, whats up with that doc?
they do, and many are given what are Returning to Jerusalem from Rehovot, almost three-hour event. We found a cab like violence and troublemaking masked
considered legitimate exemptions. Nev- usually about a 30- to 45-minute trip, we and called it a day. as religiosity.
ertheless, this year more than 2,000 cha- were shooed off the bus by an infuriated As we reviewed this adventure, we Fortunately, the more reasonable lead-
redi men showed up for conscription and driver who informed us that the road into thought, How many brides didnt make ership in the charedi community has been
voluntarily entered the ranks of the Israel Jerusalem was closed. I said to Miriam, I it to their weddings? How many sick or using the powerful resource of community
Defense Force. bet its a charedi protest against conscrip- injured people could not get picked up pressure to bring this craziness to a halt. I
Unfortunately, there is a fringe group, tion. Which, of course, it was. by an ambulance? How many people our doubt, however, that it will work immedi-
called the Jerusalem Faction, that has Now the way the police try to disperse age or older, who could not walk to their ately. Fanatics are indefatigable.
opposed the idea that charedi men should these crowds is by spraying them with what homes, got stranded, and where did they Shalom, Yerushalaim
be show up at conscription offices at all. smells something like a mixture of compost take refuge? I hope these vignettes give you a sense
According to its adherents, the very exis- and dog droppings. Of course, anyone who I have prided myself in being a lover of Jerusalem. She is holy and wholly crazy.
tence of a law demanding potential con- is in the area must endure this horrendous of my people, but honestly, I felt like tak- She is spiritually beautiful and religiously
scription of so-called yeshiva students is odor along with this charedi fringe group. ing a swing at one of these criminals in off-the-wall in equal measure. Her sunlight
an attack on the full-time Torah study in So we discovered a new fragrance in the saints clothing. And for sure I thought, and sky make her elegantly beautiful, and
particular and on the charedi lifestyle in Jerusalem air while we wondered how to Since you guys dont want to defend the too often her people make her appear
general. Its method of protesting this evil get home about a five-mile trek away. country that supplies you with welfare, incredibly ugly.
decree is to block the major traffic arter- Finally, the police cleared enough of since you dont work, and since you are There is nothing pareve about Jerusa-
ies into and out of cities, along with the these bullies away from the Light Rails content to see other Jews children die in lem. Like the clothing of the many charedi
citys internal bus lines. tracks, and the train took us to the middle combat when necessary, but God forbid, groups that live there, she is black and
Miriam and I had the special treat of of Jaffa Road, where in theory we could get not one of your own, and since you call white.
being caught up in one of these protests. a bus to our apartment. But theory is the- the legal authorities of the state Nazis, But when all is said and done she is the
This group does not request city permits ory, and reality is reality. The buses had no and since you dont recognize Israels Jewish peoples Jerusalem of precious gold
for its demonstrations. It just called 8,000 schedules since they were tied up all over laws or the legitimacy of its existence, and the spiritual center of all of Abrahams
men to show up to block highways or to sit the city. What should have been at most why dont you just leave? spiritual and physical children.
on railway tracks or to block bus routes. a 90-minute trip home had become an But that is too much to ask of people who Pray for her welfare.
Year zero
The Palestinians and the Balfour Declaration
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or the Palestinians, the year zero is not 1948, In an interview with Ian Black of the which the Balfour Declaration was embod-
when the state of Israel came into being, but Guardian, the prominent Palestinian ied could not have intended that Palestine
1917. academic Hanan Ashrawi positioned should be converted into a Jewish State
In November 1917 Great Britain issued the all of this as classic orientalist schem- against the will of the Arab population of
Balfour Declaration, expressing support for the establish- ing, chiding Balfour for his so patron- the country.
ment of a Jewish national home in Palestine. izing, so racist indifference to the You can even say that Britain ended up
So central is the Balfour Arab population of Palestine. Here, disowning the Balfour Declaration, going
Declaration to Palestinian again, we see the broader discursive so far as to abstain during the Nov. 29, 1947
political identity that the pattern: white settlers, visible to United Nations vote on the 30th anniver-
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Zionist invasion officially is and cherished by their colonial mas- sary of the declaration that legitimized
deemed to have begun when ters, and black natives, demeaned the creation of a sovereign Jewish state.
it was issued. In 1917, not in and ignored by the very same. That none of this evidence moves those
1882, when the first trickle Ashrawi is not entirely wrong, inso- who advocate for British reparations to the
of Jewish pioneers from Rus- far as Balfour did not pay much heed Palestinians is largely explained by their
sia began arriving, nor in to Arab objections. Walter Laqueur, overall take on the situation: the oppressed,
1897, when the Zionist move- in his indispensable History of Zion- Arthur James Balfour with whom history ultimately sides, remain
ment held its first congress in Ben Cohen ism, quotes Balfour as saying that the indigenous Palestinians, and the oppres-
Basel, nor in the late 1920s, whatever someones view of Zionism might be, its ulti- sors, whose day of reckoning always beckons, are the Brit-
when thousands of German mate goal was of far profounder import than the desires ish imperialists and their willing Jewish settler dupes.
Jews fleeing the rise of Nazism chose to go to Palestine. of 700,000 Arabs. Neither did Balfour apparently think Perhaps the best way to understand the Balfour Dec-
The year 1917 is the critical date because that is when, as much of the ability of Palestines Arabs to overcome the laration is to take it literally. What the British helped the
an anti-Zionist might say, the Zionist hand slipped effort- maximalism of their leaders, writing in 1919 that as Jews to create in Palestine during the mandate period fits
lessly into the British imperial glove. It is a neat, simple Laqueur puts it he did not think Zionism would hurt with what we imagine a national home might look like
historical proposition upon which the entire Palestinian the Arabs, but that of course they would never say they and its certainly not an independent state with sover-
version of events rests: an empire came to our land and wanted it. eign control over its borders and its immigration policy.
gave it to foreigners, we were dispossessed, and for five Nor were they ever prepared to make peace with it. Indeed, while its borders were open, that national home
generations now we have continued to resist. Moreover, That is one reason why the elation that greeted the Bal- may have felt like a state, as it saved Jewish lives and
it is given official sanction in the Palestine National Cov- four Declaration among Jews gradually faded over the crystallized into a cohesive Jewish national society. But
enant of 1968, in which article 6 defines Jews who were next decade, as the Zionist chalutzim (pioneers) realized when these were abruptly closed, sending thousands of
living permanently in Palestine until the beginning of the that when it came securing Jewish communities from Jews back to their deaths in Europe, the national home
Zionist invasion as Palestinians an invasion that is Arab violence and winning British consent for further was just one more British colony. Irrespective of the
dated as 1917 in the covenants notes. Jewish immigration, it was little more than a piece of ongoing Palestinian circus, thats something for Jews to
As the Balfour Declarations centenary approaches on paper. Balfour did not prevent serial outbreaks of vio- mull over as we reflect on our place in the world 100
November 2, this theme is much in evidence. There is now lence and terror against Palestines Jews during the 1920s years after Balfour. JNS.ORG
a dedicated Balfour apology campaign in the U.K., seeking and 1930s. And on the eve of the Holocaust, when Britain
both British government contrition and British taxpayer- decided to restrict Jewish immigration to Palestine to just Ben Cohen writes a weekly column on Jewish affairs and
funded reparations for the supposed handing of Palestine, 75,000 people over five years out of almost 10 million Middle Eastern politics. His work has been published in
in the words of one British Mandate-era Arab organiza- Jews in Europe the 1939 White Paper outlining the new Commentary, the New York Post, Haaretz, the Wall Street
tion, into the claws of the Jews. restrictions reasoned that the framers of the Mandate in Journal, and many other publications.
Letters
They really are lucky assemble, and to petition the Government At it again Also remember that Arabs perceive all
As one of Joseph Kaplans adult children, I for a redress of grievances. The team of Simon and Gold are at it Jews in the land of Israel as settlers, and
can confirm that he is very gentle in giving The proposed eruv in Mahwah does not again, presenting their extreme left-wing Tel Aviv is as much a settlement as those
advice and only when asked (Deciding Is establish a religion. Neither does it aid, interpretation of reality to an unsuspect- the leftists deride. Discriminating against
What Adults Do, October 20). But when prefer or favor one religion over any ing Jewish community (The curious case over 600,000 Jews and damaging the
we do ask, his advice is always very, very other. of David Myers and the Center for Jewish entire State of Israel seems to fit the left-
good. What it accomplishes is the allowance History, October 27). ist, blame-Israel-first, ideology. Raising
How lucky we are! for the free observance (exercise) and While they criticize the BDS move- an international campaign to prohibit
Raquel Kaplan Goldberg expression of an established faith. ment [boycott, divest, sanction] which the purchase of arts and crafts made in
Toronto, Ontario In my opinion, when the Township is a clearly anti-Semitic movement to tar- the Old City of Jerusalem accomplishes
of Mahwah passes a law that blocks the get Jews in their homeland, they praise -- what? Complaining that there really
Eruvs not a religion eruv, it is in violation of the free exer- a targeted boycott of Jews in the settle- is a difference between BDS and a West
The text of the First Amendment reads as cise protection guaranteed in the First ments in the West Bank. The use of Bank boycott is Orwellian doublespeak
follows: Amendment. boycotts against Jewish communities for empowering anti-Semites. There are
Congress (or any legal governmental Additionally, when laws are passed that is obscene. The nuance of a West Bank red lines in Jewish political discourse,
authority) shall make no law respecting an prevent the use of public parks by nonresi- settlement versus one against Israel is a and of course Simon and Golds latest
establishment of religion, or prohibiting dents (as well as other harassments) ugly subtlety that will be lost on everyone but diatribe has crossed it again.
the free exercise thereof; xenophobia is clearly in evidence. the Jews who fight among themselves. Scott David Lippe M.D.
It continues on to forbid abridging of Jerrold Terdiman M.D. Please remember that to leftists, the set- Fair Lawn
the freedom of speech or of the press; Woodcliff Lake tlements include all of the West Bank as
or the right of the people peaceably to well as the Golan Heights and Jerusalem.
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or the last few weeks, we have at the ripe old age of 969 years, I was also then struck leaders about their childhood, they would
been learning in the weekly and then delayed the flood with an answer to another tell you of their serial disappointment at
Torah portion about the life of for another week, until after question that was both- the absence of their father or mother from
the first Jew, Abraham. One of shiva for Methuselah; or Yak- ering me. In this weeks their life, because their parents were always
the children in our preschool asked me, ton an exceedingly humble Torah portion we read busy helping others how their father was
Why was Abraham chosen to be the first person; or Noah, whom the that, when God decided to not there for homework, how their mother
Jew? Without much thought, I reflexively Torah describes as righteous destroy Sodom, He said to missed the class play, how neither attended
told him what I had learned when I was and perfect; or Noahs son Himself, Shall I conceal their sporting events, and so on. God chose
a child: that Abraham was the first to dis- Shem or great-grandson Ever, from Abraham what I am Abraham to be the first Jew, and chose to
cover God on his own. the founders of the Yeshiva of Rabbi Levi about to do? God decided thrust world leadership on Abraham (begin-
Afterward, I could not help but think Shem and Ever. Neubort to reveal His plans because ning with giving him the task of advocating
Anshei Lubavitch,
that perhaps there was more to it than just So why did God wait until Abraham is to become a for the doomed people of Sodom), because
Fair Lawn,
that. The question kept pestering me. Why, nearly 2,000 years after Cre- Orthodox great and mighty nation God knew that Abraham, while lifting his
indeed, was Abraham the first Jew? There ation to choose Abraham to be . . . [and Abraham] com- gaze to look afar, even to distant shores, to
were many others before him who seem- the first Jew? mands his children and his take on the worlds problems, would never
ingly were worthy to have been chosen. At our shul this past Sunday, we dedi- household after him [to] preserve the way forget to also look down to see whether
For example, let us consider Adam. The cated a newly completed Torah. To great of God, doing charity and justice. What there might be his little child standing right
Midrash tells us that God Himself formed fanfare, we penned in with a feather quill I had been wondering was, Why, simply at his own feet who needs to be lifted to
Adam and blew the breath of life into the very final letters of the Torah (which because Abraham was educating his chil- touch the Torah, to have a boo-boo kissed,
him and, as such, Adams knowledge and has more than 304,000 handwritten calli- dren to do Gods work, did God feel com- or to help with homework. God chose Abra-
awareness of God was greater than that of graphic letters). The shul was crowded and pelled to reveal to Abraham His plan to ham to be the paradigmatic Jew, and the
any other person in history. Indeed, we the atmosphere festive, as we danced with destroy Sodom? Indeed, what connection one to emulate.
are told that Adam had greater knowledge the new and old Torahs alike. It was truly is there between Abraham educating his God wants us to look around, like Abra-
of the nature of God than did the minister- a sight to behold. children and Gods decision to reveal His ham, to see how we might alleviate the
ing angels! So why then was Adam not the As I stood there taking in this beautiful plan to Abraham? misfortune of anyone in need, no mat-
first Jew? scene, I watched as a young mother lifted Many leaders, when leadership is thrust ter how far but, just as importantly, no
Or let us consider Enoch, about whom up her little daughter, who lovingly kissed on them, take to the task with great zest, matter how close; to teach the masses,
the Torah tells us that he walked with the Torah. It was at that moment that I was zeal, and devotion. They truly achieve but also to be available for for your childs
God; or Methuselah, who was so righ- struck with an answer to the childs ques- greatness, and may be lauded by the homework; to spread morality universally,
teous that God waited to bring the great tion that was still bothering me, Why was masses even long after their passing. But but also to say prayers with your son and
flood until after Methuselah passed away Abraham the first Jew? if you were to ask the children of those daughter at home.
Scherl we went there 22 times, almost Taub wanted to work with him. He was all about
FROM PAGE 15 every 18 months. He found mem- FROM PAGE 15 life, and all about living.
Newton Scherls reputation as a bers of the family who were saved years ago. After that, my in-laws funded He loved his brother and it was entirely
gastroenterologist is as impressive from the Holocaust and re-estab- breast cancer research, Mr. Tesser said. reciprocal. He would call our father the
as his devotion to family. lished a connection with all of They donated a lot of money to all kinds of Angel, or the Ange. And thats how he felt
He practiced at Englewood them. programs through the Breast Cancer Research about everyone in the family. He was the
Hospital for 40 years, where he And then there were the jokes Foundation, but most of their philanthropic best.
served as a president of the medi- particularly an old Red Buttons work went toward the research side. Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner, who heads
cal staff and chief of gastroenter- comedy routine that Newton Joe and Arlene Taub also were generous Temple Emanu-El in Closter, knew Joe Taub
ology. He clearly was respected by Scherl mastered and performed donors to the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in as a congregant and officiated at his funeral.
his colleagues. He retired in 1999, at every opportunity. At every Tenafly, and to Temple Emanu-El, first when it He traversed the socioeconomic ladder, and
but he meant so much to the hos- big festival he would get up and was in Englewood and then when it moved to he never forgot each rung that he climbed,
pital his funeral was held in the do a whole 20-minute routine, Closter a move he helped to make possible, Rabbi Kirshner said. He was incredibly phil-
medical centers auditorium. his wife said. Some jokes were Mr. Tesser said. anthropic in the community, and in Paterson.
He also was treasured by his a little risqu, but none were vul- Joe and Arlene and Henry and Marilyn Taub His son-in-law said that when Joe would
friends. Among them was Rabbi gar. Just funny, and they got a all lived in Tenafly, and the six children they leave a diner, hed be sure to give the busboy
Irving Spielman, then the rabbi good laugh. had between them lived in Bergen County too. a tip. He said that everyone tips the waiter, but
of Gesher Shalom, the Fort Lee Newton Scherl continued to (Henry Taub died in 2011.) Theyre all close; the busboy works just as hard.
Jewish Center. The couple joined work even after three open heart its all basically one big Taub tribe. Like Mr. Taubs son-in-law and his nephews,
the synagogue in 1962 and have surgeries. He was still practic- Henry and Marilyn have two sons, Ira and Rabbi Kirshner stressed Mr. Taubs commit-
remained members throughout ing, but he realized it was too Steven, and a daughter, Judy. The two sons ment to breast cancer research. They have
the years. I still keep in touch much stress, Ms. Scherl said. talked about their uncle (and if their sister been leading the charge to find a cure, he
with Rabbi Solomon Rothstein, But there are other Drs. Scherl were with them on the phone, they added, said. It is critically important to him.
whos now in Florida, Ms. Scherl their daughter Sharon and son she would be saying exactly the same thing). He has a clear visual memory of Mr. Taub.
said. Rabbi Rothstein was the Michael. Joe was famous for figuring out how to get He was the most sharply dressed, dap-
shuls spiritual leader when they Dr. Newton Scherl is survived his fun time in and make everyone happy, Ira per guy, Rabbi Kirshner continued. He was
first joined. by his wife, Sheila; brother, Bur- said; But dont forget that both he and our incredibly tall and incredibly handsome, with
Sheila Scherl uses the word ton; children, Michael (Stepha- father were very hard workers, Steven added. pale blue eyes. Hed flash you a smile, and
love frequently when describ- nie), Sharon (Eric), Zev (Rachel), Joe worked very long and hard hours; ADPs youd feel like the luckiest guy in the world.
ing her husband. He loved his and Saul ( Jodi); grandchildren, success wouldnt have been possible if they He knew that the life expectancy for some-
family. He was very close to Dr. Sophie, Jacob, Zeke, Randi, hadnt worked that hard. one born in his year was 72, and he saw every
his parents he adored them. Isabel, Jen, Hannah, Adinah, Sam, Joe was the people motivator, he contin- day after that as his birthday, and every night
He loved his children, and me, and Jonah, and many nieces and ued. Our dad used to say all the time that Joe as New Years Eve.
unquestionably. He loved Israel nephews. could get people to move mountains. You just
A
in order to borrow huge sums of money,
fter a high-flying decade on and that money then can be used to buy
Wall Street, Michael Milken, the company. The steel companys third-
known as the junk-bond king, generation owner, Thomas Everson, cant
was indicted for securities believe hes listening to such nonsense,
fraud in an insider-trading investigation but before he knows it, Merkin and his pals
in 1989. By then, he had made many mil- have made the companys stock price rise
lions of dollars for his investment bank- dramatically and then fall precipitously.
ing firm as well as for himself and shep- The board is unnerved, and Everson is
herded a boom in leveraged buyouts and guilt-stricken about what will happen to
other financial hijinks, which either trans- the workers who have been with the plant
formed the American economy or left it for decades. A white knight is sought to
crippled and bleeding, depending on your buy the company, but will he be able to
perspective. stand up to Merkins chutzpah?
Now Ayad Akhtar has used Milkens Directed crisply by Doug Hughes, Junk
experience to create his new play, Junk, has the satisfying structure of a Law and
at Lincoln Center. Junk presents the cen- Order episode. We know the good guys
tral character, Robert Merkin, as a brilliant, and bad guys, and there isnt much ambi-
arrogant, and ultimately destructive force. guity about who to root for. Akhtar gives
Determined to take over a traditional Merkin the most interesting speech in the
steel company in Allegheny, Pennsylva- play at the beginning of the second act. As
nia, for his client, Izzy Peterman, Merkin Merkin, Steven Pasquale scorns the argu-
begins to manipulate the companys stock ments of the legacy manufacturers and
with the help of a shady associate, Boris bankers who insist that American business
Pronsky. (Any similarity to arbitrageur and labor must be protected. Who says that
Steven Pasquale as bombastic financier Robert Merkin (think Michael Milken) in Ivan Boesky surely is intentional.) Merkins American steel is better than Chinese steel,
Ayad Akhtars new play, Junk. original proposition is that a companys he demands, and why should an American
1945
Postwar Hungary and its Jews
ERIC A. GOLDMAN Carl Foremans contemporary commen-
T
tary on an America that allowed citizens
he train pulls into the depot, with unpopular views and associations
and we watch the stationmas- to be blacklisted, shunned, and at times
ter taking special note of who even imprisoned. Who came to their
gets off. defense? Who was ready to fight for jus-
The opening scene of a new Hungar- tice, freedom of speech, and freedom
ian film seems to be straight out of Fred of assembly? We quickly learn that the
Zinnemanns 1952 masterpiece, High lawman is left very much on his own.
Noon. Almost! In screenwriter Carl Nobody seems ready to stand with him.
Foremans memorable screenplay, out- What writer Gabor Szanto and writer-
law Frank Miller comes to Hadleyville director Ferenc Torok give us in their
with the clear intent of killing the man powerful new movie, 1945, are two Peter Rudolf, left, portrays one of two Jews who returns to a Hungarian
who sent him to prison. Now out of jail, Jews coming to a Hungarian village to village after the war.
he is in town for one reason only to what exactly are they going to do?
seek revenge on Sheriff Will Kane. Who The war has ended, the Nazis are trimmed white beard getting off the These two are not outlaws, but they
in town will join with the sheriff to fight defeated, Soviet soldiers are keeping train. He is accompanied by a youth in do seem to be outcasts, and certainly
Miller and his gang? the peace. We see a black-hatted, black- his late teens with dark scruff on his face, they are unwanted. Jews had not had a
In many ways, the movie was writer cloaked older Jewish man with a nicely also black-hatted and black-cloaked. presence in this village since the day, not
too long before, when they were herded observer sees. wanted to move in a totally new direc- indescribable cruelty and tragedy. They
away, most to their death, on those same There is no color; cinematographer tion in a telling of the post-Holocaust were left with unavoidable questions:
train tracks. The stationmaster is stunned Elemer Ragalyi effectively uses black and period in Hungary. They chose to par- What did the non-Jews who watched
when the two arrive. Why are they there? white to create striking visual textures. allel a story of returning survivors with their neighbors, friends, and business
Are they seeking out revenge of some It has not been long since Jews lived that of guilty villagers. partners sent off to die think? What did
kind? Who have they come to take on? comfortably among these villagers, so I asked them how the film was they do? What happened to the homes
Will the town stand strong in unity? Will why such curiosity? So what if two Jews received in Hungary, and whether they the Jews left behind? What happened to
the constable be left alone with these come into town? Exactly what is the were at all concerned by the perceived their belongings?
strangers? And what might be in the two point of Szantos story? We will learn that move to the right these last years. In In 1945, two Jews return. They may
heavy black crates that are pulled off there are many stories, apparently tales 2014, 20 percent of Hungarians voted not be the same Jews who had left just
the train and placed on a wagon? What that most people in the hamlet might for Jobbik, a party often compared to the months before, but in any event, they
exactly do these Jews want? have hoped would be buried and lost. pro-Nazi Iron Cross of the war years. The are back. Would the town sheriff gather
Off goes the railway official to warn the This film seems intent on making sure two kept reassuring me that although the the townspeople and seek justice? Would
police chief and villagers as the two men that some of those accounts are shared, film looks at how Jews were treated both he be left alone to investigate, or simply
begin their trek to town, walking behind and that nobody forgets them. during and immediately after the war, it fend off these Jewish interlopers? And
what looks like a horse-drawn funeral I was fortunate to meet both Torok was widely applauded in Hungary. Audi- what of his responsibility for upholding
caisson carrying the black crates. and Szanto in New York last week. ences and critics accepted it and loved the law?
This is Toroks sixth film, and he does Szanto, a novelist, poet, and editor of it, they told me. And there were no 1945 is beautifully photographed,
a splendid job of showing us the per- a monthly Jewish journal in Budapest, death threats. raises important questions, and gives
spectives of various villagers who follow had written the short story upon which 1945 is a powerful observation us a perspective on a Hungary seem-
the wagon and watch its Jewish escorts the film is based 13 years ago. He spent on what Jews who survived the war in ingly ready to tackle difficult questions. I
arrive in town. He is a master of creat- the next decade working with Torok on Europe and returned to their homes highly recommend it.
ing shots through windows, doors, and adapting it for cinema. I asked Szanto, found when they got home. Some
cracks, allowing us to come up with a Jew, and Torok, a non-Jew, why they found temporary hospitality that waned Film historian Eric Goldman writes and
our own interpretation of what each made the film. They told me that they with the years, and some suffered lectures on aspects of Jewish cinema.
Thursday
a beginners service
with separate childrens
Montebello Jewish
Center in Montebello,
Medical Center and In New York minion tea party oneg,
holistic speakers, nature
Myriad have partnered walks, improv session,
service, 7 p.m.; dinner, N.Y., presents From
november 9 7:30. 30-02 Fair Lawn Bima to Broadway IV
with the Lewin Fund to
Fight Womens Cancers
Saturday musical Havdalah and
kumsitz, housing, and
Ave. Reservations, featuring eight cantors November 11
to present Own Your catering by Five Star
(201) 791-7200. from Rockland County,
Own Health a power Caterers. (201) 522-4776.
New Jersey, Westchester,
panel at the Kaplen Ramaz School open
Saturday and Long Island, along
with the MJCs adult,
JCC on the Palisades, house: The Rabbi Joseph
Sunday
november 11 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 411 H. Lookstein Upper
childrens, and teen
choirs performing Israeli,
E. Clinton Ave. Register, School of Ramaz holds November 5
TheLewinFund.org. an open house. Doors
Film in Teaneck: Temple cantorial, and musical
open, 7:15 p.m.; program
Emeths adult education theater selections. Senior singles meet in
School open house in at 7:45. 60 E. 78th West Nyack: Singles 65+
group screens a Jewish- Dessert reception. White Plains: Schechter St., Manhattan. Shara meets for a social get-
themed movie, 7:30 p.m., 34 Montebello Road. Westchester holds an Lipson, (212) 774-8093, together over bagels and
as part of a Movies That montebellojc.org or open house for its lower
Loretta Weinberg (845) 357-2430.
admissions@ramaz.org. lox, at the JCC Rockland,
Matter series. Popcorn. school, K-fifth grade,
Courtesy TBT Register at www.ramaz. 11 a.m. 450 West Nyack
1666 Windsor Road. 10 a.m.-noon. Brunch org/openhouse. Road. $8. Gene Arkin,
State senator in Wayne: (201) 833-1322. served. Activities for (845) 356-5525.
Women of Chai of 3- and 4-year-olds.
Temple Beth Tikvah 30 Dellwood Road.,
JEWISHFEDERATIONMITZVAHDAY
DO GOOD. FEEL GOOD.
www.jfnnj.org/mitzvahday
Sunday, November 5
Jewish Federation
of Northern New Jersey
50 Eisenhower Drive, Paramus
Beth Figman
201-820-3947 bethf@jfnnj.org
Courtesy JCCOTP
Special boutique and duced by Jewish artists. All artwork is available for
open house on Wednes- sale and a portion of the proceeds support cultural
day, November 8, from 4 arts programming at the JCC.
to 8 p.m., at its flagship For information, call Nina Bachrach at (201) 408-
center, 60 West Hunter 1406 or email her at nbachrach@jccotop.org.
Ave. in Maywood. Once We Were Slaves in
The boutique offers Egypt by Arlyne Berzak.
handcrafted jewelry and gift items The Adler Aphasia Center is an innova-
made by stroke survivors with apha- tive post-rehabilitative therapeutic pro-
sia. Gifts include jewelry, hostess sets, gram that addresses the long-term needs American-Israeli author in Leonia
handmade greeting cards, and knit- of stroke and brain injury survivors with
wear. Each gift-wrapped purchase aphasia and their families. Aphasia is a Steven Hartov, an author of fiction and non- co-authored with Michael J. Durant, The
includes a bio of the artists, which helps language disorder caused by stroke or fiction, journalist, screenwriter, and for- Night Stalkers, co-authored with Michael
the center raise awareness about apha- other brain injury. mer editor-in-chief of Special Operations J. Durant and Lt. Col. (ret.) Robert L. John-
sia. Many of the artists will be on hand Light refreshments will be served. Report, is the guest speaker at Congrega- son, and Afghanistan on the Bounce, co-
to greet attendees. All proceeds from For information, email Amy May at tion Adas Emuno on Sunday, November authored with Robert L. Cunningham. His
Something Special sales support the amay@adleraphasiacenter.org, email 12, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. His works include novel The Heat of Ramadan was adapted
centers scholarship fund, so that no www.AdlerAphasiaCenter.org, or call the Israeli espionage trilogy, The Heat for the feature film, The Point Men.
one with aphasia is turned away from (201) 368-8585. Tours of the Adler of Ramadan, The Nylon Hand of God, His newest work of fiction, The Soul of
the centers programs and services Aphasia Center also will be available and The Devils Shepherd. His nonfic- a Thief, is due to be released in May by
because they cannot pay for them. during this open house. tion works include the New York Times Harper Collins. For information, call (201)
bestseller In the Company of Heroes, 592-1712 or go to www.adasemuno.org.
The next Ramat Givat Zeev sales events will take place on Thursday, November 9, from 5PM-11PM at
Congregation Keter Torah, 600 Roemer Ave. in Teaneck
B
efore I be gin, 730
I would like to DING-My kid has a sci-
explain, for those ence project that I have to
who are unfa- drive to school, wont be
miliar with the term, what home till 845
sheva brachot are. DING-I work that day
In a traditional Jewish DING-DING-DING
wedding, when the excited And yet, after all of the
bride and groom stand three day yom tovs, which
under their chuppah/canopy Banji means that between the
of flowers, tulle, satin, lucite Ganchrow eight of us, our families
or a combination of the four probably devoured a
(or an entirely different com- farms worth of chickens
bination every bride has her own taste and cows (apologies to the vegan/vege-
and unique vision), they are blessed with tarians), we all came together one morn-
seven different blessings. In Hebrew, ing (well, almost all of us, some signed
thats sheva brachot. These blessing are proxies giving others permission to rep-
read by people chosen by the families resent them at the meeting I am kid-
rabbis, relatives, friends, etc. ding, no one did that. At least not that I
I truly believe that these blessings know of.) We came together to get this
should be updated to keep up with mod- party started.
ern times and social media, but it doesnt Full disclosure, I was not a part of
seem like that is going to happen any the sheva brachot that this group made
time soon, so we will have to revisit that before. They were a well-oiled machine
in a later column. and I was the new one. What does this
After the magnificent wedding is over, mean? I sat there and smiled and said
the seven blessing are said with the grace yes to every decision and volunteered
after the meal portion of the evening. to do whatever they wanted me to do
Across Down
And then, for seven nights post wedding, (and even what they didnt want me to
1. Clark in Selznicks Gone With the 1. Sound astonished
the bride and groom are the guests of do, because that is how I get in trouble.
Wind 2. Ahava ingredient
honor at a festive meal hosted by friends Hence, this column, which, hopefully, 6. Kind of collar 3. ___ Chametz (burning)
or family. And wouldnt you know it, the will not get me in trouble). As a middle 10. The skinny 4. Chanukah food
seven blessings are said at each of the child, I am all about making sure every- 14. J.J. Abrams TV hit before Lost 5. Its a flame
sheva brachot meals. Gee, seems that one gets along, though I am hardly 15. Campus military org. 6. Savage of The Wonder Years
16. America singer Diamond 7. Challah unit
there is something significant about the successful at this. Middle children just
17. Miami locale where a lot of Jews go on 8. Like Seinfelds yada yada yada: Abbr
number 7. want everyone to be happy, and plan- vacation in January 9. Parshat ___ Mot
Alrighty then. I will include that infor- ning sheva brachot are no exception. 19. Tennis player Dudi 10. It keeps you up
mation in part two of this column. So menus were made, colors were dis- 20. Fringe benefit 11. Food or shelter, e.g.
When my friend told me that her cussed, beverages, paper goods, you 21. Protectors of Isr. 12. Reebok or Naot alternative
22. ___ zarah (idol worship) 13. Kind of korban
daughter was getting engaged, I told her name it, this crew covered it. We also
24. Yikes! 18. Rode around HaYarkon Park
that I wanted to make a sheva brachot. came up with resolutions for the prob- 26. Fictional Reaper 23. Routing word
And just like that, I was given the name lems with the Iran deal, the Russia elec- 27. One might happen before Passover? 25. Ben Gurion data, briefly
of the point person. Yes, just like every tion scandal, and the Mahwah eruv 33. Sacrificial animal 26. Hang ___
organization, every high-level com- controversy. 34. Added Jewish month 27. Connection device
35. Aladdin parrot voiced by Gilbert 28. In the know
pany, every unioneven sheva brachot DING-How many people are coming?
Gottfried 29. Famously funny Gilda
needs a point person. A person to keep DING-I thought we said 30? 37. Belonging to the first man 30. A boy getting his bris, e.g.
everyone in line. I was ready to report DING-I only have 24 39. Impersonated 31. Chip dip
for duty. (And I was just so excited to be DING- Who has the list of responses? 40. Malha and Azrieli Center, e.g. 32. Ehud killed him
a part of something as I rarely leave my DING-OK we have 28 41. Lima has its largest Jewish community 33. Skull___ (keepah)
42. Earn a blessing? 36. C.I.A. predecessor
house.) DING-I only made 25 challah rolls
44. Brillo rival 38. Dirty Dead Sea treatments
Before I knew it, I received a wat- DING-Are any of them gluten free? 45. Some Israeli water? 40. Burger Ranch listing
sapp from the point person. There were DING DING DING. 48. Hlne considered the French Anne 42. Worked hard at
seven or eight other people in the group. Good thing there was a cardiologist Frank 43. Ahmed who owns American Pharoah
My first thought was, What did we do married to one of the women making 49. You betcha 46. Suffix with cash, cloth or hotel
50. King Solomons Mines expedition 47. Late writer Nora
before watsapp groups? sheva brachot, in case any of us felt faint
53. Im ___ pay phone trying to call 50. Genesis creator?
In the olden days there were phone from the pressure to make sure every- home (Maroon 5) 51. ___-Ra (Egyptian god)
calls. You would have to call each per- thing went smoothly. And, thank God, 55. Smoggy 52. Weapon of Yuri Foreman or Floyd
son individually. And then, with tech- everything was beautiful. The food was 59. Radiate (like light from the face of Mayweather
nology, you could do three-way calling delicious, the tablecloths matched the Moses) 53. Got gray
60. One who would not eat the meat of 54. Some shekel coins
or a, gasp, conference call! Wow, have plates, and those who were gluten free
the Passover sacrifice 56. Puts on YES or NBC
we come far. This initial watsapp was had what to eat as well. But in the end, all 63. Holy cow! 57. Actor Billy of Titanic
to have an introductory meeting to that really matters? The bride and groom 64. Like the numbers 18 and 36 58. An Israeli online news source
discuss the discussion for the sheva should be blessed with a wonderful life. 65. Matt Damons action franchise char- 61. Actress Green of Casino Royale
brachot. The dinging of the phones DINGonto the next watsapp group! acter 62. Blood-typing system
66. Paul Rudds tiny friends in the Marvel
began. When you have eight mothers,
Universe
with eight different schedules, how are Banji Ganchrow of Teaneck received 67. Danny Tanner and Phil Dunphy, on TV
you supposed to come up with a time to permission from the sheva brachot group 68. Genesis, e.g.
meet, exactly? to write this column. They are a lovely
The solution to last weeks puzzle is on page 58.
DING-My kids bus comes at 815 group of women and she hopes they are
DING-My kids are out of the house by still speaking to her after reading this.
The Ocers, Board, and Sta of The Ocers, Board, and Sta of
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey
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out Raanana. You can hear Portuguese cide rates in the world almost 60,000
on every corner here, said Oshra Sharvit, murders a year, or 26 per 100,000 resi- from an ATM. I dont want to die because 60-family Orthodox synagogue estab-
the director of the local ulpan, the state- dents, according to a think tank, the Iga- of a cell phone and leave my kids orphans, lished in January 2017, led by Brazilian
subsidized school where new immigrants rape Institute. nor bury them for the same reason. Life is Rabbi Ivo Zilberman, who gives his ser-
can learn Hebrew. Sharvit estimates that By contrast, Raanana is considered one not valued there. mons in Portuguese.
about one-fourth of her schools students of Israels safest cities. Michel Abadi presides over a network of It goes beyond being a meeting place
are from Brazil. Here I walk on the street without 120 volunteers, spread across Israel, who for Brazilians to pray, said Martin Teit-
Raanana has been labeled the chosen looking back and with my earphones support Brazilians before, during, and elbaum, who, as gabbai, assists the read-
city by Brazilians, Sandro Maghidman, in, said Denise Faldini, who moved to after they immigrate. Abadi, a venture ing of the Torah. There is also the social
a Brazilian immigrant who has lived in Raanana in 2016 with her husband and capitalist, arrived in Raanana with his and community side, where each member
Raanana since 2012, said. their 5- and 9-year-old children. My kids wife and three kids in 2003. His parents feels part of a large family.
Maghidman is an organizer of Kehila have learned that, yes, car windows can and several cousins came years later, too, Then theres that real estate adage: loca-
Yalla Chaverim, or Lets Go Friends Com- be opened. and his fourth child was born in Israel. tion, location, location. Raanana is cen-
munity, a Facebook group with more Going back to Brazil is not an option It is a set of factors: political situation, trally located its less than 9 miles from
than 400 members thats a virtual meet- for me, added Faldini, who spent two street violence, economy, quality of public Tel Aviv and is sandwiched between Her-
ing place for Brazilians living in Raanana years on heavy medication after she was services, greater transparency of informa- zliya and Kfar Saba. The three cities have
and its environs. Online, its members abducted in her armored car in Sao Paulo tion about the Israeli reality among Bra- the largest concentration of high-tech
exchange experiences, meet for events, and forced to withdraw her own ransom zilian Jews, he said of the wave of immi- industries in the country a backbone of
gration. And even a snowball effect: the Israels economy.
more Brazilians come, the more Brazilians Raanana also is known as a hub for
they attract. Anglo Jews, who come from English-
These new immigrants are drawn to cer- speaking countries. The town was
tain institutions for example, the TALI founded in the 1920s by a group of
school, whose Hebrew acronym stands for New Yorkers, and some 20 percent
Enhanced Jewish Studies. Unlike most of its residents speak English as their
Israeli schools, TALI emphasizes Jewish first language. For Brazilian Jews who
and traditional values in the spirit of plu- once dreamed of immigrating to the
ralism; thats similar to what most Brazil- United States but found it difficult to do
ian Jewish schools teach. Israeli schools so legally, living in Raanana with its
tend to divide the strictly religious and the upscale lifestyle, abundance of single-
purposefully secular. family homes, and preponderance of
In 2016, there were three Brazilian kids English speakers is the next-best thing.
in the entire school of nearly 500 stu- But perhaps Nehama Efrati, the man-
dents. This year, however, there are seven ager of the absorption department at the
Brazilian kids in the TALI schools first Raanana municipality, summarized Bra-
grade alone. zilians interest in the city best: The Bra-
We wanted a school that offered a bit of zilian aliyah matches Raanana with per-
religion, but one that was not religious, as fection, she said. Here they have both of
well as a strong English curriculum, said the best: keep their culture and integrate.
Lea Kaczemorska, whose two kids attend We respect both sides of this identity. We
the school. dont want to be only blue and white, we
Brazilian immigrants play a weekly soccer game in Raanana. Another example of the growing com- want all colors.
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